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Tunis, تونس - Things to Do in Tunis

Things to Do in Tunis

Tunis, تونس - Complete Travel Guide

Tunis, the vibrant capital of Tunisia, is a captivating blend of ancient history and modern North African culture. The city's crown jewel is its UNESCO World Heritage medina, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world, where narrow winding streets lead past centuries-old mosques, traditional souks, and stunning examples of Islamic architecture. Beyond the ancient walls, the French colonial-era Ville Nouvelle showcases elegant boulevards, cafés, and European-influenced architecture that reflects Tunisia's complex cultural heritage. As the political and economic heart of Tunisia, Tunis offers visitors an authentic taste of contemporary Arab culture while serving as a gateway to the country's rich Carthaginian and Roman past. The city seamlessly weaves together influences from Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and French civilizations, creating a unique Mediterranean-African atmosphere. From haggling for handcrafted goods in the bustling souks to sipping mint tea in traditional cafés, Tunis provides an immersive cultural experience that captures the essence of modern Tunisia.

Top Things to Do in Tunis

Explore the Medina of Tunis

Wander through the labyrinthine streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 7th century. The medina houses over 700 monuments including mosques, palaces, fountains, and madrasas, with the Great Mosque of Zitouna serving as its spiritual centerpiece. Navigate the covered souks where artisans still practice traditional crafts like metalwork, leather goods, and carpet weaving.

Booking Tip: Entry to the medina is free, but guided tours cost 15-25 TND ($5-8 USD) and are recommended for first-time visitors. Best visited in early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid crowds and heat. Choose guides certified by the Tunisian National Tourist Office.

Visit the Bardo National Museum

Discover one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics at this former Ottoman palace turned museum. The museum houses exceptional artifacts from Tunisia's Carthaginian, Roman, and Islamic periods, including the famous Virgil mosaic and stunning floor mosaics from ancient villas across Tunisia. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece showcasing traditional Tunisian tilework and design.

Booking Tip: Admission costs 11 TND ($3.50 USD) for adults, 5 TND for students. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM, closed Mondays. Audio guides available for 5 TND. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit and arrive early to avoid tour groups.

Discover Carthage Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins of the ancient Carthaginian empire at this UNESCO World Heritage site just 15km from Tunis. Visit the Carthage Museum, Roman baths of Antoninus, Punic ports, and Byrsa Hill where Dido founded the legendary city. The site offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis and provides insight into one of antiquity's most powerful civilizations.

Booking Tip: Combined ticket for all Carthage sites costs 12 TND ($4 USD), valid for 3 days. Sites open daily 8:30 AM-7 PM in summer, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM in winter. Rent a car or join organized tours (40-60 TND) as sites are spread across several kilometers.

Stroll Through Sidi Bou Said

Visit this picturesque clifftop village famous for its distinctive blue and white architecture overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Browse art galleries, enjoy traditional mint tea at Café des Nattes, and admire the stunning views from the lighthouse area. The village has inspired countless artists and writers with its serene beauty and traditional Tunisian charm.

Booking Tip: Free to explore the village streets. Café des Nattes charges 8-12 TND for mint tea with a view. Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour photography. Combine with Carthage visit as they're only 5km apart. Public transport costs 1.5 TND via TGM train.

Experience Traditional Hammam

Indulge in an authentic North African spa experience at one of Tunis's traditional bathhouses. The ritual includes steam rooms, exfoliating scrubs with black soap, and relaxing massages that have been practiced for centuries. Popular hammams include Hammam Kachachine in the medina and modern spa versions in upscale hotels.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams in the medina cost 15-25 TND ($5-8 USD) including scrub and massage. Hotel spas charge 80-150 TND for luxury treatments. Book ahead for hotel spas, especially weekends. Bring flip-flops and expect 2-3 hours for the full experience.

Getting There

Tunis-Carthage International Airport, located 8km northeast of the city center, serves as Tunisia's main international gateway with direct flights from major European cities, Middle Eastern hubs, and select African destinations. The airport connects to downtown via taxi (20-30 TND, 20-30 minutes), bus #35 (0.8 TND, 45 minutes), or private transfers. Overland travelers can reach Tunis by bus from Algeria (8-10 hours from Algiers) or by ferry from European ports like Marseille, Genoa, or Palermo, with ferries arriving at La Goulette port 10km from central Tunis.

Getting Around

Tunis offers multiple transportation options including the efficient TGM light rail connecting the city center to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said (1.5 TND per trip), metro lines serving major districts (0.5 TND), and extensive bus networks (0.5-0.8 TND). Taxis are abundant with metered rides starting at 0.5 TND plus 0.8 TND per kilometer, while ride-sharing apps like Bolt operate in the city. For maximum flexibility, car rentals start at 40-60 TND per day, though traffic can be challenging in the medina area where walking is often faster and more enjoyable.

Where to Stay

Medina (Old City)
Avenue Habib Bourguiba
Gammarth
La Marsa
Sidi Bou Said
Lac District

Food & Dining

Tunis's culinary scene brilliantly showcases Tunisia's position at the crossroads of Mediterranean and North African cuisines, with influences from Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and French traditions. The medina offers authentic street food like brik (crispy pastry with egg), merguez sausages, and makroudh pastries, while traditional restaurants serve couscous, tagines, and fresh seafood from the Mediterranean. Modern Tunis features upscale restaurants along Avenue Habib Bourguiba and in the Lac district serving contemporary Tunisian cuisine alongside international options, plus charming French-style cafés perfect for people-watching over mint tea or Turkish coffee.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tunis

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

DaPietro - L'Antica Pizzeria

4.9 /5
(5005 reviews)

Kayu Sushi Jardins de Carthage

4.6 /5
(1404 reviews)

Go! Sushi

4.5 /5
(984 reviews)

DaPietro Sidi Bou Saïd

4.8 /5
(660 reviews)

FEDERICO

4.5 /5
(656 reviews)

Bab Tounès

4.8 /5
(320 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Tunis is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures range from 18-26°C (64-79°F) and rainfall is minimal. Summer months (June-August) can be intensely hot with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) and high humidity, though this is peak season for beachgoers heading to nearby coastal areas. Winter (December-February) sees mild temperatures of 10-16°C (50-61°F) with occasional rain, making it suitable for sightseeing though some outdoor activities may be limited. Ramadan dates vary annually and can affect restaurant hours and cultural site accessibility.

Insider Tips

Friday afternoons see many attractions close for prayers, so plan museum visits and shopping for other days of the week
Bargaining is expected in medina souks - start at 30-40% of the quoted price and negotiate respectfully for the best deals
The number 4 TGM train line provides the most scenic coastal route to Sidi Bou Said and Carthage, with panoramic Mediterranean views for just 1.5 TND

Explore Activities in Tunis