Tunisia's capital city on the Mediterranean Sea. Ancient medina with mosques and souks. Modern downtown. Home to Bardo Museum with extensive Roman mosaic collection.
Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is a city where ancient structures stand alongside modern urban developments. In the 7th-century Medina, you can walk through winding alleys, while the Ville Nouvelle offers wide boulevards. At the Bardo Museum, you'll see intricate 2nd-century Roman mosaics. In the Souk el Attarine, you can haggle for saffron and cinnamon. On Rue Jamaa Ezzitouna, you might sip mint tea in a traditional café.
Exploring the Medina of Tunis
The Medina of Tunis forms the historic heart of the city. As you walk through its narrow streets, you'll encounter over 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, and madrasas. The Zitouna Mosque, built in 723, anchors the Medina and serves as a major landmark. You can wander through the covered souks, where artisans sell traditional crafts, textiles, and spices. The change from the Medina's intimate alleys to the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba in the modern city center shows Tunis's architectural evolution.
Discovering Tunis's Museums
The Bardo National Museum has one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics. Located in a 13th-century palace, the museum displays artifacts spanning Tunisia's long history, from prehistoric times through the Islamic period. For a deeper look at Islamic art and culture, visit the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum in the Medina. This 18th-century palace exhibits traditional costumes, furniture, and household items, showing how upper-class Tunisians lived in past centuries.
Savoring Tunisian Cuisine
Tunisian cuisine mixes Mediterranean and North African flavors. You can try local specialties like brik (a thin pastry filled with egg and tuna), couscous with fish or lamb, and ojja (a spicy egg dish). For a quick snack, look for vendors selling fricassé, small fried sandwiches filled with tuna, harissa, and olives. Many restaurants in the Medina serve traditional dishes in historic buildings.
Getting Around Tunis
Tunis has a light rail network, known locally as the Metro Leger, which connects major areas of the city. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive for shorter trips. For excursions to nearby attractions like Carthage or Sidi Bou Said, you can take the TGM train from the Tunis Marine station.
Shopping in the Souks and Beyond
The souks of the Medina offer a traditional shopping experience. You'll find everything from intricate carpets and leather goods to locally made perfumes and spices. For modern shopping, head to the Lac 1 and Lac 2 districts, where you'll find boutiques and international brands. The Central Market, near Avenue de France, sells fresh produce, fish, and local specialties.
