population: 0.2 million

extension: 8.7 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Zahlé, Lebanon and interested in visiting museums, one great option is the Lebanese Heritage Museum. It's located in the center of Zahlé and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Lebanon through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents.

If you'd like to explore more museums in the area, you might also consider visiting the National Museum of Beirut, which is about an hour's drive away. This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from throughout Lebanon's history, including ancient artifacts from the Phoenician period, as well as more modern exhibits.

Another option for museum enthusiasts in the region is the Sursock Museum, located in the heart of Beirut. This museum features a diverse collection of contemporary art from both local and international artists, and is a great place to explore the vibrant art scene in Lebanon.

Food

Zahlé is known for its rich culinary traditions, and there are many delicious local dishes to try. Here are some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Zahlé:

1. Kebbeh: This is a traditional dish made of ground meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with bulgur wheat and spices, then shaped into balls or patties and baked or fried.

2. Fattoush: A salad made with fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, radishes, mint, parsley, and toasted pita bread, all dressed with a tangy sumac and lemon juice dressing.

3. Warak Enab: These are stuffed grape leaves that are typically filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, and then cooked in a flavorful broth.

4. Tabbouleh: Another classic Lebanese salad, tabbouleh is made with chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and cracked wheat, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

5. Mixed Grill: This is a plate of grilled meats, usually featuring a mix of chicken, beef, and lamb, served alongside grilled vegetables like eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes.

6. Sfiha: Similar to pizza, this is a dough topped with a mixture of ground beef or lamb, onions, and spices, and then baked until crispy.

7. Manousheh: This is a type of Lebanese flatbread that is topped with various ingredients such as za'atar (a blend of spices), cheese, labneh (a thick yogurt-like spread), or ground meat.

These dishes are just a few examples of the many delicious foods to try while in Zahlé. Bon appétit!

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people in Zahlé, Lebanon enjoy:

1. Wine tasting: Zahlé is a well-known wine-producing region in Lebanon, and there are several vineyards and wineries in the area that offer wine tastings and tours.

2. Hiking: Zahlé is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making it a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore the nearby natural reserves such as Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve or Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve.

3. Shopping: Zahle's central market is a popular place to shop for souvenirs, traditional Lebanese handicrafts, and fresh produce from the surrounding farms.

4. Food tours: Zahlé offers a wide range of delicious Lebanese food, including traditional mezze dishes and local specialties like kibbeh nayeh and stuffed grape leaves. A food tour around the city would be a great way to discover the local cuisine.

5. Sightseeing: Zahlé is home to many historic landmarks, including the Citadel of Raymond de Saint Gilles, the Our Lady of Bekaa monastery, and the Roman Temple of Bacchus. Exploring these sights can be an enjoyable way to spend a day in Zahlé.