Perched on the banks of Lake Tunis, the sprawling North African city of Tunis is a treasure trove of historical marvels – making it a truly unique destination for visitors.
(Photo: David Stanley via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
The Tunisian capital offers travellers the chance to step back in time to a period when the city was a thriving hub of ancient empires, bustling souks, and Islamic scholarship. But there’s plenty of respite too, in the shape of the nearby coastline. If you’re coming to Tunis and would like to make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 most unique things to see and do in this most enchanting of cities.
Hunt for bargains in the Medina
Navigating the Medina of Tunis is a full-blown sensory experience. This maze of narrow alleys and arched passageways is packed with tiny shops and stalls selling everything from hand-painted ceramics and silver jewellery to richly woven carpets and pungent spices. Haggling is part of the game here, so don’t be shy, as vendors expect it, and the back-and-forth is half the fun. Much of the merchandise is aimed squarely at tourists, but if you’re willing to dig a little deeper, you’ll find genuinely beautiful, locally made goods that make for ideal gifts or souvenirs.
You can book a guided tour of the Medina at GetYourGuide
Marvel at a 7th-century Mosque
Set in the heart of the Medina (see above), the Ez-Zitouna Mosque is one of the city’s most important religious and architectural landmarks. Founded in the 7th century, it’s a vast, serene space with rows of marble columns, dazzling tilework and a distinctive square minaret that rises above the rooftops. Non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, but you can still admire the mosque from its surrounding courtyards or view it from above via nearby rooftops and terraces.
30 Rue Jamaa Ez Zitouna / Mon-Sat 2pm-5.25pm Sun 2pm-7.25pm
(Photo: Marcus via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Take in some culture at a museum
Housed in a former palace, the Bardo National Museum building alone is impressive enough, with its carved stucco, grand arches and sun-dappled courtyards. But the real showstopper is the vast collection of Roman mosaics inside, some of the finest you’ll find anywhere. They’re huge, brilliantly detailed and often surprisingly graphic. You’ll also find artefacts from Carthaginian, Islamic and Ottoman eras, but it’s the mosaics that undeniably steal the spotlight.
P7 / Tues-Sun 9am-4.30pm
If the above museum lets you time-travel through Tunisia’s ancient past, the Museum of Contemporary Art of transports you straight back to the present. Set in the atmospheric former Palais Khaznadar, this museum is small but full of surprises. The work on display spans everything from bold political statements to moving pieces that explore identity, memory and place. There’s a strong focus on Tunisian artists, offering a window into the country’s creative psyche beyond the curated image shown to tourists.
Avenue Mohamed V / Tues-Sun 10am-7pm
Another cultural venue found within the Medina is Dar Ben Abdallah, an often-overlooked museum compared with its counterparts above. Taking visitors on a journey back to aristocratic life during the Ottoman era, each room is furnished with traditional décor, from intricately carved mashrabiya screens to embroidered textiles and antique ceramics. It’s a world away from the more traditional museum experience, with the look and feel of a preserved private home rather than a curated exhibition space.
Q5VF+PG7 / Tues-Sun 9.30am-4pm
(Photo: Citizen59 via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Head to the beach
An easy drive from the city centre brings you to Tunis’s idyllic coastline, where the soft sand and clear waters of La Marsa draw crowds of sun-seekers keen for a refreshing break from city life. Swimming, sunbathing, or grabbing a mint tea from a beachfront café are all popular activities here, while nearby you’ll find beach clubs with loungers and parasols, plus watersports like paddleboarding and jet-skiing. As the sun sets, locals flock to the promenade for evening strolls and ice cream stops to stave off the lingering heat.
Discover the local food scene
From street stalls to historic cafés to trendy supper clubs, Tunis is buzzing with culinary energy. One of the best ways to discover its vibrant food scene for yourself is simply to explore the streets, stopping off at any foodie outlet that takes your fancy to sample local delicacies and dishes such as hearty lablabi (chickpea stew), crisp brik pastries, and bambalouni, Tunisia’s answer to the doughnut. Whether you’re hunting down harissa-laden street snacks or dinner in a restored villa, when it comes to food, Tunis won’t disappoint.
You can book a Tunis cooking class experience at GetYourGuide
Look around a royal mausoleum
While the museums of Tunis let you explore the country’s past through its art and architecture, Tourbet el Bey offers something different: a glimpse into the afterlife of Tunisia’s former rulers. Located inside the Medina, this grand mausoleum is the final resting place of the Husainid dynasty, who ruled Tunisia for over two centuries. Inside, it’s a mesmerising mix of Ottoman, Andalusian and local craftsmanship, with colourful tiles and expertly carved domes. As an added bonus, despite its significance, the landmark remains surprisingly tranquil and uncrowded.
7 Rue du Chateau / Mon-Sat 8.30am-3.30pm Closed Sun
Stroll along a Parisian-style boulevard
Squint and you could be on Paris’s Champs-Élysées as you amble down the tree-lined Habib Bourguiba Avenue. Stretching from the medina’s Bab el Bhar to the striking Clock Tower near Lake Tunis, the city’s grandest promenade is lined with colonial-era buildings, literary cafés and a mix of modern storefronts. You’ll pass the ornate Municipal Theatre, the fortress-like French Embassy and an assortment of bookstalls. It’s also the go-to for national celebrations and spontaneous protests, adding to its standing as the beating pulse of the city.
(Photo: Citizen59 via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Kick back in a public park
Spanning around 110 hectares atop a hill designed in the late 19th‑century English‑garden style, Parc du Belvédère is the city’s green lungs, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of central Tunis. Inside you’ll find a small zoo, an Andalusian‑style café by a duck‑filled pond and blissfully quiet winding paths that are made for leisurely strolls. Families routinely picnic here, while joggers loop the trails and, on clear days, the Belvédère Casino pavilion delivers sweeping views over Tunis and the Gulf.
R5CC+QMX, Ave Mustapha Khaznadar / Tues-Sun 9am-5pm
Take a boat trip
Tunis is a sight to behold from almost any vantage point, but perhaps none more so than from out at sea. From the nearby port of La Goulette, you can hop aboard a traditional wooden boat or modern catamaran for a day out on the water, where you’ll cruise past historic forts, scenic bays and colourful fishing villages, with plenty of chances for swimming, snorkelling, or simply lazing on deck along the way. Some tours also include freshly grilled seafood lunches and live music for a true Tunisian touch.