The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Lebanon, Lebanon

mim is a private mineral museum in Beirut, Lebanon. It exhibits more than 1800 minerals, representing some 400 different species from over 70 countries. Created by nature itself, those works of art with their breathtaking aesthetics were formed in earth’s crust millions of years ago. Mr. Salim Edde has built up this collection starting 1997. You can discover pieces originating from a number of renowned collections --both old and more recent-- as well as from the major mining discoveries of our era. The mim collection is now considered to be one of the world's paramount private collections for the variety and quality of its minerals. A didactic circuit, accompanied by screens displaying films and scientific applications of mineralogy, will reveal a world of unsuspected marvels--priceless both from an aesthetic and scientific point of view. Mimodactylus libanensis “mimo”, the fossil of a pterodactyl is featured in a special wing. This one-of-a-kind complete specimen in the Middle-East was found in Lebanon. It is promoted by means of state-of-the-art modern techniques: a hologram, an auto-stereoscopic movie, a full-scale reconstitution and a game “fly with mimo” – an entertainment that delights children and adults. Moreover, mim hosts a thematic exhibition of 200 marine fossils. “Fish’n’Stone” was organized with the collaboration of Mémoire du Temps. Known throughout the world, those fossils were quarried in the Lebanese mountains. The history of the fossil formation is shown through an animation that submerses you in the marine life – a time capsule that takes you in a journey to some 100 million of years ago.

Established in 1990 by Said Touma and his family on a hill overlooking the Bekaa valley, Chateau St Thomas estate is a vineyard spreading over 65 ha & a wine storehouse for fermentation and ageing. Winery is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm for winery tour, visit of St Thomas chapel & wine tasting.

MACAM, Lebanon's first Modern And Contemporary Art Museum shows sculpture & installation art by 80 artists in a factory compound on a hilltop near Byblos overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its permanent exhibition is an exciting journey through 100 years of sculpture. Temporary exhibitions, competitions and workshops attract many visitors on weekends enjoying the serenity of this inspiring place.

Located in Byblos,the museum is a place of memory which aims to promote the common values & principles of humanity. As part of its remembrance activities on the occasion of the commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia has commissioned the building of this cultural facility thanks to the active sponsorship of the Bezikian family.

Coteaux Du Liban is a small modern-family owned winery located in Zahle and founded in 2000 by Nicolas Abou Khater. The winery aims to produce high-quality wines, reflecting the true identity of Zahle's exceptional terroir as well as the family's passion and philosophy in wine and arak production. Tours and tasting sessions are free upon reservation one day or few hours before the visit.

Magnificent underground caverns can be explored by boat and on foot.