Tripoli

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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 Halal Travel Guide

Maydan Jazair Park Panorama - Maydan Jazair Park and the port of Tripoli seen from the Italian quarter.

History

Tripoli was founded in the 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians, who named their settlement Oea—due to the city's long history and there are several sites of archaeological significance in the city and in its surroundings, not least from the period under the Roman Empire.

How is the Climate in Tripoli

Tripoli's prevailing climate is typical Mediterranean, with hot dry summers, cool winters, and some modest rainfall.

Travel as a Muslim to Tripoli

Visas will be needed, and those can be attained via embassies or consulates. Roughly US$50–150, you should obtain the visa prior to arrival and be prepared for getting your hands on lots of information, best to ring first for the latest requirements as they change regularly. Business visitors or others with the right 'connections' may be able to arrange a visa on arrival. The cost is 100 Libya#Money|dinar, but the process can be slow. This must be paid in Libyan dinar. If you do not have dinar, you will have to go to the area after baggage reclaim to exchange some money (minus your passport). The security staff will allow you back in, but make sure they see you leave to be sure.

Leaving Libya requires the right stamps in your passport. Your hotel is required to present your passport to the authorities where your visa will be stamped. Make sure you confirm this with the hotel prior to checking out or else you are liable for a fine or worse when clearing immigration.

Make use of the business class lounge at Tripoli Airport (LYD 30 charge if you are not a first/business traveller) where the toilet facilities in there are clean while the same cannot be said for the ones in the general lounge.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Tripoli

  • Tripoli International Airport IATA Code: TIP(Arabic: مطار طرابلس العالمي) | - GPS: 32.669444, 13.156667 in the town of Ben Ghashir kilometers 34 south of the Tripoli downtown - Tripoli International Airport Tripoli Airport The nation's largest airport. It is operating under an ad-hoc management. It is often closed for weeks at a time for security reasons.

The airport has one main terminal building, which acts as the international and national terminal for the airport. Check-in facilities are in the ground floor. Departure and duty-free shops are located on the first floor.

Several airlines provide Flights from the Tripoli International Airport to international destinations. Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways provide Flights to Benghazi.

  • Mitiga International Airport IATA Code: MJI - GPS: 32.894445, 13.277778 is located about kilometers 8 east of Tripoli's downtown - Mitiga International Airport - It sustained damage from NATO airstrikes and fighting between ground forces during the civil war in 2011.

By Rail

There is no train network operating in Libya yet, although Libya is planning to introduce such a service between the east and west of the nation. This is in the planning stages and a Chinese contractor has already been brought on board.

By car

Tourists travelling to Tripoli used to make their way there by road from Tunisia which is nearer than the other border from Egypt and the journey took approx three hours drive from the border with Tunisia. This journey should only be completed in daylight hours as its very dangerous at night, many sheep, camels, cows, and of course shepherds roam the roads in evening and are hard to spot.

There have been reported incidents of bandits operating on this route and it is therefor advisable to make others aware of travel plans.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Tripoli

Tripoli used to be connected with ferries from Malta and other parts of the Mediterranean. However, due to decades of isolation and the current turmoil there are as of 2022 no scheduled ferries to Tripoli or anywhere else in Libya. For those intent on travelling by ferry, an option might be to travel to neighboring Tunisia, a country that receives plenty of ferries from ports in Europe, and continue overland. Otherwise and the only remaining option is freighter travel or private boat.

How to get around in Tripoli

The best way to see Tripoli is to walk and there are plenty of great guides out there (books) to help you out and also you may come across some half-useful Libyan versions. The people are friendly and very inquisitive. But be aware if you're a westerner, or stick out like a sore thumb compared to a local. Don't walk around at night alone. Taxis are also useful but can be pricey for westerners.

What to see in Tripoli

  • Assaraya Alhamra Museum - Red Castle Museum | - GPS: 32.895833, 13.180278 - 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 Islamic Ottoman period scattered around the castle.
  • Gurgi Mosque - GPS: 32.899444, 13.175556 - Built in 1834.
  • Karamanli Mosque - GPS: 32.8953, 13.1796 - Ahmed Pasha Karamanli Mosque (5282695475)
  • Arch of Marcus Aurelius - GPS: 32.8999, 13.1757 Arch of Marcus Aurelius Marcus Aurelius Arch Tripoli Libya 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 nation'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 vehicle driven by Gadaffi in the 1960s.

  • Martyrs' Plaza - GPS: 32.895, 13.1811 - Martyrs' Plaza, Tripoli - Formerly known as Green Plaza. 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.

What to Do

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 travel 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 dayclub it only opens at 11PM. A non-alcoholic organic juice will set you back a small fortune, and, like in Italy and Paris and there is a charge to sit at a table.

Fitness

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 and 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 - Web:
  • Corinthia - Web:
  • Bustan Hotel
  • Ein Zara Physiotherapy Centre | - GPS: - 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).

How to work legally in Tripoli

Most jobs for visitors in Libya are in the oil and gas industry although there are major plans for development of practically every part of the Libyan infrastructure. This includes rebuilding roads, airports, a new railway system, towers and offices in the commercial neighborhood, and tourist projects near Tripoli and the Egyptian border.

Because of the perception that Libya offers very little compared to other Middle Eastern countries (and which is mainly true), and the fact that rates are generally better elsewhere such as Qatar or UAE, very few expats come to Libya and construction and engineering companies are desperate to attract people with experience.

Libya is changing rapidly though and there are already plans for the usual big shopping malls and big brand retail outlets and supermarkets to open in Tripoli. As a note and the government generally owns the land, not individuals, so when the government agencies want to clear a patch of ground in the city and build something and they go right ahead and do it. You might wake up one morning to find a block of houses has been cleared nearby.

Doing business in Libya can be frustrating and there are many false leads. There are many stories of outside companies not being paid the full amount they are due for a project, especially the final invoice. Libyans are generally well educated and many can speak reasonable English. However and they still have a long way to go when it comes to the commercial aspects of business. Beware of the bidding process for example, if you submit you technical bid for a project and which receives the best score, and then have the best price to go with it, don't celebrate just yet. All too often and the client will now ask you again for you to come back again with your "best price". If there is a Libyan company competing against you and they may already have it wrapped up. Libya is embarking on an economic diversification project.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tripoli

There are some big brand retail outlets present in Tripoli, nd/marks-spencer/ Marks and Spencer, Mango, H & M. Prices are similar in comparison to the UK.

Clothes The best clothing shops are generally near Martyrs Plaza 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 neighborhood where there a couple of shops, in addition to the computer shops in Aldahrah.

Halal Restaurants in Tripoli

The quality of food in Tripoli is good and generally affordable by GCC standards. Do not expect a huge variety and 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.

Airlines Destinations Terminal
Afriqiyah Airways Benghazi Domestic
Air Malta Malta International
Alitalia Rome-Fiumicino International
Austrian Airlines Vienna International
British Airways London-Heathrow International
EgyptAir Cairo International
Emirates Dubai International
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi International
Air Serbia Belgrade International
KLM-Airline Amsterdam International
Libyan Airlines Amman, Cairo, Malta, Sabha, Tunis [all ops uncertain] International
Libyan Airlines Benghazi [all ops uncertain Domestic
Lufthansa Frankfurt International
Qatar-Airways Doha International
Royal Air Maroc Casablanca International
Royal Jordanian Amman-Queen Alia International
Tunisair Tunis International
Turkish Airlines Istanbul-Atatürk (2-3 times per day) International
This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget US$5 for a takeaway meal
Mid-range US$20 in a good restaurant
Splurge $40

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, West 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.

Mid-range

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.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tripoli

Tripoli - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tripoli, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tripoli. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tripoli and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tripoli. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tripoli. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTripoli: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tripoli.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tripoli: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tripoli, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tripoli.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tripoli, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tripoli, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tripoli and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tripoli, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tripoli, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tripoli without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tripoli is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tripoli.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tripoli is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tripoli, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tripoli Media: info@ehalal.io


Muslim Friendly Hotels

Mid-range

  • Nouzha Hotel - Abu Gfifa Street ☎ +218 21 3601237 - 14 well kept rooms. Its size makes it more of a guest house and it seems to be very popular with longer stay foreign workers who prefer a homely touch.
  • Rixos Al Nasr - GPS: 32.859342, 13.193864 Opened in 2010 and offers the best accommodations and service in Tripoli. The spa features a full Turkish bath, steam room, private secluded sauna, ice room and indoor pool. There is a beautiful garden where visitors can enjoy outdoor dining and after-dinner shisha. The Rixos was previously a place to "see and be seen" and meeting place for the local and international elite of Tripoli. Rixos is closed until further notice.
  • Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel - GPS: 32.896177, 13.199859 Rooms from €235 Opened in 2009 and still in first class condition in 2012. It has excellent rooms, restaurants, spa facilities and meeting rooms.
  • Al Waddan Hotel - GPS: 32.893189, 13.191156 ☎ +218 21 3330044 - Has a "boutique" feel. Good service, rooms and restaurants. Spa facilities are adequate, along with a beautiful, private outdoor pool.
  • Corinthia's Bab Africa - downtown Tripoli - 32.897169, 13.170183 ☎ +218 21 3351990 - Tripoli's premier hotel, referred to locally by the chain name, also a main meeting point for many foreigners and the Tripoli elite. It has a number of good quality restaurants as well as a gymnasium, indoor swimmingpool and sauna.
  • Thobacts Hotel - GPS: 32.886244, 13.164693 Probably the 5th best hotel in Tripoli. Granted there is a big difference between it and the nearby 5-star hotels mentioned above, but it is a fraction of the price. It has been renovated and the staff are very friendly and speak Good English. Internet and wifi services were previously available but of an erratic quality. If you are on business this can be frustrating but for the leisure traveller it should not cause you a problem.

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Embassies & Consulates in Tripoli

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 currently under the de facto administration of the National Transitional Council (NTC), 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 feasible 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.

[[File:Flag of Canada

  • Canada - Tripoli Tower 1, 7th Floor ☎ +218 21 335 1633 +218 21 335 1630 Opening Hours: Closed, but operates remotely from the Canadian Embassy in Tunisia until conditions allow for its reopening..svg|frameless|20px|border|Canada
  • Canada - Tripoli Tower 1, 7th Floor ☎ +218 21 335 1633 +218 21 335 1630 Opening Hours: Closed, but operates remotely from the Canadian Embassy in Tunisia until conditions allow for its reopening.

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[[File:Flag of Belgium

  • Belgium.svg|frameless|20px|border|Belgium
  • Belgium |link=]]* Japan | Jamal Al-Din Al-Waeli St, Hay Al-Andalus 1 ☎ +218 21 4781041 +218 21 4781044

Philippines

  • Philippines | KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Abu Nawas ☎ +218 21 4781041 +218 21 4836158

Serbia Serbia | Sh.Turkiya 14-16 ☎ +218 21 3335404 +218 21 3334114

{{flag|United Kingdom

  • British Embassy - 24th Floor Tripoli Towers (formerly Bourj al Fateh) ☎ +218 21 335 1084

United States United States - Jarraba St, Ben Ashour neighborhood ☎ +218 91-379-4560 Closed.

Stay Safe

{{Cautionbox|Libya was in a state of domestic turmoil after the 2011 revolution. Though more stable now and there is risk posed by demonstrations and some of the remnants of armed militias. Always check that your proposed itinerary is safe with knowledgeable local residents.

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.

News & References Tripoli


Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tripoli

  • Roman Ruins of Sabratha and Leptis Magna are worth visiting. Sabratha is towards west of Tripoli and Leptis is to the east.
  • Tunisia


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