Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Tunis, settle into your accommodation in the Ville Nouvelle, and take an introductory evening stroll through the historic Medina.
Morning
Arrival at Tunis-Carthage International Airport
Complete immigration and customs. Take an official airport taxi (with a meter) or pre-booked transfer to your hotel in the Ville Nouvelle. Check in, freshen up, and get your bearings.
2-3 hours
$15-20 (taxi)
Pre-book a transfer with your hotel for convenience.
Lunch
Le Café Vert
French-Tunisian café fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Relax & Orientation Walk
Recover from your journey with a leisurely walk down Habib Bourguiba Avenue. See the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul and the
clock tower. Get a feel for the city's European-style downtown.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Dinner in the Medina
Find Dar El Jeld for upscale traditional cuisine in a impressive setting, or opt for a simpler meal at a local fondouk restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (near Avenue Habib Bourguiba)(Hotel (e.g., Hotel Africa or Dar Ben Gacem))
Central location with easy access to the Medina, good transport links, and modern amenities.
Change a small amount of money at the airport for the taxi, but get better rates at banks or official exchange bureaus in the city center.
Day 1 Budget: $90
A full day dedicated to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Tunis Medina, its souks, and its spiritual center.
Morning
Guided Medina Walking Tour
Start at Bab Bhar (Sea Gate). With a guide, navigate the maze of alleys, visiting key souks like Souk El Attarine (perfumes) and Souk des Chechias (traditional hats). Learn about the Medina's history and architecture.
3 hours
$25-35 (guide fee)
Book a certified guide through the Tunisian National Tourist Office near Bab Bhar.
Lunch
Restaurant El Ali
Tunisian (try the Ojja with merguez)
Budget
Afternoon
Great Mosque of Zitouna & Dar Ben Abdallah Museum
View the exterior of the Zitouna Mosque, a major center of learning. Then, visit the nearby Dar Ben Abdallah Museum, housed in a beautiful palace, to see exhibits on 18th-19th century Tunisian life.
2.5 hours
$3 (museum entry)
Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall of Zitouna, but the courtyard view is impressive.
Evening
Tea & People-Watching
Have mint tea at Café M'Rabet in the Medina, good for watching the world go by in the
main square, Place de la Kasbah.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
Returning to the same base provides continuity and is a short walk from the Medina gates.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for the uneven Medina streets and be prepared for friendly but persistent shopkeepers.
Day 2 Budget: $75
A look at into Tunisia's ancient history at one of the world's great mosaic museums, followed by a local neighborhood exploration.
Morning
Spend the morning marveling at the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics, displayed in a former bey's palace. Don't miss the 'Virgil' mosaic and the vast collection from Roman Africa.
3-4 hours
$10 (entry + camera fee)
Go right at opening to avoid crowds. An audio guide is highly recommended.
Lunch
Le Baroque
International/Tunisian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore the Bardo Neighborhood & Belvedere Park
Walk from the museum through the local streets to the expansive Belvedere Park. Visit the small zoo or simply enjoy the greenery and views over the city.
2 hours
$1 (park entry)
Evening
Dinner in Lafayette
Head to the Lafayette district for dinner at Le Golfe, known for its seafood and views.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
Convenient for taking a taxi to the Bardo and returning for evening options.
The Bardo Museum's most famous mosaics are on the upper floor. Plan your route to see them first.
Day 3 Budget: $85
A day trip to the scattered but evocative ruins of the famed Punic and Roman city of Carthage.
Morning
Take the TGM light rail to Carthage-Hannibal station. Start at the top of Byrsa Hill at the Carthage
National Museumfor context, then explore the Punic Quarter ruins and enjoy panoramic views over the Gulf of Tunis.
3 hours
$12 (combined ticket for all sites + TGM)
Purchase the 'Carthage Pass' ticket at the first site you visit; it grants entry to all major ruins.
Lunch
Café Sidi Bou Said (near the station)
Light lunches, sandwiches, salads
Budget
Afternoon
Antonine Baths & Roman Villas
Walk to the impressive seaside ruins of the Antonine Baths, once the largest in the Roman world. Then visit the nearby Roman Villa of the Aviary with its beautiful mosaics in situ.
2.5 hours
Included in pass
Wear a hat and bring water; the sites are exposed.
Evening
Seafood Dinner in Carthage
Dine at La Carthage, a restaurant with terrace views overlooking the ancient ports.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
The TGM provides easy and cheap return access to Carthage from downtown Tunis.
The sites are spread out. Consider hiring a petit taxi for a couple of hours to hop between the farther-flung locations like the Tophet and the Amphitheatre.
Day 4 Budget: $95
A scenic day in the well-known cliffside village of blue doors and white walls, with art, views, and café culture.
Morning
Explore the Village
Take the TGM to Sidi Bou Said station. Wander the cobbled main street, Rue Habib Thameur, admiring the Andalusian architecture, ornate doorways, and bougainvillea. Visit the Dar El Annabi, a traditional house-museum.
2.5 hours
$3 (museum entry + TGM)
Arrive early to beat the day-trip crowds and get the best photos.
Lunch
Le Bon Vieux Temps
Tunisian/French
Mid-range
Afternoon
Café des Nattes & Palace Ennejma Ezzahra
Sip mint tea at the famous Café des Nattes. Then, walk to the impressive Palace Ennejma Ezzahra, home to the Center for Arab and Mediterranean Music, with incredible views and architecture.
2.5 hours
$8 (palace entry)
Check the palace schedule for occasional live music performances.
Evening
Sunset & Dinner with a View
Watch the sunset from the cliffside paths. For dinner, try the fish couscous at Restaurant Au Bonheur.
Where to Stay Tonight
Sidi Bou Said(Guesthouse (e.g., Dar Said or Hotel Sidi Bou Said))
Experience the magical quiet of the village after the day-trippers have left.
For the classic Sidi Bou Said souvenir, buy a painted ceramic plate or a 'chechia' (felt hat) from one of the local artisans.
Day 5 Budget: $110
A relaxed day enjoying the upscale northern suburbs, with beach time, shopping, and a sophisticated evening.
Morning
Beach Time at La Marsa Public Beach
Take a taxi or TGM to La Marsa. Enjoy the sandy public beach for a swim and sunbathing. The water is generally calm and clear here.
2-3 hours
$5 (sunbed rental)
Lunch
Le Chalet
Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Shopping & Corniche Walk
Stroll along the La Marsa corniche. Browse the boutiques and art galleries in the area. Visit the Marché Central de La Marsa for a local market experience.
2 hours
$0 (window shopping)
Evening
Upscale Dinner in Gammarth
Head to the Gammarth area for a fine-dining experience at the restaurant Le Grand Bleu at the Hotel La Badira, or for a more casual vibe at La Plage.
Where to Stay Tonight
La Marsa(Hotel or Guesthouse (e.g., Dar El Marsa))
A change of pace to a more residential and coastal atmosphere.
If you prefer a private beach club experience, pay for a day pass at one of the hotel clubs in Gammarth for around $25, which includes a sunbed and towel.
Day 6 Budget: $120
Return to Tunis to explore traditional crafts in depth, then contrast with the modern business district.
Morning
Medina Craft Workshops
Return to the Medina for focused craft appreciation. Visit a pottery workshop in the Qallaline area and a woodworking atelier specializing in 'menjels' (traditional tables).
3 hours
$0 (viewing), variable for purchases
Ask politely if you can watch the artisans at work; they are often happy to demonstrate.
Lunch
Dar Slah
Traditional Tunisian in a courtyard setting
Mid-range
Afternoon
Berges du Lac
Take a taxi to the modern Berges du Lac district. Walk along the marina, see the contemporary architecture, and visit the Tunis City Mall for a glimpse of modern Tunisian life.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Lakeside Dinner
Dine at one of the many restaurants on the lake, such as Le Rest'O for international cuisine with a view.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
Central location is best for accessing both the old Medina and the new Lac district.
For serious craft purchases, the government-run ONAT shops in the Medina offer fixed, fair prices and high quality, though bargaining is not possible.
Day 7 Budget: $90
Explore the royal and presidential history of Tunisia through its palaces and serene gardens.
Morning
Dar Hussein & Dar Othman
Visit these two beautifully restored palaces in the Medina. Dar Hussein now houses the National Heritage Institute, while Dar Othman is an architectural gem showing 16th-century design.
2.5 hours
$4 (combined entry)
These are quieter sites, offering a peaceful look at palatial life.
Lunch
Salon de Thé El Hana
Pastries, light snacks, tea
Budget
Afternoon
The Presidential Palace & Haras National
View the exterior of the Presidential Palace at Carthage (security permitting from a distance). Then, visit the Haras National, the national stud farm in Sidi Thabet, to see Arabian horses (taxi required).
3 hours
$25 (taxi + potential tour fee)
Check visiting hours for the Haras National in advance, as they can be limited.
Evening
Relaxed Evening
Enjoy a simple dinner at your hotel or a nearby café, planning for the next day's excursion.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
A familiar and convenient base for varied day trips.
The best view of the Presidential Palace is from the seaward side, accessible via the coastal road.
Day 8 Budget: $85
A journey to one of the oldest Phoenician settlements in the region, offering a different perspective from Carthage.
Morning
Travel to Utica
Hire a taxi for the day or join a tour for the 45-minute drive north to Utica. The site is located inland now due to silting of the Medjerda River.
1 hour travel
$40-60 (day taxi)
Negotiate a fixed price with a taxi driver for a round trip with a 2-3 hour wait.
Lunch
Pack a picnic or eat at a simple local café in the nearby town.
Picnic or local fare
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Utica
Walk among the extensive ruins, including Punic necropolises, Roman houses with impressive mosaics (like the House of the Cascade), a Capitol, and baths. The on-site museum is small but informative.
3 hours
$5 (site entry)
Bring sun protection; the site has little shade.
Evening
Return & Casual Dinner
Return to Tunis and have a casual dinner at a maquis (local grill) like Maquis le Cèdre in Lafayette.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
Returning to your main base after the day trip.
Utica is often overlooked, so you may have the vast archaeological site almost to yourself, making it a special experience.
Day 9 Budget: $110
A day focusing on the varied religious history of Tunis, from Islam to Judaism and early Christianity.
Morning
Medersas & Zaouias
Visit the beautiful theological colleges in the Medina: Medersa Bachia and Medersa Slimania. Admire their intricate tilework and peaceful courtyards. See the exterior of the Sidi Mahrez Zaouia.
2.5 hours
$2 (donation)
Dress modestly for these religious sites.
Lunch
Dar Belhadj
Tunisian
Mid-range
Afternoon
The Cathedral & The Mixture
Visit the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul on Avenue Bourguiba. Then, take a taxi to the northern suburb of Le Kram to see the El Hamma synagogue (exterior) and learn about Tunisia's Jewish heritage.
2.5 hours
$10 (taxi)
For synagogue visits, contact the Jewish community center in advance to arrange access.
Evening
Reflective Dinner
Dine at Dar El Jeld if you spot't already, or try Dar Slah for another traditional medina experience.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
All sites are easily accessible from the city center.
The Christian catacombs in Tunis are not easily accessible. For early Christian history, the Bardo Museum's collections are your best bet.
Day 10 Budget: $85
Explore Tunisia's modern artistic expression and the story of its fight for independence.
Morning
City of Culture & Modern Art
Visit the large Cité de la Culture complex. See a performance schedule, view the architecture, and visit the Museum of Modern Art (MAC) to discover contemporary Tunisian artists.
3 hours
$5 (museum entry)
Check the Cité's website for current exhibitions and events.
Lunch
Le Grand Café de Paris
French brasserie
Mid-range
Afternoon
Independence & National History
Visit the
National Museumof Military History at the Ksar Said Palace. Then, walk to the Martyrs' Square (Place des Martyrs) and see the Independence Monument.
2.5 hours
$4 (museum entry)
Evening
Theatre or Cinema
Catch a play at the Municipal Theater on Bourguiba Avenue or see a film at the AfricArt Cinema.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
Perfect location for accessing the cultural institutions on foot.
The café on the upper floor of the Municipal Theater is a lovely, old-world spot for a coffee, even if you don't see a show.
Day 11 Budget: $80
Dedicate a day to understanding and tasting Tunisian cuisine through a hands-on class and market visit.
Morning
Cooking Class & Market Tour
Join a half-day Tunisian cooking class. Start with a guided tour of the Marché Central (Central Market) to select fresh produce, spices, and fish, then learn to prepare dishes like couscous, tagine, or brik.
4 hours
$50-70 (class fee)
Book in advance with a reputable school like 'Atelier de Cuisine Tunisienne' or 'Cooking with Khadija'.
Lunch
Enjoy the meal you prepared!
Tunisian
Included
Afternoon
Leisure & Digest
A free afternoon to relax, revisit a favorite spot, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Perhaps visit the small but interesting Postal Museum.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Farewell Feast
For your final proper dinner, splurge at the rooftop restaurant La Soukra for panoramic city views and refined Tunisian cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
Close to the central market and many cooking class venues.
Ask your cooking instructor where to buy high-quality harissa, olive oil, and spices to take home as edible souvenirs.
Day 12 Budget: $120
A flexible day to revisit a favorite location, pursue a personal interest, or simply relax.
Morning
Option 1: Revisit the Medina
Go back to a souk you liked for final purchases, or explore a quarter you missed, like the Andalusian quarter.
Flexible
Variable
Lunch
Your choice! Try a street food stand for a 'fricassé' or 'lablabi' (chickpea soup).
Tunisian Street Food
Budget
Afternoon
Option 2: Relax in a Hammam
Experience a traditional Tunisian hammam (bathhouse). For a tourist-friendly experience, try Hammam Zitouna in the Medina or a more luxurious spa in a hotel.
2 hours
$15-40
Understand the separate male/female sections and procedures. A 'gommage' (scrub) and massage are highly recommended.
Evening
Final Stroll & Packing
Take a last walk down Avenue Bourguiba, enjoy a final mint tea, and pack your bags.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ville Nouvelle (Hotel)
Convenient for last-minute tasks and transport to the airport tomorrow.
If you spot't tried it yet, this is the day to taste 'Bambalouni' – a Tunisian fried doughnut, often sold near the Medina gates in the evening.
Day 13 Budget: $70
Final moments in Tunis, perhaps a last-minute souvenir, before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Morning
Last-Minute Souvenirs & Goodbyes
If time allows, do a final sweep for gifts. Visit a patisserie for some 'kaak warka' (sesame cookies) or 'makroudh' (date pastry) to take home.
2 hours
Variable
Ensure you have Tunisian Dinar for small purchases; euros/dollars are not accepted in shops.
Lunch
Light lunch near your hotel or at the airport.
Café fare
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport
Check out of your hotel. Take a pre-arranged taxi or hotel transfer to the airport, allowing 2-3 hours before your international flight for check-in and security.
1 hour travel + airport time
$15-20 (taxi)
Confirm your flight time and arrange the taxi pickup accordingly with your hotel.
Evening
Departure
Check in, pass through security, and perhaps browse the duty-free for last-minute Tunisian products like dates or harissa.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Spend your remaining small Tunisian Dinar coins at the airport shops, as they are difficult to exchange outside the country.
Day 14 Budget: $60