Tunisia is a wonderful country and one I’ve fallen properly in love with. I’ve been there a few times now and each time I visit I discover more to see and do and explore. The capital city is particularly colourful and if you’re looking for what to do in Tunis there are numerous activities and excursions. In fact holidays in Tunis will be so jam packed that a weekend break won’t feel long enough. There’s so much history, wonderful restaurants and characterful hotels. Our ebook will show you all the best things to do in Tunis, however long you have to spend in the city. Read more all about this free Tunisia ebook and read on to download a full copy too.
Table of Contents
Map – What to do in Tunis
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The dazzling colours of Tunisia…Â Â
Whatever the time of day or night, it’s colour that leads you down winding alleyways and welcomes you through ornately decorated open doors. Â
Blue, white and gold are the predominant colours of the coast. The beaches have drawn tourists to this south Mediterranean country for a century, to rest and unwind under the deep blue sea and sky. Â
But in this ebook we take you beyond the coast and the sea, to places where personality and creativity shed light on the country and its culture.
We take you to locations where you can almost touch the past and taste the future.
Following cats as they meander through the medina and camels as they pop up unexpectedly in the street. Â
We follow locals to their favourite bars and cafes, to find out what they like to eat and drink and do.
And in an age of Instagram we follow the tourists to a steep coastal town where the selfie is elevated to an art form and capturing blue doors and windows is a mission.
In this short guide to Tunis and the surrounding coast and countryside we explore the places where art is created, where food is made and shared, where history was born and continually changes, along with the people and the vibe. Â
See that beautiful door? Let’s open it and explore… Â
Welcome to TunisÂ
Two worlds sit side by side in the fascinating city of Tunis: the medieval medina and the modern metropolis.
The Tunisian capital’s ninth-century medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as one of North Africa’s most impressive examples of a medieval medina. Â
At one time the medina had 17 gates and was enclosed by around five miles of walls, but these were destroyed by the French during the colonial era.
The medina’s winding streets are home to covered souks selling handcrafted goods, workshops where artisans create traditional products, and grand residential buildings with colourful painted doors.
Some of the historic buildings in the medina are now beautiful boutique hotels. This meakes it an ideal base for exploring Tunis and the surrounding area. Â
Beyond the medina, the rest of the city has much to offer.
The Bardo Museum is famous for its outstanding collection of Roman mosaics.
Tree-lined Avenue Habib Bourguiba has a distinctly French feel, and its Théâtre Municipal is a classic Art Nouveau building.
The vast 19th century Marché Central food market is the place to go for locally caught fish, spicy harissa, herbs and plants and of course for haggling and people-watching. Â
TOP TIP:
Vibrant Tunis is easy to reach from London, with direct daily three-hour flights by Tunisair. This makes it a great option for a sunny city break.Â
Around TunisÂ
There’s plenty to do in the suburbs of Tunis. Particularly to the east where the sea glistens and beckons visitors to relax in its turquoise hues. Â
The most popular area is Sidi Bou Said. An evocative town of blue and white which rivals any of the Greek islands in beauty.
There are cafes, souvenir stalls and best of all the street sellers serving up hot bambalouni, the Tunisian doughnut that comes scalding hot and sprinkled with large sugar crystals.Â
Down below the winding streets of the town, expensive yachts bob harmoniously in the harbour, making it the perfect place for a post-dinner stroll.
It may be touristy but there’s something hypnotic about Sidi Bou Said.Â
The seaside town of La Marsa is much more down to earth. It’s the place for beachside promenades and coffee in the pretty little town centre.
The cafes here are more rustic than Sidi Bou Said but packed full of charm. With friendly locals it’s a great place to while away an hour or two. Â
Carthage, further down the coast, comes with the weight of history and doesn’t disappoint.
Walk across Roman mosaic tiled floors and weave around the bath houses where gladiators would have roamed.
This is as atmospheric an historical site as they come. Â
Finally Gammarth is full of vibrancy and packed with fantastic hotels and restaurants. With beachside bars and happy hours in full swing it’s the place to kick back and enjoy modern Tunisia’s fun side. Â
Book this…
Boutique hotels, luxury spas, quirky interiors. Tunisia has it all.
Here are some accommodation options that really stand out. From gloriously large rooms and modern furnishings to first-class cuisine,. You’d be hard-pressed not to find a hotel that suits… Â
Villa Didon
Villa Didon is within walking distance of some of the main sights of Carthage and from its terraces you can look down to the sparkling sea beyond.
Set amongst beautiful trees including palms, olives, lavender and bougainvillea it is somewhere to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the historic sites nearby.
The food here is outstanding and you can sit and enjoy meals on the terrace and watch the sun dance across the blue sky. There’s also a spa here for even more relaxation. Â
Dar El Jeld Hotel & Spa
Dar El Jeld Hotel & Spa is an elegantly plush and contemporary luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Tunis’ historic medina.
The hotel’s 16 rooms are spacious, comfortable and very well-equipped. They all have separate lounge and bedroom areas.
The rooftop terrace restaurant at Dar El Jeld offers views across the medina and is a great spot for breakfast or dinner.
The excellent spa has a luxurious hammam and also offers massage and other treatments. Â
Palais Bayram
Palais Bayram is a grand eighteenth century house in the heart of Tunis medina.
Formerly one of the city’s last private palaces, and once the home of the Grand Mufti (one of the country’s most senior religious figures) Palais Bayram has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel.
With splendidly ornate rooms, open courtyards and rooftop views across the medina this is a truly unique place to stay.
The hotel has 17 rooms ranging from traditional suites to historic suites, with three Grand historic suites and a small hammam.
Breakfast is a marvel of freshly made local delicacies over many courses, and will truly set you up for the day.Â
Dar Ben Gacem
Dar Ben Gacem is a beautifully restored seventeenth century building in the historic medina of Tunis. It’s now a boutique hotel as well as a social enterprise.
The hotel’s seven comfortable guest rooms are individually furnished, with work by local craftspeople and artists.
Traditional homemade dishes are served in the cosy dining room, or on the roof terrace. The owner of Dar Ben Gacem is passionate about working with artisans to help to preserve and share Tunisia’s cultural heritage.
The hotel offers immersive experiences for guests, such as cooking with a local chef, bookbinding in a traditional workshop and tours of the medina. Â
Hotel Dar El Marsa
Dar El Marsa is a ‘lifestyle’ boutique hotel located on the corniche of La Marsa beach.
All rooms have a sea view.
Bag a room with a private balcony, perfect for watching the sun coming up over the bay.
29 rooms have a mini bar and coffee machine and to maximise relaxation there’s a spa and outdoor swimming pool.
The restaurant offers traditional Tunisian food options including madfouna and mint meat balls, and Couscous Borzguenea l’agneau et fruits secs – a lamb and couscous delight.
You can eat inside or by the pool and if you are lucky you may catch some live music. Â
Read more: The best hotels in Tunis
Download the free Tunisia ebook – What to do in Tunis
Tunisia Beyond the BeachÂ
With so many fascinating secrets hidden in the winding alleys of the medina, with history coming to life under a North African sun, and with colourful glimpses of Tunisian life at every turn, why resist the temptation to open the door to Tunisia with a short break in the capital?
To read more download the free ebook here with more chapters including Eat This, Drink This, See This and Do this.
Tunisia Beyond the Beach Ebook
You can also check out the video we made here, which shows all the wonderful things to do in and around Tunis –
https://youtu.be/j_jXwOptZ3k
Images copyright The Family Travel Collective/courtesy Depositphotos
