Top Things to Do in Tunis
20 must-see attractions and experiences
Tunis, the sunny capital of Tunisia, is a city where three thousand years of Mediterranean civilization converge in a single, walkable landscape. The UNESCO-listed Medina, one of the best-preserved in the Arab world, develops in a labyrinth of covered souks, ornate mosques, and centuries-old palaces, while the French colonial Ville Nouvelle radiates outward from the grand boulevard of Avenue Habib Bourguiba. For first-time visitors, the contrast is exhilarating: sip a mint tea in a 14th-century fondouk, then cross the street to an Art Deco cinema. Beyond the capital itself, Tunis is the way into some of North Africa's most extraordinary archaeological treasures. The ruins of Carthage sit just a short commuter-train ride away on the hill of Byrsa, while day trips reach the colossal Roman amphitheater at El Jem, the mosaics of the Bardo, and the coastal fortifications of Sousse and Mahdia. Tunisia's compact geography means that a visitor based in Tunis can cover an astonishing range of history, from Punic tombs to Ottoman mansions, in a matter of days. The city is at its most pleasant from October through April, when mild temperatures make walking the medina comfortable and tourist crowds thin out. Tunisian hospitality is warm and unhurried; expect generous portions of couscous, brik pastry, and harissa-spiced dishes at every turn. The local currency is the Tunisian dinar, and bargaining in the souks is both expected and enjoyable.
Don't Miss These
Our top picks for visitors to Tunis
Colosseum of El Jem
Historic SitesRising from the flat agricultural plain of central Tunisia, this third-century Roman amphitheater is the largest in North Africa and among the best-preserved in the world. Its three tiers of arcaded arches could once seat 35,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat, and today visitors can walk the underground passages where fighters and wild animals awaited their fate. The sheer scale of the structure, rivaling Rome's own Colosseum, shows the wealth that olive oil brought to Roman Africa.
Route Mahdia, El Jem, Tunisia ·View on Map
Bardo National Museum
Museums & GalleriesHoused in a lavishly decorated 19th-century beylical palace, the Bardo holds the world's finest collection of Roman-era mosaics, many of them recovered from archaeological sites across Tunisia. Entire floors are covered with intricate depictions of mythology, daily life, and maritime scenes that rival any painting gallery in Europe. The building itself, with its ornamental plasterwork and painted wooden ceilings, is a museum within a museum.
Bardo center, RN 7, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Zitouna Mosque
Cultural ExperiencesThe spiritual heart of the Tunis Medina, this grand mosque was founded in 732 AD and remains the city's most important place of worship. Its forest of recycled Roman and Byzantine columns supports a prayer hall of quiet magnificence, while the courtyard has a rare moment of calm amid the busy souks. Non-Muslim visitors can admire the courtyard and exterior but may not enter the prayer hall.
Q5XC+454, 30 Rue Jamaa Ezzitouna, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Bab al-Bhar
Historic SitesKnown in French as the Porte de France, this stone gateway marks the historic threshold between the old Arab medina and the colonial Ville Nouvelle. Built into the city walls during the Ottoman period, the gate today is an island amid traffic, but it remains the most recognizable landmark for orientation in central Tunis. The view down Avenue de France toward the medina is one of the city's classic vistas.
Q5XG+M76, Rue Mongi Slim, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Punic Quarter of Byrsa
Historic SitesPerched on Byrsa Hill in Carthage, this excavated neighborhood reveals the domestic life of Punic Carthage in its final decades before Rome destroyed the city in 146 BC. The remarkably preserved street grid, with foundations of multi-story houses and drainage channels, gives visitors a tangible connection to one of antiquity's great civilizations. The adjacent museum on the hilltop displays artifacts recovered from these homes, including everyday pottery and carved ivory.
88 Rte de La Goulette, Site archéologique de Carthage, Tunisia ·View on Map
Tunis Clock Tower
Notable AttractionsStanding at the eastern end of Avenue Habib Bourguiba, this landmark clock tower anchors the city's main boulevard and is a popular meeting point for locals. The surrounding plaza buzzes with cafe life, street vendors, and the theatrical energy of Tunis's most cosmopolitan street. It is the natural starting point for an evening passeggiata along the tree-lined avenue.
R52P+3HV, Av. Habib Bourguiba, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Sousse Archaeological Museum
Museums & GalleriesLocated inside the Kasbah fortress overlooking the Sousse medina, this museum houses an exceptional collection of Roman and early Christian mosaics drawn from excavations across the Sahel region. The pieces range from vivid hunting scenes to delicate geometric patterns, displayed in galleries that trace the artistic evolution from Punic through Byzantine periods. The museum's rooftop terrace offers sweeping views over the medina to the Mediterranean.
RJFP+644, Rue Abou Kacem Echabi, Sousse, Tunisia ·View on Map
Marsa Corniche
Notable AttractionsThis breezy seafront promenade in the upscale suburb of La Marsa has a welcome escape from the intensity of central Tunis. Lined with cafes, ice cream shops, and the gentle sound of waves, the corniche is where Tunisians come for evening strolls and weekend family outings. The beach here is popular in summer, though the promenade itself is pleasant year-round.
La Marsa, Tunisia ·View on Map
Central Market of Tunis
Markets & ShoppingOfficially the Marche Central, this covered market near Avenue de France is a sensory immersion into Tunisian food culture. Stalls overflow with glistening fresh fish, pyramids of spices, barrels of olives, and seasonal produce that changes with the agricultural calendar. The market has operated since the French colonial era and remains the city's primary wholesale and retail food hub.
9 Rue d'Allemagne, Tunis 1000, Tunisia ·View on Map
Tunis Science City
Museums & GalleriesThis modern science and technology center in the northern suburbs of Tunis features interactive exhibits on astronomy, earth sciences, and human biology, making it a standout destination for families. The complex includes a planetarium with regular shows, a multimedia theater, and rotating exhibitions that blend education with entertainment. It has a refreshing contrast to the historical attractions that dominate most Tunis itineraries.
Rue La Cité des Sciences à Tunis, Tunis 1082, Tunisia ·View on Map
Historic Sites
Tunis and its surroundings offer one of the densest concentrations of ancient Mediterranean heritage anywhere in the world. From the Punic ruins of Carthage to the Roman colosseum at El Jem and the Ottoman-era mausoleum of Tourbet el Bey, visitors can trace over three millennia of civilization within a compact geographic area.
Uthina Archaeological Site
Historic SitesOne of Tunisia's most underrated Roman ruins, Uthina lies about 30 kilometers south of Tunis and rewards visitors with a remarkably intact amphitheater, large bath complex, and residential quarter with preserved mosaic floors. Unlike the more famous sites, Uthina sees very few visitors, giving it an atmosphere of quiet discovery. The site is still being excavated, and new finds continue to emerge.
J569+5M8, Mornag, Tunisia ·View on Map
Royal Mausoleum of Tourbet el Bey
Historic SitesThis lavish funerary complex in central the medina houses the tombs of Tunisia's Husainid dynasty, the beys who ruled from the 18th century until independence. The interior features beautiful marble work, painted tiles, and carved plaster that rank among the finest decorative arts in Tunis. Quiet and rarely crowded, it has an intimate glimpse into the opulence of Ottoman-era Tunisian royalty.
7 Rue du Château, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Natural Wonders
While Tunis is primarily an urban and historical destination, green spaces like The Japanese Garden provide tranquil retreats. The city's coastal position along the Gulf of Tunis also means that beaches and waterfront promenades are never far away.
The Japanese Garden
Natural WondersTucked into the suburban landscape of Tunis, this tranquil garden has a surprising pocket of Zen-inspired calm with koi ponds, arched bridges, and carefully pruned greenery. Created as a symbol of Tunisian-Japanese friendship, the garden provides a meditative counterpoint to the bustle of the medina and boulevard. It is a popular spot for picnics and quiet afternoon reading.
R59V+WG3, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Notable Attractions
From the revolutionary symbolism of 14th January Square to the modern lakeside elegance of Corniche du Lac, Tunis blends historic landmarks with contemporary urban spaces. Well-known orientation points like Bab al-Bhar and the Clock Tower help visitors navigate the transition between the ancient medina and the French-planned Ville Nouvelle.
Victory Square
Notable AttractionsKnown locally as Place de la Victoire, this compact square sits just outside the medina walls near Bab al-Bhar and has long served as a gathering point and transit hub. The square's modest monument commemorates Tunisian national milestones, while the surrounding streets buzz with shops, cafes, and the constant flow of pedestrians moving between old and new Tunis. Its central location makes it an unavoidable part of any Tunis walking tour.
Q5XG+M5G, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
14th January Square
Notable AttractionsRenamed to honor the date of Tunisia's 2011 revolution, this significant public space on Avenue Habib Bourguiba has witnessed some of the country's most pivotal modern moments. The wide, tree-lined boulevard surrounding the square is the stage for national celebrations, protests, and daily promenading. Standing here, visitors sense the living political history that makes Tunis far more than an archaeological destination.
R52P+3FP, Rte de La Goulette, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Corniche du Lac I
Notable AttractionsThis modern waterfront development along the shores of the Lac de Tunis has a contemporary counterpoint to the city's ancient quarters. The promenade is lined with upscale restaurants, shopping centers, and landscaped walkways that attract joggers, families, and those seeking a sunset stroll. It represents the modern face of Tunis and is a popular spot for evening dining.
R6JC+24H, Bd Cheikh Zayed, Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
City panorama platform
Notable AttractionsThis elevated viewpoint has a sweeping panorama across the Tunis skyline, taking in the medina's minarets, the modern city's towers, and the distant shimmer of the Gulf of Tunis. The platform provides an excellent orientation for understanding the city's geographic layout and the relationship between its historic and contemporary quarters. It is a photographers' favorite, at golden hour.
27 Bis Rue Taieb Mhiri, Site archéologique de Carthage 2026, Tunisia ·View on Map
Museums & Galleries
The museum scene in Tunis is anchored by the excellent Bardo National Museum, whose Roman mosaic collection is unrivaled globally. Smaller institutions like Dar Lasram, Ksar Said Palace, and the archaeological museums in Sousse and Mahdia round out a rich cultural offering that spans fine arts, ethnography, and ancient history.
Ksar Said Palace
Museums & GalleriesThis large 19th-century palace on the outskirts of Tunis was once a summer retreat for the Husainid beys and now hosts sections of the national museum collections. The palace's grand reception rooms, with their painted ceilings and Italian marble, evoke the cosmopolitan tastes of Tunisia's pre-independence rulers. The surrounding gardens add to the sense of quiet grandeur.
Rue de I'Evacuation, Tunisia ·View on Map
Dar Lasram
Museums & GalleriesThis meticulously restored 18th-century merchant's house in the Tunis Medina exemplifies the refined domestic architecture of wealthy Tunisian families. The courtyard is framed by slender marble columns, ornate stucco, and painted woodwork, while upper rooms show period furnishings and exhibits on medina preservation. It now is the headquarters of the Association de Sauvegarde de la Medina.
24 Rue Du Tribunal، Tunis, Tunisia ·View on Map
Mahdia Archaeological Museum
Museums & GalleriesLocated in the historic coastal town of Mahdia, about two hours south of Tunis, this compact museum displays artifacts from the surrounding Punic, Roman, and Islamic archaeological sites. Highlights include a collection of gold jewelry, ceramic vessels, and mosaics that trace Mahdia's evolution from a Fatimid capital to a prosperous Ottoman port. The town itself, with its dramatic headland and atmospheric medina, makes the journey worthwhile.
G339+FCP Mtir, rue Sidi Jaber, Mahdia, Tunisia ·View on Map
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, with mild days and fewer crowds. Spring (March-April) is pleasant, with wildflowers and green landscapes across the region.
Booking Advice
Most attractions in Tunis do not require advance booking. For day trips to El Jem or Sousse, consider arranging transport the day before through your hotel. The Bardo Museum can be visited independently without a guide, though one adds valuable context.
Save Money
Purchase a multi-site archaeological pass at the Bardo or Carthage ticket office, which covers entry to multiple national heritage sites at a significant discount over individual tickets.
Local Etiquette
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and conservative areas of the medina; shoulders and knees should be covered. Bargaining is expected in the souks but not in fixed-price shops or restaurants. Always ask permission before photographing people, in residential parts of the medina.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bardo National Museum?
The Bardo National Museum is Tunisia's largest museum, housed in a former 19th-century palace in Tunis. It's famous for having one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics, including impressive pieces from ancient Carthage and other North African sites. The museum is located in Le Bardo suburb, about 4km west of central Tunis, and takes around 2-3 hours to visit properly.
What are the main tourist attractions in Tunisia?
In Tunis specifically, the top attractions include the UNESCO-listed Medina with its souks and historic mosques, the Bardo Museum's Roman mosaics, and the ancient ruins of Carthage along the coast. The blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said is just 20km north and makes an easy half-day trip. For a full day, you can combine Carthage and Sidi Bou Said using the TGM light rail from downtown Tunis.
What are the best places to visit in Tunisia?
Starting from Tunis, don't miss the Medina's winding streets and Zitouna Mosque, the Bardo Museum, and the coastal ruins of Carthage including the Antonine Baths and Byrsa Hill. The scenic cliffside town of Sidi Bou Said offers great cafes and Mediterranean views. We recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the Tunis area to see these sites without rushing.
How do I visit the Bardo Museum in Tunis?
The Bardo Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 4:30pm (closed Mondays), with entry around 11-13 TND for foreigners. You can reach it by metro (Line 4 to Bardo station), taxi from central Tunis (about 5-10 TND), or organized tour. Plan for at least 2 hours to see the main mosaic collections on the ground and first floors.
What should tourists do in Tunis?
Spend time exploring the Medina's souks where you can watch artisans and shop for ceramics, textiles, and spices, then visit the Bardo Museum for its Roman mosaics. Take the TGM train to see the ruins at Carthage and have mint tea at Café des Délices in Sidi Bou Said. Avenue Habib Bourguiba is good for evening strolls, with cafes and the French colonial-era architecture of Ville Nouvelle.
Book Your Experiences
Guided tours, tickets, and activities in Tunis