7 Unforgettable Things To Do In Tunis, Tunisia
If you’re looking for things to do in Tunis, Tunisia you’re most likely entering the country by plane or ferry before continuing onward. A trip north will quickly turn into fresh air and fertile plains; a trip south will lead you into the windswept and ever-changing desert. Still, there are things worth doing in Tunis before continuing on. After spending a little less than a week in the gritty capital city, here are the top experiences that are worth adding to your list.
Is Tunis Worth Visiting?
First things first, a little bit about Tunis. While I wouldn’t go back here on purpose (besides using it as a jump-off point), I’m glad that we had some time to get to know the city in all its grit. Despite being packed with people, while visiting in January of 2025 we saw less than a handful of tourists. Starting your Tunisian journey in Tunis is a way to see the grimier side of the country; revealing what life is really like in a city of 2,671,882 people. Seemingly chaotic and disorganized to the Western tourist, there is a sort of flow you can tap into after a few days there. Embracing the hectic traffic and loud city pulse can lead you to its heart where you’ll find a warm and wonderful people, eager to show you the beautiful parts of their home country.
Is Tunis, Tunisia Safe Right Now?
Our trip in Tunisia started in early January 2025 despite the US government’s website issuing a level 2 “exercise increased caution” travel advisory. They’re cautioning folks to stay away from the boarders of Algeria and Libya, both locations with level 4 travel warnings. Take everything with a grain of salt, but it’s helpful to learn more by reading the Tunisia Travel Advisory update before your travels.
Though I would be hesitant to travel Tunisia alone as female, I felt safe there most of the time with my partner. Even then we were sure to be back to our accommodation before nightfall in Tunis, venturing out in the dark to get things here and there only in well-lit areas that we were familiar with.
Pickpocketing In Tunis
In this article I’ll recommend visiting the old Medina in Tunis, but do so with caution. While sifting through heaps and heaps of used clothes in the Medina market my partner was suddenly approached by two men. Confused at first, my partner waited a moment to see what was unfolding. While one man gently held onto his right arm and pulled him down, stepping on his foot, another slid up on his left side and attempted to grab his phone and other valuables from his pocket. Once he registered what was happening, he let out a startled sound and they fled. Thankfully there was no violence or injury involved, but it’s a cautionary tale for anyone visiting Tunis.
While we often hear “always be aware of your surroundings,” it’s something to take to heart in Tunis. If carrying a wallet or small valuables be sure to hide them under clothing or make them least accessible. If carrying a backpack or a purse make sure it’s strapped tightly to your body and on your frontside. Overwhelmingly the people that we met in Tunisia were genuine and kind, but tourists are an easy target for those feeling desperate.
What Language Is Spoken In Tunisia?
A quick Google search will say that Arabic is primarily spoken in Tunisia, but the truth is that they have their own language. Tunisian is a mix of Arabic, French, Berber, Spanish, Italian, and even Turkish. We met other travelers along the way who said that formal Arabic did them little good, so it’s best to practice French before you arrive. Sure you’ll encounter people all over who speak English, but you’ll encounter many more who do not. Pimsler is a great language learning tool that I’ve been using for years, and I wish I would have used it to learn even a basic level of French of safety, bartering, understanding, and interpersonal connection purposes. Practicing with the app, which teaches pronunciation and relevant conversational skills, is a smart way to prepare for your trip.
1) Visit Carthage From Tunis, Tunisia
My number one favorite thing that we did in Tunis was take a day trip to Carthage. You really don’t need more time than that; though languorously spread across the town, the ruins are accessible by foot, bike tour, or car and easily seen in an afternoon. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C. on the Gulf of Tunis, the archaeological sites were once home to a great trading empire, later occupied and rebuilt by Romans on the ruins of an ancient city. Now you can see traces of Punic, Roman, Vandal, Paleochristian and Arab presence.
The major site of Carthage are the acropolis of Byrsa, Punic ports, Punic tophet, necropolis, amitheatre villas, basilicas, Antonin baths, Malaga cisterns and the archaeological reserve. In my complete guide to visiting Carthage you can learn about costs, places to eat, tours in Carthage and more. Make sure to read it before you visit!
2) Visit The Old Medina In Tunis, Tunisia
Despite our difficulties in the old Medina it’s still worth witnessing, topping our list of things to do in Tunis. Unlike the Medinas of Morocco, the Medina in Tunis felt a bit spacier and less confusing. There’s no one way to enter it; after locating it on a map, you’ll see that it occupies a large area of the historic center of the city, accessible by foot or taxi. In 1979 the Tunis Medina became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it currently boasts over 700 monuments dating back to the Almohad and Hafsid periods of Tunisian history. Though you can stroll down the narrow streets past the souks and mosques alone, I highly recommend getting a local guide to help navigate the intricacy of its history.
For those who would rather wander sans guide, I recommend downloading Maps.me for free ahead of time so that you have some point of reference when you’re ready to leave, unless you have an eSim already installed. During our free time in the old Medina we enjoyed browsing through used clothes, electronics, and really anything that you would need before bartering for the final price. At the end of the day I walked away with a pair of lavender knock-off Nike socks for $0.30, comfortable trail running shoes $12, and used dark-wash jeans for $8.
Welcomed in my by locals, we also found the cafes delightful places to simply sit and witnessing everyday life pass by right outside its doors, cup of traditional mint tea in hand. Getting lost in the Medina can lead to the stumbling upon of beautiful sites and moments, but always be cautious and ready to say no if need be.
3) Visit The “New” Medina In Tunis
After experiencing the grittier side of the Medina, walk over to the Al-Zaytuna Mosque or a fresher, more touristic feel. Here the streets are cleaner and you’ll be engulfed trendy cafes, typical food stalls, and endless shops organized by trade. The jewelry, rugs, toys, spices, perfume, and herbs can swallow you whole, so let yourself get lost in the crowd and admire the craftsmanship along the way. In this part of the Medina you’ll have the chance to visit stunning rooftop cafes that provide epic panoramic views of the city, which can be visited during this walking tour that explores the old and new Medina.
4) Try Traditional Street Food In Tunis
After all of that walking and bartering you’re sure to work up an appetite. Though Tunisia felt more limited than other countries when it came to fully vegan options, there are hearty, cheap, and delicious meals to be found in Tunis. Our two favorite street foods can be found in the sorghum porridge and lablebi food stalls. Both were attended strictly by locals, so come prepared with Google translate if you haven’t brushed up on your Tunisian or French with Pimsler or another language learning tool.
At the Sourgum Porridge Stall we each got a bowl loaded with porridge topped by walnuts, cashews, dried fruit and coconut. They may try to add animal-based butter or honey, so just watch as they go and let them know it’s not needed. If you’re feeling ravenous your own bowl will do, but they’re incredibly hearty so consider sharing with a friend. Each bowl was a mere 8 dinar a person, otherwise known as $2.49 USD.
Once you’re hungry for more, visit the Lablebi Food Stall, a tiny yet revered place by locals. Lablebi is a traditional Tunisian chickpea stew served over ripped up bread. Request a dish with no eggs, follow the movements of the locals, and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal at just 3.33 dinar, or $1.04 USD, a bowl.
Veg Out At Tunisia’s Fully Vegan Restaurant
There’s just one fully vegan restaurant in Tunis, and it’s located between the busy downtown area and the coast on the road leading to Sidi Bou Saïd and Carthage. With a shining five star rating on HappyCow, Inward is a partly raw restaurant serving up plant-based cheese platters, decadent deserts, and healthy plates with a side of soul. Sadly it was closed when we visited, but if I ever return to Tunis it sits perched at the top of my list.
One eater raves: “This spot is incredible. Thoughtful and delicious, a fun Tunisian flair to the dishes. Everything was so good, we ordered additional dishes just to try them. Incredible flavors. Some of the best vegan cheeses I’ve ever had.” The owner, Fatma, was kind enough to help me out with writing this complete guide to vegan food in Tunisia.
5) Visit The National Bardo Museum In Tunis
Another bucket list item I didn’t get to check off, the National Bardo Museum is a must-visit in Tunisia. The museum is a Tunisian history book, containing the largest collection of precious mosaics in the world. Thanks to the underwater excavations undertaken during the first part of the 20th Century, visitors can see the cargo of a Roman shipwreck that crashed off the coast of Cape Africa, filled with Hellenistic Greek masterpieces. I’ve heard from fellow travelers that the museum is worth a visit to Tunis entirely on its own, with an entrance fee of around $4 USD.
6) Take A Day Trip To Sidi Bou Saïd From Tunis
The popular “blue and white town” is worth a visit, especially in the off-season. Sitting northeast of Tunis just above Carthage, the town winds up the mountain and leaves visitors with a sweeping view of the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s easy to get to Sidi Bou Saïd from Tunis, with some travelers taking the local metro and others getting there by taxi or Bolt (similar to an Uber). After our experience in the Medina we were hesitant to take the metro, so we called a Bolt and were dropped off at the entrance of the Medina. From there it’s a short climb to the top where you can get a taste of the local art, lavish living, and Tunisian fusion cuisine.
Sidi Bou Saïd is fairly small and can be done within a half day, perhaps combined with a Carthage visit if you’re a speedy traveler. (There are also multiple guided tours that cover Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd in one day.) If you like to go at your own leisure, I recommend bringing a journal or book so that you can relax and settle in when you’ve seen all there is to see.
Avoid The Tourist Scam In Sidi Bou Saïd
Speaking of things to see, let me tell you what NOT to see: the sunning yet incredibly expensive view from Cafe des Delices. If you do a quick internet search on things to see in the Blue City, Cafe des Delices pops up at the top of the list, but don’t be fooled: it’s a well-ran tourist trap. While they do guard one of the best viewpoints, the way they go about getting tourists to come in and patron their cafe is deceptive. With no menus displayed or prices to be found, they’ll verbally offer you tea, coffee, and other common drinks. Thinking that they cost the same as a regular cup of tea, you’ll unwillingly commit to paying a little less than ten times the amount you would in the rest of the country (we spent almost twenty bucks on two drinks and some sweets). They’ll also bring you pastries and sweets under the notion that they’re complimentary, but they’re not. If Cafe des Delics was honest about their prices and intentions it could be a much better experience.
What To Do In Sidi Bou Saïd
Bleue! seems like a place worth visiting with great reviews, located on the main vain of the Medina. When you get hungry check out L’Arbre a Couscous, about a 20 minute walk from the Medina, where we experienced warm service and a truly unique dinging experience.
Museum Dar el-Annabi made our visit to Sidi Bou Saïd worth it in the end. A wealthy family’s home turned museum, it’s a glimpse into the glamorous side of Tunisian living. Decorated with traditional art, the home is a gem nestled into the narrow and winding streets that surround it. Be sure to take your time in the museum, stopping to notice unique artistic flair in the details.
For more things to do, check out my complete guide to visiting Sidi Bou Saïd!
7) The Best Day Trips From Tunis
In addition to Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd, there are multiple other day trips that depart from Tunis that can take you to the Berber villages of Takrouna and Zriba El Ali; Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse; and Utique, Bizerte, and Ichkeul National Park up north. These are great options for those who are short on time and enjoy knowing more about a place’s history. Otherwise, I highly recommend renting a car and seeing some of these places at your own place, which you can learn more about in my complete guide to renting a car in Tunisia.
Best Places In Tunisia To Visit
Once your chapter in Tunis comes to a close the options are endless. Fancy a dip into the lush oases of the desert, complete with turquoise clear water? How about a visit to some of Tunisia’s best Star Was sites? Tunisia is underrated as a travel destination, and maybe that’s what makes it so special. Either way, stay tuned for more traveling guides to Tunisia as ethically and creatively as possible. Sign up for our free newsletter to be the first to know when they’re released!
