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Tripoli, لبنان - Things to Do in Tripoli

Tripoli

Tripoli, لبنان - Complete Travel Guide

Tripoli, Lebanon's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of ancient history and busy modern culture located along the Mediterranean coast. Known as 'Trablous' in Arabic, this northern Lebanese city has one of the largest and best-preserved Mamluk old cities in the world, featuring impressive medieval architecture, bustling souks, and traditional hammams that have operated for centuries. The city's strategic location has made it a crucial trading hub throughout history, evident in its diverse architectural influences and rich cultural tapestry. Today's Tripoli offers visitors an authentic Lebanese experience away from the more touristy areas of Beirut. The city is famous for its incredible sweets, particularly from the renowned Al-Mecca port area, its traditional soap-making industry, and its warm, welcoming locals who take pride in their city's heritage. From exploring the imposing Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles to wandering through the atmospheric Khan al-Khayyatin, Tripoli provides an immersive journey through Lebanon's fascinating past while offering glimpses of contemporary Middle Eastern life.

Top Tripoli

the Medieval Old City

Wander through Tripoli's remarkably preserved Mamluk old city, home to over 160 historical monuments including mosques, madrasas, hammams, and khans. The narrow cobblestone streets reveal architectural treasures at every turn, from the Great Mosque with its distinctive minaret to the beautifully decorated Taynal Mosque. This UNESCO World Heritage tentative site offers one of the most authentic medieval experiences in the Middle East.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 per day to unlock hidden stories and access private courtyards. Best visited in morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Look for guides certified by the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism.

the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles

This massive Crusader fortress, built in the 12th century, dominates Tripoli's skyline and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and Mediterranean Sea. The citadel's imposing walls and towers tell the story of centuries of conflict and conquest. Inside, you'll find archaeological exhibits and can explore the fortress's various chambers and defensive structures.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately $3-5. Open daily except Mondays, best visited in late afternoon for golden hour photography. No advance booking required, but bring water and comfortable shoes for climbing. Guided tours available on-site for an additional $10.

Traditional Hammam Al-Jadid

Indulge in an authentic Ottoman-era bathhouse experience at one of Tripoli's historic hammams, some dating back to the 14th century. These traditional steam baths offer a glimpse into centuries-old wellness practices, complete with marble heating rooms, massage services, and traditional scrubbing rituals. The experience provides both relaxation and cultural immersion in a beautifully preserved historical setting.

Booking Tip: Sessions cost $15-25 including basic massage and scrub. Separate hours for men and women - call ahead to confirm schedules. Bring flip-flops and expect to spend 2-3 hours. Book through your hotel or call directly for reservations.

Shop and Taste at Al-Mina Port District

Explore Tripoli's historic port area, famous throughout the Middle East for its exceptional sweets and pastries, particularly muhallabia and baklava. The district combines a working fishing port with traditional sweet shops, spice markets, and seafood restaurants. Watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch while sampling some of Lebanon's finest traditional confections.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, budget $10-20 for sweets and snacks. Sweet shops open early morning and close by evening. Look for established shops like Rafaat Hallab or Abdul Rahman Hallab. Best combined with a morning fish market visit around 6-8 AM.

Traditional Soap Making

Visit one of Tripoli's historic soap factories to learn about the ancient art of olive oil soap production, a tradition dating back over 600 years. These family-run businesses still use traditional methods to create the famous Nabulsi soap, and many offer demonstrations of the soap-making process. You can purchase authentic handmade soaps and learn about their various natural ingredients and benefits.

Booking Tip: Factory visits are usually free with soap purchases starting at $5-10. Khan Al-Saboun is most tourist-friendly with regular demonstrations. Call ahead for group visits. Best combined with old city exploration as most soap factories are located within the historic quarter.

Getting There

Tripoli is located 85 kilometers north of Beirut and is easily accessible by various means of transportation. The most convenient option is taking a service taxi (shared taxi) from Beirut's Charles Helou station, which costs around $5-7 and takes 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Private taxis charge $40-60 for the journey. Public buses operated by OCFTC also run regularly between Beirut and Tripoli for about $3. For international travelers, the nearest airport is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, from which you can take ground transportation to Tripoli. Some visitors also arrive via the Syrian border crossing at Al-Arida, though this depends on current political conditions.

Getting Around

Tripoli is best explored on foot, especially the historic old city where narrow medieval streets are inaccessible to vehicles. For longer distances, service taxis (shared taxis) are the most common form of local transport, costing $1-2 for most journeys within the city. Private taxis are available but more expensive at $5-10 per trip. Motorbike taxis offer a quick way to navigate traffic for short distances. The city is relatively compact, and most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. Renting a car is possible but not recommended due to narrow streets, limited parking, and heavy traffic in the city center.

Where to Stay

Old City Center
Al-Mecca Port Area
Al-Qibbeh District
Bahsas Neighborhood
Zahriyeh Quarter
Modern Tripoli (New City)

Food & Dining

Tripoli's culinary scene is legendary throughout Lebanon, particularly famous for its sweets and traditional Lebanese dishes. The city is considered the sweet capital of the Middle East, with renowned shops like Hallab and Bohsali serving exceptional baklava, muhallabia, and other traditional desserts. For savory meals, head to the old city for authentic Lebanese mezze, grilled meats, and fresh seafood near the port. Local specialties include kibbeh, fattoush, and fresh fish preparations. Street food is excellent and affordable, with shawarma, falafel, and manakish available throughout the city. Many restaurants are family-run establishments that have been serving traditional recipes for generations, offering an authentic taste of northern Lebanese cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Lebanon

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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appetito trattoria

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Un basilico

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Appetito Trattoria Hazmieh

4.7 /5
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Verona Resto

4.8 /5
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Ryukai

4.7 /5
(243 reviews)

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Tripoli is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable for walking and exploring the historic sites. Summer months (June-August) can be quite hot and humid due to the coastal location, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C, though the Mediterranean breeze provides some relief. Winter (December-March) is mild but can be rainy, which might limit outdoor exploration but offers fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. Ramadan can affect opening hours of restaurants and some attractions, so check local calendars when planning. The city is beautiful year-round, but spring offers the perfect combination of pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and comfortable conditions for extensive walking tours.

Insider Tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat, and experience the city when locals are most active in the streets and markets
Learn a few basic Arabic phrases as English is less commonly spoken here than in Beirut, and locals greatly appreciate the effort
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and consider bringing a scarf for covering - this shows respect and ensures access to all areas of mosques and historic religious buildings

Activities in Tripoli