Things To Do
in Ariana
Ariana is a green, residential suburb just north of Tunis, known for its leafy streets and family-friendly neighborhoods. It acts as a convenient gateway to the capital, with easy road and rail connections to Tunis and the northern coast. The city balances quiet neighborhoods with growing markets, cafés, and small businesses that highlight everyday Tunisian life.
Visitors often use Ariana as a base to explore greater Tunis and the nearby hills and coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Tunis–Carthage Airport and take a short transfer to your hotel in Ariana where a welcome mint tea awaits. Spend the morning unpacking and settling into the rhythm of this leafy suburb, admiring its jasmine-scented streets. Wander to a nearby café for a light brunch of Tunisian pastries and fresh orange juice.
Embark on a leisurely walk through Ariana’s bustling farmer’s market where stalls overflow with olives, dates, and honey. Engage with friendly vendors to learn about local produce and sample brik, a savory pastry filled with egg and tuna. Stop at a traditional olive oil mill to watch the pressing process and taste golden-green cold-pressed oil.
Dine at a family-run eatery known for its kusksi and mechouia salad under twinkling lanterns. Listen to the distant call to prayer mingle with soft conversation as night falls over the palm-lined avenues. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the illuminated gardens of Belvédère Parc, savoring the peaceful atmosphere.
Begin in Ariana’s artisan quarter where potters shape clay into beautiful bowls and vases. Try your hand at crafting a small piece under the guidance of a master ceramist, learning age-old techniques passed down through generations. Enjoy a strong glass of mint tea in the courtyard while admiring rows of drying ceramics.
Head to a weaving workshop to witness colorful wool shawls and blankets come to life on traditional looms. Chat with local weavers about patterns that reflect Tunisia’s rich heritage, and pick up a handwoven souvenir. Sample warm dates and almonds as you learn about regional dyeing methods used for centuries.
Stroll through an open-air bronze market where metalworkers hammer ornate lanterns and trays by lamplight. Observe the artistry as sparks fly from the anvils, and join a brief demonstration to engrave your initials on a small copper plate. Cap off the night at a neighborhood café with honey-kissed pastries and storytelling from a local elder.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚆Public transport ticket | $0.60-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-70 |
| 🛒Groceries weekly | $40-90 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Tunis and the northern coast
- Affordability and rich local cuisine
- Good access to markets and green spaces
- Friendly, hospitable locals
- Limited nightlife within Ariana itself
- Traffic during peak hours can be challenging
- Some areas are a bit less pedestrian-friendly due to heat and car dominance
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Min fadhlik" - Please
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Law samaht" - Excuse me
- "Tihki ingliziyya?" - Do you speak English?
- "Chadha thamen hada?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Ariana
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant urban life along Avenue Habib Bourguiba with colorful doors, markets, and everyday scenes.
Bustling market entrances, baskets of produce, and morning light for portrait and food photography.
Green spaces in Ariana offer shaded paths, families, and benches with ambient light for candid photography.
A small viewpoint offering skyline views of Tunis and the Mediterranean horizon at sunset.
Food in Ariana
Ariana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin pastry triangle fried crisp with a filling of egg, tuna, capers, and parsley. Best enjoyed fresh from street vendors or seaside cafés.
Must-Try!
Steamed couscous topped with spiced meat and caramelized onions and raisins; a staple often served with chickpeas and harissa on the side.
A hearty chickpea soup spiced with cumin and harissa, typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and crusty bread—perfect for chilly days.
A spicy tomato-based egg dish with merguez sausage or peppers, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch in cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market in the Soukra area offering fresh produce, olives, spices, and ready-to-eat street bites.
Municipal market in Ariana where you can sample seasonal fruits, vegetables, and Tunisian snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local norms by covering shoulders and knees, especially in religious or formal settings.
A handshake is common; friends may greet with a kiss on each cheek in informal settings.
Be mindful during Ramadan; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in non-touristy areas.
Safety
Tipping in Ariana
Ensure a smooth experience
In cafes and restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip for good service is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash in Tunisian dinars is widely accepted; cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments; small markets mostly cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with high UV; plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings; stay hydrated and seek shade.
Mild to cool temperatures with occasional rain; pack a light jacket and umbrella; rain can affect outdoor plans.
Pleasant temperatures, blooming jacarandas and jasmine; ideal for outdoor markets and hillside walks.
Mild days and cooler evenings; great for day trips to nearby hills and coastal towns.
Ariana at Night
Hiking in Ariana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hiking in the Zaghouan foothills offering views over valleys and the countryside; day-trip potential.
Coastal hillside loop near the northern coast for easy to moderate hikes with Mediterranean views.
Airports
How to reach Ariana by plane.
Main international gateway located near Tunis; ~15-25 minutes by car to Ariana depending on traffic.
Secondary international gateway in the region, about 120-150 km away by road; used for some charter and seasonal flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant local population, Arabic-speaking with strong French influence in daily life.
Small but established communities of French and other European expatriates, especially near Tunis and La Marsa.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Tunisia, with matches watched in pubs and clubs and played in local leagues.
Public courts and clubs throughout the area, with casual and competitive play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ariana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
As a vegetarian, focus on dishes like mezze, salads, couscous with vegetables, and grilled vegetables; ask for harissa-free spice and request vegetable-based stews.