population: 80,000 million
extension: 31 square kilometers
If you're in Jbeil (also known as Byblos), a great museum to visit would be the Byblos Archaeological Site and Museum, which features artifacts from throughout the city's long history. Other nearby museums that may interest you include the National Museum of Beirut, which is about an hour's drive away and houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts from across Lebanon's history, or the Mim Museum in Beirut, which focuses on minerals and meteorites.
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Jbeil (Lebanon) are:
1. Fattoush: A salad made with fresh vegetables, toasted pita bread, and a tangy dressing of lemon juice and sumac.
2. Kibbeh: A dish made from finely ground meat (usually lamb or beef) mixed with cracked wheat and spices. It can be served raw, baked, or fried.
3. Batata Harra: Spicy potatoes that are fried with garlic, coriander, and chili peppers.
4. Grilled seafood: Jbeil is located on the coast, so there are plenty of delicious seafood options available. Try grilled fish or prawns for a taste of the local catch.
5. Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (usually chicken or lamb) that's cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a wrap with vegetables and sauce.
6. Manakish: A type of Lebanese flatbread that's topped with either za'atar (a blend of herbs and spices) or cheese.
7. Baba Ghanoush: A dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
8. Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough and honey or syrup, filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts).
9. Sfiha: A savory pastry that's filled with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and spices.
10. Tabbouleh: A salad made with chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Some fun activities that locals in Jbeil enjoy include:
1. Visiting the old souks (markets) of Jbeil, which are filled with shops selling everything from traditional Lebanese handicrafts to freshly baked bread and sweets.
2. Exploring the historic sites of Jbeil, including the Crusader Castle and the Roman Amphitheater.
3. Relaxing on the beaches of Jbeil, such as the public beach near the harbor or the private beaches of nearby resorts.
4. Dining at one of the many seafood restaurants along the coast, where you can enjoy fresh catches of the day and traditional Lebanese mezze dishes.
5. Taking a boat tour of the coastline, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding hillsides.