Things to Do in Tunis

About Tunis

Tunis has been inhabited for three thousand years, and you'll feel every one of them in the medina's twisted alleyways where jasmine and cardamom hang in the air. This is North Africa's easiest capital to reach. French colonial buildings stand next to Islamic architecture throughout the city. Ancient Carthage sits on the hills nearby. The souks are the real draw—artisans still work leather, silver, and ceramics by hand in cramped workshops. Modern Tunis won't match what you expect: sidewalk cafés fill with locals arguing over mint tea, and galleries show contemporary art that challenges the traditional image. The Mediterranean is minutes away. Time slows down here. You'll haggle for hand-woven carpets, eat harissa-heavy tagines, and watch the city from rooftop terraces as the call to prayer rolls across white-washed buildings. Tunis doesn't perform for tourists—it just lives. That matters more than you'd think.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use the efficient TGM light rail (0.5 TND per ride) connecting downtown to Sidi Bou Said and Carthage. Taxis are plentiful but insist on the meter or negotiate fares beforehand—expect 3-5 TND for short city rides. Download the Bolt app for reliable ride-sharing.

Money: The Tunisian Dinar (TND) cannot be obtained outside Tunisia, so exchange euros or US dollars at banks or official bureaux de change upon arrival. Credit cards work in hotels and upscale restaurants, but carry cash for souks, street food, and local transport.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting mosques (shoulders and knees covered). During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking publicly during daylight hours. Learn basic Arabic greetings—'As-salamu alaykum' opens doors. Friday afternoons see many businesses closed for prayers.

Food Safety: Street food is generally safe at busy stalls with high turnover. Try brik (crispy pastry with egg), but ensure it's served hot. Bottled water is recommended initially. Avoid raw salads at budget restaurants but embrace fresh seafood at coastal establishments.

When to Visit

Spring (March-May) offers Tunis at its finest, with temperatures ranging 18-25°C and minimal rainfall (20-30mm monthly). Wildflowers bloom across archaeological sites, and accommodation prices remain 20-30% below peak season. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat (28-35°C) and crowds, with hotel rates soaring 40-50% higher, though coastal breezes provide relief. The Carthage International Festival (July-August) transforms ancient ruins into concert venues, justifying premium pricing. Autumn (September-November) delivers ideal conditions—warm days (22-28°C), cool evenings, and harvest season bringing fresh dates and olives to markets. Rainfall increases slightly (40-60mm) but rarely disrupts sightseeing. Winter (December-February) sees temperatures drop to 10-16°C with occasional rain (60-80mm monthly), making it perfect for budget travelers seeking 30-40% accommodation discounts and authentic local experiences without tourist crowds. Ramadan dates shift annually but create unique cultural immersion opportunities. Digital nomads favor shoulder seasons for pleasant weather and moderate costs, while culture ensoiasts should time visits around the Tunis International Festival of Carthage or the Festival of Traditional Music (March-April).