population: 0.0355 million

extension: 2.76 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit near Jdaidet el Matn is the Sursock Museum in Beirut. It's a contemporary art museum housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion and has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from Lebanese and international artists.

Another option is the National Museum of Beirut, which showcases archaeological artifacts from Lebanon's rich history. The museum features exhibits covering the Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods, among others.

If you're interested in military history, you may enjoy the Mleeta Landmark Museum, located in Mleeta, about an hour's drive from Jdaidet el Matn. It's a war museum featuring exhibits on the history of Hezbollah and their resistance against Israel.

Food

Jdaidet el Matn is located in Lebanon, which is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Here are some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try according to local people:

1. Shawarma: A popular street food made from marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) that's cooked on a spit and then shaved off into thin slices. The meat is typically served in a pita bread wrap with vegetables and sauces.

2. Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. They're often served as a sandwich with hummus, tahini, and vegetables inside pita bread.

3. Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made from parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

4. Hummus: A creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It's typically served with pita bread and vegetables.

5. Kebabs: Grilled skewers of marinated meat (usually lamb or chicken) that are seasoned with various spices and herbs.

6. Fattoush: A salad made from mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, and crispy fried pita chips, dressed with a tangy sumac and lemon dressing.

7. Manakish: A type of Middle Eastern flatbread that's topped with za'atar (a blend of dried herbs and spices), cheese, or minced meat.

8. Kibbeh: A traditional Lebanese dish made from ground meat (usually lamb), bulgur wheat, and spices, formed into patties or balls and either baked or fried.

Activities

There are a few fun activities that local people enjoy doing in Jdaidet el Matn and the surrounding areas:

1. Hiking or biking in the nearby mountains: Lebanon is known for its beautiful mountain ranges, and Jdaidet el Matn is located near several great hiking and biking trails. The Qornet El Sawda Nature Reserve and Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve are two popular options.

2. Visiting local markets: There are several weekly markets in the area where you can find fresh produce, clothing, and handmade crafts. The Souk el Tayeb farmers' market in Beirut is particularly popular among locals.

3. Enjoying Lebanese cuisine: Lebanon is known for its delicious food, and there are many restaurants in Jdaidet el Matn and the surrounding areas that serve traditional Lebanese dishes like mezze, grilled meats, and manakish (a type of Lebanese pizza).

4. Exploring historic sites: There are many historic sites in the area, including the Jeita Grotto (a series of underground caves), the Byblos Castle, and the Baatara Gorge waterfall.

5. Relaxing at the beach: While Jdaidet el Matn is not directly on the coast, there are several beaches within driving distance, including the popular resort town of Jounieh.