Tunis

Overview

What to see

• The Medina of Tunis

  Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the medina contains hundreds of monuments, palaces, mosques and madrasas. It is a pleasure to get lost among studded doors, quiet alleys and bustling souks.

• Zitouna Mosque

  The spiritual and historic heart of the medina, the Great Zitouna Mosque dates back to the first centuries of Islam in Tunisia. The prayer hall is reserved for Muslims, but visitors can admire its courtyard and immediate surroundings.

• Bardo National Museum

  Housed in a former beylical palace, the Bardo holds one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. The famous mosaic of Virgil flanked by the Muses sits alongside Punic, Christian and Islamic pieces.

• Avenue Habib Bourguiba

  Lined with ficus trees and café terraces, this grand boulevard runs from the Porte de France towards the lake. Along it stand the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul, the Art Nouveau Municipal Theatre and the clock tower on 14 January Square.

• Dar Ben Abdallah and Tourbet el Bey

  Dar Ben Abdallah, a fine 18th-century mansion, showcases the folk arts and traditions of Tunis. Nearby, Tourbet el Bey, the mausoleum of the Husseinite beys, impresses with its domes, marble and tilework.

• Belvedere Park

  The capital's largest green space, the Belvedere offers fine views over the city and the lake from its heights. It is also home to the zoo and an elegant old pavilion, popular with families.

Things to do

• Get lost in the souksExplore specialised souks such as Souk el Attarine, the perfume makers' market, or Souk ech Chaouachia, home of the chechia hat makers. Every alley has its own craft, scents and colours.
• Ride the TGM to the seaThe little train that crosses the lake links the centre with La Goulette, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa. It is the easiest and most scenic way to reach the coast.
• Enjoy the view from medina rooftopsSome shops and old houses open their rooftop terraces above the medina. The view over minarets and domes is magnificent in the late afternoon.
• Catch a concert or a festivalThe Municipal Theatre, the City of Culture and several venues in the medina host concerts, cinema and theatre. The Carthage Film Festival brings the city to life in autumn.
• Stroll through the Central MarketThis covered market in the city centre overflows with fish, fruit, spices and olives. It is the perfect place to feel the everyday pulse of the capital.

Beaches & nature

Tunis has no beach right in the centre, but the sea is very close: La Goulette, Le Kram, La Marsa and Gammarth offer long sandy beaches reachable by train or car. The Lake of Tunis attracts flamingos and waterbirds, while the heights of the Belvedere and Mount Boukornine provide wide views over the gulf.

Food & local specialities

Tunis cuisine is generous, spiced just right and built around harissa, olive oil and seafood. You can eat equally well in the simple eateries of the medina and in the refined dining rooms of the modern districts.

• LablabiA chickpea soup with garlic, cumin and harissa, poured over stale bread and topped with an egg, the great early-morning classic of Tunis.
• Brik with eggA crisp malsouka pastry filled with runny egg, tuna, parsley and capers, eaten by hand without spilling the yolk.
• Fish couscousA coastal speciality where the semolina is flavoured with a spicy fish broth, much loved in the capital and its suburbs.
• KaftejiA fried mix of peppers, tomatoes, courgettes and potatoes chopped with an egg, often served as a sandwich at stalls in the centre.

Where to stay

Shopping & markets

The medina souks are a treasure trove: red chechia hats, perfumes and essential oils, engraved copper, Sidi Bou Said birdcages, carpets, Nabeul ceramics and silver jewellery. Souk el Berka, a former slave market, is now the jewellers' souk. For everyday produce such as spices, dates and olive oil, the Central Market is a must. Haggling is part of the game, always with a smile.

Getting there

• By plane

  Tunis-Carthage International Airport lies about 8 km from the centre and has direct flights from many cities in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. A taxi into town takes around 20 minutes.

• By ferry

  The port of La Goulette receives ferries from Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia and Palermo. It is about 15 km from the centre.

• By train

  Tunis station on Place Barcelone is the terminus of SNCFT lines arriving from Sousse, Sfax, Gabès, Bizerte and the north-west, among others.

• By louage (shared taxi)

  Shared taxis link Tunis with almost every town in the country from the Moncef Bey station (south and Cap Bon) and the Bab Saadoun station (north and west).

• By car

  Tunis is the starting point of motorways to Bizerte, Sousse, Sfax and Béja. From Hammamet, allow about 1 hour's drive.

Getting around

The centre and the medina are best explored on foot. The light metro serves many districts, and the TGM links the city to the northern suburbs along the coast. Yellow taxis are plentiful and metered, so simply ask the driver to start the meter. A car is mainly useful for excursions.

Day trips nearby

FAQ