Shopping

Librairie Espace Diwan

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.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Location: 9, Rue Sidi Ben Arous Bab Ménara Tunis 1008 Phone: +216 71 572 398 Fax: +216 71 232 889

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Centre Commercial TunisCity

Plaza

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.

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Boutique Fella

Modest dress

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.

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SOCOPA

Market

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.

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Souk El Berka

Market

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.

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Souk El Attarine

Market

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.

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Souk El Koumach

Market

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.

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Central Market

Market

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.

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Souk Ech-Chaouachiya

Market

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.

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Souk El Trouk

Market

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.

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Hanout Arab

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.

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Bardo Museum

Museum

Though located a little west of Tunis, Le Bardo is a suburban settlement considered as a very integral part of Tunis because it is a cultural, social and religious hub of the country. The Bardo Museum is a must visit for all travelers to Tunis because of its cultural importance to Tunisia and its extended collection of Tunisian acquisitions especially the Roman Mosaics which have been arranged by date and place of origin. The mosaics are colorful and of various shapes and sizes and cradle a unique Roman story in them. Housed inside a 13th century Hafside Palace, the building has a very assorted look to it with decorations and vaulted ceilings. The collections inside represent these eras of history, Prehistoric era, Carthaginian era, Roman era, Christian era and Islamic era.

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Early Christian Carthage

Museum

Much like the Carthage Museum, this museum is also a display of the ruins of the site which have been collected and preserved under the UNESCO guidelines. Apart from artifacts and objects, the exhibitions also include selected pieces of readings that give the tourists an idea of how majestic life was in the days of the Carthage.

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Acropolium

Churches

Built anew from the ruins of the Cathedral of Saint Louis, the Acropolium stands as a state of the art site for cultural shows and exhibitions. The cathedral was built by the French in 1956 and was later renovated in 1995. The Acropolium is host to many musical festivals in Tunis together with concerts of various genres. If you do not come across any festival or cultural event during your stay, visit the Acropolium for its mere beauty and the history behind this architectural wonder.

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Sports Stadium

Stadium

An ideal location for practice and stretching out, the stadium is crowded during local matches and is also a site for concerts and other events. Location: La Marsa, Carthago

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Carthage Museum

Museum

The most extensive collection of Punic and Roman artifacts in housed in the Carthage Museum. From everyday items to kitchen utensils to antique jewelry and the clay masks that the Punic designed, everything that remained after the city was in flames for 17 days has been preserved here at the museum. Tourists are awed by the collection and one can’t help picture the fall of Carthage in 146 BC.

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The c Dah happy land park

Park

Inaugurated in 1995, this 11 hectare amusement park is located was the first of its kind to open in Tunisia. It provides a wide array of activities for people of all ages be it children, adults and even toddlers. Beside the amusement area is the Happy Land Park where family lounge in summer days and enjoy the gentle spring breeze.

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Golden Bowling

Building

Crowded with young Tunisians, Golden Bowling is a hip entertainment spot that was opened in 2000, equipped with 16 bowling alleys for avid bowling fans. In Tunis, this place is one of the best teenage hang outs because of the sheer variety of games it offers including tennis and pool. A restaurant, café and bar also attract people who drop in for a drink or a bite to eat.

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Lake of Tunis

Lake

Lake of Tunis is one of the city’s most distinguishable sites. Located in the most posh district of Les Berges du Lac which itself means “the bank of the lake”, the lake is a very attractive site for strolls, picnics and relaxation. Many of the coffee houses located nearby offer seating in balconies overlooking the Tunis Lake.

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Dar Bouderbala

Gallery

Aiming to promote young, contemporary local artists, Dar Bouderbala or the Medina Gallery is a delightful place with paintings and aesthetic displays from all over Tunisia. Housed in a 19th century mansion, the building itself adds to the artistic aura of the place after being heavily renovated.

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Dar Lasram

Palace

With the job of overseeing the Medina, Dar Lasram is an 18th century mansion which manages all conversations in and out of the Medina. Home to the Association of Preservation of Medina, the historic palace is in possession of all plans, scribes, photographs and maps of this historic area. For all its worth, the mansion is definitely worth a visit for its beautiful courtyard, vaulted ceilings and boldly decorated rooms.

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Dar Hamouda Pacha

Family-friendly

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.

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La 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.

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Les 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.

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White 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

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Dar 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!

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La 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.

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L'Astragale

Cuisine: French Astragale prides itself for its ‘haute’ diners that come from all over Tunis to enjoy the vibrant yet sophisticated ambiance here. The restaurant offers the best food made with the highest quality ingredients. The air is filled with soft French music that adds to the harmonious aura of the place. With impeccable service, the executive businessmen make themselves home in the setting. Location: 17 Rue Dauphine Par Avenue Charles Nicolle Tunis 1002 Phone: +216 71 89 0455

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Hollywood Dinners

Cuisine: French, Mediterranean Set along the American style, Hollywood Dinners is a one of its kind restaurant in Tunis. Offering authentic French food along with American movies as entertainment for the night, this restaurant is housed in Hotel Oscar and oozes a delightful combination of French and American specialties. Its moderate price suits travelers and business people alike.

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Chargui

Cuisine: Tunisian, Middle Eastern Chargui has an edge over other restaurants in its location. Giving an extraordinary view of the sea, it is one of the most visited restaurants in the Sidi bou Said district. The blue and white balcony makes for a perfect spot for a romantic candle light evening by the waters with traditional Tunisian food that includes creative combinations of egg, Tuna and grilled Fish.

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Restaurant Essaraya

Cuisine: Middle Eastern With a menu worth trying and a pleasant environment inside, Essaraya is a popular Tunisian restaurant with a lot of meat variety to be served. Enjoy a classic meal with Tunisia’s finest spices on a renovated patio with a view of the streets outside. Adjoined to the restaurant are a souvenir shop and a hall room for meetings.