A capital with a thousand faces, Tunis blends a thousand-year-old medina listed by UNESCO, outstanding museums, fragrant souks and — just minutes away — the ruins of Carthage and the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Saïd. Here is the complete guide to visit Tunis: the must-sees, the easy day trips around the city, and our picks for where to sleep and eat well.
Why visit Tunis?
Tunis is best explored on foot, between the buzz of the modern city and the calm of its ancient alleys. In two or three days you go from the Roman mosaics of the Bardo to the shisha cafés of the medina, then to the beaches of the northern suburbs. It’s a human-scale destination — warm, welcoming and affordable — ideal for a first trip to Tunisia.
What to see in Tunis: the highlights
The Medina of Tunis (UNESCO)
The historic heart of the city, the medina is a maze of whitewashed lanes, studded doors and artisans’ workshops. Don’t miss the Great Zitouna Mosque, the perfume and chéchia (felt hat) souks, and the palaces turned into cafés and guesthouses. Enter through the Porte de France (Bab Bhar) to cross from the modern city into the old town.
The Bardo National Museum
Housed in a former beylical palace, the Bardo holds one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. An absolute must to understand Tunisia’s ancient past. Allow at least two hours.
Habib Bourguiba Avenue
Nicknamed the « Champs-Élysées of Tunis », this wide, ficus-lined avenue is packed with cafés, the municipal theatre, the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Cathedral and everyday local life. Perfect for taking the pulse of the city in the late afternoon.
The souks and craftsmanship
Leather, copper, carpets, spices, rose water: the souks of the medina are a feast for the senses. Haggle with a smile — it’s the custom.
Belvédère Park
The largest green space in the capital, ideal for a quiet break with a lovely view over the city.
Day trips around Tunis
One of the great strengths of Tunis is its easy day trips, all reachable by the suburban train (TGM):
- Carthage — the remains of the Punic and Roman city (Baths of Antoninus, theatre), listed by UNESCO.
- Sidi Bou Saïd — the famous village with white walls and blue shutters, perched on a cliff above the sea.
- La Marsa — its seafront promenade, cafés and beach, very popular at weekends.
Where to stay in Tunis
From a small boutique hotel in the medina to a comfortable address on the modern-city side, Tunis offers a wide range of places to stay for every budget.
👉 Browse our selection of hotels in Tunis.
Where to eat in Tunis
Tunisian cuisine is a celebration: crispy brik with egg, couscous, lablabi (chickpea soup), grilled fish and honey pastries like makroud — all washed down with pine-nut mint tea.
👉 Our favourite restaurants in Tunis.
Practical tips for visiting Tunis
- Best time: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), mild and sunny.
- Getting around: the medina and centre on foot; the TGM train links Tunis to Carthage, Sidi Bou Saïd and La Marsa; taxis are plentiful and cheap.
- Ideal length: 2 to 3 days for Tunis and its surroundings.
- Currency: the Tunisian dinar (TND). Carry cash for the souks.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Tunis?
Two to three days are enough for the medina, the Bardo, Habib Bourguiba Avenue, and a day trip to Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd.
How do you get from Tunis to Sidi Bou Saïd?
The easiest way is the TGM train from Tunis Marine station: allow about thirty minutes.
Is Tunis a good destination for families?
Yes: distances are short, the welcome is warm, and the excursions (beaches, ruins, the blue village) appeal