Tripoli, Lebanon 2 Day Itinerary

Tripoli, Lebanon: 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Tripoli’s Rich History and Delicious Cuisine

Morning:

  1. Start your day with breakfast at Bakery Maksad, a popular bakery in Tripoli known for its delicious traditional pastries and bread. (Al-Mansourieh Street, Tripoli)
  2. Visit the Seblal Al-Zahraa (Al-Zahraa Quarter), one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tripoli, showcasing the Ottoman architecture with its narrow alleys and beautiful houses.

Afternoon:

  1. Explore the 800-year-old Crac des Chevaliers, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved crusader castles in the world, located approximately 1 hour away from Tripoli. (Book a tour or rent a car to get there.)
  2. Grab lunch at Fattoush El Khoury (Charbel El Khoury Street, Tripoli), famous for its traditional Lebanese mezza and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

Evening:

  1. Visit the Al-Mina Souk, one of the largest open-air markets in the Middle East, where you can shop for spices, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs.
  2. Have dinner at Kababji (Saida Zeinab Street, Tripoli), a well-known restaurant offering delicious Lebanese kebabs and mezza dishes.
  3. End your day with a stroll along the Tripoli Seafront Promenade, enjoying the beautiful sunset views over the Mediterranean.

Things to Know:

  • Tripoli’s weather can be quite hot during the day, so remember to carry water and sunscreen.
  • Many shops in Tripoli close between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM for prayer time.
  • English is not as widely spoken as in Beirut, so it may be helpful to learn a few Arabic phrases or have a translation app handy.

Day 2: Relaxation, Art, and Local Culture

Morning:

  1. Start your day with breakfast at Leila’s Kitchen (Ghazir Highway, Tripoli), offering a variety of international dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  2. Visit the beautiful Ancient Temple of Baalat Simaan, dedicated to the Phoenician goddess of fertility and agriculture. (Approximately 30 minutes away from Tripoli)

Afternoon:

  1. Spend your afternoon exploring the Tawlet Souk El Tayeb (Charbel El Khoury Street, Tripoli), a social enterprise promoting local produce and traditional cooking techniques. Try the delicious dishes served here while enjoying live music performances.
  2. Visit the Tripoli Museum, showcasing artifacts from Tripoli’s rich history, including Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman artifacts. (Al-Mansourieh Street, Tripoli)

Evening:

  1. Have dinner at Le Chef Gourmet (Saida Zeinab Street, Tripoli), a charming French-Lebanese fusion restaurant with a romantic atmosphere.
  2. End your day with a visit to the Al-Amin Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Lebanon and an architectural marvel that showcases both Ottoman and Mamluk styles. (Salah Al Din Street, Tripoli)
  3. If you’re looking for nightlife, check out the bars and clubs in the Ghassan Bashir Street area, such as Telda or Cave.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available throughout Tripoli, and Uber operates here as well.
  • Renting a car is another option for exploring further afield, but be aware of the traffic rules and driving conditions in Lebanon.

Tips:

  • Lebanese people are known for their hospitality, so don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with locals and ask for recommendations!
  • Don’t forget to haggle when shopping at the souks, as prices are often negotiable.
  • Enjoy your trip to Tripoli and take in the beautiful blend of history, culture, and hospitality that this charming city has to offer!