Shopping in Tunis
What to Buy
- Carpets & Rugs: Hand-woven kilims and traditional Berber rugs from southern Tunisia. Medina and Kairouan famous for quality
- Ceramics & Pottery: Nabeul pottery (especially blue/white designs), decorative plates, tiles, and tagines
- Leather Goods: Bags, shoes, belts, and wallets from Medina leather souks
- Olive Oil: Tunisia is world's 4th largest producer buy premium extra virgin olive oil
- Spices & Harissa: Authentic harissa paste, cumin, coriander, saffron from spice markets
- Traditional Clothing: Embroidered tunics, jebba, chechia (traditional caps), handmade scarves
- Metalwork: Brass lanterns, copper trays, silver jewelry (especially Berber designs)
- Perfumes: Traditional scents, rose water, orange blossom water from perfume souks
Shopping Areas
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.
Bargaining Tips
- Initial asking prices often 2-3x fair value start at 40-50% and negotiate
- Stay polite but firm. Walk away if price too high sellers often call you back
- Compare prices at multiple shops before buying expensive items
- Morning visits often yield better prices (vendors want first sales)
- Pay in cash (Tunisian Dinars) for better rates vendors charge more for cards
- Don't feel pressured pushy selling is normal but you control the interaction
- Say "La, shukran" (No, thank you) firmly and keep walking if not interested
Shopping Customs
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.