Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is a vibrant city. It combines old heritage with contemporary vitality. Tunis has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re interested in exploring the rich history and cultural heritage, sampling delicious cuisine, or soaking up the atmosphere of a bustling North African city. From its historic sites and museums to its vibrant arts scene, Tunis is a city that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern. It will captivate visitors from around the world!
1. Explore the Medina of Tunis
The Medina is the city’s most famous attraction and is a must-see for anyone visiting Tunis! It is one of the best-preserved Islamic towns in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its winding streets, go shopping in the souks, and take in the stunning mosques, palaces, and homes’ architectural designs.
A significant commercial and cultural hub in North Africa, Medina has been there since the 9th century. It was once surrounded by 8 kilometers of protective walls that spanned around the edge of the city. Over the years, these defenses were increased in size to better defend the city against invaders. But as part of their attempts to modernize Tunis, the French destroyed much of the city’s protective walls and gates. The architectural and cultural history of the Medina has been harmed, which resulted in the destruction of several historic places.
Despite this loss, the Medina of Tunis continues to draw tourists. They come to explore its winding lanes, historic mosques, and bustling souks. It is a great example of Islamic architecture and urban planning. To promote the city’s cultural and architectural legacy, efforts have been done to conserve the remaining old buildings.
Unlock the secrets of the Medina
My advice is to roam through the souks and look at a wide range of goods, including clothes, ceramics, spices, and handicrafts. If you are seeking something specific, notice that souks are sorted according to the kind of goods. Some of the most popular souks are the Souk El Berka, which sells traditional Tunisian apparel and jewelry, and the Souk El Attarine, which specializes in spices and fragrances.
Do not be afraid to haggle over the price if you think that some goods are too expensive. This is customary in Tunisian souks. But keep in mind that the vendors depend on their sales to support their families.
2. Visit the Bardo Museum
Considered one of the top museums in North Africa, the Bardo Museum has a remarkable collection of Roman mosaics and other antique Tunisian antiquities. The museum is located in a stunning palace from the 19th century and is a must-see for history lovers.
In July 2021, President Kais Saied declared a state of emergency in Tunisia due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which may have led to the closure of the Bardo Museum and other cultural institutions. The decision to close the museum may have also been made in an effort to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff. At the same time, Kais Saied suspended the parliament and dismissed the prime minister on July 25, 2021. As the museum is close to the Assembly, whose doors had been locked to prevent legislators from bursting into the Chamber, the Bardo National Museum has been closed. The soldiers who protect the Assembly and, by the way, the museum. It’s important to note that political and social situations in Tunisia are complex and constantly evolving, and it is best to refer to news sources for the latest updates and developments.
Seeing that its closure lasts over time, a campaign on social networks is launched via the slogan «Outside the walls», with the dissemination of various photos of the museum’s collections of works of art. As the Parliament is back in session and the building reopened on March 12, 2023, Tunisians expected that the National Museum will reopen shortly. Unfortunately, it is still shut down. The entrances are still closed off by a security cordon.
3. See the Carthage Ruins
Carthage was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of its once-great empire. The Amphitheatre, Punic Port, and the Antonine Baths are among the highlights.
Just so you know, Carthage is outside of Tunis. If you’re coming from Tunis, you can take the light rail line TGM to the Carthage Hannibal station. It is inexpensive and worthwhile to experience at least once. Alternatively, you can take a cab that will drive you to the ruins.
Then, you will need to buy a ticket to go to the Carthage Ruins. It is available for buy at each site’s entry. With this ticket, you will be able to access all the Carthage sites because all are included in the admission fee (12 TND). We started the visit from the Carthaginian Ancient Theater
I would advise you to book a guided tour if you want to find out more about the history of the Carthage Ruins. There is very little information on the site. Many tour companies in Tunis provide guided tours of the ruins, which can give you a better knowledge of the site’s history and culture.
4. Relax at Sidi Bou Said
The lovely town of Sidi Bou Said is perched on a hilltop with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. The village is renowned for its charming blue-and-white structures, small lanes, and breathtaking views. You can stroll around the village, no need for any public transport. Once there, you will find cafés and restaurants where you may relax, drink some mint tea, and savor some local plates.
By the way, Ayam Zaman Restaurant is home to Sibi Bou Said’s most well-known view. But if you are around, I really recommend you to have a look at the menu – and the prices! -. We went there without first seeking advice online. We did not have a data connection in Tunisia! First, the waiters looked friendly and offered us some local delights. But they overcharged the price of the beverages, and we also had to pay for the goodies… without having been informed beforehand.
Getting there is simple. The Sidi Bou Said station is accessible via the TGM train from Tunis’s city center. Several stations along the way are served by the TGM, a light rail train that travels along the coast. The train ride takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the Mediterranean coast. Taxis are also available in Tunis, and you can easily hire one to go to Sidi Bou Said. To avoid overpaying, it’s a good idea to discuss the fee in advance. Even better, choose a taxi with a taximeter. Depending on traffic, cab travel takes roughly 20 minutes. The last option is to drive to Sidi Bou Said and park in one of the lots. But keep in mind that parking might be difficult because of the winding streets.
Visit the Zitouna Mosque
The Zitouna Mosque, the largest mosque in Tunisia, is also one of the most significant ones in Tunisia. Having been built in the 8th century, the mosque has a long history and beautiful architecture. Explore the mosque’s cultural and religious importance while touring the stunning interior.
It is in the center of Tunis’s ancient medina and is accessible to tourists during specific times of the day. Zitouna Mosque is often available to guests from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Do not pay attention to Google opening hours. The mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays, which is the day of prayer for Muslims. Keep in mind that the mosque can be off-limits to visitors on specific religious holidays or special occasions. It is always a good idea to confirm in advance with locals if the mosque will be open during your planned visit.
It is also important to dress appropriately. Before entering the mosque, you must take off your shoes, and ladies should cover their hair. I would advise taking a guided tour to understand more about the history of this significant religious site.