Tunis and its surroundings are home to some of the Mediterranean's most significant archaeological treasures. The ancient city of Carthage, once rival to Rome, spreads across the northern suburbs, while the Medina preserves medieval Islamic architecture in its labyrinthine streets.
Explore the remnants of the mighty Phoenician and Roman city that once challenged Rome's dominance. The sprawling archaeological site includes the massive Antonine Baths (built 146-162 AD), one of the largest Roman bath complexes outside Rome. Visit Byrsa Hill for the Carthage National Museum and foundations of 5-story Punic houses with sophisticated cistern and drainage systems. The Tophet sanctuary and burial ground reveals Carthaginian religious practices, while the twin Punic Ports demonstrate their maritime mastery. The Roman Villas, particularly the Villa of the Aviary, showcase exquisite mosaics, columns, and statues from the Roman elite's mansions.
Wander through one of the world's finest examples of medieval Islamic urbanism in this UNESCO-listed old city. The Medina's 700+ monuments include the magnificent Ez-Zitouna Mosque (Great Mosque), Tunisia's spiritual heart built in 732 AD. Navigate the vibrant souks where traditional craftsmen continue centuries-old trades: carpet weavers, leather workers, perfume sellers, and metalworkers. Discover hidden gems like ornate madrasas (Islamic schools), historic dars (traditional houses), and the beautiful Tourbet el Bey mausoleum. The Kasbah quarter offers glimpses of Hafsid dynasty architecture. Experience authentic Tunisian life while shopping for spices, carpets, ceramics, and traditional goods.
Housed in a stunning 15th-century Hafsid palace, the Bardo Museum is Africa's second-largest museum and home to the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics. The museum traces Tunisia's history across millennia through Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Marvel at intricate mosaics depicting mythology, daily Roman life, hunting scenes, and maritime themes excavated from sites across Tunisia including Carthage, Dougga, and Utica. Don't miss the Blue Koran of Kairouan in the Islamic section, Greek treasures from the 1907 Mahdia shipwreck, Punic grimacing masks, and the famous stele of the priest and child. The palace architecture itself is breathtaking, with beautifully decorated rooms and courtyards.
Each neighborhood around Tunis offers distinct character and atmosphere, from the picturesque blue-and-white cliff-top village of Sidi Bou Said to the elegant coastal suburb of La Marsa and the historic port of La Goulette.
Often called the "Blue and White Village," this enchanting cliff-top town is Tunisia's most photogenic destination. Every building features brilliant white facades with cobalt blue doors, window frames, and wrought-iron railings a color scheme established in the 1920s by Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger. Wander cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea, browse art galleries, and visit the Ennejma Ezzahra palace (now the Center for Arab and Mediterranean Music). Stop at the legendary Café des Nattes or Café des Délices for mint tea with stunning sea views. The village has inspired countless artists including Paul Klee, August Macke, and Louis Moillet. Visit Dar El Annabi Museum, an 18th-century summer home showcasing traditional Tunisian life (includes complimentary mint tea).
This upscale coastal suburb combines beautiful beaches with residential charm and excellent dining. La Marsa Beach offers Mediterranean swimming and beachside cafés. The neighborhood features elegant villas, trendy restaurants, and the laid-back Café Plage perfect for Turkish coffee and people-watching. The area's natural sand dunes behind the beach provide picturesque picnic spots. La Marsa represents authentic Tunisian lifestyle away from tourist crowds, with local markets, fresh seafood restaurants, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Tunisia's historic port district where cruise ships dock and the TGM train connects to coastal suburbs. La Goulette features a charming harbor, seafood restaurants serving fresh catches, and a multicultural heritage reflecting its Spanish, Italian, Maltese, and Jewish communities. The port offers ferry connections to Sicily and serves as the gateway between downtown Tunis and the coastal attractions of Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and La Marsa.
Beyond the world-famous Bardo, Tunis offers specialized museums showcasing everything from Carthaginian artifacts to traditional Tunisian architecture and Arab music heritage.
Perched atop Byrsa Hill within the Carthage archaeological site, this museum houses an exceptional collection of Punic and Roman artifacts excavated from ancient Carthage. Explore Phoenician pottery, jewelry, stelae with inscriptions crucial to Semitic epigraphy, Roman sculptures, coins, and architectural fragments. The museum building itself occupies a former Catholic seminary on the hill where Hannibal's palace once stood. The location offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Gulf of Tunis and the archaeological park below.
Step into an authentic 18th-century summer residence in Sidi Bou Said showcasing traditional Tunisian aristocratic life. This beautifully preserved dar (traditional house) features period furnishings, colorful ceramics, intricate woodwork, and traditional textiles. Each room illustrates different aspects of domestic life: reception areas, women's quarters, kitchen, and courtyard. The museum offers complimentary mint tea to visitors while exploring. Experience authentic Tunisian hospitality and architecture in this intimate cultural gem.
The former residence of Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger (who established Sidi Bou Said's iconic blue-white aesthetic), this stunning Neo-Moorish palace built in the early 20th century now houses the Center for Arab and Mediterranean Music. The palace showcases a magnificent collection of traditional musical instruments from across the Arab world, hosts concerts of Arabic music, and offers insights into North African musical heritage. The architecture itself with intricate tilework, carved plasterwork, and painted ceilings is worth the visit.
Tunis showcases centuries of religious diversity through magnificent mosques, historic zaouias, and colonial-era churches that reflect the city's multicultural heritage.
The spiritual and architectural heart of Tunis, Ez-Zitouna (meaning "Olive Tree") is the city's principal mosque and one of North Africa's most significant Islamic monuments. Founded in 732 AD and rebuilt in the 9th century, it spans over 5,000 square meters with a magnificent courtyard surrounded by marble columns salvaged from Roman Carthage. The mosque features 184 columns of various marble types, a stunning minaret, and serves as the country's primary Islamic university. Non-Muslims cannot enter but can admire the exterior architecture and photograph from the entrance. The surrounding medina developed around this religious center.
This imposing Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral dominates Place de l'Indépendance at the western end of Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Built in 1897 during French colonial rule, it served as the seat of the Archdiocese of Carthage. The cathedral features distinctive twin bell towers, intricate stone carvings, beautiful stained glass, and a grand interior combining European and North African architectural elements. Though no longer used regularly for worship, it stands as a striking reminder of Tunisia's colonial history and religious diversity. Visitors can explore the interior's impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Perched dramatically atop Byrsa Hill in Carthage, this Byzantine-Moorish cathedral was built in 1890 on the legendary site where Carthaginian leader Hannibal's palace once stood and where French King Louis IX (St. Louis) died during the Eighth Crusade in 1270. The cathedral offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across the Gulf of Tunis, the Mediterranean, and the archaeological ruins below. Now deconsecrated and serving as a cultural venue, the building's striking architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit. The location provides the best viewpoint for understanding Carthage's strategic coastal position.
Tunis's public spaces tell the story of the city's evolution from colonial outpost to modern capital, where French-style boulevards meet traditional Arab gates and fountains.
Tunis's grand central boulevard, often compared to Paris's Champs-Élysées, stretches 60 meters wide from Place de l'Indépendance to the Tunis Lake causeway. Named after Tunisia's first president and independence leader, this tree-lined avenue features colonial-era architecture, the Municipal Theatre (Art Nouveau style from 1902), government offices, banks, shops, and sidewalk cafés. The broad median planted with ficus trees creates a pleasant promenade. Historic landmarks include the French Embassy (1861), Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, and the statue of Ibn Khaldoun, Tunisia's famous medieval philosopher. The avenue serves as Tunis's social and commercial heart, buzzing with activity day and night.
The "Sea Gate" (also called Porte de France) stands as a free-standing arch marking the boundary between the old Medina and modern Tunis. This historic gateway once formed part of the city walls that enclosed the Medina. Today, it serves as the symbolic threshold where Avenue de France (extension of Avenue Habib Bourguiba) meets the Medina's labyrinthine alleys. The square around Bab Bhar features a central fountain and bustling activity as locals and tourists pass between old and new Tunis. It's the perfect starting point for Medina exploration.
This significant roundabout marks the western terminus of Avenue Habib Bourguiba and serves as a major civic gathering space. The square is framed by important landmarks: the French Embassy to the south and the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul to the north. At its center stands a statue of Ibn Khaldoun, the renowned 14th-century Arab historian and philosopher, looking toward the avenue and lake beyond. The square witnessed historic moments during Tunisia's 2011 Jasmine Revolution with demonstrations calling for democratic reforms.
Spring (March-May): The best time to visit Tunis. Temperatures range 18-25°C (64-77°F), perfect for sightseeing. Flowers bloom, landscapes are green, and tourist crowds are manageable. Ideal for exploring Carthage ruins without oppressive heat.
Autumn (September-November): Another excellent period with moderate temperatures (20-28°C / 68-82°F), fewer tourists than summer, and pleasant conditions for walking tours. The Mediterranean is still warm enough for swimming in September.
Summer (June-August): Very hot (30-38°C / 86-100°F) with intense sun, especially for archaeological sites. Best suited for beach activities. Book accommodations early as it's peak tourist season. Bring sun protection, hat, and plenty of water.
Winter (December-February): Cooler (10-17°C / 50-63°F) and quieter with fewer tourists. Occasional rain but generally mild compared to European winters. Budget-friendly with lower prices. Bring a jacket and layers.
Ramadan Considerations: During the Islamic holy month (dates vary annually), many restaurants close during daylight hours, and business hours may be reduced. However, iftar (sunset meal) creates a special atmosphere with communal meals and festive nights.
The Tunis Metro operates 6 lines covering 61+ km with 65 stations. Managed by Transtu, it's affordable (less than 0.5 TND per ride), though often crowded. Line 4 reaches the Bardo Museum. Tickets purchased at stations or from conductors.
Essential for coastal attractions! This historic commuter rail (Tunisia's first, inaugurated 1872) connects downtown Tunis Marine station with La Goulette, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and La Marsa. 18 stations along 19km. Trains run every 30 minutes (0.5-1 TND). Perfect for day trips to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. Note: As of 2025, service temporarily disrupted between La Goulette Casino and Kheireddine 10 minute walk between stations.
Three lines (A, D, E) connect outer suburbs to central station. Line D reaches Bardo Museum (15 minutes). Trains every 20-40 minutes. ~1 TND fare. Modern and spacious.
Extensive network operated by Transtu (SNT and TCV companies). Very affordable (0.32+ TND depending on zones) but often extremely crowded, inconsistent schedules, and route information primarily in Arabic. Main stations: Habib Thameur, Ali Belhouane, Tunis Marine, Barcelone.
White 8-passenger vans operating intercity routes throughout Tunisia. Depart when full (no fixed schedule). Comfortable and affordable, similar prices to buses/trains. Main station at Moncef Bey. Popular for trips to Hammamet, Sousse, Nabeul, etc.
Yellow taxis widely available with meters. Minimum charge 0.90 TND with 50% evening/night surcharge. Always insist the meter runs or negotiate price in advance. Watch for red/green light: red = available, green = hired. Avoid taxis without this light. Bolt ridesharing suspended in Tunisia as of May 2025. Uber not available.
Book through platforms like Daytrip for guaranteed pickups and English-speaking drivers. More expensive but convenient for airport transfers and day trips.
Available but costly (includes mandatory insurance and breakdown cover). Minimum age 21. Roads generally good but signs only in Arabic and French. Recommended for exploring beyond Tunis at your own pace.
Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN) is 8km northeast. Options: Official yellow taxis (15-25 TND to center, insist on meter), airport bus 104 from/to Tunis Marine (1 TND, ~40 minutes), private transfers, or rental cars.
Tunis Medina Souks: Most authentic and affordable. Divided by trade (textiles, spices, jewelry, perfumes, leather). Narrow alleys filled with treasures. Expect aggressive vendors bargaining essential.
Sidi Bou Said: Upscale galleries, art, high-quality crafts. More expensive but unique items and better quality. Less aggressive selling.
Avenue Habib Bourguiba: Modern shops, boutiques, bookstores, international brands.
Carrefour Market: Western-style supermarket for groceries, toiletries, packaged foods.
Shops typically open 9am-6pm (closed midday 12-2pm). During Ramadan, hours shift dramatically. Most vendors accept euros/dollars but pay in Tunisian Dinars for fairness. Keep receipts for customs and authenticity verification.
Carthage International Festival (July-August): Tunisia's premier cultural event featuring world-class musicians, theater, dance, and cinema at the ancient Roman Theater of Carthage. Performances from Arab, African, and international artists.
Tunis International Book Fair (March/April): Major literary event attracting publishers and authors from across the Arab world and Mediterranean.
Medina Festival (Spring/Summer): Cultural celebrations within the historic Medina featuring traditional music, crafts demonstrations, and street performances.
Jazz à Carthage (Autumn): International jazz festival at Carthage archaeological sites.
Tip: During national holidays and religious festivals, museums and attractions may have reduced hours or close. Banks and government offices close. However, festivals create vibrant street atmosphere and special cultural experiences.
Morning (8am-12pm): Start at the Medina of Tunis before crowds arrive. Enter through Bab Bhar, visit Ez-Zitouna Mosque exterior, explore souks (perfume, textiles, spices). Visit Tourbet el Bey mausoleum. Stop at traditional café for mint tea.
Lunch (12-1:30pm): Try authentic couscous or brik at Medina restaurant.
Afternoon (2-6pm): Take metro Line 4 to Bardo National Museum. Spend 2-3 hours admiring world-class Roman mosaics. Return to Avenue Habib Bourguiba for evening stroll, coffee at sidewalk café.
Evening: Dinner at restaurant near Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Try ojja, fricassee, or grilled fish.
Morning (8am-1pm): Take TGM train to Carthage. Visit Byrsa Hill (Carthage Museum + St. Louis Cathedral) for panoramic views. Explore Antonine Baths, then Punic Ports area. See Roman Villas with mosaics.
Lunch (1-2:30pm): Fresh seafood at La Goulette port or continue to Sidi Bou Said.
Afternoon (3-7pm): TGM to Sidi Bou Said. Wander blue-and-white streets, visit Dar El Annabi Museum (with mint tea!), browse art galleries. Stop at Café des Délices for spectacular sea views and traditional tea. Watch sunset over Mediterranean.
Evening: Return to Tunis or dine at Sidi Bou Said's restaurants with sea views.
Early Departure (7-8am): Book private tour or join group tour. 2-hour drive south.
Kairouan (10am-1pm): Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan (4th holiest site in Islam, founded 670 AD), magnificent Aghlabid Basins (9th-century water reservoirs), Sidi Sahbi mausoleum with stunning tilework. Walk through Medina's carpet souks.
Lunch (1-2pm): Traditional restaurant in Kairouan or en route to El Jem.
El Jem (2:30-4:30pm): Marvel at the Roman Amphitheater world's 3rd largest and best-preserved. Climb to upper levels for views. Visit El Jem Museum with exceptional mosaics.
Return (5-7pm): Drive back to Tunis with Tunisian countryside views.
Alternative: Add Sousse Medina if time permits (coastal city between El Jem and Tunis).
Departure (7:30am): Private tour recommended. 2.5-hour drive southwest.
Dougga (10am-1pm): Explore Tunisia's best-preserved Roman city (UNESCO site). See the magnificent Theater (seats 3,500), Capitolium Temple dedicated to Jupiter/Juno/Minerva, Licinian Baths, residential quarter, stunning hillside setting. This remote site offers authentic Roman ruins without crowds.
Lunch (1-2:30pm): Local restaurant or stop in Testour (optional: visit Great Mosque with reversed clock).
Bulla Regia (3-5pm): Unique Roman site where villas had underground floors to escape heat seven excavated so far with beautiful mosaics naming each villa. Underground architecture preserved due to innovative design.
Return (5:30-8pm): Scenic drive through Tunisia's green countryside.
Morning (9am-12pm): Explore neighborhoods you missed La Marsa for upscale vibe, local markets. Visit Belvedere Park for gardens and zoo, or revisit favorite Medina souks for final shopping.
Lunch (12-2pm): Beachfront restaurant at La Marsa Beach. Try couscous with fish or grilled seafood.
Afternoon (2-6pm): Relax at La Marsa or Carthage beaches. Swim in Mediterranean, sunbathe, enjoy beach cafés. Walk the natural sand dunes behind La Marsa Beach.
Evening (6-9pm): Return to Sidi Bou Said for golden hour photography and farewell dinner at restaurant with sea view terrace. Traditional mint tea ceremony and bambaloni (honey donuts) for dessert.
Alternative: Visit Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, explore modern Tunis neighborhoods, or enjoy hammam (traditional bath) experience.
Pro Tips: Tours for Kairouan/El Jem and Dougga/Bulla Regia should be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Prices typically 80-150 TND per person including transport, guide, and sometimes lunch. Private tours cost more but offer flexibility.
Voltage: Tunisia uses 230V, 50Hz electrical system same as Europe.
Plug Types: Tunisia primarily uses Type C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with hole for earth pin) plugs the European standard.
Do You Need an Adapter?
Where to Buy Adapters: Available at airports, electronics shops in Tunis, and some hotels (at premium). Better to buy before traveling.
Voltage Converters: Modern smartphones, laptops, cameras, and tablets typically accept 110-240V (check device label). Hair dryers, straighteners, and other heat appliances often need converters OR buy dual-voltage versions.
Hotel Amenities: Most hotels provide some adapters at reception. Higher-end hotels may have multi-plug sockets. Ask when booking.
Pro Tip: Universal travel adapter with USB ports is most convenient charges multiple devices simultaneously and works in Tunisia and worldwide.
Couscous: Tunisia's national dish steamed semolina grains served with vegetables, chickpeas, and meat (lamb, chicken, or fish). Eaten at least weekly in Tunisian households. Expect generous portions. Traditional Friday lunch dish.
Brik (Brique): Crispy deep-fried triangular pastry filled with egg, tuna, potatoes, capers, parsley, and harissa. The goal: bite carefully to catch the runny egg yolk! Available at street stalls (1-3 TND). Tunisia's most popular snack.
Harissa: Essential spicy paste made from roasted red peppers, chili, garlic, cumin, coriander, and olive oil. Used to flavor stews, couscous, and sandwiches. Ranges from mild to very hot.
Ojja (Chakchouka): Eggs poached in spicy tomato-pepper sauce, often with merguez sausage. Similar to shakshuka but Tunisian version typically includes meat. Eaten with fresh bread.
Fricassee: Fried bread sandwich filled with tuna, hard-boiled egg, olives, potatoes, capers, and harissa. Popular street food invented by Tunisia's Jewish community in the 1800s.
Lablabi: Hearty chickpea soup with garlic, cumin, harissa, olive oil, capers, and stale bread. Comforting winter dish eaten hot. Common at lunch/dinner (not breakfast despite some guides).
Mechouia Salad: Grilled vegetable salad (tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic) with tuna and boiled eggs. Refreshing starter, especially in summer.
Tunisian Salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers light and refreshing. Perfect in hot weather.
Merguez: Spicy lamb or beef sausage seasoned with harissa/chili peppers. Grilled and served in sandwiches or with couscous.
Makroud: Sweet semolina pastries filled with date paste, deep-fried, and soaked in honey. Traditional dessert.
Bambaloni: Sweet fried donuts dipped in honey perfect with coffee or mint tea.
Medina Restaurants: Authentic traditional cuisine in atmospheric settings historic dars (houses) converted to restaurants.
Street Food: Safest at busy stalls with high turnover. Try fricassee and brik from popular vendors. La Marsa's "Chez L'Ami Mustapha" famous for brik.
Avenue Habib Bourguiba: Mix of international and local restaurants, sidewalk cafés.
Coastal Restaurants: La Goulette and La Marsa excel at fresh seafood grilled fish, calamari, prawns.
Sidi Bou Said: Upscale dining with sea views but tourist prices. Restaurant l'Arabesque recommended.
Foodie Tip: Don't miss trying couscous with fish (coastal specialty), mlawi sandwich (roadside), and fresh Tunisian olives. The food around La Marsa's "La SafSaf" area is particularly good for authentic local cuisine.
Carthage Multi-Site Ticket: Approximately 12 TND (may vary). This essential pass grants access to multiple Carthage archaeological sites including Antonine Baths, Byrsa Hill/Carthage Museum, Roman Villas, Punic Ports area, and Tophet. Valid for multiple days, allowing you to explore at your own pace without buying individual tickets at each entrance. Excellent value for history enthusiasts. Purchase at any Carthage site entrance.
No Official City Pass: Tunisia doesn't currently offer a comprehensive multi-day city pass like many European capitals. However, combined tickets and private tour packages often provide better value than visiting attractions separately.
Pro Tip: Many tour companies offer full-day packages visiting Carthage + Sidi Bou Said + Bardo Museum + Medina with transport and guide for 80-150 TND per person often better value than organizing separately, especially for first-time visitors.