Libya offers some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular Roman ruins, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Leptis Magna and Sabratha. From the historic medinas of Tripoli to the vast Sahara Desert, Libya combines ancient history with dramatic desert landscapes.
Local currency: Libyan Dinar (LYD).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Libya.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- N/A (no hostels)
- Budget
- $40-65/night (budget hotel)
- Midrange
- $80-150/night (mid-range hotel)
- Luxury
- $200-400+/night (Corinthia or Radisson Blu)
Food
- Street
- $2-5 (street food, medina stalls)
- Local
- $8-15 (local Libyan restaurant)
- Midrange
- $20-35 (mid-range restaurant)
- Fine
- $50-90+ (hotel fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.50-1 (shared minibus within city)
- Taxi
- $5-15 (private taxi cross-city)
- Airport
- $8-15 (taxi from Mitiga Airport to center)
- Daytrip
- $40-80 (private taxi to Sabratha or Leptis Magna return)
Activities
- Museum
- $3-10 (museum entry)
- Sites
- $5-10 (archaeological site entry)
- Tour
- $30-60 (guided day tour)
- Excursion
- $150-300+ (desert expedition per day)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Libya costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$350-500/week
Midrange traveller
$840-1260/week
Luxury traveller
$2000-3500+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat where locals eat — traditional Libyan restaurants charge $8-15 for full meals versus $30-50 at hotel restaurants
Use shared taxis (minibuses) for city transport — they cost $0.50-1 per trip versus $10-15 for private taxis
Book tour packages that include guide and transport — separate private hire costs more
Visit Leptis Magna and Sabratha independently via shared transport rather than arranged day tours
Stay in mid-range Libyan hotels rather than international chains — comparable quality at 40-60% lower prices
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Marcus Aurelius Arch
The beautifully preserved Roman triumphal arch at the entrance to Tripoli's medina is free to visit and admire, especially striking when lit at night.
Tripoli Corniche Evening Walk
Strolling the Mediterranean seafront promenade is free and gives the best insight into everyday Libyan social life, especially in the evenings when families gather.
Tripoli Old Medina Exploration
Wandering the historic medina streets, visiting the exterior of mosques, and watching craftsmen at work in the souks is free and endlessly fascinating.
Benghazi Corniche
The historic seafront promenade of Benghazi with Italian colonial architecture and sea views is freely accessible and pleasant for walking at any time.
Martyrs' Square (Green Square)
Tripoli's historic main plaza and public gathering space is free to visit and a prime people-watching spot.