Tunis

Tunis is divided into two parts: the old city, known as the medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new city, or ville nouvelle in French. The huge avenue that runs through the new city from the clock tower to the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul is known as Ave Habib Bourguiba. It then becomes Ave de France, which continues for a few blocks until ending at the Place de la Victoire and the Port de France, a massive free-standing gate that once served as the medina’s entry. This can be a useful landmark for taxi drivers, as some of the neighboring smaller streets aren’t always well-known.

The Port de France is also a great place to start exploring the medina. Rue Jemaa Zaytouna goes past several stores to the Zaytouna Mosque, Tunis’s largest mosque and the medina’s heart. The Rue de la Kasbah runs parallel to Rue Jemaa Zaytouna and has a branch near the Port de France. This path leads all the way through the medina to the Place du Gouvernment and the Place de la Kasbah, a vast, desolate plaza guarded by armed guards. It is rather straightforward to navigate between the two streets by cutting through the labyrinthine medina, and it is also relatively easy to maintain your bearings and locate an exit. At night, Rue Jemaa Zaytouna appears to be a better access point from the Port de France, as it remains rather busy. The Rue de la Kasbah, on the other hand, is bustling after dark on the Place de la Kasbah side, but it is gloomy and almost frightening near the Port de France. It’s a good idea to acquire a feel for the medina during the day so you’ll be more confidence if you’re alone and need to identify a landmark at night.

There aren’t many must-see sights, but the city offers a unique combination of old and modern. Furthermore, the souq is one of the most genuine and hassle-free in North Africa, and the Carthage ruins are readily accessible from here.

Tunis, located on the Mediterranean coast but lacking in beaches, has avoided the assault of package tourism to the destinations to the north and south.

The world heritage-listed old town is a vibrant, teeming maze of painted ancient homes, vaults, and street sellers. You can only move around on your feet.

The Avenue de France One of Tunis’s busiest streets. It is surrounded by stores, restaurants, and architecturally significant buildings.

Place de la Victoire (Victory Square). A bustling area near the medina’s entrance. It is surrounded by stores, cafés, and the ornate structure that houses the United Kingdom’s High Commission.

St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral This is the biggest remaining edifice from Tunis’s colonial period, built in the neo-Romanesque style in 1882. It was named after St. Vincent de Paul, a local priest who was sold as a slave and battled slavery after being freed. A golden mosaic depicting Jesus and two trumpet-playing angels adorns the exterior.

Zitouna Grand Mosquée This Aghlabite mosque, Tunisia’s biggest and most prominent monument, goes back to the 8th century, but the unique square minaret was added considerably later in the 19th century. Non-Muslims may only visit an observation platform on the perimeter of the courtyard, not the mosque itself, and must dress modestly. After the 2010 revolution, it was closed to tourists.

Souk El Belat, Medersa Bachia. Quran school from the 18th century, designated a national monument in 1912. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter.

Rue Tourbet el-Bey, Tourbet el-Bey. An imposing 18th-century mausoleum that served as the last resting place for approximately 160 princes, ministers, and their families. Inside, the eight-pointed star signifies the gates to heaven.

Tunis has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with a hot and dry season and warm winters with modest precipitation.

The local climate is additionally influenced by the city’s latitude, the moderating impact of the Mediterranean Sea, and the geography of the hills.

Winter is the wettest season of the year, with more than a third of the yearly rainfall falling during this time, with rain falling every two or three days on average. During the winter, the sun may still raise the temperature from 7 °C (45 °F) in the morning to 16 °C (61 °F) in the afternoon. Frosts are uncommon or non-existent.

In the spring, rainfall is cut in half. In May, the sun shines for an average of 10 hours every day. Temperatures in March may range from 8 °C (46 °F) to 18 °C (64 °F), while in May they can range from 13 °C (55 °F) to 24 °C (75 °F). Temperatures may surge as early as April, with record highs exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Summer is devoid of rain, and the amount of sunshine is at its peak. The summer months of June, July, August, and September have very high average temperatures. Sea breezes may help to keep the heat at bay, but sirocco winds can have the opposite effect.

Autumn brings rain, frequently in the form of brief thunderstorms that may trigger flash floods or even flood areas of the city.

November is a respite from the overall heat, with average temperatures ranging from 11 °C (52 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F).

Tunis is situated in north-eastern Tunisia on Lake Tunis and is linked to the Mediterranean Sea’s Gulf of Tunis by a canal that ends at the port of La Goulette / Halq al Wadi. Carthage, the ancient city, is situated just north of Tunis along the Mediterranean.

Tunis is constructed on a hill that slopes down to the Tunis Lake. These hills are home to Notre-Dame de Tunis, Ras Tabia, La Rabta, La Kasbah, Montfleury, and La Manoubia, all of which have elevations higher than 50 meters. The city is situated at the intersection of a short strip of land between Lake Tunis and Séjoumi. The isthmus between them is known as the “Tunis dome,” and it is made up of hills of limestone and sediments. It constitutes a natural bridge, from which numerous main highways leading to Egypt and other parts of Tunisia have sprung since ancient times. The routes are also linked to Carthage, emphasizing its political and economic prominence not just in Tunisia but across Africa throughout the Roman era.

The Greater Tunis region encompasses 300,000 hectares, 30,000 of which are urbanized, with the remainder divided among bodies of water (20,000 hectares of lakes or lagoons) and agricultural or natural terrain (250,000 hectares). However, urban expansion, which is predicted to increase by 500 hectares each year, is progressively transforming the environment.

Tunis is the sole nationally rated metropolis due to the concentration of political command (headquarters of the central government, president, parliament, ministries and central government) and culture (festivals and mainstream media). Tunis is the center of the Tunisian economy and the country’s industrial and economic centre, housing one-third of Tunisian firms and practically all corporate headquarters.

The Gulf Finance House, or GFH, has committed $10 billion in the building of Tunisia’s financial port, which would convert Tunisia into Europe’s gateway to Africa. The initiative aims to strengthen Tunisia’s economy as well as increase the number of tourists that visit the country each year. The project is still in the planning stages.

The Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN), located 8 kilometers from the city center, is tiny and in good condition, with all basic amenities. Several establishments, notably Caffe Lindo, provide free Wi-Fi, however it is not always available. International planes will land on the airport’s ground floor. The toilets are clean, however the attendants ask for money after each use. If you forget to bring your own, make sure to ask the attendant for toilet paper.

According to Tunisian legislation, all cash must be traded within the nation. Bringing Tunisian cash outside or within the nation is banned, yet you can do so provided you sign a disclaimer at most travel desks. Air France and Lufthansa are the two major western carriers that fly from Paris or Frankfurt to Tunis-Carthage. You may exchange money at your hotel or at the airport. There are various ATMs, although some appear to have difficulty accepting international cards. A dependable one may be found on the ground level, close to the cafe L’Escale and beneath the Banque de Tunisie sign. You should keep the transaction receipt; without it, the bank (or another institution) may refuse to change any remaining Dinar into your own currency.

A cab into the city center should cost approximately 3-5 dinars during the day and roughly 5 dinars at night if you insist on using the meter. Buses, on the other hand, run reasonably often throughout the day (but not at night) and cost a fraction of the price. Taxi drivers should be avoided. Depending on where you are going, some will ask for up to 40 TD at night. Business has grown even more competitive in a weak economy. The first taxi driver who picks up your luggage and deposits it in the trunk of his car forms the contract for your transportation, according to an unspoken norm. As you walk out of the terminal, you’re likely to be accosted by around 10 cab drivers all at once. They might aggressively reach for your luggage, not to steal it, but to try to acquire your business. It’s possible that some meters have been tampered with. If you don’t trust the taxi’s meter, haggle a fee to your destination before leaving the station. Before departing, it’s a good idea to ask your hotel front desk for an average cab charge.

Some have recommended climbing the escalator up one floor and waving down a vehicle that has just dropped someone off at the arrivals platform for a departing aircraft. This is more harder to do at night, but the benefits include hiring a more experienced driver. It is really simple to perform this in the afternoon.

A public bus service (bus number 635) to the city center is available outside the Arrivals Hall, at the same location as the bus to Bizerte. The bus comes to a halt near the Tunis Marine metro station, which is a modest bus station.

If you’re flying out of town and need to catch a connecting flight, don’t take duty-free booze that isn’t sealed in a bag; the intermediate airport won’t let you board your second aircraft with it. Insist on a paper receipt for the same purpose.

Tunis Central Station is close to Place de Barcelone, allowing for quick transfers to the light metro. Most major cities in the nation have train connections to Tunis, with the main line running from Gabès via Sousse, Sfax, and Gafsa. Trains are typically inexpensive and pleasant, but if you wish to go first class during high season, make a reservation ahead of time. SNCFT is in charge of the trains.

The rail network is linked to Algeria’s, and there is a direct train from Algiers to Tunis, known as the Maghreb express. Although rails go all the way to Morocco, the Algeria-Morocco land border has been closed since 1994.

Tunis is the center of approximately 70 bus routes in Tunisia. In town, Gare Bab el Fellah (in the Bab Saadoun district) serves southern destinations, while Gare Bab Saadoun (south of Place Barcelone) serves northern destinations. SNTRI operates buses at both stations; for timetables and pricing, visit their website.

Due to the poor quality of roads, driving practices, and signs, driving in Tunisia is not recommended. Driving at night and outside of the city and key tourist attractions is also more perilous. The A1 highway connecting Gabès, Sfax, Sousse, and Hammamet is in good condition, although traffic is heavy.

The airport is the place to go if you want to hire a car. The rates charged by local rental firms are frequently cheaper than those charged by foreign rental companies.

Tunis is the country’s main port, with ferries arriving from a variety of Mediterranean cities, including Civitavecchia in Rome, Genoa, Livorno, Naples, Palermo, Trapani, and Marseille in France. There are several operators, including GNV of Italy, SNCM of France, CTM of Tunisia, and Grimaldi Lines of Tunisia. It takes roughly 24 hours to travel from southern France or northern Italy.

The majority of ferries dock in La Goulette, around 15 minutes from Tunis. There are several cabs available, and suburban trains run every 10 minutes.

The National Tourism Office, located to the north-east of the clock tower, offers free maps of Tunis and Tunisia (directly east of the main Medina gate). The tourist information center provides assistance in a variety of languages.

Transtu operates a handy five-line light metro system that serves Tunis. The interchange hubs for all lines are located at Place de la République and Place de Barcelone in the city center. The cost of a single journey is 0.430 TD.

Starting at Tunis Marine station on Lines 1-4, the TGM suburban railway line links to La Goulette (ferries), Sidi Bou Sad, Carthage, and the beaches of Marsa. Each ticket costs 680 millimes. Be careful that there is a severe lack of signage at Tunis Marine. There are no clear signage that read TGM, and the station is designated as Tunis Nord on the maps aboard the trains itself. The TGM platform sits perpendicular to the metro vehicles and is readily accessible across the tracks if you arrive at the station on the Tunis Metro. The furthest end from the metro stop is where tickets are sold.

Although station names on the TGM differ significantly from those on the onboard map, it is easy to know where you are provided you can see the signs from the train and they are not covered in graffiti, which is a typical problem. Trains frequently come to a halt and wait on the rails after departing Tunis Nord or returning. This normally doesn’t last long, and you’d be better off not following in the footsteps of the ebullient teenagers who decide to leap from the car and stroll into the city along the railroad lines.

Because many stations along the TGM do not have full-time ticket merchants, you may be compelled to travel without a ticket if you are making several excursions along the route while visiting Carthage or Sidi Bou Said. Officials are known to board trains and check tickets, so travel without a ticket at your own risk, according to the guidebooks. Purchasing a return ticket to your distant destination may be the safest option. The price difference should be little, and you’ll be able to claim that you’ve simply boarded the train, and your ticket will be valid regardless of where you board. The safest approach is to verify with ticket dealers or purchase a ticket if one is available.

If you need to travel further than the metro, taxis are a viable choice, however cabs pulling up in front of expensive hotels will demand significantly higher prices. It’s preferable to hail one on the street; there are many of them, so you won’t have to look long. 3.700 for 3.7DT is the price displayed. There is a.400 chance of rain (.4 DT). The meter is a nice way to go if they are honest. Negotiate a price only if you know what you’re doing and are confident in the trip’s value. Taxis are typically considered to be safe.

Driving is not the ideal mode of transportation; street signage is poor, there is a lot of traffic, and residents rarely obey traffic laws. Driving in the dark is very hazardous. Traffic congestion are prevalent, and traffic near Habib Bourguiba Avenue and Victory Square sometimes grinds to a halt.

Transtu also operates a public bus system. Bus costs vary depending on how far you travel (how many zones), beginning at 0.320 TD for a short trip. Here’s a map showing the bus lines in Tunis and the surrounding area.

Other than that, louages (shared taxis) are the most adaptable choice. The minivans with eight passenger seats only leave when they are completely full, therefore there is no set schedule. The cost of a taxi is slightly greater than that of a bus, although the difference is generally insignificant. The North Louage station is located at the North Bus Station’s parking lot. Across the street from the South bus station is the South louage station.

Tourist (Backpacker) – 46 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 120 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

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Along the shore, you’ll discover large stretches of golden sand that, strangely, aren’t swamped with visitors. The Mediterranean’s salty, warm, turquoise seas are ideal for swimming and water sports of many types. Small stores and restaurants line the beaches, showing remnants of Tunisia’s French colonial heritage. On the beaches, be aware of persons who get too friendly and try to take advantage of you or even rob you.

La Marsa

One of the greatest and safest beach spots to visit is La Marsa. La Marsa, a district in northern Tunis famed for its lack of annoying thieves and con artists, is located opposite a moderate to high class area. The ocean is quiet and clean, and the beach is golden. It’s a great spot for swimming and water sports, and it’s ideal for families. If you grow weary of the sun, go down the beach to the many stores and restaurants.

Carthage Beach and Sidi Bou Said Beach

Carthage Beach, about 18 kilometers from Tunis, is a beautiful, pristine expanse of sand. Scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, and snorkeling are all fun things to participate in. Swimming, sunbathing, and sand play are all enjoyable activities. Sidi Bou Said is a tiny town located on the coast of Carthage. Because of its inspirational beauty, it is recognized for being a hotspot for artists and musicians. The residences and businesses are white with blue doors and windows and decorative metalwork. The beach just in front of this settlement is extremely beautiful. Carthage Beach is also near to the Carthage ruins, and there are summer performances in the amphitheater.

Raf Raf Beach

This beach is reputed to be Tunisia’s most beautiful. The vista from a road snaking through the mountains as you reach the shore is breathtaking. Raf Raf Beach is a local favorite since it is adjacent to horseback riding and camel riding stations, as well as paragliding, scuba diving, and windsurfing. The beach, like the rest of beaches surrounding Tunis, is ideal for families. Because of the purity of the turquoise water, swimming and snorkeling are ideal.

Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Islamic structures such as mosques.

• Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul(Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Paul), Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Built in the neo-Romanesque style in 1882, it is the largest remaining edifice from Tunis’s colonial history. It was named after St. Vincent de Paul, a local priest who was sold as a slave and went on to fight slavery after being freed. A golden mosaic of Jesus and two trumpet-playing angels adorn the exterior.
• Al-Fateh Mosque (Mosquée Al-Fateh), Avenue de la Liberté (Métro République). A huge white mosque located north of the city center.
• Chambre des Conseillers. The upper chamber of Tunisia’s Parliament was housed in this structure, which was completed in 2005. It didn’t last long; Tunisia’s parliament was become unicameral after the 2011 revolution, and the counselor chamber has remained vacant ever since.
• Grande Mosquée Zitouna, Rue Tourbet El Bey. This Aghlabite mosque, Tunisia’s largest and oldest mosque and a significant landmark, originates from the 8th century, though the characteristic square minaret was added considerably later in the 19th century. It features 160 pillars that were salvaged from Carthage’s ruins. Non-Muslims are only allowed to visit an observation platform on the perimeter of the courtyard (3 TND), not the mosque itself. After the 2011 revolution, the mosque was closed to visitors (i.e. tourists).
• Sidi Youssef Dey Mosque (Mosquée Sidi Youssef Dey), Souk Trok.This was Tunis’s first Ottoman mosque, which was completed in 1631. It is the city’s largest Hanafi mosque, and it was refurbished significantly in the late 19th century. It is currently part of the University of Ez-Zitouna. The Youssef Dey mosque is a historical landmark with a stunning octagonal minaret and white marble tomb.
• Medersa Bachia (Madrasa El Bachia), Souk El Belat. Since 1912, the Quran school, which dates from the 18th century, has been designated as a historical site. It is known for its public fountain, which is positioned just outside the main entrance. It was turned into an artisan school in the 1980s, with pupils learning leather craft, jewelry making, and embroidery. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter.
• Théâtre Municipal, 2, rue de Grèce (avenue Habib Bourguiba),  +216 71 259 499. A lovely white Art Deco structure that is worth seeing even if you aren’t going to watch a play or concert.
• Bab El Bahr (Porte de France), Place de la Victoire. The Sea Gate, which has remained untouched since its construction in 1848. The Avenue de France is where you’ll find it. It was an empty place before it was developed, with views of the Mediterranean on one side and Lake Tunis on the other.
• Bab Saadoun, Rue Bab Sadoune. Another gate, erected with one arch in 1350 and subsequently reconstructed with three arches in 1881 to improve trade.
• Tourbet el-Bey, Rue Tourbet el-Bey. Over 160 princes and ministers, as well as their families, were laid to rest in this majestic 18th century mausoleum. The entrance to heaven are represented by the eight-pointed star within.
• Tunis Clock Tower, Place du 14 janvier. One of the city’s most prominent sights is the distinctive clock tower.
• Hôtel de Ville. The city hall, not a hotel. The structure, which was completed in 1998 and has huge windows, Middle Eastern patterns, and arches, is a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The city hall also boasts a large number of Tunisian flags and a spectacular flagpole construction in front of the main entrance on the square.

• Avenue de France. One of Tunis’s busiest streets. It is surrounded by stores and restaurants, as well as some aesthetically notable structures.
• Place de la Victoire. A bustling area near the medina’s entrance. Bordered by stores, cafés, and the ornate structure that houses the United Kingdom’s High Commission.
• Parc du Belvédère, Avenue Taieb Mehiri (métro Palestine). A big park with palm trees, mimosas, and azaleas, as well as a wonderful view of Tunis and the lake, that was established under the French era. Unfortunately, the park has seen better days, and graffiti is rife. Even so, it’s a favorite spot for locals to get away from the city’s heat and commotion.
• Tunis Medina (Médina de Tunis). The colorful, congested maze of ornamented ancient buildings, vaults, and street merchants in the world heritage listed old town is a must-see. You can only go about on foot. You get a sense of what life was like in the Middle Ages.

• Bardo Museum (Le Musée National du Bardo), Le Bardo-2000 (nearest station Bardo on Metro line 4),  1 513-650, fax: 1 513-842. September 16 to April 30: 9:30-16:30. May 1 to September 15: 9:00-17:00, Tuesday to Sunday..Le Bardo, on line 4, is the closest metro stop. Then proceed to the north, to the gated compound, and walk clockwise around it until you reach the unmarked gate. If you’re unsure, count the stops because signs are frequently missing, or ask someone on board. It is the first station after going momentarily underground for the second time, coming from Place de Barcelone. The museum is housed in the 13th century palace of an Ottoman bey (ruler) and is known for its enormous collection of Roman mosaics, which spans Tunisia’s entire history from ancient times through the Ottoman period. Exhibits from Carthage, Mahdia, and Sousse, as well as exhibits of ancient and current Arabian culture, are on display. Bring water since the museum can be scorching hot and stuffy. The only restrooms are on the ground floor, and staff are requesting change. The museum is divided into ancient and new sections, so take some time to go around and check for new pathways to ensure you haven’t missed anything important. TND11.
• Dar Ben Abdallah (Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel), Rue Sidi Kassem.Tu-Su 9:30AM–4:30PM. A tiny but intriguing folk museum in the medina, housed in an 18th-century palace, depicting the daily life of a wealthy merchant during the Ottoman Empire with exhibits such as faience, stucco embellishment, costumes, and furniture.

Wandering around Tunis, especially in the medina, with its old buildings like as mosques, gates, and market stalls, may be an intriguing experience. Slaves and other commodities were once exchanged here, but today’s market is primarily for everyday products, with many local handicrafts. Shopping and bargaining in this vibrant locale is undoubtedly different from what you might be used to at home. Belvedere Park, Tunis’s largest park, which overlooks Lake Tunis and includes the Museum of Modern Art and the municipal zoo (closed Mondays), is also an excellent area for a walk.

The Tunis Municipal Théâtre, as noted above, is more than simply a spectacle. If you are interested in classical culture, you can attend an opera, ballet, or other performance.

Hammams (traditional public steam baths) may be found across the Muslim Mediterranean, including Tunis. Bathing in a hammam is a cultural experience in and of itself. Hammams were formerly the only location for anyone save the upper classes to clean themselves, and they are still a part of the local culture. People used to wash themselves before prayer, so they’re commonly found near mosques; ask a local where the nearest hammam is (the medina is the easiest place to find one). Remember that a hammam is either exclusively for men or exclusively for women, or that it is accessible to males in the morning and evening and to ladies in the afternoon. Spare underwear, flip flops, soap, and a towel are all recommended.

Breakfast is included in most hotels, while dinner is included in some. There are several coffee shops, as well as sandwich shops, where you may have bitter coffee, various drinks, and French-style pastries. If you can find a meal that doesn’t require canned tuna, consider yourself lucky! It’s important to be aware that finding an open restaurant during Ramadan might be tough.

If you wish to drink alcohol while eating, head to a hotel, as most of them sell beer and wine, as do certain upscale restaurants in Tunis’s Berges du Lac neighborhood.

• Atlas le Resto, Rue Mustapha M’barek (directly across from the Grand Hotel de France). The owner is quite kind, and his cook speaks a little English. For 9.500 TD, you may have a delicious iftar with fish soup, bread, harissa, a fried pastry with tuna and a softboiled egg, minced cabbage, grilled chicken and fries, a spicy olive paste, and a lime Bogo.
• Abid, 6 Rue de la Liberté,  +216 71 240 480. Good gastronomy from the Sfax region, with a focus on lamb and spicy meals. Locals frequent this location. The amount is 5 dinars.
• Restaurant Les Étoiles, 3, Rue Mustafa M’barek. Foods like couscous and salads are quite inexpensive and satisfying.

• L’Orient, Rue Ali Bach Hamba, 7(close to porte de France), +216 71252061. The steaks are bland, the seafood is decent, and the regional cuisine, such as Berber Lamb, is delicious. The service is efficient.
• La Mamma, Avenue de Carthage,  +216 71340423, e-mail:lamamma@planet.tn. On numerous levels, a really cozy restaurant. Food with an Italian influence. There is live music and the bar is open till 3 a.m.
• El Khalifa, Rue d’Iran (close to Metro stop Nelson Mandela), +216 22428470. Monday through Saturday, exclusively for lunch until 3 p.m. Delicious West African cuisine at extremely low costs, popular among African Development Bank staff. Definitely tastier and friendlier than your average lousy Tunisian restaurant.

• Café de Paris Brasserie, Avenue Habib Bourguiba,  071 256 601. A nice restaurant with several outside tables and a lovely atmosphere. Pizza, couscous, and a variety of salads are available. There is also alcohol available.
• Le Malouf, Rue de Yougoslavie (downtown),  071 254 246. Mo-Sa 11:30-15 and 19-midnight. If you prefer Italian food, this is the place to go. There is a large menu to pick from, and live music is occasionally performed.
• Peppino, Avenue Ouled Haffouz (Hotel Golden Tulip El Mechtel). Pizzas from all around the world are served at this Italian eatery. TND 22-34.
• Flore, Avenue Ouled Haffouz (Hotel Golden Tulip El Mechtel). Tunisian food and a buffet are available. TND 50

• Dar el-Jeld, 5-10 rue Dar el-Jeld (near the Prime Minister’s residence, and the Youth Hostel), 71 560 916. This restaurant, which is considered to be one of Tunis’s best, pays close attention to every detail. You don’t even have to open the door; all you have to do is knock on the enormous yellow door, and they’ll open it for you (this gives it the appearance of not being open). The cuisine is delicious, and the manager speaks perfect English and French and can propose a variety of items. The menu is a little confusing, with pricing categories instead of prices displayed (check the last page for what each price category costs). The physical environment is placed within a lovely, tiled covered courtyard with secluded sections to the side. Prices for a full dinner ranged from $20 to $30 in March 2009, with an appetizer costing $7 to $9 and water or tea costing $3. Everything is recommended, with the exception of the couscous, which is fine but not exceptional. TD of 25-40.
• Lucullus, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 1 (in the harbout),  071 737 100.Elegant seafood restaurant with a big terrace shaded by palm trees.

ATMs are a simple method to acquire cash without having to go to a bank, and there are several Visa cashpoints across the city.

The Medina’s souq is an interesting place to visit. ghostly cats prowling in the shadows; the scents of aromatic oils, spices, fried food, and decomposing rubbish; the sounds of the muezzin, ra, football on the radio, Arabic and French… The major pathways through Tunis Medina are branded “touristique,” yet even if you go a few feet off the usual path, you’ll find a real, functional market. Old palaces, mosques, and Islamic institutions are hidden under the typically untidy facades. You will not be hassled here in comparison to Morocco or even Sousse. The enormous stone-arch “French Gate” at the top of Avenue DeFrance is a popular place to start while visiting the Souk. Bab Bnet is near to the goldsmiths. If you want to buy anything, haggle. Prices paid for things are shown in July 2012, with the disclaimer that it is unknown whether or not they are reasonable. They are just supplied as a guide. The merchant’s initial offer is in brackets: 5DT (12DT) for a cheap scarf, 20DT (45DT, 65DT for a similar box at another vendor) for an 8″ nacre inlaid hexagonal hardwood box, 30DT (80DT) for a leather bandolier. If you’re not sure, acquire a few estimates from other sellers before you buy. You will be required to pay if you provide a figure and they accept.

Halfaouine. Place Halfaouine, near the train station, has an inexpensive, traditional food market.

Every hotel in Tunis has a small store where you can buy whatever you need, although the costs are expensive. As a result, it is preferable to go shopping in other districts of the city. Approximately 90% of the things on display in Tunis are of Tunisian origin. In the capital, there are Monoprix and General supermarket networks.

Ladies should probably aim to bring a male out with them to the pubs they frequent. Celtia and the secretive Stella, which is seldom seen but exists, are two local beers. Both of these beers are lagers. Boukha (“boo-k”), which is normally consumed straight or with coke, and Thibina, which is usually taken straight with a single ice cube, are two local liqueurs. At most cases, alcohol is only available in hotel bars.

• Le Boeuf sur le Toit, 3 avenue Fatouma Bourguiba (in La Soukra 10km northeast of downtown). The Ox on the Roof is a hip hangout where you can get food, beverages, live music, DJs, and a dance floor.
• Bar Jamaica, 49 Avenue Habib Boutguiba. This quirky and popular venue for residents and visitors, located on the 10th floor of the Hotel el-Hana International, has live music and outdoor seating.
• Hotel Africa Lobby Bar, Avenue Habib Bourguiba. It’s a little smokey, but it carries all of the local beverages except Stella, and it’s one of the few places open throughout Ramadan.
• Brasserie les 2 Avenues, Ave Habib Bourguib (Hotel el-Hana lnternational). Excellent position with views of Habib Bourguiba Avenue.
• Piano Bar, Avenue Mohamed V, 45 (Hotel La Maison Blanche). In a 5-star hotel, this is an excellent area to have a drink.

In addition, La Marsa, some 15 kilometers to the northeast, has some big beach bars and clubs.

Festivals are one of the finest ways to learn about a country’s culture, and Tunisia has a plethora of them. With a wide range of shows ranging from religious to just amusing, travelling to Tunis during one of these festivals is a good choice.

Saharian Festival

The enormous dunes that make up the gateway to the Sahara desert are scattered around the city’s outskirts and hold special significance for Tunisians. The event invites visitors to see the desert traditions, folk art, and rituals that are so important to these people. This celebration, which is usually held in December and January, is rich in customs and culture and is well worth seeing.

Medina Festival

The Medina Festival is one of the greatest showcases of Tunisian culture. The Medina Festival, held every year during the thirty days of Ramadan (August 11th – September 10th), features a wide spectrum of Western and Arabic entertainment. The Tunis Municipal Theater is the major venue for this festival, however there are a lot of performances and activities conducted elsewhere. This celebration, which is rich in the country’s religious practices and cultural traditions, is a must-see for visitors seeking cultural variety.

Children’s Cultural Festival

Tunisian children celebrate the start of their winter vacation with the Children’s Cultural Festival held around the nation. The event, which runs from December 18 to 27, is centred on Tunis, while similar festivities are staged in other towns as well. The event provides an opportunity for youngsters who have spent the previous months studying nonstop to relax and enjoy life. A variety of theater shows, music, films, and creative activities like as painting and literary readings are all part of the festival. This festival, which draws children from a number of nearby towns, is a terrific place to visit if you’re traveling with kids since they not only get to learn about another culture, but they also get to join in the activities.

Mediterranean Guitar Festival

The Mediterranean Guitar Festival, which takes place in March, showcases performances by renowned and brilliant acoustic players from Tunisia and other countries such as France. This event, which takes place in numerous venues across Tunis, is a must-see for anybody interested in stringed instruments, from acoustic to rock music.

The quantity of “friends” a visitor will attract in Tunisia can be really irritating. On avenue Bourguiba, Tunis’s major thoroughfare, a sizable number of males congregate. They each do their own thing. They approach travelers and strike up a conversation with them. The traveler may believe that this individual is simply being kind, but this is not the case. Teens approaching you on or near av. Habib Bourguiba should also be avoided. They frequently “prey” on male travelers and try to persuade you to accompany them to the movies. Your new “buddy” will later ask for 10 Dinars, a pack of Marlboros, or anything else. It’s preferable to simply avoid or shoo these folks away.

Tunisians are pleasant and interested towards strangers, yet they shun those who appear to be overly friendly.

Terrorist strikes are also a possibility. On March 2015, ISIS-affiliated terrorists opened fire in the Bardo National Museum, killing 24 people, the majority of whom were visitors.