Discover Tunis
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Tunis.
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Must-see attractions in Tunis
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 19 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Tunis has become an attractive tourist spot in Africa, with wide coastlines, refreshing beaches and a variety of water activities on one end of the city. On the other end the city is surrounded by the blazing Sahara desert which stands as a challenging escapade to trekkers and participants of the Sahara run. With such stark contrasts of beaches and deserts, the city has come to be one of mixed cultures, traditions and values where French liberalism alongside Arabic values has framed a very open and accepting mindset of Tunisians.
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Tunis
Halal restaurants in Tunis
Tunis’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 20 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
tunisDar Hamouda Pacha
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Type: Restaurant & Salon de Thé Mostly visited by the posh Tunisians, this restaurant is set in a breath taking 18th century palace which winds a beautiful way into the patio outside and the many arch ways connecting different halls. People are seen cherishing their elaborate meals lingering over each bite. In the coffee house in the adjoining hall, that is open from 8am to 8pm, businessmen and families relax with a cup of Turkish coffee or the traditional Arabic shisha. If you are travelling with family and want a lavish night out, Dar Hamouda Pacha is an excellent choice.
tunisLa Mamma
Cuisine: Italian Mostly chosen by European tourists, La Mamma has a great menu for Italian dishes together with daily specials. Its small cozy environment is addictive to diners who feel at home and enjoy the warm service the staff extends. La Mamma will be a perfect choice for you for a relaxing dinner close to home.
tunisLes Dunes
Cuisine: Middle Eastern A fine example of good gotten better, Les Dunes has grown and evolved over the years to serve exceptional sea food especially fried fish. The chatter and the excitement surrounding this place can be highly contagious and may distract you from the view outside or even your meal! At the Dunes you can easily trust the chef with your food and expect nothing but perfection. Be sure to book a place in advance to avoid disappointments.
tunisWhite Elephant
Cuisine: Thai If you are looking for a memorable dine in experience in Tunis, make White Elephant your first choice. It’s the only place in the city that serves authentic Thai food with a very warm and attractive staff. If you are having Thai for the first time feel free to consult the servers for advice on which meals to opt for. Poles apart from the local food, White Elephant will give you variety during your stay in Tunisia even if you are a vegetarian! Location: Les Côtes de Carthage Regency Tunis Tunis 2078 Phone: +216 71 91 0900 Fax: +216 71 91 2020
tunisDar El Jeld
Cuisine: Tunisian Successfully renovated from an administration building to a restaurant, Dar El Jeld is a gem amidst the dusty streets of the Medina. The ambiance inside is nothing less than a palace with oriental carpets, chandeliers, soft Arabic music and a host of waiters waiting to serve you. Enjoy one of the grand meals here with a list of exquisite wines to finish it off!
tunisLa Croisette
Cuisine: International With an addictive waterside view, la Croisette is a famous café among the posh of Berges du Lac. A very light and soothing environment welcomes you for a refreshing meal of pizzas, sandwiches, ice creams and cakes. The restaurant promises exceptional quality with guaranteed satisfaction.
Tunis masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Sidi Youssef Mosque
Built by the Ottoman leader Youssef Dey, the Sidi Youssef mosque holds great importance for the Muslim sect known as ‘Hanefite’. This mosque was the first to represent this school of thought of Islamic practice in Tunis in 1616. With its construction new architectural doors also opened to the Tunisian Arabs since the mosque was the first to adopt an octagonal shape for its huge minarets. It is today an architectural wonder and if you are interested in seeing great works of art, pay a visit to this address to see the glory that oozes from the building.
Zitouna Mosque
Named after the preaching style of its founder (under the ‘olive tree’), Zitouna Mosque is the largest mosque all over Tunis and is its most famous landmark. It reflects the religion of most Tunisians and has been a very powerful tourist attraction. An extensive library inside the mosque adds to the attractive interior. Though non Muslims are not allowed to enter, they can stroll in the garden around it and examine the fine architecture of the mosque and the 44m high minaret.
Sidi Mahrez Mosque
Named after the patron of Tunis, Sidi Mahrez Mosque has a very powerful presence in the medina. Depicting Turkish architecture at its peak, the mosque was made by the Ottoman rulers during the 17th century to give reverence to the pious saint and as a token of gratitude for his contribution in opening up ramparts and mosques in the city. As an ancient rule, only Muslim tourists are allowed to enter the mosque.
Mosquée Malek Ibn Anas de Carthage
Boulevard de l'Environnement, Carthago, Tunisia
Where to stay in Tunis
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
tunisDar El-Medina
Perhaps the only shining star in the dusty medina is the Dar El Medina, a charming hotel that redefines luxury in Tunis. Its 12 units are equipped with the most advanced amenities together with several cafes and a roof top panoramic view of the city. More than the tangibles, the warm hearted welcome that visitors receive from the management is something to be remembered along with the glossy interior of the accommodation. With its strategic location near the main market and the heart of the city, per night stay in one of the standard rooms costs about 200 to 250 TD.
tunisLaico Tunis
Built on modern, state of the art architecture and design, the Laico Tunis is an attraction in itself. The hotel has 313 units fully equipped with Wi Fi, TV, Bathroom accessories and a cozy homely environment. The management offers a host of additional facilities like baby sitters, business center, swimming pool, spa canter, sauna bath, laundry and dry cleaning to name a few along with exceptional service and a hearty welcome. If you like to travel in style and want your stay to be hassle free, Laico Tunis will guarantee one that you will remember for long.
tunisLes Berges Du Lac Concorde
Set beautifully near the new district of Tunis, Les Berges has its backyard open into the Lake Tunis. The hotel is an elegant mixture of luxury and comfort with advanced technology at its doorstep. With the airport five minutes from the premises, Concorde meets the need of the busy businessmen alongside those of families who want to spend some quality time away from home.
tunisGolden Tulip El Mechtel
Situated close to the major attractions of Tunis, the Golden Tulip rises nine stories above other mushroom hotels and has a dominant presence in its district. 450 units all fitted with advance amenities welcome the visitors with great warmth and comfort. Possibly the best feature about the hotel lies in the services it offers to the guests. Apart from the standard five star hotel services, The Golden Tulip has an on premises jogging track to give its guests a refreshing start to their mornings together with a scrumptious breakfast that makes you cherish holiday season.
tunisSheraton Tunis Hotel and Tower
One of the largest and most posh hotel in all of Tunis is this dominating tower with 285 room units and an array of international facilities just a phone call away. The Sheraton Hotel promises its guest a complete experience of luxury, comfort and a striking view of the city from each of its terraces. Enjoy a peaceful night in one of the fully equipped suites or a relaxing time out in the low lit lobby; it’s a home away from home. Location: Avenue de la Ligue Arabe,B.P. 345 Tunis Carthage Cedex, 1080 Phone: (216)(71) 782 100
History and today in Tunis
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Tunis Today
Tunis has become an attractive tourist spot in Africa, with wide coastlines, refreshing beaches and a variety of water activities on one end of the city.
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Tunis History
Tunis has been home to world’s greatest civilizations, including the Arabs, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French, all of whom have left their marks on Tunisia’s monuments, culture, language and way of life. Tunis achieved importance as the capital of Tunisia after the 7th century when the Arabs were dominant in the country and realized the importance of the strategic location of the city.
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When to go
Being a Mediterranean city, Tunis has extreme temperatures. In the summers, as one approaches the Sahara in the south, one can experience extreme heat as well as very bitter winters in the north. Therefore, the ideal time to visit is in spring, from April to June when beautiful green fields blossom at very pleasant temperatures and again during autumn, from September to October when the cool breeze lowers the unbearably high temperatures! Locals and tourist can have fun on the beaches or explore the historic city and learn more about it during the various festivals that are held in these peak times.
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Fast Facts
• Location: Tunis lies on the Mediterranean coastline of the Gulf of Tunis with beautiful hills surrounding its perimeter and the Sahara surrounding the South of Tunisia. Being the smallest city in North Africa, Tunis is a bundle of surprises with the festive and historical sites in store for visitors. • Dialing Codes: country code: 216 ; city code: 71 • Emergency (police or ambulance): Police: 197 Ambulance: 190 Firefighters: 198 Free emergency call: 112 • Airport enquiry: Tunis-Carthage Airport : +216 (0)1 755 000 • Population: 728453 • Density: 3,425.9/km2 (8,873/sq mi) • Language: Tunisian Arabic, English and French are the most spoken languages with Tunisian Arabic being the official language of the country. Most people in holiday resorts speak English very fluently while French has most importance in academically. • Total Spread of city: Tunis covers a total area of 212.63 km2 • Time zone: CET (UTC+1) • Annual Rainfall: 1520mm • Highest Summer Temperature: 32 • Lowest Winter Temperatures: 7
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Annual Temperatures
Month Min. Temp °C Max. Temp °C January 7 15 February 8 16 March 9 18 April 11 20 May 14 24 June 18 29 July 20 32 August 21 32 September 20 29 October 16 25 November 12 20 December 9 16
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Tunisian Residents
Tunis, and Tunisia at large, has a very high percentage of a younger population which dominates most of the activities of the city. Coming from a very diverse social environment, Tunisians are very open to differences in culture, religion and values and are very friendly to tourists. Although Arabic is the official language of the state and French can be mostly found in commercial activities, most Tunisians are also fluent in English that makes them come up to international standards and has helped them communicate better in the international arena.
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Tunisian Currency
Tunisian Currency is : Tunisian Dinar
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Public Holidays
1st January- New Year’s Day 20th March- Independence Day 21st March- Youth Day 9th April- Martyr’s Day 25th APRIL- Liberation Day 2nd May- Labor Day 25th July- Republic Day 13th August- Women’s Day 7th November- New Era Day
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Shopping in Tunis
Explore 14 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
tunisCentre Commercial TunisCity
Ranked as the biggest mall in the country, TunisCity is a huge 12000 sq meter complex that houses more than 80 high end shops, 10 restaurants and a play area for children. All kinds of shops are located within the mall including clothes, shoes, appliances, dry cleaners, beauty spots, cell phones and accessories. With its inauguration in 2006, the mall has become an attractive spot for locals and tourist for shopping as well as all day hangouts.
tunisBoutique Fella
Run by Tunisia’s world renowned designer Samia Bin Khalifa, the Fella Boutique is a small but pleasing shop with Tunisian heritage captured in the intricate designs and colorful cloths used by the designer. Samia has, since the sixties, bought out many collections of female garments that have taken celebrities by surprise. As a promise to her country, her clothes always depict a facet of Tunisia’s traditions.
tunisSOCOPA
Located in the Palmarium mall, SOCOPA is a center for the representation of low end workers who make handmade premium goods from authentic raw materials that are provided by the Tunisian Ministry of Trade. Though prices here are fixed, the shop can be explored for items that are reduced.
tunisSouk El Berka
Specializing in fine jewelry, El Berka is home to a number of shops that trade in traditional and contemporary gems and jewels. Many tourists are attracted to this part of the Medina that glimmers from far and wide! During the 17th century, the same place was used as a trading ground for salves till slavery was abolished in 1846.
tunisSouk El Attarine
Located in the Medina since time immemorial, the Souk El Attarine is a very famous market for exotic perfume extracts. The market is known for all kinds of perfumes scents ranging from soft roses to fruits to heavy fragrances. Dating back to the 13th century, the store still pleases the local Tunisians as well as the Tourists who have almost never seen such small bottled traditional perfumes! One will also find heena, wedding decorations and accessories at this Souk.
Signature sights in Tunis
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Tunis
Plan around 10 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
tunisTunis Furniture Exhibition
Liven up your homes with the aesthetic displays at the Furniture Exhibition in Tunis during January. The exhibition displays a vast array of wooden furniture carved to perfection, lighting fixtures and other home decorating accessories. Most furniture retailers and successful furniture enterprises in Tunisia set up stalls at the Kram Grounds during the exhibition and take orders from the design conscious crowd that attend the event. Together with the exhibition, the event hosts seminars with speakers discussing selected topics pertaining to the issues and opportunities lying ahead for the home decorating sector in Tunisia.
tunisMediterranean Guitar Festival
Highlighting the French culture in Tunis is this Musical gala that is organized all across the city to mark the start of the spring season. The Mediterranean guitar Festival is a series of concerts held at various venues featuring music icons from France and Demark in particular. All genres of music are played by the talented musicians including some of the most famous traditional numbers which sparks interest of the locals and tourists alike. A popular venue of the event is the El Menzah VI Cultural Centre in Tunis Location: Av. O. Ibn Affen 2091 Phone: +216 71 23 37 34
tunisTrans Sahara Run
Arguably the most adventurous event in all of North Africa is the Trans Sahara Run. During March when the suns heat is mellowed by the cool breeze, participants are gathered for a 6000km drive across the Sahara Desert to the Atlantic Ocean! Teams who take part in the competition have to rely on their driving navigation skills to get to the finish line and have to keep their spirits high in all adverse conditions of the desert! Tough yet tantalizing to the outdoorsy tourist, the Sahara Run is a true taste of African hospitality, culture and life.
tunisHandicraft Exhibition
A creative mix of traditional items including local handicrafts is presented at the Handicraft Exhibition in Tunis. The exhibition is highlighted by displays of hand woven clothes, painted utensils, linen and antique gemmed jewelry. The collection includes some very antique and historic artifacts that are priceless; however, others of their likes have been crafted to provide ample of variety for tourist to choose from. Together with well renowned crafters’ collections, the exhibition also encourages people to participate and contribute in promoting the heritage of the country.
tunisTunis International Book Fair
The Tunis International Book Fair is a one of its kind literary event in Tunisia that has an international focus. Books and titles that are sold internationally are introduced in Tunisia through this event and distributors are given a chance to initiate rapport with the local dealers and bookshops. The event attracts a large school going as well as reader savvy crowd in the premises of the Kram Grounds to browse through the tons of books displayed. B.P.N° 1 2015 Phone: +216 71 90 25 08
Tunis tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
tunisOffice de Tourisme de Tunis
Tunis is a hot tourist spot with tons of places to visit and sites to be seen. With recent developments in the country, a variety of organized tours are arranged on a daily basis to make sure tourists can get value for money and they feel their time is spent well.
tunisTunis Bazar shopping- Private tour in Tunis
Enjoy an exciting walking tour of the most famous and historic area of Tunis, the Medina. With small alley ways and dozens of shops in each alley, the Medina is the most attractive shopping district in the city. No other shopping mall beats the loud bargaining, overflowing shops and the overly enthusiastic of shop keepers as in the Medina! Comprised of a maze of streets, shops, mosques and houses, a tour through Medina will give you a true flavor of Tunis and the historic value that UNESCO attaches to it.
tunisThe best of Tunis- Culture and History tour in Tunis
A day tour of the main areas of Tunis namely the Medina, the Sidi Bou Said district, Carthage and the coast line. The tour includes exploring the ruins of the Carthage, The Brado Museum, mosques and shops of the Medina. Discover the rich history captured in the Roman Mosaics and the broken pieces of precious rock at the museums and get to know more about Tunis with a trained and English speaking tour guide.
tunisTunis City Orientation Walking Tour
To discover the ancient city as best as possible in 2 hours, this tour opens the doors to the major attractions in Tunis namely, Tourbet Aziza-Othmana, Ministère des Finances, Place du Gouvernement, Kasbah Square, Mosque Sidi Mahrez, Cathédrale Saint Vincent de Paul and Bab El Bahr (Porte de France). This self guided tour is on foot and covers an area of about 4.2km. Explore these sites at your own ease with frequent stopovers on the way.
tunisCultural Walking Tour in Tunis
The focus of this tour is to emphasize the cultural aspects of Tunis. Covering 2.9km around Tunis, one gets to see about six attractions for a stretch of an hour including the Postal Museum, Municipal Theater and The Medina Gallery. Each of these culturally significant sites has contributed a great deal for the diversity that Tunis cradles in its lap.
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Tunis travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
