The Best Travel Guide to Tunis

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Tunis

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Overview

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Tunis The guide was updated: 2022-10-29

Unjustly overlooked by travellers en route to Tunisia's celebrated seaside resorts, the nation's capital certainly deserves more than a just a quick glance outside the shuttle bus window. The city lives and breathes history, and has a lot to offer in the way of art and culture. Ancient Roman ruins, palpable traces of French colonial presence and an Oriental flair well-preserved in the Medina all constitute major elements of Tunis' eclectic charm.

Facts

Population:	1.056 million
Currency:	1 Tunisian Dinar = 0.34 Euro
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 197 Ambulance: 190 Fire: 198 National guard: 193
Newspapers:	The Tunis Times (English)
Opening hours:	As of May 2014, most of downtown Tunis (centre ville) begins closing around 8pm and is usually completely empty by 9pm. It is therefore recommended to explore the city during daylight hours. Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Medina is open from 8am to 4pm. Business is low on Sundays, when only about a quarter of shops remain open.
Tourist information:	Office National du Tourisme Tunisien 1 Avenue Mohamed V, Tunis www.discovertunisia.com ontt@ontt.tourism.tn +216 71 120 300

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Section in Tunis

Get lost in the maze of the Medina's windy streets, occasionally stopping to marvel at the work of craftsmen or admire local art and architecture. Pay a visit to one of the former Islamic schools (many of them have been turned into cultural centers), and remember to stop for a glass of traditional hot mint tea. Only a few kilometers west of the city centre lie the coastal suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa and Gammarth, where most holiday resorts and luxury hotels are located. While La Marsa and Gammarth are known for their vibrant nightlife, Carthage (former seat of the powerful Carthaginian Empire) with its ancient Roman ruins is a must to explore for history lovers.

Medina of Tunis

Medina of Tunis

The historic heart of the nation's capital, the Medina is a maze of winding streets bustling with life during daytime. Walk down the souqs to witness craftsmen at work, pay a visit to one of the historic monuments (the Zitouna mosque, oldest in town, is a must-see) or simply haggle away for unique, hand-made items at the plentiful shops and stalls.

Bardo National Museum

Bardo National Museum

The Bardo museum is the biggest in the country and is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. The majestic building houses unique Roman mosaics and unique artifacts discovered in the area during excavation works started in the 19th century. A guided tour is highly recommended.

Zitouna Mosque

Zitouna Mosque

In the Tunis Medina, all roads (however windy) eventually lead to this ancient mosque first constructed in the 8th century. Today it is a major cultural attraction for tourists regardless of their religious affiliation, one of the oldest mosques in the world and a cherished site in the heart of the old town.

North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial

North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial

A moving and sobering memorial to the victims of WWII who fell during the North African campaign, an often overlooked chapter of the war.

Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul

Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul

This centrally located Christian cathedral is an architectural and cultural testament to the diverse historic make up of the city of Tunis.

Berber Village

Berber Village

Located on a picturesque hillside, this village is the place to go if you're looking to learn more about the life of North Africa's indigenous population.

Kasbah Square

Kasbah Square

It's hard to miss this monumental square you're likely to go through when heading into the Medina. Kasbah is a plaza of historical significance to the people of Tunisia (this is where the sit-ins of 2011 took place).

Former Islamic Schools

Former Islamic Schools

There are several well-preserved schools, or "medersa", located around the city of Tunis. Many of these historic monuments have become cultural centers, and a visit here will give you a good feel for what school life would have been like centuries back.

Mosque Sidi Youssef

Mosque Sidi Youssef

Sidi Youssef is a historic mosque that is still operational, so make sure to schedule your visits around prayer times. The mosque is majestic inside and out, and the surrounding neighborhood offers plenty to explore.

Hammam

Hammam

The Medina is dotted with traditional public bath houses called "hammam", and no visit to Tunisia is truly complete without paying a visit to one of them. Bring bathing attire, and enjoy a massage for a small extra charge.

Archaeological Site of Carthage

Archaeological Site of Carthage

A short drive away from the city center lies historic Carthage, the former seat of the powerful Carthaginian Empire. There is a lot to explore in the way of archaeological sites - ancient Roman theaters, baths, dwelling buildings and other ruins dating back to as early as 2nd century BC. The entire are is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is a true highlight of any visit to Tunis. Hire a cab and make your way to this picture-perfect seaside village whose steep windy streets are lined with white houses, and stunning views await you at every turn.

Rue Charles de Gaulle

Rue Charles de Gaulle

Rue Charles de Gaulle is a part of French colonial heritage in the area, and offers visitors a good glimpse of Tunisian urban life. The street is very commercial and one is never far away from a shop here, with the Marche Central located conveniently on it.

Dar Lasram

Dar Lasram

Dar Lasram is a historic home of Agence Sauvegarde de la Medina. The interior offers a glimpse of 18-19th century dwelling in Tunis, is wonderfully preserved and offers unique insights into Tunisian culture.

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

An unexpected find not far away from the city center, the Japanese Garden is an oasis of tranquility and a green retreat from the heat and dusty city streets.

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