Lebanon's second-largest city has one of the Middle East's best-preserved Mamluk architecture, including the 13th-century Taynal Mosque and a medieval souq with 600 shops.
Tripoli, Lebanon's second-largest city, lies 81 kilometers north of Beirut along the Mediterranean coast. Walk through the Al-Tell Square to see the Ottoman clock tower, explore the 12th-century Citadel of Saint-Gilles, or wander through the Al-Mansouri Great Mosque with its distinctive black and white stone patterns. Outside the city center, you can take boat trips to the Palm Islands where sea turtles nest, or stop at one of the many coffee shops along Mina Road to taste Arabic coffee and watch local life unfold.
Exploring the Old City
The Old City's narrow streets wind between buildings from the 14th-century Mamluk period. You'll find khans (trading houses) with stone archways, such as Khan Al-Saboun where soap makers still work. The Al-Mansouri Great Mosque dominates the quarter with its hexagonal minaret, while the Hammam Izzedine bathhouse maintains its original decorated marble floors and domed ceilings. Look for the stone carvings on the Madrassa Al-Qartawiyya, depicting geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy.
The Citadel of Saint-Gilles
Raymond de Saint-Gilles built this hilltop fortress in 1102, creating one of the largest crusader castles in the region. The walls mix European military design with local limestone construction. Walk through the underground tunnels connecting different sections of the castle, climb the eastern tower for views of the Mediterranean, and see the Ottoman mosque built in the main courtyard. The castle opens daily from 8 AM to sunset.
Palm Islands Nature Reserve
A cluster of three islands lies offshore, accessible by boat from Tripoli's harbor. The main island, Rabbits' Island, is a critical nesting site for loggerhead turtles and monk seals. Visit between March and May or October to November when migratory birds stop here - you might spot herons, gulls, and small waders. The boat journey takes 30 minutes each way.
Coffee and Sweets Culture
Mina Road's coffee shops fill with locals each evening, particularly after sunset. More than 100 cafes serve Arabic coffee, tea, and nargileh (water pipes). Many families come here for the evening ritual of coffee and conversation. The city's sweet makers create specific local varieties - try the znoud el sit (phyllo pastry filled with cream) or the kaak bi haleeb (milk cookies) at the century-old sweet shops.
Getting Around
Shared Mercedes taxis run throughout Tripoli - flag one down and tell the driver your destination. Buses between Tripoli and Beirut's Charles Helou station run every 20 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
Day Trips from Tripoli
Visit Ehden, 30 kilometers east in the mountains, where cedar trees grow at 1,500 meters altitude. The town's restaurants serve mountain-style Lebanese dishes like kishk (fermented yogurt soup) and wild herbs. In Batroun, 22 kilometers south, you can swim at the rocky beaches or visit the 4th-century Saint Stephen's Church with its carved stone facade.
