Things to Do in Carthage, تونس

Carthage, located just 15 kilometers northeast of Tunis, is one of Tunisia's most historically significant destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the mighty capital of the ancient Carthaginian Empire that rivaled Rome, this coastal suburb now offers visitors an extraordinary journey through layers of civilization spanning over 3,000 years. The archaeological ruins scattered across the hillsides tell the story of Phoenician traders, Roman conquerors, and early Christians who shaped the Mediterranean world. Today's Carthage seamlessly blends its illustrious past with modern Tunisian life, featuring world-class museums, extensive archaeological sites, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can explore the remains of ancient harbors, Roman villas with intricate mosaics, early Christian basilicas, and the hilltop ruins where Hannibal once walked. The area also offers beautiful beaches, upscale neighborhoods, and easy access to both Tunis and the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, making it an ideal base for exploring northern Tunisia's cultural treasures.

Top Things to Do in Carthage

Explore Ancient Carthage Archaeological Sites

Discover the extensive ruins of the ancient Carthaginian and Roman city across multiple archaeological sites including the Antonine Baths, Roman Theatre, and Tophet sanctuary. The sites are scattered across the modern suburb, each offering unique insights into different periods of Carthage's history. A combined ticket allows access to all major sites, and the ruins provide spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis.

Booking Tip: Purchase the combined ticket for 12-15 TND covering all major sites, valid for multiple days. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Consider hiring a local guide at the entrance for 20-30 TND to better understand the historical significance.

Visit Carthage National Museum

House in a former seminary overlooking the sea, this exceptional museum displays artifacts from Carthage's Punic, Roman, and early Christian periods. The collection includes stunning mosaics, sculptures, pottery, and religious artifacts that bring the ancient city's story to life. The museum's setting itself is beautiful, with peaceful gardens and panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 8-10 TND with additional fees for photography. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Visit in the morning when lighting is best for viewing mosaics, and allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.

Explore Byrsa Hill and Punic Quarter

Climb to the highest point of ancient Carthage where the Punic acropolis once stood and Hannibal's palace may have been located. The hilltop offers panoramic views and houses excavated Punic houses with well-preserved foundations showing daily life in ancient Carthage. The nearby Saint Louis Cathedral, built by French colonials, adds another historical layer to this significant site.

Booking Tip: Included in the combined archaeological sites ticket. Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour photography and cooler temperatures. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there's significant uphill walking and uneven ancient stones.

Discover the Ancient Ports and Maritime Quarter

Explore the remains of Carthage's famous circular military harbor and rectangular commercial port that made the city a Mediterranean trading powerhouse. Though now silted up and partially built over, you can still see the outline of these engineering marvels and visit the small museum explaining their historical importance. The area offers insights into Carthaginian naval supremacy and maritime trade networks.

Booking Tip: Part of the combined ticket, but the small Oceanographic Museum requires separate entry (5-8 TND). Best combined with nearby Antonine Baths visit. Early morning visits offer better photography conditions and fewer crowds.

Take Day Trips to Nearby Sidi Bou Said and Tunis

Use Carthage as a base to explore the stunning blue-and-white hilltop village of Sidi Bou Said, just 10 minutes away by train, known for its Ottoman architecture and artistic heritage. The capital city of Tunis, with its UNESCO-listed medina and French colonial Ville Nouvelle, is easily accessible by the same light rail system. Both destinations offer completely different atmospheres and cultural experiences from ancient Carthage.

Booking Tip: Purchase a daily TGM train pass for unlimited travel between Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and Tunis for around 3-4 TND. Trains run every 15-30 minutes. Start early to visit both locations in one day, or dedicate separate days for a more relaxed experience.

Getting There

Carthage is easily accessible from Tunis-Carthage International Airport, located just 8 kilometers away, making it one of the most convenient archaeological sites to reach in North Africa. The TGM light rail connects Carthage directly to central Tunis in about 30 minutes, with trains running regularly throughout the day. Taxis and rental cars are also readily available, and the drive from Tunis takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Many visitors arrive as part of organized tours from cruise ships docking at nearby La Goulette port.

Getting Around

The TGM (Tunis-Goulette-Marsa) light rail is the most efficient way to travel around Carthage, with several stations serving different archaeological sites including Carthage-Dermech, Carthage-Hannibal, and Carthage-Byrsa. Walking between sites is possible but can be quite spread out and hilly, so many visitors use taxis for short hops between ruins. The area is also bike-friendly, and some hotels offer bicycle rentals. For exploring the broader region including Sidi Bou Said and Tunis, the TGM train system provides excellent connectivity throughout the day.

Where to Stay

Carthage Center near archaeological sites

Sidi Bou Said for boutique charm

La Marsa for beach proximity

Gammarth for luxury resorts

Tunis Medina for cultural immersion

Tunis Ville Nouvelle for modern amenities

Food & Dining

Carthage offers a refined dining scene that reflects its upscale residential character, with many restaurants featuring Mediterranean and traditional Tunisian cuisine with sea views. The nearby village of Sidi Bou Said provides charming cafés and restaurants in historic settings, perfect for mint tea and traditional pastries. Local specialties include fresh seafood, couscous, brik (crispy pastry with egg), and harissa-spiced dishes. Many restaurants cater to international visitors while maintaining authentic Tunisian flavors, and the proximity to Tunis means access to the capital's diverse culinary scene is just a short train ride away.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Carthage is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable for extensive outdoor exploration of archaeological sites, ranging from 18-25°C. Summer months (June-August) can be quite hot and crowded, though the coastal location provides some relief with sea breezes. Winter (December-February) offers mild weather and fewer crowds, making it perfect for museum visits and archaeological exploration, though some sites may have reduced hours. The Mediterranean climate means Carthage can be visited year-round, but spring and fall provide the most pleasant conditions for walking among the ruins.

Insider Tips

Purchase the combined archaeological sites ticket and keep it for multiple days - you don't need to visit everything in one day and the sites are better appreciated with time to absorb their significance

Take the TGM train to Carthage-Byrsa station for the most dramatic introduction to the ruins, starting from the hilltop and working your way down

Many of the best archaeological pieces have been moved to the Bardo Museum in Tunis - consider visiting both to get the complete picture of Carthaginian and Roman art and culture

Things to Do in Carthage