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Capital and largest city of Tunisia
Photo: Josiehen, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tunis (تونس) is the capital of Tunisia. There are quite a few must-see attractions, especially if you include the ruins of Carthage, which are easily accessed from here, and the Punic ports are interesting, too. Tunis is an interesting mix of new and old, including colonial French buildings. The souq and the medina are among the most authentic and hassle-free in North Africa.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Médina de Tunis
The world heritage listed old town is a must-see colorful, crowded labyrinth of decorated old houses, vaults and street vendors. You can move around by foot only. You get a feel of medieval life.
The largest and oldest mosque in Tunisia and an important landmark, this Aghlabite mosque dates back to the 8th century, although the distinctive square minaret is a much later 19th century addition. It has 160 pillars, that come from the ruins of Carthage. Modest dress essential, but non-Muslims can only enter a viewing platform on the edge of the courtyard (3 DT), not the mosque itself. Still an active mosque, but closed to tourists after the 2011 revolution.
Mosquée Sidi Youssef Dey
Opened in 1631, this was the first Ottoman mosque to be built in Tunis. It is the largest Hanafi mosque in the city, was extensively restored in the late 19th century and is now a part of the University of Ez-Zitouna. A historical monument, the Youssef Dey mosque has a beautiful octagonal minaret and white marble mausoleum.
Madrasa El Bachia
Quran school from the 18th century, a monument since 1912. It is notable for its public fountain located outside the entrance. In the 1980s it was converted into an artisan school with students studying leather craft, jewellery and embroidery. Non-Muslims may not enter.
Porte de France
The gate to the sea, which remains unchanged since its erection in 1848. It can be found on the Avenue de France. Before it was built it was an empty space where you could see the Mediterranean on one side and Lake Tunis on the other.
Another gate, constructed in 1350 with one arch, then rebuilt in 1881 with three arches to facilitate commerce.
An impressive 18th-century mausoleum, the final resting place for over 160 princes and ministers and their families. The eight-pointed star inside represents the doors to paradise.
Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel
A small but interesting folk museum within an 18th-century palace in the medina, covering the everyday life of a rich merchant in the Ottoman era with exhibits including faience, stucco ornament, costumes and furniture.
One of the busiest streets of Tunis. It is bordered with shops and eateries and several architecturally interesting buildings.
A lively square at the entrance to the medina. Bordered with shops, cafés and the ornamented building which houses the High Commission of the United Kingdom.
Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from Tunis' colonial era, in the neo-Romanesque style. It was named after St. Vincent de Paul, a priest in the region who was sold as a slave and fought slavery after he was liberated. The facade is decorated by a golden mosaic of Jesus and two trumpet-playing angels.
A pretty white Art-Deco building, worth seeing in its own right even if you're not going there to see a play or concert (also see the Do section).
The iconic clock tower is one of the city's most visible landmarks.
Mosquée Al-Fateh
A large white mosque north of downtown.
Le Musée National du Bardo
Occupying the 13th-century palace of the Ottoman-era bey (ruler) and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics, although the (huge) collection covers Tunisia's entire existence from the prehistoric era until the Ottoman days. Exhibits from Carthage, Mahdia, Sousse, many from the Roman period in addition to presentations of Arabian culture old and new. It can be mercilessly hot and stifling in the museum, so bring water. The only bathrooms are on the ground floor, and have attendants asking for change. The museum is segregated into old and new, so be sure to walk around a fair amount looking for new passages to be sure you haven't missed any major areas.
A large park created during the French rule and featuring palm trees, mimosas and azaleas and a great view of Tunis and the lake. Sadly, the park has seen better days and graffiti is commonplace. Still, it's a popular place for locals to escape the heat and noise of the city.
Not a hotel, but the city hall. The building was inaugurated in 1998 and is a combination of traditional and modern architecture with large windows, Middle Eastern patterns and arches. The city hall also features a lot of Tunisian flags, and has a striking flagpole structure on the square in the front of the main entrance.
Finished in 2005, this building used to house the upper house of the Parliament of Tunisia. It didn't serve this purpose for very long; after the 2011 revolution the Tunisian parliament was made unicameral and the counselor chamber has been empty ever since.
It was an ancient Roman-Berber city. Now it features remains of a fortress, cisterns, an aqueduct, a triumphal arch, a theatre, an amphitheater, a basilica with a circular crypt, and a bridge. Many mosaics are to be found there as well.
Breakfast cafe.
Popular so it may be busy, but the service is fast so people will be coming and going. Large portions.
A good restaurant with a beautiful interior and some outdoor tables. You can choose among pizza, couscous and a variety of salad. Also serves alcohol.
Tucked away it is something special. Traditional food and decor. Welcoming with plentiful amounts of food.
You pick the fish from their market and they fry it right there. Indoor and outdoor seating. Can be busy so enjoy the water views while you wait.
The steaks are bland, the fish good and local food such as Berber Lamb is excellent. The service is prompt.
Very cosy restaurant on several floors. Good Italian inspired food. Has live music and is open to midnight.
Reservations online. Perhaps the best of the restaurants in Tunis, this restaurant pays attention to every single detail. The food is excellent, and the management speaks English and French fluently, and can recommend various dishes. Everything is recommended, though the couscous is simply good, but not incredible. The staff is very friendly, but can turn somehow cold if you just order main and drinks, but no dessert and starter.
Luxurious seafood restaurant with a large terrace surrounded by palm trees. In medina so can be hard to find, look for the yellow sign and door.
The name means "the Ox on the Roof", and trendy people come for food, drinks, live music, DJs, and a dance floor.
On the 10th floor of the Hotel el-Hana International, this is a funky and popular destination for locals and foreigners, with music and outdoor seating available.
A bit smoky, but has all of the local drinks save Stella, and is one of the few places that serves alcohol during Ramadan.
Great location with views over Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
A good place for a drink, located in a 5-star hotel.
Cafe and restaurant.
One of the major cafes along the avenue, very popular and lively.
Beautifully decorated café and tea house in the heart of the Medina. A large rooftop offers stunning views over the old buildings and of the many mosques around.
Also referred to as Auberge de Jeunesse and Tunis Youth Hostel. Buried deep within the Medina and a bit of a challenge to find, although there are intermittent signs along the way. During the day you can just push through the crowd of shoppers straight up the Rue de la Kasbah from the Port de France until you see the signs pointing to your right, just after the restaurant Dar Slah, although this route might be intimidating after dark. This former palace of a sultan is architecturally impressive. Rooms are basic and cooled only by fan. The included evening meal is filling. Breakfast, a simple affair of French bread and coffee, is a bit ropey and is served in the large open courtyard. The communal bathrooms, however, are not cleaned regularly, and may border on offensive. The shower times are limited to an hour in the morning and at night, though hot water may not be available at these times. Plan on using the local hammams for all hot water and cleaning needs.
This hotel captures a slightly faded, colonial era charm. Rooms are basic (the hotel building is old) but clean. Excellent restaurant with bar (2.5 DT Celtia) that provides room service. Breakfast is included in the price, and the croissants are better than average. Rooms come with ensuite sink and shower, but shared toilets - a room with a toilet is an extra 10 DT. Some rooms overlook the local tram, which can be excessively loud - you may want to look out the window to the street below, and possibly listen to the noise of the passing tram. Located half a block north of Place Barcelone.
Ground plus four levels, the first three accessible by lift. Nice mosaics. Lots of lounge space near the lobby. A little noisy, but nicely located. There is a roof accessible on the fourth floor (turn left after climbing the stairs, walk to the end, and open the unlocked door to your left): good for fresh air or some sun, though the view is not brilliant. Disinterested management. Poor water pressure observed on level 4.
Located in a neat old building with marble staircases and a friendly staff. They do not speak English, although it was no problem. Free wifi in the lobby and courtyard, two communal computers, but cannot comment on price or quality, although one had a webcam attached. Breakfast was coffee and Croissant and Pain au chocolat. Easily accessed by taxi from the Port de France, where Rue Mustapha M'barek is just a quick left off of the main road running south past the front of the gate. Reservations were made via email using google translate into French, although you are expected to call and confirm the day before, and it might be easiest to find a French-speaking friend do it for you.
130 modern rooms with cable TV, telephone, voicemail, hair dryers and internet access.
A kilometre from downtown, this hotel has two great restaurants and a bar, cable tv and Wi-Fi (extra fee) in the rooms.
A modern hotel with 51 rooms. The rooms all have balcony, phone, cable TV, Internet, minibar, private bathroom and hair dryer. The staff speaks several languages and can arrange tours to the medina or Carthage.
A 19th-century property with Moorish tiles and a rooftop terrace in the souk. Offers breakfast and wifi.
Terrace and patio offer place for solace here in this yet another medina B&B type lodging with wifi.
Dignified 17th-century guesthouse with complimentary wifi and breakfast and a rooftop terrace like the others.
A luxury hotel in a century old mansion in the Medina, with beautiful court yards, a roof too terrace offering views over the Medina, and breakfast included. The rooms are decorated in traditional Tunisian style.
Modern hotel overlooking the entire city. Located in the Central Business District.
Probably a hotel you should watch out you don't end up staying in. The hotel is large and modern, however overpriced. Staff is reportedly unfriendly and repeatedly tries to overcharge you for products and services. If you opt to stay here, don't leave any valuables in the room when you're away, as theft is rampant too.
Pretty rooms and a nice Art Deco piano bar.
A modern business hotel in downtown with large rooms.
Rooms are equipped with modern TVs, Internet (costs extra) and minibar.
A cheap, traditional food market, located at Place Halfaouine, near the railway station.
By train
You can travel to Tunis by train from most major cities in the country, the main line going from Gabes via Sousse, Sfax and Gafsa.
By car
Driving in Tunisia is not for the faint-hearted, due to the poor driving habits of many local drivers.
By bus
Tunisia has over 70 bus lines, with Tunis at the hub.
By louage
Tunis is a major hub for the country's louage (shared taxi) network. Louages connect Tunis with many major cities in Tunisia. There are three main louage stations in Tunis.
By boat
Tunis is the country's major port and there are ferries from a number of Mediterranean ports including Civitavecchia just outside of Rome, Genoa, Livorno, Naples, Palermo, Trapani and the French port…
By train
Tunis is well-served by a convenient five-line light metro system run by Transtu. The interchange hubs for all lines are in the centre of town at Place de la République and Place de Barcelone.
By taxi
Taxis are also a good and cheap option if one need to go a bit farther than the metro, though cabs picking up in front of nice hotels will charge much higher rates.
By bus
Transtu operates a public bus network as well. Bus fares depend on how far (how many zones) you will travel, starting at 0.320 DT for a short ride.
By car
Driving is a practical idea for getting around, as long as you are an experienced and confident driver.
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