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Seven Days in the Pearl of the Maghreb

A Journey Through Ancient Medina, Roman Ruins & Turquoise Coasts

Trip Overview

This one-week itinerary immerses you in the lively layers of Tunis, a city where ancient Carthage whispers, the Ottoman-era Medina bustles, and French colonial boulevards charm. You'll explore colossal Roman ruins, haggle in labyrinthine souks, admire excellent mosaics, and relax on the serene shores of the Gulf of Tunis. The pace is moderate, blending deep cultural exploration with coastal leisure, ensuring you experience the capital's iconic history, art, cuisine, and seaside allure. Highlights include walking in Hannibal's shadow at Carthage, getting lost in the UNESCO Medina, and savoring Tunisian street food.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$80-120 per day (mid-range)
Best Seasons
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather.
Ideal For
First-time visitors, History and culture ensoiasts, Foodies

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Avenue de France Stroll

Ville Nouvelle (New Town)
Arrive in Tunis, settle in, and take a gentle introductory walk through the European-style New Town, ending at the city's main gate.
Morning
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN). Take a taxi (fixed fare to city center approx. 10-15 TND) or arrange a hotel transfer. Check into your accommodation in the Ville Nouvelle. Take time to freshen up and get oriented.
2-3 hours $20 (taxi + incidentals)
Pre-book your airport transfer through your hotel for convenience.
Lunch
Café de Paris
French-Tunisian cafe fare Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Ville Nouvelle & Place de la Victoire
Take a leisurely stroll down the grand Avenue de France/Habib Bourguiba, admiring the mix of Art Nouveau and colonial architecture. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, then walk to the end of the avenue at Place de la Victoire, the main entrance to the Medina. Get your first glimpse of the Bab el Bhar (Sea Gate).
2 hours $0 (walking tour)
Evening
Welcome Dinner
Le Baroque in Lafayette for fine Tunisian-French fusion, or Dar El Jeld for an iconic (but pricier) traditional experience in a impressive palace setting (requires reservation).

Where to Stay Tonight

Ville Nouvelle (near Avenue Habib Bourguiba) (Hotel (e.g., Hotel Royal Victoria or Dar Ben Gacem))

Central location, easy access to transport, and a gentle introduction to the city's European side before diving into the Medina.

Change a small amount of money at the airport for taxi fare, but get better rates at official exchange bureaus (bureaux de change) on Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
Day 1 Budget: $100
2

Heart of the Medina & Zitouna Mosque

Medina of Tunis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
A full-day immersive exploration of the large, historic old city, its souks, and its central mosque.
Morning
Guided Medina Walking Tour
Start at Bab el Bhar and hire an official local guide (found near the gate) for a 3-hour tour. They will navigate the maze-like alleys, explaining the history and leading you to key sites like the Zitouna Mosque exterior, the Souk el Attarine (perfume market), and Souk des Chéchias (traditional hat makers).
3 hours $25-30 (for guide)
Only use licensed guides with official badges. Agree on price and route beforehand.
Lunch
Restaurant Dar Slah in the Medina
Authentic Tunisian (couscous, tajines) Mid-range
Afternoon
Independent Souk Exploration & Dar Ben Abdallah Museum
Use your newfound orientation to explore the souks independently. Focus on Souk el Berka (the old slave market, now jewelry), and Souk des Etoffes (fabrics). Visit the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum (Palace of the Dey) to see a beautifully restored 18th-century palace showing Tunisian lifestyle and arts.
3 hours $5 (museum entry)
Evening
Medina Rooftop Dinner
Dar El Jeld (if not visited Day 1) or the more casual Fondouk El Attarine for dinner on a beautiful traditional terrace.

Where to Stay Tonight

Ville Nouvelle (as base) (Same hotel)

Returning to the quieter, more familiar Ville Nouvelle after the intense sensory experience of the Medina is a welcome contrast.

When shopping in the souks, start your haggling at about one-third of the initial asking price and be prepared to walk away. A smile and polite conversation go a long way.
Day 2 Budget: $90
3

The Ghosts of Carthage

Carthage Archaeological Site
A day trip to the legendary city of Carthage, exploring its large ruins overlooking the Mediterranean.
Morning
Train to Carthage & Byrsa Hill
Take the TGM light-rail from Tunis Marine station to Carthage-Hannibal station. Walk up to the Byrsa Hill, the ancient acropolis. Visit the Carthage National Museum here first for essential context, then explore the archaeological park around it, including the Punic Quarter.
3-4 hours $15 (train + combined site ticket)
Buy the "Carthage Pass" (billet combiné) at the first site you visit. It grants access to all major Carthage sites.
Lunch
Le Rest'O in Sidi Bou Said or a simple cafe near the Carthage Salammbo Tophet.
Seafood or light meals Mid-range
Afternoon
Antonine Baths & Roman Villas
Walk or take a short taxi to the colossal ruins of the Antonine Baths, the largest Roman baths in Africa. Then, visit the nearby Roman Villa of the Aviary (Odeon) with its beautiful mosaics. End at the Tophet of Salammbo, a haunting Punic sanctuary and burial ground.
3 hours Covered by combined ticket
Wear good walking shoes; the site is spread over a large, hilly area.
Evening
Seaside Dinner in La Goulette
Take the TGM one stop past Carthage to La Goulette. Dine at one of the famous fish restaurants along the strip, like Le Phare or Le Golfe, for incredibly fresh seafood.

Where to Stay Tonight

Ville Nouvelle (Same hotel)

The TGM line makes Carthage an easy day trip, so keeping your base in central Tunis is most efficient.

The sites are spread out. For maximum efficiency, consider hiring a taxi for 2-3 hours to drive you between the main points (Byrsa Hill, Baths, Roman Villas), which can be negotiated for around $20-25.
Day 3 Budget: $110
4

Blue & White Perfection in Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said
A day dedicated to the iconic blue-and-white village, blending art, views, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Morning
Sidi Bou Said Exploration
Take the TGM to the Sidi Bou Said station. Wander the cobbled, flower-lined streets, admiring the iconic blue doors and wrought-iron windows. Visit the former home of Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger, now the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace of Arab and Mediterranean Music, a impressive museum.
3 hours $10 (train + museum)
Arrive early (before 10 am) to enjoy the streets before the day-trip crowds swell.
Lunch
Café des Délices
Tunisian snacks & pastries Budget
Afternoon
Art Galleries & Cliffside Views
Browse the many small art galleries showing local painters. Walk down to the marina for a different perspective, then find a cliffside spot to enjoy the panoramic views of the Gulf of Tunis. Sip mint tea or Turkish coffee at the legendary Café des Nattes.
2-3 hours $5 (for tea/coffee)
Evening
Sunset & Dinner in Sidi Bou
Stay for sunset over the Gulf, then have dinner at Au Bon Vieux Temps for romantic settings or Restaurant Le Pirate for great views and seafood.

Where to Stay Tonight

Ville Nouvelle (Same hotel)

Sidi Bou Said is easily accessible by TGM, making it another perfect day-trip destination from your central base.

For the best photos of the iconic stairway and blue doors, go to the top of the main street (Rue Habib Thameur) and shoot downwards in the morning light.
Day 4 Budget: $85
5

Mosaic Masterpieces & Belvédère Park

Bardo & Belvédère
A day of excellent ancient art at the Bardo Museum, followed by relaxation in the city's largest park.
Morning
Bardo National Museum
Take a taxi to the Bardo Museum, housed in a 19th-century Beylical palace. It houses the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics, vividly preserved and displayed. Don't miss the famous "Virgil" mosaic and the vast Neptune mosaic from Utica. Allow ample time to marvel.
3 hours $12 (taxi + museum entry)
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Guided audio tours are available and highly recommended.
Lunch
Le Souk near the Bardo or head towards Belvédère Park for more options.
Tunisian Budget
Afternoon
Parc du Belvédère & Tunis Zoo
Stroll through the large Parc du Belvédère, the city's green lung. Visit the small but pleasant Tunis Zoo within the park, home to North African species like the Barbary lion. Enjoy the views over the city from the park's heights.
2-3 hours $2 (zoo entry)
Evening
Dinner in Lafayette
Explore the upscale Lafayette neighborhood. Dine at Le Cosmo for modern international cuisine or L'Olivier for excellent Tunisian in a stylish setting.

Where to Stay Tonight

Ville Nouvelle (Same hotel)

The Bardo and Belvédère are in suburban Tunis, easily reached by taxi from the city center.

The Bardo Museum's mosaic collection is vast. Prioritize the rooms on the upper floor, which contain the most famous and well-preserved pieces.
Day 5 Budget: $95
6

Coastal Escape to La Marsa & Gammarth

La Marsa & Gammarth
A relaxed day enjoying the upscale northern suburbs, with beach time, cafes, and optional thalassotherapy.
Morning
La Marsa Beach & Corniche
Take the TGM to La Marsa station. Walk to the main public beach (Plage de La Marsa) or the more secluded Corniche. Enjoy a morning swim or a long walk along the shore. The vibe here is more local and residential than Sidi Bou.
2-3 hours $5 (train + beach chair rental)
Public beaches can be crowded on weekends. For a quieter experience, walk further along the corniche.
Lunch
Pâtisserie Gâteau in La Marsa for incredible Tunisian pastries and sandwiches, or a beachfront cafe.
Pastries/Cafe Budget
Afternoon
Gammarth & Optional Spa
Take a short taxi to the upscale Gammarth area. Window-shop along the avenue, or indulge in a thalassotherapy session at a luxury hotel spa like the Abou Nawas or the Royal El Mansour. Alternatively, visit the ruins of the ancient Magon Quarter.
3 hours $10-$100 (taxi + optional spa)
Book spa treatments at least a day in advance.
Evening
Farewell Dinner by the Sea
Enjoy a final seafood feast at a Gammarth restaurant like Le Grand Bleu or L'Endroit, both offering excellent food and sea views.

Where to Stay Tonight

Ville Nouvelle (Same hotel)

Keeping your base allows for flexibility; you can return from the coast as late as you wish via taxi.

For a unique sunset spot, head to the Sidi Bou Said lighthouse area just before dusk, between La Marsa and Sidi Bou, for impressive panoramic views.
Day 6 Budget: $120
7

Last-Minute Souvenirs & Departure

Medina & Ville Nouvelle
Final shopping, a last taste of Tunisian coffee, and departure preparations.
Morning
Final Medina Shopping & Café Visit
Return to the Medina for any last-minute souvenir purchases you've been considering—perhaps ceramics, spices, or olive wood products. Enjoy a final mint tea and people-watching at a traditional café like Café M'Rabet in central the Medina.
2-3 hours $Variable (shopping)
Lunch
Street food in the Medina: grab a "fricassé" (stuffed fried bread) or a "brik à l'oeuf" (fried pastry with egg) from a vendor.
Tunisian Street Food Budget
Afternoon
Hotel Check-out & Transfer to Airport
Check out of your hotel, storing luggage if needed. Take a final stroll down Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Arrange for a taxi or use your pre-booked transfer to Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN) for your departure flight.
3-4 hours (including transfer) $15 (airport taxi)
Confirm your airport transfer time with your hotel or taxi company at least 3 hours before your flight.
Evening
Departure
Flight departure from Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN).

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (Departure) (N/A)

N/A

Pack your souvenirs carefully, ceramics and olive oil. It's best to carry fragile items in your hand luggage if possible.
Day 7 Budget: $70

Practical Information

Getting Around

The TGM light-rail is essential for reaching Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and La Marsa cheaply and reliably. Within central Tunis (Ville Nouvelle/Medina), walking is best. For sites like the Bardo or longer trips, use white taxis—ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. The Medina is pedestrian-only.

Book Ahead

Book your accommodation well in advance, for a mid-range hotel in Ville Nouvelle. Reserve tables at high-end restaurants like Dar El Jeld. Pre-booking a licensed guide for the Medina is wise during peak season.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, a light scarf (for sun protection and mosque visits), a power adapter (Type C/E), a reusable water bottle, and conservative clothing for visiting religious sites.

Total Budget

$560-840 for 7 days (excluding international flights).

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in a Medina guesthouse (Dar) instead of a Ville Nouvelle hotel. Use the TGM exclusively, avoid taxis. Eat street food (lablabi, fricassé) and at simple local cafés. Skip the spa and guided tour, using a guidebook for self-exploration. Daily budget can drop to $40-60.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at the luxurious La Badira in Hammamet (with driver) or the Villa Didon in Carthage. Hire a private driver/guide for the entire week. Dine at top-rated restaurants like Dar El Jeld and Dar Bel Hadj. Book a full-day thalassotherapy package at a 5-star spa. Daily budget $250+.

Family-Friendly

Focus on interactive sites: the Bardo mosaics (like a treasure hunt), the Belvédère Zoo, the beach days in La Marsa. Shorten Medina exploration to 2-hour guided tours. Choose hotels with pools. The TGM train ride is fun for kids. Include more casual dining like pizza or grilled chicken (poulet grillé).

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Tunis

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Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Tunis

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Tunis

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Tunis

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Tunis

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