Tunis spreads from a dense historic core out along a coastal plain and the hills around it, with the sea, the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette shaping its eastern edge. At the centre sits the Medina, a World Heritage Site, and immediately east of it, through the Sea Gate, the modern city begins.
For a visitor, the practical choice comes down to a small number of areas. The Medina puts you inside the old city itself, while the Ville Nouvelle, the modern quarter traversed by Avenue Habib Bourguiba, puts you among the main commercial streets and transport links. Further east by the sea lie the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation each one tends to offer.
Best areas to stay in Tunis
1. Ville Nouvelle
The modern part of the city begins east of the Medina, through the Sea Gate, and is built around the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba. This is the most straightforward base for a first visit: you are within walking distance of the Medina and surrounded by the city's commercial and cultural life.
The Ville Nouvelle offers a large number of budget and mid-range places to stay, many of them grouped within a few blocks of each other north of Place Barcelone. It also has the widest range of the two main tourist areas, from simple rooms to modern business hotels downtown. Some establishments expect couples to present some sort of proof of marriage in order to rent a two-person room, so it is worth checking ahead if that applies to you.
2. The Medina
The Medina is the oldest section of the city and its historic core. Staying here means being inside the old city rather than beside it, which suits travellers who want the atmosphere of the souks on their doorstep and do not mind finding their way through narrow, busy streets.
Accommodation in the Medina runs from the youth hostel and several other budget options up to high-end guesthouse-style lodging in restored old properties. The main practical point is access: some places are buried deep within the Medina and a bit of a challenge to find, even with intermittent signs along the way. Pushing through the crowds straight up the Rue de la Kasbah from the Porte de France is manageable during the day, but that route can be intimidating after dark.
3. The coastal suburbs: Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said
Further east by the sea lie the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said. These are separate from the city core and give you a coastal setting rather than a downtown one.
This area suits travellers who prefer to be by the sea and are happy to travel into Tunis for the Medina and the Ville Nouvelle. Because it sits away from the centre, plan on using transport to reach the main sights rather than walking to them.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Youth hostel and other budget accommodation, concentrated in the Medina, with basic rooms and shared facilities. The Ville Nouvelle also has a large number of budget places, many grouped north of Place Barcelone.
- Mid-range: The Ville Nouvelle is the main area for mid-range accommodation, including older buildings with a colonial-era character, modern hotels with balconies and private bathrooms, and small guesthouse-style properties in the Medina with terraces and patios.
- Splurge: High-end options exist in the Medina, including luxury lodging in restored old mansions with courtyards and roof terraces, and modern hotels in the Central Business District and along Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Ville Nouvelle. It sits directly east of the Medina through the Sea Gate, so the old city is within easy reach, and it offers the largest number of budget and mid-range places to stay, many grouped together north of Place Barcelone. It also keeps you on the main avenue and the city's commercial and cultural centre, which makes getting oriented simpler than staying out in the coastal suburbs.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas do most visitors choose for accommodation?
Most tourists will be interested in accommodation in either the Medina or the Ville Nouvelle. The Medina holds the youth hostel and several other budget places plus high-end lodging, while the Ville Nouvelle has a large number of budget and mid-range options.
Where are the budget and mid-range places concentrated in the Ville Nouvelle?
Many are grouped within a few blocks of each other north of Place Barcelone.
Is it hard to find accommodation inside the Medina?
Some places are buried deep within the Medina and a bit of a challenge to find, although there are intermittent signs along the way. The route up the Rue de la Kasbah from the Porte de France is straightforward during the day but can be intimidating after dark.
Do couples need to show proof of marriage to book a room?
Some places expect couples to present some sort of proof of marriage in order to rent a two-person room, so it is worth confirming this with a property before you book.
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