Explore Tunis

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Tunis is the sprawling capital of Tunisia, a country in North Africa. It sits along Lake Tunis, just inland from the Mediterranean Sea’s Gulf of Tunis. It’s home to a centuries-old medina and the Bardo, an archaeology museum where celebrated Roman mosaics are displayed in a 15th-century palace complex. The parklike ruins of ancient Carthage sit in the city’s northern suburbs.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal.

    • Mild temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F)

    • Fewer tourists, blooming nature

  • Avoid: July–August (very hot and crowded)

✈️ How to Get There:

  • By Air:

    • Fly into Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN)

    • Direct flights from major European cities (e.g., Paris, Rome, Frankfurt)

  • By Sea:

    • Ferries from Italy (Palermo, Genoa)

  • By Land:

    • Buses from Algeria and Libya (border permitting, check advisories)

📍 Top Attractions:

  1. Medina of Tunis – UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient souks, mosques

  2. Bardo National Museum – Incredible Roman mosaics, archaeological gems

  3. Carthage Ruins – Ancient Punic and Roman city ruins by the sea

  4. Sidi Bou Said – Charming blue-and-white coastal village

  5. Zitouna Mosque – One of the oldest mosques in the Islamic world

  6. Habib Bourguiba Avenue – Lively boulevard with colonial architecture

🎯 Activities To Do:

  • Wander the narrow alleys of the Medina

  • Watch sunset over Carthage from Byrsa Hill

  • Sip mint tea at Café des Délices in Sidi Bou Said

  • Take a day trip to Dougga or El Jem

  • Shop for carpets, perfumes, and ceramics in souks

  • Relax at a traditional hammam (bathhouse)

🏨 Accommodation:

  • Luxury:

    • La Villa Bleue (Sidi Bou Said)

    • Dar El Jeld Hotel & Spa (Medina)

  • Mid-range:

    • Hotel Carlton (central, near Bourguiba Avenue)

    • Dar Traki Medina de Tunis (charming boutique)

  • Budget:

    • Youth Hostel Medina

    • Hotel Metropole Résidence

🍽️ Food and Restaurant:

  • Must-try Dishes:

    • Couscous, Brik (fried pastry), Ojja (spicy egg dish), Lablabi (chickpea soup)

  • Top Restaurants:

    • Dar El Jeld – Gourmet Tunisian cuisine in an elegant setting

    • Chez Slah – Famous seafood and grilled meats

    • El Ali – Great view of the Medina with traditional menu

    • Le Golfe – Upscale Mediterranean with a sea view

🎭 Local Culture:

  • A blend of Arab, Berber, French, and Mediterranean influences

  • Predominantly Muslim with tolerant attitudes, especially in urban areas

  • Arabic and French are widely spoken

  • Tunisians are known for their hospitality and strong coffee culture

  • Dress modestly, especially in the Medina or mosques

  • Fridays are holy days; many businesses close for prayers