Tunis is a city truly capable of astonishing: cosmopolitan and traditional, within it cultures and customs intertwine in a uniquely charming atmosphere. Spending a few days in the city before visiting the rest of the country is a must: here’s the list of the 10 best things to see in Tunis and its surroundings, so you don’t miss out on anything.
The Neighborhoods
Let’s start our list of things to see in Tunis from the city’s neighborhoods: the incredible old city, the new area, and the harbor area.
The Medina
The Medina, or the old city, is the area of Tunis protected by UNESCO, declared a World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find a maze of labyrinthine streets, winding in every direction. It’s here that tourists spend most of their time, visiting souks and bazaars, sipping tea outdoors, and taking fabulous photos at every corner. Time seems to stand still in the Medina of Tunis, and you’ll only realize you’re in the third millennium when merchants pull out their smartphones to show you the prices of their merchandise for sale!
The New City
If after visiting the Medina you want to see the 21st-century Tunis, head to the Ville Nouvelle, or the new city. Built during the French colonial period, this area of Tunis is centered around Avenue Habib Bourguiba, a long avenue lined with palm trees and eucalyptus trees. Here you’ll find numerous luxury hotels, bars, and nightclubs, as well as some significant monuments for the locals, such as the clock at Place d’Afrique, which symbolizes modern Tunisia.
La Goulette
The last of the 3 neighborhoods of Tunis that deserve to be part of the best things to see in the city is La Goulette, which hosts the city’s port, dominated first by the Spanish, then by the Ottomans, and finally by the French. Today it’s a trendy and fashionable area, where you can admire yachts and moored boats while sitting sipping Arabic tea or coffee.
Nearby is an Ottoman fortress waiting to be explored, and on weekends, the nearby beach is crowded with both locals and tourists.
Museums, Mosques, and Palaces
Tunis is a city where Arab culture and art reach unexpected heights: around the city, you’ll find world-famous museums, sumptuous palaces, and splendid mosques adorned with stucco and decorations.
The Bardo Museum
Infamously known for the terrorist attack in March 2015, the Bardo Museum is actually one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, as it contains the richest collection of Roman mosaics worldwide.
Located within the 19th-century bey’s residence, it is surrounded by lush gardens. In addition to the Roman mosaics, among the most beautiful you can admire, inside you’ll find Roman and Greek statues, and a vast collection of Christian art.
Address: P7, Tunisia
Opening hours: from 9 am to 5 pm
Admission price: around €3.50
Website: http://www.bardomuseum.tn/
Museum of Modern Art
The Tunis Museum of Modern Art is located within the Parc du Belvedere, a lush green area that is one of the city’s green lungs, ideal for escaping the chaos of the Medina and the traffic of the Ville Nouvelle.
Inside the museum, you can admire one of the most important collections of Tunisian artists of the 20th century, as well as a series of unique exhibitions and performances. Just outside the museum, in the immediate vicinity, is the Tunis Zoo, an alternative destination to spend a few hours of relaxation, especially with children. photo credit: theculturetrip.com
Mosque of the Olive Trees
Within the Medina, there are numerous hidden treasures, especially related to the world of Islam. Among these stands out the Mosque of the Olive Trees, one of the most important in Tunis, dating back to 732 AD.
Inside, there are numerous examples of religious architecture, visitable even by non-Muslims, although they are not allowed to access the prayer halls. The roof of the Mosque of the Olive Trees is one of the privileged points of the city, as you can admire the Medina from above and take unforgettable photos.
Address: 30 Rue Jamaa Ez Zitouna, Tunis, Tunisia
Mosque of Sidi Mahrez
The Mosque of Sidi Mahrez is also worth a visit. It is built in Ottoman style, and is adorned with 9 domes on the roof.
Dedicated to the Prophet Mohammed Mahrez es Seddiki, whose remains are on the other side of the street, entry is prohibited for non-Muslims. However, it’s worth reaching it to visit it at least from the outside.
Address: Rue Sidi Mehrez, Tunis 1006, Tunisia
Dar Hussein and Dar Ben Abdallah Palaces
The Dar Hussein Palace was built in the 18th century and renovated during the following century. Today it is the headquarters of the Institute of Art and Archaeology of Tunisia, and it is possible to enter the inner courtyard for free to visit it; however, the interior rooms are not open to the public.
Nearby is the Dar Ben Abdallah Palace, which houses the Tunis Folklore Museum, where you can admire ornaments, costumes, and furniture from the city’s tradition.
Day Trips
To conclude the list of things to see in Tunis beautifully, there are two unmissable day trips, to discover the archaeological site of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Said, with its picturesque Arabian Nights atmosphere.
Carthage
The name of Carthage is well known to all, but perhaps not everyone knows that this ancient Phoenician city was built a few kilometers from today’s Tunis.
Completely destroyed during the Third Punic War in 146 BC, the remains of Carthage now form one of the most interesting archaeological parks in the entire Mediterranean basin.
Sidi Bou Said
The village of Sidi Bou Said occupies the last place on the list of the 10 best things to see in Tunis, and is one of the most classic destinations for day trips. It looks like a typical Andalusian village, with white houses and doors and windows tinted blue.
There are no tourist attractions in the true sense of the word, but wandering aimlessly through the streets of the village will give you the opportunity to discover truly unique corners and take unforgettable photos.
