Hostels in BENGHAZI, LIBYA

City Benghazi in Libya

Second largest city of Libya and its capital, Benghazi or Bengasi is also a district in the country. Surrounded by arid steppe and with Jabal Akhdar meaning “the green Mountain” to the north, the city has a Mediterranean climate without desert landscapes. On the eastern side are thick woods cut by ravines. Soil has rich red color and the terrain is muddy. That is why most of the smaller streets are extremely dusty and difficult to travel for visitors having dust allergies.

Accommodation Options
Accommodation in Benghazi can be found in the expensive hotels, budget hotels, resorts, guest houses, and a few bed and breakfast joints at the outskirts of the city. Condominiums are available in the beaches like Al Nakheel of the city and are known as chalets. Hotels and hostels located near the local theaters, Dar al-Kutub National Library, and sports venues are more popular. Hostels in the true sense are not available in the city.

Brief History
Founded by Euesperides in 535 BCE, the city opened up into a small lagoon opposite to the present Sidi Abayd graveyard in northern part of the city. During the kingdom era, it was joint capital with Tripoli. Growing population characterizes the city and metropolitan areas around. Benghazi is also a sub region of Cyrenaica and is about 400 miles from Greece. The city remained under Italian occupation from 1911 to and was freed after the Second World War. It was bombed by United States in 1986 on the charges of promoting terrorism.

Climate
With a semi arid and warm climate, Benghazi experiences hot and dry summer which is good to travel. It also has mild winter with occasional rain.  Highest and lowest average temperatures are 29.40 Celsius in August and 100 Celsius in January respectively.

Getting Around
Apart from the local transports, the new railway network that came up in 2008 connects the major cities of Western Libya. Rail links to Tunisia and Egypt are contemplated now. Traveler can get a hassle free guide from the Airport, railway station, or public terminus. Regular flights to and from Tripoli is available at the airport around 20 Kilometers away from Benghazi.  One can travel around in taxis and cars and they are cheap. But the taxis and cars are usually in bad shapes. Details are available with the hassle free travel guide around.

Places of Interests
Public parks and recreational avenues are available in plenty including the zoological garden and theme park in Al-Fuwayhat.  It combines the theme of Italian rule like the wild cats, elephants, primates, other animals, and birds. A small park for electric rides is also there.  Gamal Abdel Nasser Street and 23rd July Park are huge green spaces facing the Tibesti Hotel as well as they border the waterfront and the park is extremely popular amongst teenagers. 

Other large popular park is the Al-Buduzira in northern part of the city that surrounds natural lake and is ragged in nature.

Most of the historical monuments are located in Central Benghazi that visitors would love to travel around. One can view best Ottoman architecture in Bait-al Medina al-Thaqafi Museum. Ottoman palace of Al-Borka is another example of excellent architecture.

Currency
Currency in circulation in Benghazi is the Libyan Dinar. Current exchange rate is 1.333 Libyan Dinar for one USD but regular check of currency exchange news is essential for knowing the fluctuations.

Benghazi group accommodation | Cheap hostels & budget hotels