7 New Hobbies You Can Pick Up in Beirut

We all know that one person who has really cool hobbies. If you’re tired of doomscrolling all day, how about you pick up one of these hobbies in Beirut?

1. Swing dancing

Did you know that Beirut has a swing dance community? Swing Out Lebanon meets regularly to teach classes, host social dances, and even throw themed dance nights.

Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned dancer, it’s the perfect way to get moving, meet new people, and add a little vintage flair to your week.

2. Joining a book club

Bookworms, there are so many book clubs you can join in Beirut! Whether it’s with Curl in Badaro or Halabi Bookshop in Kaskas, there’s a community waiting for you to share your honest reviews.

3. Joining a writing club

If you haven’t heard about Wijdan, we’re about to put you on. This is an Arab platform for up-and-coming voices in literature and art, and they have their own writing club (and silent book club).

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to submit your work or want to meet up with fellow writers, Wijdan occasionally hosts workshops and community events that you can join in on.

4. Sewing

If you’re interested in picking up sewing as a hobby, you can book sewing workshops with Karakeeb Corner in Furn El Shebbek. Not only can you make friends, but you can pick up a useful skill (and that includes finding the best fabric shops and supplies around Lebanon).

Other cool hobbies you can try at Karakeeb include embroidery, candle-making, soap-making, and more. It’s a cozy spot to get creative, learn a new skill, and leave with something handmade.

5. Movie ticket collecting

This would require you to actually go watch movies and independent films, but it’s honestly worth it. You can head over to Metropolis Cinema in Mar Mikhael or the newly reopened Le Colisée in Hamra to catch your next independent film.

6. Pottery making and/or ceramics painting

If you like decorating your space with adorable ceramics, we know where you can make and/or paint your own! For creatives who would like to make their own mugs and dishes, you can head over to Vernice Café, where they host pottery workshops.

If you’d just like a therapeutic friend date where you spend the day painting a dish of your choice, Ceramic Kanvas is the perfect place to do it.

7. Improv and acting

If you’ve ever wanted to try acting or just get out of your comfort zone, improv is the perfect place to start. You’ll learn how to think on your feet, build confidence, and probably laugh a lot in the process.

You can join a class or workshop at District 7 in Saifi, where they welcome total beginners and seasoned performers alike.