Tripoli
Not been yet
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Libya. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Libya
- Region
- Tripoli District
- Population
- 1.1 million
- Best time to go
- March to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Mitiga International (MJI)
- Coordinates
- 32.89°N, 13.19°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Libya's capital faces the Mediterranean from behind its old walled medina, with the massive Red Castle standing over the waterfront. Phoenicians, Romans, Ottomans and Italians all left their mark, and the result is a city of whitewashed lanes, arcaded colonial streets and broad seaside squares.
For a future visit, Tripoli is also the gateway to two of the finest Roman cities anywhere, Leptis Magna and Sabratha, both within a few hours' drive along the coast.
Things to see
-
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Red Castle
A sprawling fortress complex on the seafront, built up over many centuries and home to the national museum.
-
Photo: rahuldlucca, CC BY 2.0 The medina
The walled old town, a maze of narrow lanes, mosques, old consulates and covered markets.
-
Photo: Daniel and Kate Pett, CC BY 2.0 Arch of Marcus Aurelius
A second-century Roman triumphal arch, the last standing monument of ancient Oea, at the medina's edge.
-
Photo: Abdul-Jawad Elhusuni (عبدالجواد الحسوني), CC BY-SA 3.0 Gurgi Mosque
An elegant nineteenth-century Ottoman mosque decorated with tiles and carved stone, in the heart of the medina.
-
Photo: David Holt, CC BY-SA 2.0 Martyrs' Square
The large central square beside the Red Castle, framed by Italian-era buildings and close to the sea.
Things to do
-
Photo: joepyrek from Richmond, Va, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 Day trip to Leptis Magna
Remarkably complete Roman city with a theatre, basilica and market, about two hours east along the coast.
-
Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 2.0 Day trip to Sabratha
Roman ruins by the sea to the west, crowned by a theatre with a towering three-storey stage wall.
-
Photo: 699Taha, CC BY-SA 4.0 Libyan food
Try couscous, bazeen and grilled fish, and sweet mint tea topped with roasted peanuts.
Where to stay
Near the medina
Central and atmospheric, within walking distance of the castle and old town.
Hotels in Near the medinaSeafront
Larger international-style hotels along the coast road, with sea views.
Hotels in Seafront
Getting around
Taxis are the main way to get about, and a reputable local guide or fixer is advisable for any visit beyond the centre.
Mitiga airport lies close to the city centre, around 20 minutes by car in normal traffic.
When to go
Spring and autumn bring warm, comfortable weather for exploring the ruins. Summers are very hot, and winters mild and sometimes wet. Check the latest travel advice before making any plans.
Plan your trip to Tripoli
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.