Tunis

Introduction

You will find yourself in Tunis, the capital and largest city of Tunisia. Located within the expansive metropolitan area known as Grand Tunis, this urban center serves as a primary hub for the region.

Before you go

Experience a mild Mediterranean climate that makes Tunis a comfortable destination throughout the year. During the summer months, expect hot and dry conditions, while the winter season brings most of the rainfall.

Navigate the city with confidence by understanding its layout and local customs:

• Use the Port de France as a recognizable landmark for taxi drivers when navigating the area between the new city and the medina.
• Explore the medina during daylight hours to familiarize yourself with its labyrinthine streets before navigating them at night.
• Be wary of touts, unofficial guides, and persistent individuals on Avenue Habib Bourguiba who may approach you under the guise of being friendly or asking for a light; firmly declining their interaction is the best way to avoid unwanted solicitations.

Getting there

You can reach the capital by air via Tunis-Carthage Airport, which is served by several major European carriers as well as regional flights from across Africa and a Mediterranean "puddle-jump" option from Malta. Upon arrival, you can exchange currency at the airport or your hotel; however, keep in mind that it is illegal to take Tunisian currency out of the country. If you are planning a connecting flight, ensure any duty-free alcohol is in a sealed bag and request a printed receipt.

To navigate from the airport into the city center, you can choose between several options:

• Taxis: You may negotiate a price before departing or insist on using the meter. To find a more professional driver, you can also head to the arrivals platform and wave down a taxi that has just dropped off a passenger.
• Buses: A specific airport bus runs from the arrival hall to Tunis Marine.
• Trains: You can travel to the city by train from most major Tunisian cities or via an international service from Algeria. The central station offers an easy interchange onto the light metro.
• Louage: These shared taxis connect Tunis with various regions, including those to the north, west, south, and center of the country.
• Car: Renting a car provides a convenient way to travel the country's motorways, which feature bilingual signage in French and Arabic.
• Boat: Ferries from several Mediterranean ports arrive at La Goulette, where you can find taxis or suburban trains for the final leg into the city center.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a variety of transport options depending on your destination. A convenient five-line light metro system serves the heart of town, with major interchange hubs located at Place de la République and Place de Barcelone. For trips to coastal areas like Sidi Bou Saïd or Carthage, you can take the TGM suburban train line from Tunis Marine station. If you plan to visit the Bardo Museum, the Réseau Ferroviaire Rapide (RFR) offers a modern and spacious way to reach the site from the central railway station. For more flexible travel, louages are shared minivans that depart once full; while these are a popular choice for younger travelers, the fast-paced driving style may not be suitable if you are traveling with children.

Taxis are plentiful and provide a reliable way to reach locations further out. To ensure a fair rate, look for a vehicle with a green or red light in the windscreen and insist on the use of the meter. If you prefer to drive yourself, be prepared for heavy traffic in areas like Habib Bourguiba Avenue and Victory Square, and exercise extra caution after dark when many vehicles may have faulty lights. For those needing a map, you can collect free copies of Tunis and Tunisia maps at the National Tourism Office located near the clock tower.

Where to stay

You can choose between staying in the historic Medina or the more contemporary Ville Nouvelle. The Medina offers a variety of options ranging from budget accommodations like youth hostels to high-end stays in traditional mansions. In contrast, the Ville Nouvelle provides a large number of mid-range and budget choices, many of which are clustered together north of Place Barcelone. Be aware that some establishments in these areas may require couples to provide proof of marriage before booking a two-person room.

• In the Medina, you can find authentic experiences such as guesthouses with Moorish tiles, rooftop terraces, and traditional Tunisian decor.
• The Ville Nouvelle features several hotels with modern amenities, including those located in the Central Business District or near main thoroughfares.

Food & drink

You can find various dining options across the city, from quick bites in sandwich shops to traditional meals featuring local favorites like couscous or Berber Lamb. While many hotels provide breakfast and some offer dinner, you may find it difficult to locate an open restaurant during the day during Ramadan. If you are looking for a specific atmosphere, you can choose between cozy Italian-inspired dining with live music, seafood markets where you select your fish to be fried on the spot, or luxurious settings featuring large terraces surrounded by palm trees.

For your caffeine fix, numerous coffee shops serve bitter coffee and French-style pastries. If you prefer a drink with your meal, most hotels and some upmarket restaurants in the Berges du Lac area serve beer and wine. Local options include lager beers and liqueurs such as Boukha or Thibina. You can also find lively cafes along major avenues or beautifully decorated tea houses in the heart of the Medina that offer rooftop views over old buildings and nearby mosques.

What to see and do

Explore the Medina, a colorful and crowded labyrinth of decorated houses, vaults, and street vendors where you can experience medieval life while navigating its narrow paths on foot. Within this historic district, you can visit the 18th-century Tourbet el-Bey mausoleum or the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum to see traditional folk artifacts like faience and costumes. While non-Muslims are restricted from entering Islamic monuments such as the Grande Mosquée Zitouna or the Medersa Bachia, you can still view the impressive architecture of these sites. Other notable landmarks in the old town include the 14th-century Bab Saadoun gate and the 19th-century Bab El Bahr.

In the newer parts of the city, wander through the bustling Avenue de France or visit the lively Place de la Victoire to see a variety of shops and cafes. You can admire the neo-Romanesque Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, the Art-Deco Théâtre Municipal, and the iconic Tunis Clock Tower. For a change of scenery, find some shade in Parc du Belvédère, which offers views of Lake Tunis and features palm trees and mimosas. Beyond the city center, you can visit the Bardo Museum to view extensive collections of Roman mosaics or travel further away to the ancient ruins of Uthina.

• Experience local culture by visiting a traditional hammam for a public steam bath.
• Navigate the vibrant markets of the medina to see local handicrafts and engage in the tradition of haggling.

When to go

You can experience a warm Mediterranean climate in Tunis throughout the year. During the summer months, you will encounter hot and dry conditions, though the nearby sea and mountains help moderate the heat compared to the desert regions.

The winter season brings most of the annual rainfall to the region. While you may experience occasional freezing temperatures or very rare snow, nighttime temperatures typically remain mild.

Three days in Tunis

Day one, you can begin your journey in Grand Tunis to experience the local culture. You can navigate the city using various modes of transport such as taxis, buses, or trains to reach different areas.

Day two, you can explore the coastal atmosphere near La Goulette. If you prefer to travel by water, you can use a boat or ferries to see the surrounding Mediterranean views.

Day three, you can spend your time wandering along Avenue Habib Bourguiba or visiting Place République to soak in the local surroundings of Tunisia.