Tunisia is a small country located in Northern Africa. I got the opportunity to visit the beautiful country of Tunisia for 1 month during July of 2024. I discovered such a gem of a country, and I’m so glad that I now get to share with you some of the best things to do there when you will get to visit. I stayed most of my time in the capital of Tunisia, Tunis. So, here are the 10 best things to do in Tunis, Tunisia.
Table of Contents
- General Information
- 1. Have a drink at Tangerine Rooftop Bar
- 2. Walk around Sidi Bou Saïd
- 3. Visit the Zitouna Mosque
- 4. Take a dip in the beach of Sidi Bou Saïd
- 5. Have shisha at Café Resto Le 716
- 6. Visit the Bardo National Museum
- 7. Eat some ice cream at Parad’Ice
- 8. Visit the Military National Museum
- 9. Have breakfast at the Medina
- 10. Eat some Makloub
General Information
Where should I stay in Tunis?
There are lots of great areas to stay in Tunis. The ones that I recommend the most are La Marsa, near the Lake of Tunis, or near the Medina. I find that they are the more touristic towns, but this can be a good thing because it will be overall safer and adapted for foreigners.
How do I get around Tunis?
I highly recommend getting around Tunis using taxis. Their taxis are super affordable. A 30 minute ride will be approximately 20 TND (it varies a lot on the time of the day), and if you split it between 4 people, it really isn’t much. Tunis does have public transit, but it isn’t developed, so I recommend using taxis.
I used two apps for taxis: Bolt and InDrive. I would switch between both apps to see which one would offer me the cheapest fare, because sometimes it varied between both. In addition, if you do get the local taxi, it will be even cheaper, but what’s great about Bolt and InDrive as a foreigner is that you will have the set price before you even begin your ride on the app.
Should I get an eSIM before getting to Tunisia?
There are a lot of eSIM options available for Tunisia. Getting an eSIM before you land can be a very comforting thing because you know that when you land, you will immediately have data, and you do not have to go around searching for a place that sells SIM cards.
However, when I travelled to Tunisia, I was told that the SIM cards there are super inexpensive. Therefore, I opted for the physical SIM card when I arrived. I got my SIM with the company called Orange. I paid 14 CAD for 30 GB of data. The kiosk is located right after you exit baggage claim in the Tunis airport. My flight also landed at almost 1 am, and when I left baggage claim they were still open, so if your fear is that they might be closed early, know that they were opened until pretty late when I was there.
Should I go on tours or explore by myself?
Tours or self visit depend on your travel style. Although I know that in some cities, it can feel safer to visit with a guide, I felt safe overall in Tunis. As long as you stay in the more touristic cities and take general precautions, you will be okay.
Guided tours can be helpful though in Tunis because they can help explain some of the interesting history of Tunisia. In addition, if you are afraid of the language barrier, having a guide can make sure that your needs are met.
How much cash should I bring to Tunisia?
The amount of cash really depends on the amount you typically spend on a trip and how long you are staying. I would say that Tunisia is a country that relies a lot on cash, at least a lot more than where I live in Canada. For example, for taxis, you need to pay cash. In addition, if you want to order food or grocery delivery, you will have to pay cash. A lot of local shops for example in the Medina also only accept cash. If you want to go shopping at bigger brand malls or eat at restaurants, they generally do accept credit cards.
What language do they speak in Tunisia?
The official language of Tunisia is arabic. Many people also speak French. You can get around easily if you speak arabic and/or French, although their arabic is a different dialect from other arabic countries. Some Tunisians know English, but not everyone does.
1. Have a drink at Tangerine Rooftop Bar
Tangerine Rooftop Bar is located in Gammarth, which is very close to La Maria and Sidi Bou Saïd. They have a lot of drink options that are very affordable (around 20 TND for a drink). They also serve food, although when we went to Tangerine Rooftop, we only got drinks. The space is an outdoor rooftop terrasse, and they have lots of cute light decorations.
Even during the summer, if you decide to stay late, make sure to bring a sweater because it can get cold! We went mid July and were very cold in the evening surprisingly.
2. Walk around Sidi Bou Saïd
Sidi Bou Saïd is such a cute area of Tunis and a must-visit spot. They have lots of cute stores and places to eat. You will feel like you are somewhere in Greece with the white and blue walls. When in Sidi Bou Saïd, some popular places to go to are the “Café des Délices” and any place that sells bambalouni, which are famous Tunisian donuts.
The “Café des Délices” is famous for the gorgeous views and beautiful decor, which makes the café super picturesque. However, the food and drinks are super overpriced, so I would recommend going somewhere else if you want to get something cheaper. Lots of shops sell bambalouni in Sidi Bou Saïd, and I highly recommend trying. They are so so delicious and so inexpensive.
3. Visit the Zitouna Mosque
Located in the heart of the old medina, it’s the largest and oldest mosque in Tunisia, dating back to the 8th century. The Zitouna Mosque is known for its stunning arches, intricate tilework, and peaceful courtyard filled with orange trees. It’s a great place to soak in the city’s rich Islamic heritage and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Just remember, the mosque is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and be respectful when visiting. Therefore, make sure to bring your own scarf.
4. Take a dip in the beach of Sidi Bou Saïd
The Sidi Bou Saïd beach was my favourite beach in Tunis. The water temperature was amazing and the water was super clear. If you go on the weekends, it can get very crowded but during the week, it can be very calm. They have umbrellas and chairs that you can rent for a small price.
The only downside is that there aren’t many shops near Sidi Bou Saïd beach. If you want to buy something to eat, there are only a few kiosks that have food options. The better food options are up the hill, in the center of the town of Sidi Bou Saïd, but it is an approximately 10 minute climb up. So make sure to bring some snacks with you or to eat before you go!
5. Have shisha at Café Resto Le 716
The Café Resto Le 716 is a restaurant/café located around the Lake of Tunis. This café has a modern vibe with stylish décor and comfortable seating. The menu offers a mix of tasty Tunisian and international dishes, making it a great place to try local flavors or enjoy familiar favorites. On top of that, they also have a wide range of shisha flavours to try. If you are seated on their rooftop, you can also enjoy gorgeous views of the Lake of Tunis.
6. Visit the Bardo National Museum
The Bardo National Museum in Tunis is a treasure trove of history and art, famous for its incredible collection of mosaics. Housed in a stunning 15th-century palace, the museum showcases artifacts from different periods of Tunisia’s past, from ancient Roman times to the Islamic era. The mosaics, many of which are beautifully preserved, tell fascinating stories and are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Walking through the museum, you’ll also see statues, pottery, and jewelry that give you a glimpse into the rich cultures that have shaped Tunisia. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and anyone interested in the region’s heritage.
From what I remember, the entry fee is 13 TND for foreigners. You can expect to spend approximately 2 hours there. Also, at the end of your visit, make sure to check out the garden that they have!
7. Eat some ice cream at Parad’Ice
If you want some of the best ice cream in Tunis, Parad’Ice is a must. They have multiple shops a bit everywhere around Tunis. However, keep in mind that the prices are not the same everywhere. Where it is more touristic, the ice cream is actually more expensive.
I recommend going to the one located in Bardo, which is the one we went to the most often. The prices are so good and they give huge amounts of ice cream. I recommend only getting one scoop if you have a small/regular appetite because the scoops are actually huge, and you might not be able to finish it if you get two scoops.
8. Visit the Military National Museum
The Military National Museum in Tunis is a fascinating place that explores Tunisia’s military history. Located in the picturesque town of Manouba, just outside the city, the museum is set in a former palace with lovely gardens. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that cover different periods of Tunisia’s past, from ancient battles to more modern conflicts.
The museum displays a variety of weapons, uniforms, maps, and other military artifacts, offering insight into the country’s defense and strategic history. It’s an interesting spot for anyone curious about how Tunisia has defended itself and developed its military over the centuries.
9. Have breakfast at the Medina
The Medina is actually an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has lots of shops, restaurants, mosques, etc. One of my favourite things to do in the Medina was to get breakfast there. The place that we went to was called “Café du Souk.” The food was super affordable and the café had super cute decor.
The Medina is also the perfect place if you want to do some shopping. They sell so many various things such as your typical souvenirs, tiles, mugs, perfumes, jewelry, etc. We spent a whole afternoon just wandering around and buying gifts. If you do go to do some shopping, don’t be afraid to bargain 😉
10. Eat some Makloub
Makloub is a traditional Tunisian dish, which is a street food sandwich. They sell it at many stores and even in restaurants. The bread they use is called msemen, and the typical way of eating it is with a type of meat of choice, mayonnaise, harissa and any condiments you would like to add.
The place that I went to for makloub is called “Chez Bouba,” and it is super cheap. The sandwich is so big and it also comes with fries. It was easily one of my favourite meals in Tunisia.
Jessie Across the World 