Tunis is a city where the past and the present meet. You’ll find yourself walking through layers of Arab, Spanish, Ottoman, and French influences, exploring thousands of years of history, beginning with ancient Carthage, once a major adversary of the Roman Republic. Today, Tunis is a vibrant port city known for its historic and modern architecture mix. Look around to see palaces decorated with detailed mosaics, the imposing towers of ancient mosques, or the exciting architecture of the French colonial period.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Tunis is connected to major cities around the world via Tunis-Carthage International Airport. Road, rail, and ferry services are also convenient options for travelers from the region.
• Getting Around: The city’s public transportation system includes buses, a light metro, and taxis. However, most attractions are within walking distance of each other, so most of your exploration will be on foot.
• Where to Stay: You’ll find the best accommodations in the Medina in Tunis or the coastal towns to the north.
• How Long to Visit: You should spend at least three to four days in Tunis to fully appreciate its historical sites, cultural experiences, and overall atmosphere.
• When to Visit: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer mild weather, ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor sites and avoiding the summer heat.
• Similar Destinations: Other places with fascinating historical and modern influences include Istanbul, Turkey, with its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage and Marrakech, Morocco, which has a distinct North African charm.

Highlights:

The Medina of Tunis:

The Medina is the heart and soul of Tunis, a colorful, labyrinthine district filled with historic sites and small shops. As you enter through the iconic Bab al-Bahr gate, you’re welcomed by vendors who line the narrow streets and offer everything from traditional crafts to aromatic spices and silver or gold products. The centerpiece of the Medina is the Ez-Zitouna (Olive Tree Mosque), a 1300-year-old religious site and a vantage point for breathtaking views of Tunis. For an even better view of the city’s rooftops, head to Cafe Panorama, from which you can enjoy a direct view of the Ez-Zitouna and take in the intricate beauty of the mosque and its surroundings. If you are interested in local crafts and trades, the blacksmiths’ souq is a must, or you can see what souvenirs you can take home. Among the treasures of the Medina are the opulent palaces: Dar Lasram, Dar al Hussein, and Dar Ben Abdallah stand out for their architectural beauty, their courtyard walls covered in colorful mosaics, and the stories they tell, ranging from political history to detailed daily life in Tunis’s past. Another remarkable site within the Medina is the Royal Mausoleum of Tourbet el Bey, a resting place for Tunisian royalty, known for its intricate decoration.

The New Town:

As you leave the historic Medina and head towards the New Town, you’ll notice a stark shift in atmosphere and architecture. This part of Tunis is defined by Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings, which contrast the traditional Tunisian designs of the Medina. The French colonial influence of the New Town is evident in its architecture and the layout and atmosphere of its streets and squares. The Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul is a prominent building with an imposing structure and detailed facades embodying the spirit of Art Deco design. Nearby, the Municipal Theater hosts performances in a building that beautifully captures the essence of Art Nouveau. Another icon of the New Town is the Avenue Habib Bourguiba Clock Tower. This clock tower represents Tunis’s ambitions and is a focal point of the city’s urban life. The avenue is often compared to the Champs-Élysées, with its lively cafes, shops and constant flow of people. The Hotel du Lac is a stark departure from the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, an abandoned masterpiece of Brutalist architecture. Built in the 1970s, its unique design, reminiscent of a futuristic spaceship, has attracted worldwide attention and even inspired scenes in the Star Wars movies.

Bardo National Museum:

Located in a majestic former palace, the Bardo National Museum houses one of the world’s most important collections of Roman mosaics and a wealth of artifacts from various periods of Tunisian history. A day at the Bardo takes you from ancient Carthage through the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods to modern Tunisia. The main attraction is the Roman mosaics. You’ll be captivated by their intricacy and scale, and through them, you’ll learn about daily life, mythology, and history from thousands of years ago. Considered some of the finest in the world, these mosaics display an extraordinary level of detail and craftsmanship that brings the ancient world to life. Beyond the mosaics, the Bardo National Museum showcases Tunisia’s cultural and historical breadth through its collections of marble statues, Islamic art and traditional Tunisian costumes. Even if museums are not your cup of tea, visiting the Bardo National Museum is an essential part of any trip to Tunis.

The Kasbah:

The modernist structure, with its bold lines and commanding presence, symbolizes the country’s struggle for independence and its rich political history. Situated on the highest point in Tunis, the Kasbah monument offers a panoramic view of the city and is well worth a visit.

La Goulette:

La Goulette, the gateway to Tunis, has a strategic location that has shaped its history and culture. The Fort de la Goulette, a historic fortress, guards the entrance to the port and is worth a short visit. For the adventurous, a 9km walk or bike ride along a narrow stretch of land to the abandoned Fort of Santiago de Chikly is a genuinely unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. If you’d rather relax, head to La Goulette beach, which runs the length of the city.

Day Trip to Carthage:

Once a dominant power in the ancient Mediterranean, Carthage invites you to explore its turbulent past, marked by conflicts with Rome and a rich (literally, rich!) Punic heritage. The Archaeological Park of Carthage showcases the grandeur of the ancient city through well-preserved ruins and relics. Of particular note is the ancient Punic harbor, which once buzzed with trading ships from across the sea. Be sure to climb to the top of Byrsa Hill for a panoramic view of the ruins and the area’s natural beauty.

Day Trip to Sidi Bou Said:

Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque seaside town that attracts international visitors and locals from Tunis on weekends. Its white and blue houses, reminiscent of Andalusian towns or the Greek island of Santorini, make it a great photo spot. Its narrow streets are lined with cute cafes and art shops, and its elevated location offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Sidi Bou Said is a perfect day trip on any Tunis itinerary and is also worth a trip in its own right.