The old city souks of Tripoli are the most authentically functioning medieval market in Lebanon and arguably one of the best-preserved in the Arab world. Unlike the restored souks of Beirut, which are largely a commercial recreation, Tripoli's covered markets still operate as working neighbourhood commerce: tailors, spice merchants, soap makers, goldsmiths, coppersmiths, and vegetable sellers in their traditional locations.
The main covered souk, the Qaysariyya, is a thirteenth-century Mamluk khan that now functions as a fabric and clothing market. The Souk al-Haraj nearby specialises in auction sales of various goods — a custom that has operated here continuously since the Mamluk period. Getting lost in the souk is easy and recommended; the area is compact enough that you will eventually emerge at a recognisable point. The best time to visit is mid-morning on a weekday.