On the Gulf of Sidra, Benghazi (pop. 1,033,000) has green open spaces, a nice, long seaside corniche and fewer 1970s-era concrete buildings than you'll find in Tripoli. But in spite of this, Libya's second-largest city really isn't that picturesque.
Visit the Al Muntazah Park and Zoo, the Al Funduq Market and the large archaeological area. Two mosques are also worth seeing: the Jami' al Kabir (Great Mosque) and the Jami' Osman. The city also has nice beaches and an old-city section housing banks, government buildings, hotels and other commercial enterprises. Just north of Benghazi, archaeologists are uncovering the ancient Greek city of Berenice. Plan one day to see Benghazi.
610 mi/1,015 km west of Tripoli.
