Tripoli (Arabic: طرابلس Ṭarābulus) is the capital, largest city, principal harbour and biggest commercial and manufacturing centre of the North African country of Libya. Tripoli is in the north-west of Libya on the Mediterranean Sea. The city has a population of some 1.68 million people.
Tripoli was founded in the 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians, who named their settlement Oea—due to the city's long history, there are several sites of archaeological significance in the city and in its surroundings, not least from the period under the Roman Empire.
Tripoli's prevailing climate is typical Mediterranean, with hot dry summers, cool winters, and some modest rainfall.
- Assaraya Alhamra Museum. The national museum of Libya, covering 5,000 years of history in a vast palace complex with numerous courtyards which dominates the city skyline and is located on the outskirts of the medina. There are several classical statues and fountains from the Ottoman period scattered around the castle.
- Gurgi Mosque. Built in 1834.
- Karamanli Mosque.
- Arch of Marcus Aurelius. Only surviving Roman monument in the city.
More and more palaces (especially from the Karamanli period) are also being restored and opened to the public. The basic street plan of the medina was laid down in the Roman period when the walls were constructed as protection against attacks from the interior of Tripolitania, and are considered well planned, possibly better than modern street plans. In the 8th century a wall on the sea-facing side of the city was added.
Three gates provided access to the old town: Bab Zanata in the west, Bab Hawara in the southeast and Bab Al-Bahr in the north wall.
The city walls are still standing and can be climbed for good views of the city. The Bazaar is also known for its traditional ware; fine jewellery and clothes can be found in the local markets. The Museum, a fine modern facility located in the Red Castle, is Libya's national museum. It houses many artefacts from the country's Roman and Greek periods, including treasures from the World Heritage sites at Leptis Magna and Sabratha, and politically motivated displays such as the Volkswagen Beetle car driven by Gadaffi in the 1960s.
- Martyrs' Square. Formerly known as Green Square. This is a popular gathering place. It gives some good views of the old city walls. Some of the shopping streets also start here. The square is often used for demonstrations (against the Syrian regime typically) and as a place for motor cycle enthusiasts to show off. There is nothing in the square itself to see.
Assaraya Alhamra Museum. The national museum of Libya, covering 5,000 years of history in a vast palace complex with numerous courtyards which dominates the city skyline and is located on the outskirts of the medina. There are several classical statues and fountains from the Ottoman period scattered around the castle.
Gurgi Mosque. Built in 1834.
Karamanli Mosque.
Arch of Marcus Aurelius. Only surviving Roman monument in the city.
Martyrs' Square. Formerly known as Green Square. This is a popular gathering place. It gives some good views of the old city walls. Some of the shopping streets also start here. The square is often used for demonstrations (against the Syrian regime typically) and as a place for motor cycle enthusiasts to show off. There is nothing in the square itself to see.
Prior to the conflicts of 2011 the city had a reputation as a good place to escape from the pressures of today's modern life. It might pay to wait until things have returned to some sort of normality before venturing out and about but there are wonderful beaches within driving distance, and the Old City and the Museum are good for hours of exploration. Adventurous types might try the nightclub on the 3rd floor of the 3rd building in the downtown tower complex. Like any proper nightclub it only opens at 11PM. A non-alcoholic beer will set you back a small fortune, and, like in Italy and Paris, there is a charge to sit at a table.
There are a few gyms scattered throughout Tripoli - there's one downtown off of Omar Mukhtar Street that has fairly comprehensive free weights and aerobics classes. Also, the Sultan Gym located off of Gorgi Road has an extensive free weights section, as well as a women-only section.
All the 5-star hotels in the city have gyms with membership options ranging from 200-300 dinar per month.
- Radisson Blu.
- Corinthia.
- Bustan Hotel.
- Ein Zara Physiotherapy Centre. Offers massage and all the basic fitness equipment for a far cheaper price of basic 75 dinar/month or about 130 dinar/month including massage. There is also a rumour of a gym in the Imad Complex (the 5 towers downtown commercial area).
Radisson Blu.
Corinthia.
Bustan Hotel.
Ein Zara Physiotherapy Centre. Offers massage and all the basic fitness equipment for a far cheaper price of basic 75 dinar/month or about 130 dinar/month including massage. There is also a rumour of a gym in the Imad Complex (the 5 towers downtown commercial area).
There are some big brand shops present in Tripoli, Marks and Spencer, Mango, H & M. Prices are similar in comparison to the UK.
Clothes The best clothing shops are generally near Martyrs Square and running up towards the former cathedral. Bargains can be found here including shoes and the usual knitwear which appears to good quality. Also in Gargarish and Benashour area there are many of nice shops there.
Furniture Gargarish Road running towards Hay Andulas is easily the location to go for any furniture or office equipment, and printing supplies.
Electronics The best electronics shops are also on Gargarish Road but for computer equipment head to the Fatah Tower in the downtown commercial district where there a couple of shops, in addition to the computer shops in Aldahrah.
The quality of food in Tripoli is good and generally inexpensive by western standards. Do not expect a huge variety, the cuisine is mostly Arabic. The chances of getting food poisoning is slim but beware of the fish, if you do feel inclined to sample the fruits of the sea, just take one look at the cleanliness of the harbor and the beaches.
There is an Oriental restaurant in the Corinthea hotel and another one in Gargash. Brush up on your Arabic; waiting staff speak little English and getting one of them to serve you at your table can be a challenge.
There are several cafes and bistros in Tripoli, mostly located in the Gergaresh strip all the way to Seyaheya. A few of the most popular venues are ; 02, W Cafe, Veranda, Caracalla, Cacao, Halaweyat Sharkiya and Caffe Casa.
Most of these cafes are also restaurants and serve a variety of dishes both western and middle eastern. All are popular among the foreigns of the city of Tripoli.
Alcohol is forbidden in Libya. It is not available in any restaurants or hotels except black market which may be much pricier than you thought. Fines if caught are hefty.
Many foreign missions in Tripoli remain closed or have very limited consular services available due to the civil war hostilities. The Venezuelan embassy was ransacked and looted by rebel forces and others including the UK embassy were also damaged, and the Canadian and US embassies are now closed due to fighting in Tripoli. Many parts of Libya are under the de facto administration of the Government of National Accord, other parts of the nation have either no administration or are getting by with individual ad hoc arrangements.
If requiring assistance from your nation's consular representatives whilst in Libya, it may be possible to seek them out in a country adjoining Libya or from a partnered nation if a citizen of an EU state.
Some foreign representation may also be available in the city of Benghazi.
- Canada Canada, Tripoli Tower 1, 7th Floor, +218 21 335 1633. Closed, but operates remotely from the Canadian Embassy in Tunisia until conditions allow for its reopening..
- Belgium Belgium, Jasmin St, Hay Andalus Area, 2, +218 21 4782044.
- Cyprus Cyprus, Shara Al Dhul 60, Ben Ashour district, +218 21 3600499.
- Greece Greece, 18, Jelal Bayar St, Dahra, +218 21 3338563, +218 91 3581227 (emergencies). M-F 08:00-15:00.
- Japan Japan, Jamal Al-Din Al-Waeli St, Hay Al-Andalus 1, +218 21 4781041.
- Philippines Philippines, KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Abu Nawas, +218 21 4781041.
- Serbia Serbia, Sh.Turkiya 14-16, +218 21 3335404.
- United Kingdom British Embassy, 24th Floor Tripoli Towers (formerly Bourj al Fateh), +218 21 335 1084.
- United States United States, Jarraba St, Ben Ashour district, +218 91-379-4560. Closed.
Canada Canada, Tripoli Tower 1, 7th Floor, +218 21 335 1633. Closed, but operates remotely from the Canadian Embassy in Tunisia until conditions allow for its reopening..
Belgium Belgium, Jasmin St, Hay Andalus Area, 2, +218 21 4782044.
Cyprus Cyprus, Shara Al Dhul 60, Ben Ashour district, +218 21 3600499.
Greece Greece, 18, Jelal Bayar St, Dahra, +218 21 3338563, +218 91 3581227 (emergencies). M-F 08:00-15:00.
Japan Japan, Jamal Al-Din Al-Waeli St, Hay Al-Andalus 1, +218 21 4781041.
Philippines Philippines, KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Abu Nawas, +218 21 4781041.
Serbia Serbia, Sh.Turkiya 14-16, +218 21 3335404.
United Kingdom British Embassy, 24th Floor Tripoli Towers (formerly Bourj al Fateh), +218 21 335 1084.
United States United States, Jarraba St, Ben Ashour district, +218 91-379-4560. Closed.
Women may choose to dress modestly - long sleeves and long skirts or pants are considered most appropriate when shopping or sightseeing. Libya is not a conservative Muslim country, so head scarves are not necessary.
- Roman Ruins of Sabratha and Leptis Magna are worth visiting. Sabratha is towards west of Tripoli and Leptis is to the east.
- Tunisia