Things To Do
in La Goulette

Fresh whole fish or fillets, simply seasoned, grilled over coals and served with lemon and salad; best at portside restaurants in La Goulette.

Must-Try!

Thin pastry circled around egg (often with tuna or parsley), fried until crisp — a popular appetizer or snack sold at cafes and street stalls.

Couscous topped with a medley of shellfish and fish in a light broth — a coastal specialty common in La Goulette’s family restaurants.

A hearty chickpea soup seasoned with cumin and harissa, often eaten for breakfast or lunch; cheap, filling and widely available.

Polite greetings are important—shake hands, or use 'Aslema'/'Salam' (hello). Using a few words in French or Tunisian Arabic is appreciated by locals.

Dress modestly in residential and religious areas—shorts and swimwear are fine on the beach but cover up when visiting mosques or traditional neighborhoods.

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women; be mindful at religious sites and private property.

Hospitality is warm—if invited to a local home, bring a small gift and accept refreshments; decline respectfully if you cannot partake due to dietary or cultural reasons.

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: rounding up taxi fares, leaving 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, and small tips for porters and hotel staff are common. Street vendors and market sellers do not expect tips but a small gesture for exceptional service is fine.

The Tunisian dinar (TND) is the local currency; cash is king in small shops and markets while credit cards are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants and shops. ATMs are widely available in Tunis and La Goulette; notify your bank before travel and carry some cash for smaller vendors.

June–August are hot and busy: beaches, open-air restaurants and festivals are in full swing; expect crowded promenades and booked accommodations—sun protection and advance bookings recommended.

March–May offer mild temperatures, blooming countryside and pleasant sea breezes—ideal for walking, sightseeing and outdoor activities with fewer crowds.

September–November remains warm into October with calmer seas; good time for swimming, coastal drives and food-focused trips as the summer rush subsides.

December–February are cooler and wetter with temperatures around 10–16°C; many seasonal beach businesses close but the town is quieter and cheaper, suitable for cultural visits.

About 30–45 minutes from La Goulette, this park offers marked trails up Jebel Boukornine with good panoramic views over Tunis and coastal plains; varied flora and easy-to-moderate routes.

A longer drive east but excellent for coastal hikes, salt-scrub landscapes and views from Kelibia Fort; combine with seafood villages for a full-day trip.

Short cliffside walks and steps between Sidi Bou Said and nearby coves provide picturesque strolls with minimal elevation and great sea views—ideal for an easy half-day outing.

Further afield (a drive north-west), Ichkeul offers nature trails focused on birdwatching around the lake and wetlands; best in migration seasons with guided options recommended.

Vegetarian options exist (couscous with vegetables, salads, brik without meat, lentil and chickpea dishes) but menus can be meat- and seafood-heavy; specify 'bezef' (without) or ask in French ('sans viande').

Vegan choices are more limited but possible: vegetable stews, salads, olives, bread and chickpea-based dishes. Confirm butter or egg are not used.

Tunisia is predominantly Muslim and most meat sold and served is halal by default, but if you need explicit certification ask at larger hotels or specialty restaurants.

Gluten-free dining can be challenging because couscous and many baked goods contain gluten; opt for grilled seafood, salads and vegetable dishes and communicate needs clearly in French or Arabic.