City guide
Your guide to Tripoli
Lebanon's northern capital: a historic Mamluk city by the sea. Here are its neighbourhoods, must-see spots and tips from locals.
Neighbourhoods
Tripoli (city centre & old souks)
The heart of the city: the Mamluk-era old town, covered souks, Al-Tal square with its Ottoman clock tower, and busy shopping streets.
Browse placesEl Mina
The seaside port district, with the corniche, fishing harbour, old stone lanes and boats out to the offshore islands.
Browse placesAbou Samra
A hillside residential area above the old city, with schools, everyday shops and views over Tripoli.
Browse placesQobbeh
A dense, lively neighbourhood east of the centre, known for local markets and neighbourhood trades.
Browse placesBeddawi
North of the city on the coastal road, a practical stop for car services, hardware and wholesale shops.
Browse placesQalamoun
A coastal town just south of Tripoli, known for its seaside setting and traditional crafts.
Browse places
Must-see spots
- 1
Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles
The Crusader-era hilltop fortress overlooking the old city and the Abou Ali river.
- 2
The old souks & Khan al-Khayyatin
Covered Mamluk markets for gold, soap, spices and tailoring — best explored on foot.
- 3
Khan al-Saboun
The historic soap caravanserai, home to Tripoli's traditional olive-oil soap making.
- 4
Great Mansouri Mosque
The city's oldest Mamluk mosque, built in the late 13th century in the old town.
- 5
Al-Tal Clock Tower
The Ottoman-era clock tower at Al-Tal square, a central meeting point.
- 6
Rashid Karami International Fair
Oscar Niemeyer's modernist fairground, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage in 2023.
- 7
El Mina corniche & Palm Islands
A seaside walk at sunset, and a protected nature reserve offshore reached by boat in season.
Local tips
- Try Tripoli's famous sweets — knefeh, halawet el-jeben and ma'moul are local specialities.
- Visit the souks in the morning; many old-town shops close earlier and on Fridays around midday prayers.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly when visiting mosques.
- Carry some cash — small shops and taxis don't always take cards.
- Shared "service" taxis are the common way to get around; agree the fare before you ride.
- Opening hours change — call ahead before making a special trip.