population: 0.68 million

extension: 65 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Benghazi and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start is the Benghazi Archaeological Museum. This museum showcases artifacts found throughout eastern Libya, including Roman mosaics, Islamic pottery, and ancient Greek sculptures.

If you're interested in similar places nearby, you might also consider visiting the Jamahiriya Museum or Omar Al-Mukhtar Museum, both of which are located in Benghazi as well and offer unique insights into Libyan history and culture.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Benghazi, according to local people, include:

1. Bazeen: This is a traditional Libyan dish made with a type of flour called barley flour, which is combined with water and olive oil to create a dough. The dough is then shaped into a large mound and served with a variety of stews and curries.

2. Couscous: Couscous is a staple food in North Africa, including Libya. It is made from small steamed balls of semolina flour that are often served with a meat or vegetable stew.

3. Shakshuka: This is a savory breakfast dish made from eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. It's often served with bread for dipping.

4. Mloukhia: Mloukhia is a stew made from the leaves of the jute plant, which are finely chopped and cooked with chicken or beef broth and spices. It's typically served with bread or couscous.

5. Grilled meats: Libyan cuisine also features a variety of grilled meats, including lamb, beef, and chicken. These are often marinated in spices and served with rice or bread.

6. Harira: A warming soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and coriander. It's usually eaten during Ramadan to break the fast at sunset.

These dishes are just a few examples of the rich and flavorful cuisine that you can find in Benghazi!

Activities

There are several fun activities that local people in Benghazi enjoy, such as:

1. Visiting the Souq Al-Jareed: This market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of goods, from traditional clothing and spices to handicrafts and souvenirs.

2. Enjoying Libyan cuisine: Benghazi has many restaurants that serve traditional Libyan food like bazeen, couscous, and shakshouka. You can try these dishes at places like Al-Amir Restaurant, Al-Tarabulsi Restaurant, or Al-Nasr Restaurant.

3. Exploring the old city: Take a stroll through the historic center of Benghazi, known as Medina al-Khadra, where you'll find narrow alleys, Ottoman-era buildings, and bustling markets.

4. Relaxing by the sea: Benghazi has several beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, such as Al-Atiqi Beach, Al-Tha'labah Beach, and Al-Hawari Beach.

5. Watching sports: Football (soccer) is a popular sport in Libya, and many locals enjoy watching matches at the local stadium, Martyrs of February Stadium.