Tunis
Temperature
14°
Time
9:06 PM
Tunis
Unjustly overlooked by travellers en route to Tunisia's celebrated seaside resorts, the nation's capital certainly deserves more than a just a quick glance outside the shuttle bus window. The city lives and breathes history, and has a lot to offer in the way of art and culture. Ancient Roman ruins, palpable traces of French colonial presence and an Oriental flair well-preserved in the Medina all constitute major elements of Tunis' eclectic charm.Find your trip
The historic heart of the nation's capital, the Medina is a maze of winding streets bustling with life during daytime. Walk down the souqs to witness craftsmen at work, pay a visit to one of the historic monuments (the Zitouna mosque, oldest in town, is a must-see) or simply haggle away for unique, hand-made items at the plentiful shops and stalls.
The Bardo museum is the biggest in the country and is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. The majestic building houses unique Roman mosaics and unique artifacts discovered in the area during excavation works started in the 19th century. A guided tour is highly recommended.
In the Tunis Medina, all roads (however windy) eventually lead to this ancient mosque first constructed in the 8th century. Today it is a major cultural attraction for tourists regardless of their religious affiliation, one of the oldest mosques in the world and a cherished site in the heart of the old town.
A moving and sobering memorial to the victims of WWII who fell during the North African campaign, an often overlooked chapter of the war.
This centrally located Christian cathedral is an architectural and cultural testament to the diverse historic make up of the city of Tunis.
Located on a picturesque hillside, this village is the place to go if you're looking to learn more about the life of North Africa's indigenous population.
It's hard to miss this monumental square you're likely to go through when heading into the Medina. Kasbah is a plaza of historical significance to the people of Tunisia (this is where the sit-ins of 2011 took place).
There are several well-preserved schools, or "medersa", located around the city of Tunis. Many of these historic monuments have become cultural centers, and a visit here will give you a good feel for what school life would have been like centuries back.
The historic heart of the nation's capital, the Medina is a maze of winding streets bustling with life during daytime. Walk down the souqs to witness craftsmen at work, pay a visit to one of the historic monuments (the Zitouna mosque, oldest in town, is a must-see) or simply haggle away for unique, hand-made items at the plentiful shops and stalls.
The Bardo museum is the biggest in the country and is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. The majestic building houses unique Roman mosaics and unique artifacts discovered in the area during excavation works started in the 19th century. A guided tour is highly recommended.
Located outside the city center, this establishment is worth the drive - the sea views here are unbeatable, and the specialty seafood dishes make for an incredible dining experience.
Fine dining in a traditional setting is what an evening at Dar El Jeld is all about. Specializing on Tunisian cooking and located in a former family home, the restaurant offers plenty in way of hearty local dishes.
The fish and seafood dishes are what keeps patrons coming back to Chez Slah, so if Mediterranean cuisine is your weakness make sure to make a reservation in advance - this cozy restaurant is highly popular and well-known among locals.
This restaurants' generous portions are guaranteed to satiate any hunger, and do stop by if Mediterranean cuisine, and seafood in particular, is your thing. Try the "Mezza" - tapas-sized small dishes that can be ordered to share.
Fast food Tunisian style is served at this busy cafe known for the its superb "ojja" - traditional Tunisian dish with eggs and vegetables. Chez Chouchou also offers a few interesting local desserts.
Foundouk El Attarine is a fine dining restaurant with a truly royal welcome - Princess Salwa Bay (daughter of the last Turkish rulers in Tunisia) and her husband personally greet diners and visitors. Expect superb Tunisian food and service, and make sure to book a table in advance.
If you're looking to grab a healthy lunch, check out the Fresh K Salad Shop - mix the ingredients to match your taste, and take a pick of your favorite dressing, too. Meat-eaters might be surprised at how filling a customized salad can be.
Hailed as one of the best Indian restaurants in the country, Calcutta serves quality food and is open late even during the month of Ramadan. You can't go wrong with the Tandoori Chicken or the Biryani Rice.
Located outside the city center, this establishment is worth the drive - the sea views here are unbeatable, and the specialty seafood dishes make for an incredible dining experience.
Fine dining in a traditional setting is what an evening at Dar El Jeld is all about. Specializing on Tunisian cooking and located in a former family home, the restaurant offers plenty in way of hearty local dishes.
The historic heart of the nation's capital, the Medina is a maze of winding streets bustling with life during daytime. Walk down the souqs to witness craftsmen at work, pay a visit to one of the historic monuments (the Zitouna mosque, oldest in town, is a must-see) or simply haggle away for unique, hand-made items at the plentiful shops and stalls.
Rue Charles de Gaulle is a part of French colonial heritage in the area, and offers visitors a good glimpse of Tunisian urban life. The street is very commercial and one is never far away from a shop here, with the Marche Central located conveniently on it.
Visit a true Oriental market and immerse yourself in sights, flavors and fragrances oozing from every shop and vending stall. Handicrafts, ceramics, souvenirs. all sorts of produce and fresh seafood are all found in abundance here, along with quite a few eateries. Remember to haggle, for prices can be brought down significantly if you do.
For books and travel guides in multiple languages, as well as some Oriental souvenirs and items of Tunisian decorative art stop by this Medina vendor and browse through the treasures hidden inside this artisan bookshop.
A market smaller in size than Marche Central, Lafayette specializes mostly on fresh fruit and vegetables, even though a few stalls also offer different types of proteins.
Deyma is an artisan sweets shop that turns dates into edible pieces of art by stuffing them with pistachio paste, covering them with chocolate and transforming them in all sorts of delicious ways. Boxes of sweets from here make perfect gifts and souvenirs.
A small shop selling natural body and hair care products, many made with bee wax and natural oils.
European-style shopping awaits at the Central Park shopping center - clothing shops such as Mango, Zara and many other international brands are something you may well expect.
The historic heart of the nation's capital, the Medina is a maze of winding streets bustling with life during daytime. Walk down the souqs to witness craftsmen at work, pay a visit to one of the historic monuments (the Zitouna mosque, oldest in town, is a must-see) or simply haggle away for unique, hand-made items at the plentiful shops and stalls.
Rue Charles de Gaulle is a part of French colonial heritage in the area, and offers visitors a good glimpse of Tunisian urban life. The street is very commercial and one is never far away from a shop here, with the Marche Central located conveniently on it.
For stays of up to 90 days, a visa is not required for citizens of 97 world countries, including all citizens of the European Union (except Cyprus), Untied States, Canada, Australia, Russia, and an extensive number of further states. Citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan may only enter visa-free when travelling as part of an organized tour, upon producing a hotel voucher. For updated information at your planned time of travel, please contact an embassy or consulate closest to you.
The Tunis International Airport is conveniently located in close proximity to the city center, and a journey to or from the airport should take no more than 20 minutes (depending on the traffic). There are two bus lines connecting Tunis city center to the airport. SNT buses run at 30 minute intervals with trips costing less than 1 dinar; TUT buses depart more frequently (every 15 minutes) and are more modern and slightly more costly. Taxis are readily available upon exiting the terminal, but make sure to either agree on the price beforehand or check that the driver uses an official taxi meter prior to departure.
Even though the best time to visit Tunisia, which has an essentially Mediterranean climate, appears at first glance to be the summertime (most of all for sea-bathing lovers), the "intermediate" seasons are definitely better. It is best to pay a visit to Tunis in April, May or October, and especially so in May, when temperatures are already hot, but more bearable, and the weather is less rainy. In any case, the springtime (from April to June) is the best time to plan your trip, in order to enjoy the beautiful weather and the blooming trees in city parks.
Throughout the last few years, a sequence of curfews has been imposed in Tunis and across the country in response to a number of terror attacks resulting in fatalities, as well as occasions of civil unrest. Visitors must familiarise themselves with the current curfew regulations prior to travelling.
"Métro léger" is a modern light rail system that runs through the city and is the cheapest, most efficient way of getting around. The trains are usually colored green and are easily recognizable. There are public buses as well, and tickets to both may be purchased at the tram/bus stops directly.
Yellow cabs that circulate around the city usually run with a taxi meter, but make sure one is in use/turned on prior to the beginning of the journey. Oddly, the taxis with red lights on are those free to be hailed down, which those with a green light are occupied. If the taxi you decide to use does not have a meter, make sure to agree on the price to your destination before getting in. Cab prices are normally very affordable. Some taxi providers in Tunis are: Tunisie Taxi www.tunisie-taxi.com Info@tunisie-taxi.com +216 22 204 022 Taxi Mami Tunisie www.taximami.com taximami@gmail.com +216 98 201 300
There are several post offices located around the city, with the main one located at Rue Hédi Nouira. Post boxes are usually colored red and are also scattered around the city.
There are quite a few pharmacies around the city, nearly every corner. Night pharmacies are rare but indicated at every closed pharmacy doors.
For stays of up to 90 days, a visa is not required for citizens of 97 world countries, including all citizens of the European Union (except Cyprus), Untied States, Canada, Australia, Russia, and an extensive number of further states. Citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan may only enter visa-free when travelling as part of an organized tour, upon producing a hotel voucher. For updated information at your planned time of travel, please contact an embassy or consulate closest to you.
The Tunis International Airport is conveniently located in close proximity to the city center, and a journey to or from the airport should take no more than 20 minutes (depending on the traffic). There are two bus lines connecting Tunis city center to the airport. SNT buses run at 30 minute intervals with trips costing less than 1 dinar; TUT buses depart more frequently (every 15 minutes) and are more modern and slightly more costly. Taxis are readily available upon exiting the terminal, but make sure to either agree on the price beforehand or check that the driver uses an official taxi meter prior to departure.
