Tripoli
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At a glance
- Country
- Lebanon
- Region
- North Governorate
- Population
- 230,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Beirut–Rafic Hariri (BEY)
- Coordinates
- 34.44°N, 35.85°E
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Overview
Lebanon's second city sees far fewer visitors than Beirut, which is a shame, because its old town holds one of the richest collections of Mamluk architecture anywhere. Mosques, madrasas, hammams and caravanserais sit packed into covered souks that still work as a market.
Down on the coast, the port district of El Mina has a slower pace, with fishing boats, a seafront corniche and boats out to the offshore islands. Come hungry, as Tripoli is famous across the country for its sweets.
Things to see
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Photo: Peripitus, CC BY-SA 3.0 Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles
A hulking crusader fortress on the hill above the old town, rebuilt over the centuries, with views across the souks to the sea.
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Photo: Rabih omeiri, CC BY-SA 4.0 The old souks
Lanes of goldsmiths, tailors, soap makers and spice sellers wind between medieval mosques and stone gateways.
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Khan al-Saboun
An old caravanserai where families still make olive oil soap by hand, often scented with herbs and flowers.
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Photo: AK95, CC BY-SA 4.0 Great Mosque of Tripoli
Built in the late thirteenth century on the site of a crusader church, with a minaret that recalls a European bell tower.
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Photo: RomanDeckert, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rashid Karami International Fair
Oscar Niemeyer's vast, unfinished modernist fairground, a strange and striking set of concrete shapes on the city's edge.
Things to do
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Eat Tripoli sweets
Try knafeh, maamoul and syrup-soaked pastries in the city's long-established sweet shops, ideally with a strong coffee.
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Photo: Army of the Levant, Licence Ouverte Walk the El Mina corniche
Join local families strolling the seafront at sunset, then find grilled fish near the harbour.
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Photo: Jean Ziade, GFDL Boat to the Palm Islands
In summer, boats run from El Mina to this protected group of islands, known for nesting turtles and seabirds.
Where to stay
El Mina
Calmer and close to the sea, with guesthouses and restaurants near the harbour.
Hotels in El MinaCity centre
Practical for walking into the souks and the citadel, though busy and noisy by day.
Hotels in City centre
Getting around
The old town is best covered on foot, ideally with a local guide to make sense of the souks. Taxis are easy to find for the run between the centre and El Mina.
Tripoli is around 85 kilometres north of Beirut; buses and shared minibuses run along the coast road, and a taxi from the airport takes roughly one and a half to two hours depending on traffic.
When to go
Spring and autumn bring warm days and comfortable walking in the souks. Summers are hot and humid, though the sea breeze helps in El Mina. Winters are mild but can be wet. Check current UK travel advice for Lebanon before planning a trip.
Plan your trip to Tripoli
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.