Beirut Activities: Corniche, Campus and Mountains

October 29, 2026

Advisory notice, October 2026. Washington tells its citizens not to travel to Lebanon because of armed conflict, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines and crime, and its capacity to assist citizens there is very limited. Britain’s FCDO warns against all travel to South Lebanon and Nabatiyeh, large parts of the Beqaa and Baalbek-Hermel, parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, northern Akkar and the Palestinian refugee camps. Strikes may land without warning and airspace can shut at short notice. Look at the gov.uk travel advice and travel.state.gov before paying for any trip. Insurance can be void if you travel against FCDO advice.

What there is to do in Beirut is limited at the moment, and the list below is deliberately short. It covers a seafront walk, a university campus, bikes, a winter ski area and a caution about hiking. Anything that needs a road out of the city should wait until you have read the advisory and checked the day’s news.

The seafront Corniche

The Corniche is a free promenade from the Manara lighthouse to Raouche, several kilometres long and open round the clock. Joggers, anglers and families share it, and sunset is the busiest hour. At the Raouche end the Pigeon Rocks stand offshore. They make a fine viewpoint, but they are not a dive or snorkel site.

Hamra and the AUB campus

West Beirut’s Hamra district is the place for coffee and bookshops. Next to it, the American University of Beirut has a green campus and an archaeological museum founded in 1868. Opening hours and admission are unconfirmed, so ask at the gate.

Cycling

Bike hire near Zaitunay Bay has been reported at about $5 an hour. That comes from a listing rather than a 2026 check. Traffic is dense, so stay on the waterfront and ride in daylight.

Skiing at Mzaar

Mzaar Kfardebian, also known as Faraya, is a winter ski area in Mount Lebanon. The season runs from about December to early April, depending on snow. A 2024 listing gave adult lift prices of about $35 on weekdays and $60 at weekends, and current rates should be confirmed. Check the road conditions and the advisory before heading up.

A caution on hiking

Day sections of the Lebanon Mountain Trail exist, but the Barouk to Maaser stretch is in the Chouf, partly within an area where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. Operators and prices are unconfirmed, so none are named. Skip it unless the advisory map clearly allows.

Swimming and water

Ramlet el-Baida, the capital’s public sandy beach, has reported sewage outfalls, so it is not a place to swim. Private beach clubs along the coast are the usual choice, and water quality varies from site to site. Beirut has no zoo, no aquarium, no metro and no train.

Money and transport

Lebanon quotes many prices in US dollars, and the pound trades at about 89,500 LBP to the dollar. Carry crisp notes printed in 2013 or later, as older or torn ones are refused and cards often fail. Careem, Bolt and Uber work in the city. Shared taxis cost around 100,000 to 150,000 LBP a ride, and private taxis need a price agreed before you get in. For city tours, see the listings on Viator .