Shopping in Tripoli

Key areas

You can find European-style clothing in the arcaded streets of the downtown area, or the more upmarket shopping malls in the Gargaresh quarter. Fergiani's Bookshop, Sharia Awal September, Downtown, is the best bookshop in town with its excellent selection of postcards, travel books, fiction and coffee-table books on Libya and North Africa.

Markets

The best souk in the medina is Souk al-Attara with a small carpet bazaar, traditional jewellery shops and general crafts and souvenirs. Libya has very little in the way of crafts so most of the wares come from neighbouring countries. Ben Zeglam Shop in the carpet bazaar, has good quality Libyan pottery, Tuareg silver and local rugs. Other shops in Souk al-Turk sell traditional cotton clothing, wedding fabrics and gold jewellery.

Opening hours

Shops are generally open Saturday to Thursday 1000-1300 and 1500-2100.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Corinthia Hotel Tripoli

By far the best hotel in town, the luxurious Corinthia Hotel Tripoli is perfectly located near the medina, the business district, and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The elegant and comfortable rooms are in two modern towers, and offer all five-star amenities.

Funduq al-Kebir

Centrally located and government-owned hotel within walking distance of Tripoli's monuments and with sweeping views over the harbour. The rooms are spacious and comfortable although the decor has seen better days. Bathrooms are clean and have hot water.

Funduq al-Mehari

A favourite of government officials, this is the government's most prestigious hotel. The spacious and comfortable rooms come with satellite TV and air conditioning, but service is often erratic.

Safwa Hotel

A suites-only hotel right in the centre of Tripoli. The large and clean air-conditioned rooms all come with high speed internet connection and there is a good restaurant downstairs. It is mainly aimed at businessmen.

Ancient Zumit Hotel

The small Zumit, in an old, recently renovated caravanserai in the medina, is the most romantic and atmospheric hotel in town. The rooms are decorated in Ottoman style but have air conditioning and other mod-cons. The hotel has also a good seafood restaurant.

Introducing Tripoli

While you’re there

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