Tunis City Guide

General Information / Guide

The capital city of Tunisia, Tunis is a blend of ancient and modern cultures. Famous for its historic medina, vibrant markets, and the ruins of Carthage nearby, Tunis offers a rich historical tapestry for visitors.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Tunis experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and favorable for sightseeing.

How to Get There

Tunis-Carthage International Airport is the primary international gateway, offering extensive connections to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The city is also well-connected by rail and road, with a robust network of buses and trains serving the region.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Tunisian cuisine in Tunis offers a variety of flavors, including dishes like Couscous, Brik, and Tuna-filled Baguettes. Seafood is prevalent along the coast, and traditional cafes offer mint tea and Tunisian pastries. The Medina is a great place to explore diverse food stalls and restaurants.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Bardo Museum: Home to one of the world’s most important collections of Roman mosaics and other artifacts from various periods of Tunisia’s history.
• Medina of Tunis: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant souks.
• Carthage: Explore the ancient ruins of this once-powerful city, including baths, villas, and temples.
   

What to Do

Explore the historic Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its vibrant markets and stunning Islamic architecture. Visit the ruins of Carthage to witness the remnants of a once-mighty city. Try local culinary delights like Brik and Couscous at traditional Tunisian restaurants.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Tunis boasts a lively nightlife with a mix of modern bars, traditional cafes, and nightclubs, especially in the downtown and coastal areas. Enjoy live Tunisian music and international acts, or explore the medina at night for a unique shopping experience and street food.

Shopping / What to Buy

Tunis is a shopper’s paradise, from the ancient Medina with its narrow alleys lined with shops selling traditional Tunisian crafts like ceramics and textiles to modern shopping centers like Tunisia Mall. Be sure to pick up some Tunisian olive oil or the famous Harissa.

Festivals/ Events

July: Carthage International Festival (one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural events in Tunisia with music, theatre, and dance)
October: Medina Festival (celebrates Tunisian heritage with performances and exhibitions in the historic medina)

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

20 March: Independence Day
21 March: Youth Day
1 May: Labour Day
25 July: Republic Day
Eid al-Fitr (varies)
Eid al-Adha (varies)
Islamic New Year (varies)
Moulid an-Nabi (varies)
 

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Arabic and French are widely spoken, with increasing use of English in tourist areas.
Dress modestly, especially in mosques and older parts of the city.
The Mediterranean climate means hot summers and mild winters.
Bargaining is customary in markets; enjoy the process as part of the local culture.
 

Transportation

The city has an extensive public transportation network including buses, a light rail system called the Metro Léger, and regional trains.
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, with meters starting at TND 1 and TND 0.5 per kilometer thereafter.
For a unique local experience, try the "louages" — shared long-distance taxis that are an affordable way to travel between cities.