Top Things To Do In Tunis | Ancient Ruins & Hidden Gems

Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is a fascinating travel destination, steeped in rich history. It’s located near the ancient city of Carthage, which was once a powerful Phoenician stronghold that rivaled Rome. Centuries later, Tunis rose to become one of the wealthiest cities in the Islamic and Arab world, a major Mediterranean trading hub. It also has a diverse cultural heritage, including the indigenous Berbers, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, French colonials, and Italians. Today it offers visitors a Medina that dates back to the 7th century, filled with narrow alleys and souks, the ruins of nearby Carthage, which dates back to the 9th century BCE, museums with artifacts from around Tunisia, and charming coastal cities perfect for day trips. This post covers the top things to do in Tunis.

Top Things To Do In Tunis

The Medina of Tunis

Exploring the Medina is one of the top things to do in Tunis. In fact, I recommend staying in the Medina for a day or two to truly experience it. It’s a vast labyrinth of narrow, pedestrian walkways, filled with homes, shops, and restaurants. And although there are tourists here, it’s not overly touristic, so it retains much of its authenticity. As you walk, you will see locals going about their day; shopping, cooking, and working. Plus, it’s charming, with its mostly white architecture, a multitude of arched passageways, and brightly colored doors accented with unique studded designs.

One of its most beautiful streets, and its most aristocratic thoroughfare, is Rue Sidi Ben Arous. Lined with historic Tunisian architecture, this was where the wealthy lived, many in palaces owned by high-ranking officials. Most of the buildings have been converted into restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels, yet the street still retains its historic beauty and charm. Rue Sidi Ben Arous also includes the Medina’s top hotel, Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa.

Rue Sidi Ben Arous leads to Zitouna mosque, another one of the top things to see in Tunis. This mosque dates back over 1,300 years. It was one of the earliest and most prestigious Islamic universities in North Africa. It has been rebuilt many times throughout history, yet still contains many stones and columns taken from the ruins of Carthage. “Zitouna” means “Olive Tree”, based on a legend that this was once a place of prayer near an olive tree.

Nearby, you can find Slimiana Madrassa, an 18th century Ottoman religious school built by Abu I-Hasan Ali to honor his son Suleiman. Not far from here you will find the Souks of Tunis, dating back to the 13th century. Here you’ll find a maze of Tunisian carpets, textiles, clothing, a variety of artwork, and jewelry, as well as cafes. And while there is some pressure to buy here, I found it to be much more relaxed, much friendlier than the souks of Marrakesh and Fez.

For an impressive view of the Medina from above, visit one of the rooftop cafes above the souk, like Cafe Panorama or Cafe de Souk (on the terrace). Both are located near Zitouna mosque and offer views of it from above. For a more peaceful viewpoint, visit the Roofs of Tunis. This rooftop sits above a government-owned souvenir shop, but there is no cafe. It’s just a rooftop with a beautiful view. It’s very tranquil. In fact, for a while, I was the only one here.

Some reviews complain that the prices at the rooftop cafes are tourist prices. Tourists have also complained about being overcharged. Because of this, I recommend the Roofs of Tunis. You will be encouraged to look at the artisan goods in the shop after your visit, which I did, but there is no pressure to buy here.

Note that I was approached by several men trying to redirect me when I was walking to the souk. Probably to the cafes above, or to personal shops. It’s best, however, not to follow them. I just smiled and politely declined. They accepted this and walked away. If you follow the Google map locations linked above, you will be able to find the location you prefer.

Bardo National Museum

Visiting the Bardo National Museum is another one of the top things to do in Tunis. This is where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics along with relics from all around Tunisia. All in a former 19th century palace.

It’s located about 3-4 miles (5-6 km ) east of the central Medina, so it’s best to take a taxi. It’s a good idea to check the website above to verify hours/days open before visiting. If you are staying near Sidi Ben Arous, the best place to catch a taxi is by Kasbah Mosque. It’s just a short walk away. It’s best to use a ride hailing app. In Drive is one of the most popular. If you catch a regular taxi, make sure they turn on the meter first.

Place de la Independence

Place de la Independence, or Independence Square, is outside the Medina at the intersection of Avenue Habib Bourguiba and Rome Street. Avenue Habib Bourguiba is known as the “Champs-Élysées” of Tunisia, lined with many French colonial-style buildings. It dates back to Tunisia’s time as a protectorate of France.

I (unknowingly) visited this area on Tunisia’s Independence Day. This meant there were several hundred, and maybe thousands, of locals here, as well as a solid military presence. Thankfully, the event was peaceful, but I chose not to stay very long as I was not sure exactly what was happening.

I came back the next day to explore everything in more detail. I visited St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral (the police were using it as an office on Independence Day and would not let me in), and walked by the French Embassy and the statue of Ibn Khaldoun. He was an important Arab scholar, historian, philosopher, and sociologist. This is also where the “I Love Tunis” sign is located, a popular photo spot.

Beb Bhar Gate & Victory Square

Beb Bhar Gate is in Victory Square, between Place de la Independence and the Medina. It’s the last remaining gate to the walls that once surrounded the Medina. While the gate, and fountain sitting before it, are not really remarkable, this is a lively area with many people taking photos at the fountain and often performers, so I still recommend it.

During the French protectorate, this gate was called the Porte de France. It reverted back to its original name, Beb Bhar Gate, which means “Gate of the Sea”, after Tunisia gained its Independence. Victory Square symbolizes the victory of dignity over fear, the spirit of the Tunisian revolution.

The impressive building on the north side of Victory Square, is the former British Embassy. It is now a hotel, Hotel Royal Victoria.

The Ruins Of Carthage

A day trip to visit the ruins of Carthage is another one of the top things to do in Tunis. Carthage was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient Mediterranean. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, despite being mostly in ruins, still reveals its seaside grandeur.

Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians around the 9th century BCE. As it grew, and prospered, it became a powerful city-state that rivaled Rome. In 146 BCE, after the Punic wars, Roman forces captured and destroyed Carthage. In later centuries, the Romans rebuilt the city, where it remained until after the decline of the Roman Empire.

The ruins of Carthage is on the Mediterranean coast. It’s about 20 km east of Tunis, but spread out over a wide area. You can explore the ruins of the ancient Baths of Antoninus, the Roman Theater, Amphitheater, old villas, Punic Ports, and more. Because it’s spread out, it’s best to take a tour.

If you choose to take a tour, I recommend this one: Archaeological Site Of Carthage + Picturesque Village Of Sidi Bou Said, which picks you up in Tunis, or this one: Private Walking Tour of Carthage Archaeological Site in Tunisia, which starts near the Salambo train station. There will also be guides inside the main gate of the Baths of Antoninus for hire, at least there were when I visited.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said, a small, charming town perched on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean coast, is another one of the top places to visit near Tunis. It features many picturesque, whitewashed houses with blue accents. Because of this, it has a romantic feel to it. Sidi Bou Said is on the tentative list to be an UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it may be one soon.

If you have time, include Sidi Bou Said with a tour of Carthage from Tunis (it’s a little over a mile, or 2 km, northwest of Carthage). Or, even better, stay here for a few days to soak up its charm and try its delicious food (like I did).

Highlights, other than many sweeping views of the Mediterranean, include Ennejma Ezzara Palace, a historic 20th century mansion renowned for its Arab-Andalusian architecture and stellar views of the sea, Dar el-Annabi Museum, a 3-story house, historically owned by a wealthy family, Plage Sidi Bou Said (its beach), and many cozy cafes and restaurants to try Tunisian food.

La Marsa

La Marsa is another small coastal town on the Mediterranean coast, this one better known for is long public beach and La Corniche promenade. It’s the perfect place if you love the sun and sea. La Marsa also has a cafe culture, with many cafes and restaurants, like Le Saf-Saf, one of its more famous ones, as well as a lively nightlife. There is also a lively market, Marche Centrale de La Marsa.

If you like historic architecture, you can see the exterior of Palais El Abdelliya, a palace dating back to the Hasidic dynasty (16th century), and Qobbet El Hwa, on the coast (17th century). Unfortunately, both are closed.

La Marsa is a little less than 20 km from Tunis and about 3 km north of Sidi Bou Said.

Want To See More Of Tunisia?

Tunisia is a fascinating place to visit, with a rich cultural history, many archaeological ruins, multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sunny beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Here are some of my favorite places in Tunisia.

• Timeless Treasures | Discovering the Ruins of Carthage
• What To Do In Sidi Bou Said | Tips For Travelers
• El Jem Amphitheater | Incredible Roman History In Tunisia

Safe Travels!

Julie