Tripoli, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1110
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tripoli is the second-largest city in Lebanon, located in the northern part of the country along the Mediterranean coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15,000 LBP due to recent economic instability. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink without purification. |
| 🔌 Power | Most areas have 220V electricity, 50Hz, with Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ogero and Alfa are the main mobile providers offering decent prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Fransabank, Bank of Beirut, and international services like Revolut are accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and some low-cost hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is commonly used but cards are accepted at major stores and hotels. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular for short-term accommodation. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel and budget hotel options are available, such as Al Ameer Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old City area is rich in history and close to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The coastal area near the Corniche offers good views and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Shababeek Coworking Space offers good facilities and internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Aida is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community events are less formal; check local Facebook groups for meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular expat meetups can be found on platforms like Meetup.com. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is a popular choice for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are limited; walking is common in the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mina Beach is the closest public beach and just a short ride away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates flights from Beirut, approximately 85 km away. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines include Middle East Airlines, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines via Beirut. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the North Lebanon Highway is straightforward. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Tripoli has a bus terminal for intercity travel but lacks trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly buses; passes are not commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Tripoli Governmental Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various local gyms may offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Zone is a popular gym in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available, particularly around the Corniche area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato operates in Tripoli and offers a variety of local and international options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mujaddara, a traditional lentil and rice dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local eateries offer vegetarian dishes, such as Samak and Fattoush. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al-Najjar Sweets is famous for its Lebanese desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Al-Omari market offers great local produce and textiles. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like LebMal.com have various shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Hypermarket chains like Spinneys may offer delivery in select areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; local bars near the coast may be the best spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brews are rare; Lebanese wine is recommended instead. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine cellars in nearby Batroun are worth exploring. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Karls' Falafel is highly recommended for street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Casual dining options include fast food chains and local pizza spots. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Citadel of Tripoli and the old souks are key highlights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Tripoli showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient Crusader castle is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Al-Mansouri Mosque and the Church of St. George are prominent. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Tripoli Arts Festival occurs annually, showcasing local art. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old City is a cultural hotspot filled with historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Al-Mahatta Theater hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Tripoli Souk offers a rich shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is found in cafes and community events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is less prevalent, but local artists contribute to public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local families may offer cooking experiences through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Emerging art galleries can be found in the Old City. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Great Mosque of Tripoli is an architectural marvel. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Tripoli has a rich Phoenician history still visible in archaeological sites. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Akkar Valley offers beautiful nature walks and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bsharri Biosphere Reserve is around 3 hours' drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade is a popular route for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the Citadel provide breathtaking panoramas of the coast. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetlands near Tripoli are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beach allow bonfires during designated seasons. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex offer parcel delivery services in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Tripoli can handle basic gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors offer Arabic language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries exist, but study spots are limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local charity organizations occasionally host community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming centers are scattered around the town. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is restricted; focus on social gaming activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently about 17%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding is approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income is taxed progressively, with rates up to 25%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT is set at 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC regulations are not strictly enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax regulations exist but are not uniformly applied. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transactions are typically taxed at around 6%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Nomads may find a lack of strict regulations beneficial for freelancing. |