When you spend a day in Tunis, Tunisia, you may wonder where you should go and what you should do. There are a lot of options to choose from, and you need to make the right choices. Below are a few tips to help you plan your visit.
Ancient Carthage remains
The ancient city of Carthage is located along the coast of Tunisia. Its ruins still stand near the sea. Although the city is no longer a thriving metropolis, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carthage was once the richest and most influential city of the classical world. It was a major trading hub. In fact, it is said that the entire Mediterranean was covered by the trading activities of the city. However, it was torn down by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.
Carthage had a wall that spanned 37 kilometers and was defended by 20,000 infantry. The city was also reinforced with towers, ditches and earthworks.
Carthage was the capital of a Punic empire. Its port became the center of commercial exchange between the North African coast and Sicily. During its peak, the port housed around 200 warships.
Carthage grew to become the largest and most powerful Mediterranean city. During its heyday, it occupied lands that belonged to Rome. After the fall of the Punic empire, the city was reestablished by the Romans.
Carthage is now a wealthy suburb of the town of Tunis. The city contains a number of interesting attractions. A few points of interest include the Baths of Antoninus, the Temple of Eaux, the Hippodrome and the Basilica of Saint Cyprien.
Those interested in exploring Carthage should take a guided tour. They can be arranged through the National Heritage Institute.
Several archaeological finds have been unearthed in Carthage. These are displayed in the museum. The reconstructed Roman-era theatre is an important venue for the International Festival of Carthage, which takes place each year.
Visitors can also visit Carthage’s necropolises. This includes the necropolis of Hannibal, the Punic/Roman war hero.
Medina
The Medina is the heart of Tunis. It is a maze of colourful streets, souks and buildings. Thousands of shops line the streets, each selling specific items.
The Medina is one of the most important tourist attractions in Tunis. You can also find a number of hotels in the area. Aside from staying in the Medina, you can also explore the surrounding areas, such as Belvedere Park.
In the heart of the Medina, you can visit L’ancienne eglise Sainte-Croix cathedral, which is a must-see. This cathedral is full of impressive art. There are also several mosques inside the city’s walls.
Another popular attraction in the Medina is the Sidi Mehrez Mausoleum. This mausoleum is the tomb of a 13th century Tunisian professor. It is made of marble and tiles and is built to resemble a pyramid.
One of the most unique features of the Medina is the ribat. Ribat means defense, and is usually found along the northern coast of Africa. Most coastal towns in Tunisia have one.
Another must-see in the Medina is the Grand Mosque of Tunis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the center of the Medina.
Aside from the grand mosque, the best way to spend a day in the Medina is to wander the secluded streets of the Medina. This is where the locals hang out. If you are lucky, you will even see the remnants of locals drinking coffee or smoking a hookah.
The Medina is also home to a large collection of cats. They are real rulers of the hood. For a cheap price, you can buy a Tunisia SIM card. You can find a vendor in the main entrance hall.
Souk des Chechias
One of the best ways to spend a day in Tunis is to visit the souk. A souk is a traditional Arabic market where vendors sell a variety of goods. Some souks specialize in one particular craft or craft activity. You’ll find the most popular souks in the medina.
Among the most interesting souks in Tunis is the Souk de la Laine. Here you’ll find traditional crafts and handloom weaving. These include silver jewelry and fabrics.
Another souk that’s worth a look is the Souk el-Trouk. This is a traditional Tunisian souk, with a few antique shops, too. It also has a mosque, a museum and a small art gallery.
Another must-see souk is the souk des Chechias, which is located in the medina district. There are three main sections of this souk, including a souvenirs section and a traditional woolen hat maker’s corner. The souk is also home to the country’s only traditional hammam.
You can get to the souk by heading to the Bab el Bahr gate. To the left of the gate is the main Tunis Post Office. ATMs are available in several major tourist locations.
In the souk, you can try your luck at haggling. But be careful, as the prices can be inflated for tourists.
In the medina, you can also see some interesting mosaics. Most of these are blue-tinted and are hung on narrow passageways.
The souk also has a number of other attractions, such as a zoo and a green oasis. You can also enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. For those interested in history, the ruins of Carthage are within easy walking distance.
Whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, Tunis offers a Mediterranean climate with 10 hours of sun per day. In the warmer months, the temperature can reach 32 degrees Celsius, while in the colder months, it may dip to a much more comfortable 18 degrees.
Dar el-Ennabi house museum
The Dar el-Ennabi house museum is a lovely place to spend a day in Tunis. This house was built by the Mufti Muhammad El Annabi in the eighteenth century. It shows typical Islamic architecture on the exterior. Inside, it has beautiful rooms and statues of Tunisian culture.
In the courtyard, there is a beautiful prayer room. Also, there is a nice terrace that offers fantastic views. With a tour, you can explore this authentic Moroccan home. After your visit, the family will offer you tea.
As a local museum, it gives a good insight into daily life in Tunis. You can see the old furniture and decorations. There is a large collection of ancient Arabic books.
Among the mosaic art collections, the Odysseus Room is one of the most famous. Other important collections include a mosaic floor in the Dougga room and the Sousse Room.
If you are interested in the history of Islam in Maghreb, you should take a look at the book Ifriqiya: Thirteen Centuries of Art and Architecture in Tunisia. This book is a journey through the cultural, artistic and architectural development of the region.
Another interesting place to visit is the Bardo Museum. The building used to be a 15th-century palace. However, it was later transformed into a museum. It is an important museum in the Mediterranean region. Not far from the port of Tunis, the museum houses an impressive collection of Roman mosaics.
Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque village with white-washed alleyways and colourful blue doors. It is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Many people smoke water pipe here.
To learn more about the city’s culture and history, you can hire a private guide. He or she will make sure you don’t miss anything.
Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said is a popular tourist attraction in Tunis. The town sits on the shores of the Mediterranean and has a beautiful blue and white color scheme. In recent years, the village has become more popular as a destination for visitors.
It’s not just the buildings that make Sidi Bou Said so special. Sidi Bou Said also has a strong artistic heritage. Visitors can explore the area and see artists’ studios.
Sidi Bou Said is a quaint seaside town that’s easy to get to. A light railway line connects it to central Tunis. This is a great way to see the area if you don’t have a car.
If you’re looking for a place to dine, Dar Zarrouk serves French cuisine and offers wine and Champagne. You can also have a coffee or tea at Cafe de Nattes.
While you’re in Sidi Bou Said, take a trip up to the lighthouse to enjoy the stunning view of the Gulf of Tunis. The Mausoleum of Abu Said el Baji is located below the lighthouse.
If you’re traveling to Sidi Bou Said by car, you will find the roads and sidewalks are lined with vendors selling souvenirs and fragrant jasmine. Getting around on foot is recommended for a more relaxed experience.
The best time to visit Sidi Bou Said is in the spring or autumn. While the summer can be hot, the weather is pleasant all year.
A day spent in Sidi Bou Said is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Tunis. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. There’s also a variety of water sports.
There are also art galleries in Sidi Bou Said. These include A Gorgi Gallery, which has rotating exhibitions.
