Tunis Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Tunis

Tunis combines an atmospheric old town with some of the Mediterranean’s most important archaeological sites, all within easy reach of the centre.

• Medina of Tunis — A UNESCO World Heritage site of covered souks, palaces and mosques, where artisans still sell perfumes, textiles, copperware and spices.
• Zitouna Mosque — The great mosque at the heart of the medina, one of the oldest and most revered in North Africa; non-Muslim visitors can usually view the courtyard from the entrance.
• Bardo National Museum — Housed in a former palace, it holds one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics.
• Carthage — The UNESCO-listed remains of the Punic and Roman city, including the Antonine Baths by the sea, the Punic ports and Byrsa Hill.
• Sidi Bou Said — A clifftop village of whitewashed houses and blue doors overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, famous for its cafés and views.
• Avenue Habib Bourguiba — The city’s grand boulevard, lined with cafés, ficus trees and colonial-era buildings including the cathedral.
• La Marsa — A relaxed seaside suburb with a long sandy beach and a lively promenade, popular on summer evenings.

Best time to visit Tunis

Spring, from April to June, is ideal for exploring Tunis, with warm sunny days, blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures for walking around the medina and the archaeological sites of Carthage.

July and August are hot and busy, as locals and holidaymakers head to the beaches of La Marsa, Gammarth and the wider coast. Summer is also the season of the Carthage International Festival, held in the Roman theatre with concerts and performances. September and October bring warm sea water, fewer crowds and pleasant evenings.

Winter, from November to March, is mild but more changeable, with occasional rain and cool evenings. It is a quiet, good-value time for museums and sightseeing. During Ramadan, whose dates change each year, daytime rhythms slow and the medina comes alive after sunset, with families strolling and cafés busy late into the night.

Getting from the airport

Tunis–Carthage International Airport is one of the closest airports to a capital city in the region, lying around 8 kilometres north-east of central Tunis.

• Taxi — Yellow taxis wait outside the arrivals hall and are the most convenient option. The drive to the city centre usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Make sure the meter is switched on, and note that a night surcharge may apply.
• Bus — Public buses connect the airport with central Tunis, including the area around Avenue Habib Bourguiba. They are inexpensive but can be crowded, particularly with luggage.
• Hotel transfers — Many hotels in Tunis, Gammarth and the coastal suburbs can arrange airport pick-ups on request.

For Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa, a taxi from the airport is quick. Once in the city, the TGM light railway links central Tunis with these coastal suburbs, making day trips simple and scenic.

Where to stay

Visitors can choose between staying in the city centre for sightseeing or in the coastal suburbs for a quieter seaside base linked by the TGM light railway.

• Ville Nouvelle (city centre) — Around Avenue Habib Bourguiba, within walking distance of the medina, cafés and shops; ideal for first-time visitors.
• The medina — Traditional guesthouses in restored courtyard houses offer an atmospheric stay close to the souks, suited to culture lovers.
• Les Berges du Lac — A modern waterfront district near the airport with offices, restaurants and shopping, popular with business travellers.
• Sidi Bou Said and Carthage — Charming, quieter bases near the sea and the ancient ruins, perfect for couples and slower-paced trips.
• La Marsa and Gammarth — Seaside suburbs with beaches and resort-style hotels, suited to families and summer stays.

Travel tips

• Travel advice — Check your government’s current travel advice for Tunisia before planning your trip and review it again shortly before departure.
• Currency — The Tunisian dinar is a closed currency that generally cannot be obtained or taken out of the country. Exchange money on arrival at banks or official bureaux, and keep your receipts.
• Payment — Cards are accepted in many hotels and larger shops, but cash is needed in the souks, small cafés and taxis.
• Bargaining — Haggling is expected in the medina souks. Stay friendly and patient, and agree a price before buying.
• Etiquette — Dress modestly in the medina and at religious sites, and ask before photographing people. French and Arabic are the main languages; a greeting in either is appreciated.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.