Once Rome’s great rival and later a jewel of the Empire, Carthage is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Facing the sea, just minutes from Tunis, its Punic and Roman remains — listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site — spread across hills and gardens. Here’s what to do to visit Carthage, how to plan your day, where to stay and where to have lunch.
Why visit Carthage?
Founded by the Phoenicians nearly three thousand years ago, destroyed by Rome and then rebuilt as the Roman capital of Africa, Carthage tells the story of two civilisations on the same ground. It isn’t a single enclosed site but a set of remains scattered across a chic residential district, among villas and umbrella pines. You come for the history, the view over the Gulf of Tunis, and the pleasure of an archaeological stroll by the sea.
What to see in Carthage: the highlights
The Baths of Antoninus
These are the most spectacular remains on the site: huge Roman baths at the water’s edge, among the largest in the Empire. The standing columns facing the Mediterranean make one of Carthage’s finest sights.
Byrsa hill
The historic heart of the Punic city, Byrsa hill overlooks the site and houses the Carthage National Museum along with the remains of the Punic quarter. From up there, the panorama takes in the gulf, Sidi Bou Saïd and the Bay of Tunis.
The Punic ports
These two basins, one commercial and one military, bear witness to Carthage’s maritime power. Peaceful today, they can still be read in the landscape and tell the story of Punic sea power.
The Roman theatre
Restored, the ancient theatre now hosts performances, notably during the summer International Festival of Carthage. A fine testament to Roman life.
The Roman villas quarter
The Villa of the Aviary and its neighbours preserve mosaics and colonnades, with a sweeping view over the sea. You can picture the luxury of wealthy Carthaginians in Roman times.
The Carthage National Museum
On Byrsa hill, it gathers stelae, sarcophagi, masks and Punic and Roman objects: the key to understanding what you see outside.
Where to stay in Carthage
Staying in Carthage means a calm, green residential district, right by the sea and a stone’s throw from Sidi Bou Saïd. From charming hotels to addresses with a view, it’s ideal for exploring around Tunis.
👉 Browse our hotels in Carthage.
Where to eat in Carthage
Between grilled fish by the port, a Mediterranean table in the shade of the pines or a mint tea after your visit, Carthage is best savoured slowly. The spots near the sea are perfect for a lunch break between two sites.
👉 Our best restaurants in Carthage.
What to do around Carthage
- Sidi Bou Saïd — the famous blue and white village, just minutes away by train.
- Tunis — the UNESCO-listed medina and the Bardo Museum.
- La Marsa — its seafront and beach, to end the day by the sea.
Practical tips
- Getting there: the TGM train from Tunis Marine serves several Carthage stations (Carthage-Hannibal, Carthage-Byrsa…); a taxi also works.
- Ticket: a single ticket gives access to all the sites (baths, Byrsa, theatre, villas…). Keep it with you.
- Duration: half a day to a full day depending on your pace; the sites are spread out, so expect to walk.
- When: morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat; there’s little shade on the sites.
- Good to know: comfortable shoes and water — you walk between the ruins.
A little history
From the legend of Queen Dido to the Punic Wars against Rome and the famous history of the ancient city, Carthage spanned the centuries before being reborn as a Roman capital. A rich story that the remains tell in the open air.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Carthage from Tunis?
The easiest way is the TGM train from Tunis Marine: several stations serve the site of Carthage directly, in