Things To Do
in Tunisia
Tunisia sits at the crossroads of Africa and the Mediterranean, where ancient ruins meet lively markets. From the emerald coast in the north to the Sahara’s edge in the south, the landscape is incredibly diverse. Culinary traditions blend Berber, Arab, and French influences, with olive oil, harissa, and seafood playing starring roles.
Hospitable towns, UNESCO sites, and easy-to-navigate routes make Tunisia an unforgettable, approachable destination.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in the bustling capital city of Tunis with a visit to the enchanting Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the intricate architecture, and shop for local crafts and spices in the vibrant souks. Don’t forget to sample a delicious breakfast of fresh brik and mint tea at a local café.
After lunch, head to the Bardo Museum, home to one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics. Stroll through the exhibits that showcase Tunisia’s rich history and culture, capturing the essence of ancient civilizations. Wrap up the afternoon by visiting the nearby Carthage ruins, where you can take in stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Tunisian dinner in one of the local restaurants, indulging in couscous and tagine. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Lake of Tunis, where you can enjoy the serene ambiance and shimmering reflections. For a taste of local nightlife, find a cozy bar or café and mingle with the locals over a glass of arak.
Start your day by exploring the ancient ruins of Carthage, where you can delve into its fascinating past as a powerful city-state. Spend your time visiting sites like the Antonine Baths and the Punic Tophet, gaining insight into the lives of those who lived here. The morning light offers perfect opportunities for photography amidst the historical remnants.
Make your way to the charming village of Sidi Bou Said, famous for its blue and white buildings and stunning sea views. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café with a terrace overlooking the bay, while savoring traditional Tunisian pastries like makroud. Afterward, wander the winding streets filled with local art galleries and shops, taking in the idyllic atmosphere.
As evening approaches, find a picturesque spot to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean while sipping mint tea. Head to a rooftop restaurant for dinner, where you can feast on fresh seafood while enjoying the stunning views. Finish your day by exploring the vibrant nightlife in Sidi Bou Said, perhaps with live music or traditional dance performances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-45 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $22-40 |
| 🚆Local public transit ticket (one-way) | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and UNESCO sites (Carthage, Dougga, Medina towns)
- Diverse landscapes—from pristine beaches to Sahara dunes
- Affordable prices and easy-to-reach destinations
- Warm hospitality and flavorful cuisine
- Heat in the southern regions during summer
- Variable public transport outside major towns
- Occasional language barriers in rural areas
- Seasonal tourist crowds in peak months
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Marhba" - Welcome
- "Min fadlek" - Please
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "La, shukran" - No, thank you
- "Kam thaman hadha?" - How much is this?
- "Ayna al-hammam?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Kif halak?" - How are you?
- "Ana la afham" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Tunisia
Visit one of these nice places.
White-and-blue cliffside village with panoramic views of the Mediterranean; best at golden hour when colors glow.
Narrow lanes, colorful stalls, and intricate doorways—perfect for street photography and candid market scenes.
Ruins perched above the sea offering dramatic seascapes and ancient columns against blue skies.
One of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa; wide avenues and stone façades create striking composition.
Expansive salt pans that reflect the sky at sunrise and sunset—an ethereal, otherworldly landscape.
Palm groves and ochre dunes; a contrast of lush greens against desert tones for interesting foregrounds.
Food in Tunisia
Tunisia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A crisp pastry filled with egg, tuna, and capers, crunchy on the outside and silky inside; widely found in markets and cafés.
Must-Try!
A hearty chickpea soup served over stale bread with harissa and olive oil; popular for breakfast or a quick lunch.
Steamed semolina served with a spiced meat and vegetable stew; a staple across households and r estaurants.
A spicy shakshuka-like dish with tomatoes, peppers, merguez sausage, and eggs; great as a breakfast or lunch option.
Roasted pepper, tomato, onion, and olive oil salad, sometimes with tuna or olives; flavorful and versatile.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A labyrinth of stalls selling spices, olives, pastries, textiles, and souvenirs—great for tasting and bargaining.
A bustling island market with fish stalls, crafts, and street bites; try brik and freshly baked pastries.
Brik, fricassé (stuffed fried pastries), and lablabi in casual cafés across major towns—perfect for quick, delicious meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Modest dress is respectful in rural areas; shoulders and knees covered when visiting religious sites. In cities, light smart-casual is common in restaurants and cafes.
A handshake is common; use the right hand for giving items and eating. Public displays of affection are less common in rural areas.
Bargaining is expected in souks; do so with a smile and patience. Ramadan can affect opening hours and meal times.
Safety
Tipping in Tunisia
Ensure a smooth experience
A 5-10% tip in restaurants is common if service is not included; small tips to hotel staff, tour guides, and waiters are appreciated but not mandatory.
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger hotels; cash is preferred in smaller towns. ATMs are common in major towns; keep local currency (Tunisian dinars) for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry, especially in the south. Pack sun protection, stay hydrated, and aim for early morning or late afternoon activities; coastal breezes help but inland heat can be intense.
Mild to cool along the coast; desert nights are chilly. Layered clothing is essential, and coastal towns are comfortable for walking tours.
Pleasant temperatures with blooming landscapes; ideal for medina visits, hiking in the north, and photography along the coast.
Comfortable weather and lower crowds; good for exploring ruins, markets, and desert day trips with fewer crowds.
Tunisia at Night
Hiking in Tunisia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails along oasis cliffs with stunning canyon frames and sunset views near Tozeur.
Spectacular canyon routes with canyon walls and palm groves; good for day hikes.
Iconic canyon paths with dramatic rock formations and oasis scenery—excellent for photography.
Forested uplands near Zaghouan offering cooler temperatures and scenic panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Tunisia by plane.
Main international gateway to Tunisia, located near Tunis; connects to Europe, the Middle East, and neighboring regions.
Coastal hub serving the central-east region; popular with travelers heading to Sousse and the coast.
Island gateway to Djerba with routes from Europe and North Africa; convenient for southern Tunisia.
Northern coastal gateway serving resort towns around Hammamet and Nabeul; connects to several European cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Main demographic group forming the cultural and linguistic backbone of the country.
Indigenous communities concentrated in the southern and mountain regions; culturally distinct and historically present.
Cities tend toward cosmopolitan lifestyles, while rural areas preserve traditional customs and dress.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; large leagues, passionate fandom, and abundant matches across the country.
Strong regional interest with competitive club teams and national participation.
Widely played in schools and clubs; community courts and tournaments are common.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose dishes built around vegetables, legumes, and grains like couscous with vegetables, mechouia, and lentil stews. Ask for no harissa if spice-sensitive and request olive oil as a primary fat.
Many Tunisian dishes rely on couscous; request alternative grains like rice or extra vegetables when possible and confirm bread-free options in cafés.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tunisia.