Lisbon – City Of Street Art
Interesting factsLisbon is a city on Portugal's coast that skillfully combines modern ideas with old world appeal. Lisbon is a world center for street art although…
Tunis stands at the meeting point of sea and hill, its outline defined by limestone rises that slope toward the waters of Lake Tunis and the Gulf beyond. Its greater metropolitan region, known as Grand Tunis, shelters some 2.7 million residents, making it the third-largest city in the Maghreb after Casablanca and Algiers, and the eleventh in the Arab world. At its heart lies the Medina, a quarter of narrow lanes and hidden courtyards protected as a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1979. To the east, beyond the Bab el Bhar—or Porte de France—broad avenues and colonial-era façades give way to Ville Nouvelle, where the Avenue Habib Bourguiba cuts a straight line through hotel lobbies, cafés and government offices. Further still, the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said trace the curve of the coast, their lighter façades recalling an earlier era of seaside retreat.
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Tunis occupies a narrow wedge of land between Lake Tunis and the lower reaches of the Séjoumi plain. Geologists term this strip the “Tunis dome,” an isthmus of limestone and sediment that has served as a natural crossroads since antiquity. From here, roads fan out south toward Kairouan, west toward inland oases, and north to Carthage, whose ruins lie just beyond the modern suburb.
The city rises in terraces of hill and slope. On its crest sit the shrines and gardens of Notre-Dame de Tunis, Ras Tabia and Montfleury; lower, the district of La Rabta and the Kasbah, once the seat of governor and judge. From altitudes reaching just over fifty metres, these heights overlook the lake’s glint and the port of La Goulette, where a canal links inland waters to the wider Mediterranean.
Stretching some 300 000 hectares, Greater Tunis remains only ten percent urbanized. Twenty thousand hectares of lagoons and waterways carve through agricultural land and olive groves that still fringe the city’s outskirts. Yet expansion presses inward by roughly 500 hectares each year, transforming fields into suburbs of concrete and asphalt. After the Second World War, the city’s population drifted outward, and suburbs now host half of Greater Tunis’s inhabitants, a figure that rose from 27 percent in 1956 to 50 percent in 2006.
Tunis occupies a climate at the threshold of Mediterranean and semi-arid. Summers stretch long and dry, winters mild and damp. Rain typically falls between November and March, when cool northerlies press over the lake, sending showers every two or three days. Afternoon temperatures in midwinter may climb from seven degrees Celsius at dawn to sixteen by noon. Frosts remain rare; only once, on 18 January 1979, did official records note a drop to −2 °C.
As spring advances, rain halves and sunshine prevails. March days may shift from eight to eighteen degrees; by May, they range between thirteen and twenty-four, with sunlight reaching an average of ten hours. Yet April can flare suddenly when sirocco winds stir, pushing temperatures toward forty degrees. Summer then unfolds under near-constant sun. Sea breezes offer relief along the shore, though occasional thunderstorms may erupt in the afternoons, often without yielding much rain.
The highest temperature on record, fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit above freezing, occurred on 24 July 2023 at Tunis-Carthage Airport. With the autumn rains return, brief storms may provoke local floods before cooler nights settle in. November cools the highs to about twenty and lows to eleven degrees.
The core municipality of Tunis encompasses fifteen districts, from the Medina itself to El Bab Bhar, Bab Souika, Cité El Khadra, La Kasbah and Séjoumi. Surrounding governorates—Ben Arous to the south, Ariana to the north, Manouba to the west—have absorbed newer suburbs that now lie within the city’s daily orbit.
Post-independence, urban growth rates approached twenty-one percent between 1956 and 1966, then twenty-eight percent by 1975. Decolonization prompted much of the European population to depart, leaving their villas and administrative offices to incoming Tunisians from Sfax, Sousse and beyond. Family-planning policies slowed overall population growth, yet between 1994 and 2004, the Tunis governorate still expanded at over one percent annually.
Today the city’s two million plus inhabitants speak overwhelmingly Arabic, with French widely used in commerce and government. Literacy rose rapidly in the latter half of the twentieth century, running slightly above the national average. Ariana province, to the northeast, retains marginally higher levels, owing in part to its concentration of educational institutions.
As the capital, Tunis hosts the nation’s principal political and administrative bodies: the presidency, parliament and ministries are all located within sight of one another. Commercially, the city accounts for one-third of Tunisia’s gross domestic product. Some sixty-five percent of the country’s financial enterprises maintain headquarters here. Manufacturing—once buoyed by textiles, carpets and olive-oil pressing—has gradually ceded ground to services, though industrial parks remain busy in Ben Arous and Manouba.
Tunis attracts roughly one-third of all foreign-owned firms and investments in Tunisia, though the distribution remains uneven. The Mercer Cost of Living survey of 2017 placed Tunis at the lowest global rank for expatriate expenses. Unemployment, however, persists among university graduates and the city’s elderly—twenty-seven percent of women and twelve percent of men remain without basic literacy. Among twenty-four-year-olds, one in three stands without formal work.
Plans for a financial harbour, backed by Gulf Finance House to the tune of ten billion dollars, aim to recast the city as Africa’s European gateway. Though still in the planning phase, the project proposes docking piers, office towers and hotel complexes on reclaimed land east of La Petite Sicile.
Primary agriculture thrives in plains around Ariana, La Soukra, Manouba and Mornag, where olives, grapes, fruits and vegetables leave the fields by truckload for city markets. Groundwater wells support these farms, their limestone soils in the north yielding to sand and clay farther south.
Within its gently sloping hill, the Medina holds some seven hundred monuments: palaces, mosques, mausoleums and fountains. Its Dar Ben Abdallah and Dar Hussein trace architecture from the Hafsid and Ottoman eras; the mausoleum of Tourbet el Bey marks the burial site of the late-sixteenth-century sovereign. At its centre stands the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, founded in 689 and rebuilt in 864, once a seat of Islamic scholarship whose university operated there until 1956.
Walled for defense since at least the ninth century, the Medina retains gates such as Bab El Khadra, Bab El Bhar and Bab Jedid. Within, souks wind by specialty: perfumers in Souk El Attarine, fabric merchants in Souk El Kmach, jewelry-makers in Souk El Berka, then carpet weavers in Souk El Leffa and leather workers in Es Sarragine. Beyond the covered streets lie cafés where shade meets the scent of jasmine and mint tea.
Around the Medina, neighbourhoods signal their character. Halfaouine, north of Bab Souika, became known outside Tunisia through the film Halfaouine: Child of the Terraces. Bab El Jazira, to the south, fronts the old harbour. Social divisions endure: Tourbet el Bey and the Kasbah once housed judges and aristocrats, while Pacha’s streets belonged to military and bourgeois families. Rival football clubs stake their claims here—Espérance Sportive de Tunis to one side and Club Africain to the other.
Beyond the old walls, urban life took a different shape under the French protectorate. The Consulate’s construction in the late nineteenth century opened land east of the city, laid out along an axis that became Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Lined with plane trees and lined by cafés, banks and theatres, it earned the nickname “the Tunisian Champs-Élysées.” South of that avenue, La Petite Sicile—so named for its Italian labourers—now readies for twin-tower redevelopment. Northward, Avenue Mohamed V connects to Boulevard 7 November at Belvédère Park, where Pasteur Institute stands beside shaded lawns.
Mutuelleville, to the north of the park, hosts embassies and the French lycée. On the western slope lie El Omrane’s public-transport depots and cemeteries, while eastward the airport’s runways signal the city’s link to global travel. Berges du Lac, built on reclaimed shoreline, now shelters corporate offices and diplomatic missions amid glass façades.
Tunis’s architectural heritage spans centuries. Within the Medina, palaces such as Dar Othman (early seventeenth century) and Dar Cherif (eighteenth century) remain largely intact. The Saheb Ettabaâ Mosque, completed in 1814, reflects the final major works of the Husseinite beys. Ottoman-style domes and minarets, influenced by the Süleymaniye in Istanbul, stand beside Andalusian-inspired archways and repurposed Roman columns. Unlike many Mediterranean cities, Tunis’s core avoided major earthquakes or nineteenth-century clearance, preserving its irregular street patterns and socio-cultural layout studied by anthropologists in the 1930s.
Boulevards laid out between 1850 and 1950 bear government ministries and the municipality headquarters in symmetrical façades of stone. La Grande Synagogue of Tunis, completed in the late 1940s, replaced an older synagogue displaced by urban redevelopment. Churches of St Vincent de Paul, St Joan of Arc and St George attest to the city’s Christian communities during the protectorate.
Communities of other faiths persist. Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and Coptic Orthodox parishes occupy churches built between the mid-nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A small but historic Jewish presence endures around the Great Synagogue; synagogues such as Beit Yaacouv remain active despite the community’s mid-twentieth-century emigration.
Public gardens took root under French rule. Belvédère Park, established in 1892, remains the country’s largest, its landscape-style planting enclosing the zoo and the Museum of Modern Art. Habib Thameur Gardens offer ponds and flowerbeds in the city’s centre; Gorjani Garden winds irregularly over steep land southwest of the Medina.
Museums celebrate Tunisia’s past. The Bardo National Museum, housed in a former beylical palace, holds the Maghreb’s richest collection of Roman mosaics. Dar Ben Abdallah, converted in 1964, displays folk costumes and household items of Medina families. Dar Maâkal Az-Zaïm recounts the nationalist movement from 1938 to 1952 in the former home of Habib Bourguiba. The National Military Museum near Ezzouhour showcases weapons from the Crimean War to modern times.
The performing arts centre in Tunis extends from the Municipal Theatre, opened in 1902, through the National Theatre’s Palace of Khaznadar and the repurposed Paris cinema. Al Hamra theatre, revived in 1986 after a fifteen-year closure, now serves as a hub for Arab-African theatre training. Groups such as El Teatro and Étoile du Nord continue to present drama across the city.
Libraries form another cornerstone of cultural life. The National Library on Boulevard 9 April moved there in 1938 from its Medina origins; it contains reading rooms, labs and exhibition spaces. The Khaldounia library, founded in 1896, and Dar Ben Achour library, opened in 1983 within a restored seventeenth-century house, preserve rare manuscripts and periodicals.
Tunis’s transport network blends rail, road and light-rail. The métro léger, launched in 1985, now threads its way through suburbs east and south. The older TGM line links the city centre to La Goulette and La Marsa along the lake’s edge. Bus services, managed by the Société des Transports de Tunis, span some two hundred routes.
Plans from 2009 sketched an RTS rapid-rail network akin to Paris’s RER, proposing new lines to Borj Cédria, Mohamedia-Fouchana, Manouba-Mnihla and beyond, eventually reaching some eighty-four kilometres of track. Extensions already completed include a six-kilometre southward branch to El Mourouj.
Roads fan outward along autoroutes A1 to Sfax, A3 to Oued Zarga and A4 to Bizerte. City traffic lights rose from five thousand to seven-and-a-half thousand in the late 1990s, while new bridges and interchanges aim to ease congestion as car ownership climbs at seven-and-a-half percent per year. Tunis-Carthage International Airport, eight kilometres northeast of downtown, has served the city since 1940. The port of La Goulette underwent modernization after independence and now includes a marina within La Petite Sicile’s redevelopment.
Tunis today carries layers of history in its streets and districts. The compact alleyways of the Medina recall medieval dynasties and scholarly pursuits; the wide boulevards of Ville Nouvelle reflect colonial planning and modern administration. Olive groves still fringe its borders even as office towers climb beside reclaimed lagoons.
Cultural life pulses through theatres, galleries and souks alike. Commerce channels through banks and corporate headquarters; agriculture and manufacturing persist at the city’s edges. Public transport, though stretched by growth, remains indispensable to millions of daily commuters.
Here, at the intersection of Africa and Europe, the land meets water in shifting tides of light. On any given day, fishermen on the lake’s shore may pause to watch a freight pass from Carthage-bound ships, while office workers on Avenue Habib Bourguiba cross for a quick coffee beneath plane trees. In the dim light of a Medina lamp, a shopkeeper might sharpen his chisel beside a marble fountain, weaving the city’s past into its tomorrow without fanfare, yet with a steady, unyielding continuity that endures.
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Tunis blends Mediterranean charm with deep history. Sitting between the sea and desert, Tunisia’s capital feels both relaxed and lively. Grand Tunis (metro pop. ~2.7 million) offers modern amenities alongside an ancient heart. The 8th-century Medina (UNESCO) is a maze of souks, palaces and mosques. Streets just outside the old city open onto broad boulevards (e.g. Avenue Habib Bourguiba) and green parks. Nearby lie the Roman ruins of Carthage and the blue-white clifftop village of Sidi Bou Said. In neighborhoods large and small — from the Ottoman-era Medina to the French-built “Ville Nouvelle” — Tunis’s layers of culture and history unfold. Belvédère Park (110 ha) is a leafy oasis with a zoo and a modern art museum. At night, city lights glimmer over the gulf, giving a vivid sense of Tunis’s mix of tradition and cosmopolitan life.
Visas: Many nationals (US, Canada, UK, EU, etc.) enter Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days. Others must obtain a visa beforehand. All visitors need a passport valid for at least six months past arrival. Immigration desks at Tunis–Carthage Airport and land borders process visa-on-arrival for eligible travelers.
Safety: Tunis is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions apply. Check your government’s travel advisory and stay aware in crowded markets or transit hubs. Pickpocketing and petty theft do occur, so keep valuables secured and don’t flash cash. Women should dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and avoid isolated streets at night. Terrorism was a past concern, so follow any travel warnings; however, many visitors note they had no problems. Tunisian police and tourist police (dial 197 or 198) are responsive.
Health: Tunisia has modern healthcare in Tunis. No vaccinations are strictly required to enter. Travelers should be up to date on routine shots and consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. Tap water in central Tunis is generally safe, but bottled water is common.
Money: The currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Cash is king: small shops, markets and taxis generally take only dinars. ATMs are widespread in Tunis; withdraw enough for your day’s needs. Credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) work at big hotels, many restaurants and malls, but carry cash for local vendors. The dinar cannot be exported, so exchange any leftovers before leaving. Tunisia uses EUR and USD widely for exchange; banks and bureaux have good rates. Tipping is customary: round up fares and leave ~10% in restaurants or for porters.
Planning ahead makes navigating Tunis easy. With visas, safety and money sorted, you can focus on enjoying the city’s culture and sights.
Tunis has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (Jun–Aug) are hot and dry (highs ~30–34°C). Winters (Dec–Feb) are mild but wet (highs ~16–18°C, lows ~8°C). The shoulder seasons shine: spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) bring warm, pleasant days. April–May brings blooming flowers and cooler nights. September–October is often sunny and warm (25°C) with water still nice for swimming.
In summer, seaside breezes make beach time doable, but plan outdoor tours for morning/evening to avoid heat. In winter, crowds are sparse and prices lower, though expect rain and shorter museum hours.
Religious and cultural events influence timing. The annual Carthage International Festival in July–August offers nightly music and arts in an ancient Roman amphitheater. Conversely, during Ramadan (shifting dates) many restaurants stay open only after sunset, and midday sightseeing can be quiet. If visiting then, be respectful (avoid eating/drinking in public during daytime) and enjoy the festive evenings of Iftar. Other highlights are Tunisia’s national holidays (e.g. July 25 Republic Day) and film/music festivals on the cultural calendar.
In summary, spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather and local activity. Summer is great for beachgoers and festival-goers (brace for crowds and heat), while winter is off-season except for travelers who don’t mind cooler weather.
By air: Tunis–Carthage International Airport (TUN) is the main hub. It’s the base for Tunisair and served by European, Middle Eastern and African carriers. Daily flights connect Tunis with Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Dubai and more. Airlines include Air France, Turkish, Lufthansa, Emirates, Air Malta, Royal Air Maroc, and budget European carriers in summer. Direct flights also link Tunis to Moroccan, Algerian and Libyan cities when schedules allow.
Ferries: From Europe, ferries arrive at Tunis’s port of La Goulette (9 km east of the city). Year-round ferries sail to Italy (Palermo, Genoa, Civitavecchia) and summer ferries to Marseille. High-speed catamarans also run from Sicily to La Goulette, dropping passengers in Tunis’s suburbs. The port is a short taxi or bus ride from downtown.
Rail & Road: A local commuter train (TGM) connects central Tunis to northern suburbs; one station, “L’Aéroport,” is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. The TGM line also stops at Carthage and Sidi Bou Said (good for day trips). By road, Tunisia is reachable from Algeria (via Ghardimaou) and Libya (via Dehiba) – though border crossings may have delays and require check for visas. Overnight buses and shared vans (louages) run to Tunis from Tunisian cities and neighboring countries.
Getting to the city center: Official airport taxis have fixed rates (around TND 15–20 to downtown). The TGM train (line 4 of Tunis’s metro network) runs roughly 05:00–23:30 and is a reliable budget option. Prepaid shuttle vans also operate, and major hotels can arrange private transfers. Traffic can be heavy in morning and evening, so allow extra time.
With Tunis–Carthage Airport and ferry port at hand, most visitors find arrival straightforward. Once in Tunis, all the city’s neighborhoods and attractions are easily reachable by the public transport options below.
Tunis offers diverse transport modes:
Central Tunis (Medina, Ville Nouvelle) is quite walkable, with many sights close together. Sidewalks can be narrow or uneven, so watch for traffic when crossing. For farther destinations (Harbour, Bardo, suburbs), public transit or taxis are easiest. Overall, Tunis’s transport network—especially the TGM, buses and plentiful taxis—makes it easy to navigate the city and reach popular suburbs.
Tunis offers a range of lodging styles. Key neighborhoods:
Quick Tips: Book early for July–August (high season) or around major events. Note that during Ramadan, some boutique riads may close or change hours. Check if your hotel has AC for summer stays. Wherever you stay, don’t miss walking your neighborhood by day and evening to discover local cafés and bakeries.
In summary, Tunis’s neighborhoods offer everything from historic inns to modern luxury. Choose a location that fits your itinerary: central for sightseeing, coastal for relaxation, and be sure to look at guest reviews for comfort and service.
These highlights cover the essentials, but don’t hesitate to wander off this list – often unexpected corners of the city hold their own surprises. Each site above is rich in its own right, and together they paint a picture of Tunis’s deep and varied appeal.
Tunis’s Medina (old city) dates to around 698 AD. It’s a World Heritage site with nearly 700 historic monuments. Within its narrow, covered streets are palaces, madrasas (Coranic schools), centuries-old fountains and handicraft souks. The centerpiece is the Mosque of Zitouna (the ”Great Mosque of Tunisia”, 8th c.) built atop a Roman basilica. Its carved wooden doors and minaret silhouette are emblematic of Tunis.
The souks are organized by trade. In Souk el-Attarine (Spice Souk) near Zitouna, vendors sell perfumes, rosewater and spices. The spice market is fragrant with mint and orange blossom. Nearby, the candle and perfume district offers handmade soaps and essences. Walk the leather and fabric alleys for shoes and robes. Traditional craft shops sell chachia (red wool caps), brass lamps, and woven carpets. You can even find an old café selling hot brik pastries or mint tea — a true taste of local life.
Historic houses have been turned into mini-museums. Dar Ben Abdallah is one, an 18th-century palace exhibiting Tunisian folk art and household scenes. Others like Dar Hussein and Dar Lasram (cultural centers) show restored Ottoman-era architecture. Keep an eye out for ornate tilework, painted wood ceilings, and old rainwater fountains in shaded squares.
Navigating the medina is an adventure. Its “labyrinth” of alleyways can confuse first-time visitors, so consider hiring a local guide or using a navigation app. Remember to cover shoulders/knees in religious areas. Be aware of pickpockets in crowds – frequent police patrols ensure tourist safety, but it pays to be cautious.
As day wanes, the medina transforms. Lanterns and shop lights glow softly, and families begin evening strolls. A rooftop café panorama at dusk (with the white minarets against a purple sky) is unforgettable. Visiting the Tunis Medina feels like stepping through time: each turn reveals another layer of history and the living traditions of Tunisian artisans and merchants.
The ruins of Carthage lie just north of modern Tunis. Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC and became a powerful Mediterranean city. Its Carthaginian empire came to an end after the Punic Wars, but the Romans rebuilt it as the capital of Africa Proconsularis. Today, Carthage is a sprawling archaeological park recognized by UNESCO.
Top sites include the Antonine Baths, the grandest Roman baths in North Africa. Their massive remains (still standing 25m high) give a sense of Roman engineering. Nearby is the small Carthage Museum (on-site) with exhibits on Punic culture and artifacts. Another highlight is Byrsa Hill, where you’ll find the ancient Cathedral of Saint Louis (19th c.) atop the ruins of the Punic citadel; its vantage point offers sweeping views of Tunis Bay.
Don’t miss the Punic Tophet (a ceremonial cemetery with small stelae) and the ruins of Carthage’s twin ports (now partially rebuilt). An ancient amphitheater and the the restored Cisterns of La Malga are also impressive. For context, the site has interpretive panels, and many tours link Carthage with Sidi Bou Said on the same trip. Hours and entry: Carthage site is open daily; a combined ticket often covers multiple sections (museum + baths). Pack water and wear good shoes—this site is mostly uncovered and involves walking on uneven stones.
Carthage brings Tunisia’s ancient layers alive. You’ll see Latin inscriptions in the ruins, and original Roman columns repurposed in 19th-century churches. A short trip back in time is just a few kilometers from Tunis. Many visitors spend a half-day here (or join a guided tour) and leave with a vivid impression of this once-great city.
Perched on a sea cliff 20 km north of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said is a picture-postcard village. Its whitewashed stone houses with bright blue doors and trim give the town a distinct look. Founded in the 13th century, today it’s an artsy retreat known for its beauty and cafés.
Wander the steep cobblestone lanes, stopping to admire the views. From terraces like Café des Délices, gaze out over the Gulf of Tunis toward Cap Bon. Many artists and musicians were drawn here (including local painter Baron d’Erlanger, who built the ornate Ennejma Ezzahra palace – now a cultural center you can tour for a donation).
The village is lined with shops selling handicrafts, from painted ceramics (Nabeul pottery style) to lace and jewelry. Don’t miss having a mint tea at one of its famous cafés, like Café des Nattes with its mosaic-tiled floor. Sidi Bou Said is compact and mostly pedestrian, though there is a parking area at the bottom. It’s easily reached by the TGM coastal train (stop at “Sidi Bou Said” station).
If possible, linger until late afternoon. As the sun sets, the white walls take on golden hues and the sleepy town quiets with only distant calls to prayer. Sidi Bou Said embodies a romantic, tranquil side of Tunis — a place to slow down, sip tea, and savor the panoramic seaside vista.
Tunis’s Bardo Museum is a must-see. Housed in an 1888 beylical palace on a hill, it contains Tunisia’s best art treasures. Its star attractions are the Roman mosaics — over 1500 panels, among the largest collection in the world. Highlights include the 2nd-century Mosaic of Virgil (the only known mosaic portrait of the poet) and a gigantic Neptune mosaic. Beyond Rome, the museum displays Punic, Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic art spanning millennia.
The museum reopened in 2015 after being closed during a terrorist attack; memorials inside remind visitors of that event. This sobering history is part of the narrative. Today, Bardo is secure but respectful of its past: guards are visible and photographs (without flash) are allowed.
Visitor info: Open daily except Monday. Admission ~10 TND. Allow 2–3 hours, and work from downstairs up. Take the time to appreciate fine details: many mosaics are enormous floors that once graced private villas or baths. Signage and audio guides explain the scenes. There’s a gift shop and cafeteria. Accessibility is good (elevators and ramps). In summer, museum halls can feel warm, so carry water.
Even the building is atmospheric, with painted ceilings and courtyards. Visiting Bardo feels like walking through a history book of Tunisia’s civilizations. It perfectly complements the ruins at Carthage and others, giving context to the country’s layered past.
Tunisian cuisine is an essential part of the Tunis experience. Staples here include couscous (steamed semolina with meat/vegetables) — often served very spicy with a dollop of harissa chili paste. Another classic is brik: a thin pastry pocket stuffed with egg and tuna (or meat), fried until crispy. Each bite tastes of centuries of North African flavor.
Street food is abundant. Try lablabi, a hearty chickpea stew often enjoyed at breakfast. On the go, don’t miss bambalouni (local doughnut) or makroud (date-filled pastry dusted in sesame) from medina stands. Finish your meal with a glass of thé à la menthe (sweet mint tea) or strong Tunisian coffee.
Tunis has many cafés and restaurants. The central medina and avenue Habib Bourguiba are full of casual spots for sandwiches, pizza or Tunisian stews. Fancy hotels and boulevards host upscale restaurants serving both Tunisian specialties and international dishes. Seafood is particularly good near the port and at La Marsa seaside restaurants. Don’t overlook Tunis’s famous olive oils, fresh olives and local wines (white and rosé), which pair well with salads.
In markets and bakeries you’ll also find an array of fresh produce, olives, herbs and cheeses to try. Tunisia’s culinary scene now includes vegetarian and global options (Middle Eastern, French patisseries, etc.), reflecting its history as a Mediterranean crossroads. In short, eating in Tunis is a journey through spice, seafood and street-snack fun — it’s hearty, varied and a highlight of the trip.
Shopping in Tunis ranges from traditional souks to modern malls. The heart of the experience is in the Medina. Head to Souk el-Attarine for perfumed oils, spices and jasmine-scented soaps. Nearby alleys sell leather goods, silver filigree, and the famous red wool chachia caps. Over near Government Square, the covered Central Market offers fresh produce, meats and Tunisian staples — peek into its roof-level eatery for a local lunch.
For artisanal crafts, browse the boutiques around the Medina for colorful pottery (Nabeul ceramics in blue/green), woven carpets and textiles. Look for shops or co-ops selling Tunisian olive oil, olive-wood items and jasmine or orange-blossom perfumes. In Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa, galleries sell lacework and paintings. Larger malls (Tunis City, Tunisia Mall) carry international brands and are a climate-controlled contrast.
Bargaining is expected in souks: begin low and meet halfway with the merchant. Many shops will invite you for mint tea while you haggle. If in doubt about quality, the Ministry of Handicrafts has fixed-price shops.
Local specialties to seek out include Tunisian slippers (babouches), a briki coffeemaker, or a finely woven fouta (striped towel). Spice vendors will offer harissa or dried jasmine buds. Even groceries make good mementos: shopkeepers often vacuum-seal nuts, dates and olives to transport home.
In sum, shopping in Tunis is a delight of discovery. Enjoy the hunt in the winding souks, and don’t forget to smile and say shukran (thank you) — the friendly banter is part of the experience.
Tunis is a great base for exploring Tunisia’s treasures. Top recommended day trips:
You can join organized tours for ease (many hotels offer them) or rent a car. Roads are good, though watch for animals on rural roads. Always start early (Tunisia’s midday heat can be strong) and carry water and snacks. Each of these trips lets you see a different side of Tunisia’s history and landscape, from ancient cities to olive groves and the desert horizon.
Tunis offers plenty for families with children. Tunis Science City (Cité des Sciences) is a top pick: a large interactive museum with exhibits on space, biology and technology, plus a cool 3D planetarium. Kids can launch rockets (simulations), watch space movies, and touch dynamic displays. It’s a few kilometers out of the city center but easy by taxi or a combined tour.
Belvédère Park and Zoo cater well to families. The park is huge, with picnic spots, playgrounds and paddle boats on its lake. The zoo (Parc Zoologique) has giraffes, lions, elephants and more in spacious, shaded enclosures. There’s also a mini-train that circles the park. Spend a morning or afternoon here, and kids can run around safely.
Amusement options: Carthage Land (Theme & Water Park) north of Tunis has rides, slides and pools for children (ticket required). Many hotels have family pools and games. In the city, the Town of the Street (a pedestrian boulevard) often has weekend shows or train rides.
Beach days at La Marsa or Gammarth can be great for families: the shallow, clean waters and sandy beaches are safer for kids (many beachfront restaurants offer shade and play areas).
Museums & Fun: Besides Science City, the small Planetarium (in Belvédère Park) enthralls children with shows of the night sky. Puppet theaters and occasional kid-friendly concerts in summer are found via local event listings. Many museums have free entry for children or special activities.
General tips: Tunisians love children and are welcoming. High chairs are often available in restaurants, and you’ll see kids out with families late into the evening. Still, watch for traffic near plazas. In summer, plan outdoor outings for mornings when it’s cooler. Carry water, sunscreen and perhaps simple snacks. With its mix of science, nature and cultural sites, Tunis can be a fun, educational trip for the whole family.
Tunis is widely considered welcoming to solo and female travelers. Millions of visitors explore the city without incident. However, some sensible precautions help ensure comfort:
For solo women: many visit Tunis without problems. You may find that locals (especially older women) appreciate politeness and a smiling hello. In taxis, it’s fine to say you prefer the meter. If you want extra comfort, many female travelers choose mid-range hotels with good reviews.
Overall, Tunis offers a balance of ease and adventure. By using common-sense street smarts (just as you would in any unfamiliar city) and respecting local customs, solo travelers – female or male – can feel quite secure. The city’s friendly atmosphere and cultural richness make it rewarding to explore on your own.
Tunisian nightlife is more laid-back than party-centric. Evenings here mean dining, people-watching and enjoying city lights. The heart of nightlife is the café culture. Locals linger over coffee or mint tea well after dark. In the Medina, seek out rooftop cafés (e.g. Dar El Medina or Café Zitouna) for atmospheric views over the lit-up old city. In the Ville Nouvelle, French-style cafes and bars along Habib Bourguiba stay lively, often with live music (jazz or local bands). Place de l’Indépendance and Place de la Liberté are popular evening gatherings.
Alcohol is available, but with limitations. By law, spirits and wines are sold only in hotels, certain restaurants and bars. You won’t find local bars on every corner; instead some international hotels and licensed venues (often marked Bar or Pub in guides) serve cocktails. A few wine bars in the city center cater to expatriates and Tunisians alike. Drinking in public (outside licensed areas) is considered inappropriate.
For cultural nightlife: check if your visit overlaps with an outdoor concert at the Carthage Festival or a local music night. Some theaters and clubs offer jazz or African music shows. During Ramadan evenings, many restaurants hold special iftar buffets and the atmosphere on the streets is convivial.
Street life also forms part of nightlife. After dinner, families and couples stroll Boulevard Habib Bourguiba or the lakefront. Shops and ice-cream stands often stay open late. In summer, occasional open-air concerts or dance events pop up in tourist seasons.
Safety at night: main downtown areas are well-patrolled. For late returns, prefer a taxi or Bolt (which are affordable and trackable). Women usually dress as in the daytime — Tunisia is not ‘Western party wear’, but an evening dress or smart casual attire is fine for bars.
In short, Tunisian evenings blend the charm of Mediterranean café culture with occasional local music. Expect long dinners, animated conversations over tea, and a civil, relaxed pace rather than loud nightclubs. This subdued but vibrant nightlife has a character of its own – one that’s safe and welcoming to most visitors.
Tunis hosts several notable annual festivals:
Tip: If you travel during Eid or other holidays, note that many shops, banks and offices may close or operate on reduced hours. Book accommodations early for festival periods, as local tourism surges.
These events offer a glimpse into Tunisian culture and are a great excuse to experience traditional music, art and hospitality firsthand.
Following these practical tips will help you fit in smoothly. In general, a friendly smile and basic courtesy will win you kindness, and you’ll have a richer, trouble-free visit to Tunis.
Customize based on interests: e.g. families should allocate time for Science City/Zoo. Always allow extra time for mint tea breaks!
Travelers increasingly seek to minimize their impact. In Tunis:
By traveling responsibly (the Tunisian people are hospitable and appreciate respectful tourists), you help ensure Tunis remains authentic and enjoyable for generations to come.
Tunis’s roots reach back into antiquity through nearby Carthage, but the city itself grew under Arab rule. Founded as an Arab-Muslim town circa 698 AD, it later became the capital of several North African dynasties (Aghlabids, Zirids, Hafsids). In the 16th century it fell under Ottoman suzerainty, which introduced Ottoman architectural styles, cuisine (like the famous malfouf salad) and traditions.
In 1881 Tunisia became a French protectorate. The French influence is evident in the city’s Ville Nouvelle — wide boulevards, cafes and schools — and the prominence of the French language. The medina and older quarters retained their medieval character even as modern buildings rose nearby.
Tunisia won independence in 1956. The era of President Habib Bourguiba (first president, 1956–1987) modernized the country: women’s rights, secular laws and education were advanced. The city’s main avenue is named after Bourguiba; a museum in the Medina preserves his memory.
Today, Tunis is a cosmopolitan capital. Over 90% of the population is Muslim, and the call to prayer (adhan) echoes five times a day from the medina minarets. Yet religious law is blended with secular governance. Arabic and French are both in daily use. Folk art forms like Malouf (Andalusian-style classical music) and Tunisian mosaic art survive side by side with modern cultural expressions. You’ll see Berber designs in crafts and the elaborate Ottoman floral motifs in palace interiors.
Recognizing these layers enriches any visit. Every corner of Tunis reflects a piece of its story — from Phoenician and Roman artifacts to Ottoman courtyards and French cathedrals. The city’s museums and festivals celebrate this mix of Mediterranean, African and European influences, making Tunis a uniquely multicultural capital on the Mediterranean coast.
Tours & Operators: For ease, many use guided tours. Companies like GetYourGuide or Viator (online) and local agencies offer day tours to Carthage, Kairouan, the desert and more. A guided walking tour of the Medina can reveal hidden gems that you might miss alone.
Guidebooks & Websites: Lonely Planet and Rough Guides have comprehensive Tunisia chapters. Online, consult the official Tunisia tourism site or travel blogs for recent tips. Forums and apps (TripAdvisor, Google Maps) are useful for up-to-date reviews on hotels or restaurants in Tunis.
Apps: Download a translation app (Google Translate works offline) and mapping apps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline). For tours, local transport apps (like GoMyWay for ride-share) can be handy.
Books & Media: For deeper history, books like “Tunisia” by Alan Gabert or “Tunis: Capital of the Beylik” provide context. Watch documentaries or National Geographic segments on Tunis or Tunisia for visual flavor.
Emergency Contacts: Important numbers: Police 197, Tourist Police 198, Ambulance 198. Your hotel can also provide assistance. Save your embassy contact (e.g. U.S. Embassy in Tunis) on your phone.
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