Tripoli, Libya - Old and New

Medina, Antiquities, Shops and Beaches – a Great Holiday City

Oct 6, 2007

Interactive Map of Libya., http://e-artcasting.blogspot.com/

Libya is a destination for the connoisseur. The antiquities are awesome and because of its isolation, not many people have visited this fascinating North African country.

Because of sanctions and western paranoia, travel to Libya was almost unknown and this interesting North African country is almost virgin territory for travelers. Although there are some conditions, especially in the more remote areas that aren’t yet in the class of Western-style luxury, it is safe to travel in most places and the varied scenery and pristine quality antiquities are quite breathtaking.

Travel to Libya, North African Destination

Desert Safari’s, diving and beach holidays and trips to the classical sites are all part of what a visitor can expect from a holiday in Libya. For those who are planning to travel to Libya, please remember that this is a conservative Muslim country - respect must be shown in dress and behavior.

Libya (Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) stretches along the northeast coast of Africa between Tunisia and Algeria on the west and Egypt on the east; to the south are the Sudan, Chad, and Niger. (Lonely Planet advises that visitors should steer clear of the Southern Borders as they are subject to banditry and military activity).

Getting Around in Libya

Libya is more expensive than many European countries. Tripoli, the capital city is served by most major European and Arab airlines and of course by Libyan Airlines which uses the airport as its main hub. To get around the country, Libyan Airlines and other domestic airlines have many relatively inexpensive air routes.

Some self-drive car rental services are available in the large cities but the recommended mode of transport for tourists around major towns, is taxis and micro buses. There are many bus services (most have air-con) between the major cities - a cheap and comfortable way to travel.

Accommodation, Money and Internet in Libya

Major cities have a wide range of accommodations available from shabby hotels to five-star ones with wi-fi. Prices vary accordingly.

In Tripoli one of the largest hotels is the Corinthia Hotel, situated next to the old city. The El Mahari and Grand Hotels are also well known top of the range hotels. Several smaller hotels have opened around town including the Zumit Hotel: an old, beautifully-renovated hotel right next door to the Old Roman Arch in Bab-Al-Bahr.

Hostels in Libya are reasonably priced, clean and well kept and camping is fully accepted (bring your own gear). Youth Hostels associated with the IYH Federation (HI) are available. Contact the Libyan Youth Hostel Association T.+218 21 4445171.

There are plenty of Internet cafes in Tripoli and they are spreading to other cities and towns. Credit cards aren’t much good in Libya, neither are travelers cheques. US dollars are by far the most popular currency.

Alcohol is banned in the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Alcohol is officially banned in Libya although it is readily available through a local black market. Be careful though.

Tripoli, the White Bride of the Mediterranean

Tripoli, a city of 2,5 million, is a pleasant port in North Africa also known as the White Bride of the Mediterranean with a walled medieval Medina. Ottoman houses stand shoulder to shoulder with faded Italian colonial buildings. Easily the most dominant feature of Tripoli is the Red Castle, Assai al-Hamra, which sits on the northern promontory. Next to the Castle is Green Square, an area cleared for political rallies during World War ll. All the main shopping and business streets radiate from here.

Explore the souks and alleyways of the old city (Medina) on foot. Visitors will find the best shopping around here and also historical mosques, khans (inns) houses and hammams. Bus and taxi stations are south west of the old city.

What else to do when staying in Tripoli

Tripoli's National Jamahiriya Museum (entrance on Green Square) houses the best collection of classical art in North Africa. e-artcasting is involved research to make Libyan museums visible online via digital technologies and social software.
Citadel -Tripoli Castle
Visit a Hammam – there are two Hammams in the old City – Hammam Draghut next door to the Draghut Mosque and Hammam al-Heygha, near Souk al-Attara. (They operate a rota for men and women).
Beaches – The beaches are on the Western side of the city with changing facilities and cafes.
There is plenty more to do in Tripoli depending on what the visitor prefers to do, take a look at Arkno tours’ website.

In addition to their range of independent tours, Arkno tours offers a number of fixed-date group departures (ex. Tripoli). They also offer facilities for film crews and special events.

Caravanserai Tours offers a wide range of tours of Libya. For those interested in World War ll history, they offer tours to Tobruk with visits to Rommel's headquarters and the Allied and German cemeteries.

Read the excellent article on Libya with great images by Galen R Frysinger of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA.