An enticing blend of tradition and modernity, the web of narrow streets of Tripoli's port quarter makes for wonderful strolling. The Phoenician city stood here; these days quiet neighbourhood lanes hold both venerable coffeehouses and a string of modern boutiques and bars. The population is principally a blend of Orthodox and Sunni faiths. Along the waterfront, the corniche road is a venue for promenading or getting a boat trip out to nearby islands.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.7 MILES
A restored 12th-century Crusader castle surrounded by a 10m-wide dry moat is located just inside the entrance to Byblos' atmospheric archaeological site…
16.01 MILES
Producing a range of wines made with grapes from its three vineyards (one at Basbina in the hills above Batroun, one in Jezzine and another in the Bekaa…
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14.85 MILES
From where the Qadisha road meets the valley floor, it's a 5km (1½-2 hour) walk to the serene still-working convent of Deir Qannoubin, probably the oldest…
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2.15 MILES
One of the most beautiful buildings in the old city, this semi-open vaulted-roofed khan was formerly a Crusader hospital and is today a beautifully…
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24.67 MILES
A well-restored Crusader castle dominates Byblos' atmospheric archaeological site, which incorporates Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman ruins –…
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Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles
2.2 MILES
Towering above Tripoli and the river, this Crusader fortress was originally built during the period from 1103 to 1104. Burned down in 1297, it was partly…
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18.17 MILES
According to his wishes, the body of poet and artist Khalil Gibran (1883–1931), author of the much-loved The Prophet (1923), was interred in the chapel of…
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2.1 MILES
While certainly not new – Hammam Al Jadid was built around 1740 – it was in use until the 1970s and is very well preserved. It was donated as a gift to…
Nearby Tripoli attractions
1.98 MILES
Standing on its own to the south of the souqs on the outskirts of the Old City, but well worth the walk, is this restored green-domed mosque by the…
2.05 MILES
On a little square in the vicinity of the Great Mosque, this religious school has distinctive black-and-white stonework and a beautiful inlaid mihrab …
2.05 MILES
Built on the site of a 12th-century Crusader cathedral and incorporating some of its features, this mosque has a magnificent entrance and an unusual…
2.07 MILES
In the centre of the souq, the Khan As Saboun was built in the 16th century and first used as an army barracks; since then, it has for generations…
2.07 MILES
Gleaming brassware characterises this market street, just outside the cramped central area of the souq. You'll need plenty of tenacity and elbow grease to…
2.08 MILES
Attached to the east side of the Great Mosque is Madrasa Al Qartawiyya, which was built by a Mamluk governor of the same name in the early 1300s, over the…
2.08 MILES
Tripoli's gold souq gleams bright with jewellery displayed in dozens of shopfronts. There are some very high-quality pieces, though they are mostly traded…
2.1 MILES
While certainly not new – Hammam Al Jadid was built around 1740 – it was in use until the 1970s and is very well preserved. It was donated as a gift to…