Tripoli, Libya: A Guide to the Capital City with United Travels

Tripoli, the capital and largest city of Libya, sits on the northwestern coast along the Mediterranean Sea [2, 16]. Founded by the Phoenicians as Oea in the 7th century BC, it formed part of the ancient Roman 'Tripolis' (three cities) alongside Leptis Magna and Sabratha [2, 16]. With a history spanning Phoenician, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman, and Italian rule, Tripoli boasts a rich, albeit complex, heritage [2, 13, 16]. It serves as Libya's main port and commercial hub [2]. **Important Note:** As of May 2025, governments like Canada strongly advise against all travel to Libya, including Tripoli, due to the volatile security situation, risk of armed conflict, terrorism, and high crime rates [25, 27]. This guide provides information for context but does not endorse travel at this time.