Shopping

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Towards the West of the Zaitouna Mosque, established since the 12th century is the Souk El Koumach or more understandably known as the Fabric market. The market has endless varieties of cloth, rugs and carpets in various shops located in three covered alleys. A variation of prices will be available at this market.

Need a good book about Tunis? Espace Diwan, situated in the center of the Medina is the answer for all your literary needs during your stay here. From CDs, to Travel guides, to cultural and heritage books to post cards, this shop has it all at affordable prices. Though, most of the literature is in French, ask for a translation for a newer edition that may be available here.

Visit the Central Market at least once during your stay. Here one gets to see the daily routine that a typical Tunisian follows and the hustle bustle that surrounds the downtown area. The market is a very good place to buy meat of all kinds, fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, olives and an array of ready to go food shops. A stroll around this area gives a very different outlook to tourists towards the locals and the city.

With a history dating back to the 17th century, Souk Ech Chaouachiya still manages to please its customers with the traditional handicrafts made here with a production process as old as the shop. The owners adopted this process back in the 17th century when refugees from other countries made the first of these handicrafts as a token of gratitude to the Tunisians for their help.

This entire market has been dedicated to selling special Tunisian artifacts ever since the 17th century under the guidance of Youseef Dey. As one strolls through the lanes, handicraft skills of the locals become overwhelmingly apparent and it’s a hard decision to decide what to buy! A small but delightful collection of traditional dresses also accompanies the handicrafts.

One of the more expensive gift shops in the Medina is the famous Hanout Arab with its fixed price exquisite handicrafts, jewelry, rugs, carpets, potteries and tissues. Tourists are allowed to browse the shop at their comfort without hassle from the management.

Palais d’Orient is the best place one can find in Tunis for hand woven rugs and handicrafts. Located strategically in the Medina lane, the shop is usually crowded with tourists taking the best pick of the stock. With a hint of Tunisian culture apparent in the intricate design, these rugs are dedicated to the sole purpose of being bought as souvenirs; therefore they are not available elsewhere. The shop also houses a small balcony which gives a view of the roofs of the shops, restaurants and hotels located in the vicinity.

An entire mansion encloses the goods that Ed-Dar has to offer to the tourists visiting Tunis. Many treasures from the Tunisian chest have been displayed here at top notch prices. Jewelry, potteries, handicrafts, paintings and pearls highlight the collection and leave the visitors dazed. Though, not all can buy the high priced collectables, swarms of people pour in to experience the rich aura of the place.

A downtown shopping arcade, the Palmarium stands three stories tall and houses 200 shops of clothes, shoes, home utensils and other accessories. Most of the brands in this mall are Tunisian; however some international brands like Nike are also seen. For shopping various items in one go at affordable prices, people of all ages flocked at the Palmarium at various times during the day.