Planning a trip to Tunis and want to make the most of your day? You’re in the right place!
In this article, you’ll discover how to spend an unforgettable day in Tunis—from exploring the narrow alleys of the Medina to visiting stunning historical sites and enjoying the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for an itinerary to visit the best corners of the old town, or discover Tunis with pictures, this article will answer your interrogations ! And of course, I listed all the best day trips from Tunis at the end of the article.
Let’s dive in and plan the perfect day in Tunis !
Now first things first, if you want to do a guided tour of the Medina, I cannot recommend enough Moncef, a great certified tour guide who will lead you to the best places in the Medina and teach you a lot about Tunis.
Here’s his number, you can contact him directly on WhatsApp to book a 3-hour guided tour of Tunis :
Otherwise, you can also book directly on GetYourGuide via this link : Visit of Tunis Medina.
Start of your day at the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Olivia of Palermo. Built by the French in 1897 during the protectorate, this Neo-Romanesque church is one of many witness of French architecture in Tunis.
As you can see in the picture below, the Avenue de France – where the church is located – is also very French with the paved sidewalks, lampposts and freshly cut trees.
5 minutes from the Cathedral is the Marché Central of Tunis. This bustling market is the perfect place to start your visit of Tunis. You will instantly be immersed in vibrant colours and aromatic spices. Whether it is fresh fish and seafood, fruits, spices, delicious dates, traditional Tunisian pastries or even flowers, there is stall for everything there !
I would definitely recommend going there early morning to experience the busy atmosphere and engage with the locals.
Finally, if you are considering bringing back spices, herbs or dates, this would be the perfect place to buy them. This is where the locals buy theirs so you bet they are great and full of flavours !
5 minutes from the Marché Central is Bab al-Bhar, the gate to the Medina (Medina is the old town/ historical district in North African cities).
Once you pass that door, you are officially in the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of narrow alleys, centuries-old architecture, vibrant souks, and hidden courtyards. It’s the heart of the city’s history and culture.
I would definitely recommend skipping the street on the right which is filled with made in China items, you won’t real leather bags or real silver jewellery there !
Instead, follow the green circuit on the map below. This will take you to the most beautiful alleys and the most authentic part of the medina.
Don’t hesitate to push the doors of Dar Bach Hamba (see picture 1) and the Medersa Slimania (see picture 3 below). The outside never reveals the architectural beauty and wealth you can find inside.
Really take the time to lose yourself in this maze of narrow paved streets, with beautiful blue or yellow doors, and look for the many cute cats :
I cannot recommend you enough to visit before summer, firstly because the heat will be too much to visit anything outside, let alone the busy medinas of Tunisia, but also because everything is flowering. I went there in May and the Bougainvillea were BLOOMING, I mean look at the beautiful flowery alleys :
Also, if you happen to be interested in purchasing a real palace, I’ve got just the one for you ! Imagine 400 square meters of high-ceiling rooms and beautiful mosaics in the heart of the Medina :
If you are looking for more information regarding this property in Tunis, don’t hesitate to reach out to Karim via WhatsApp :
Another great way to appreciate the Medina is by heading to higher ground to admire the roofs of Tunis. I would recommend Café Panorama which offers great views, particularly at sunset, around the evening prayer. Plus, it is easier to find that the other rooftops mentioned on Google Maps.
They make great pine nuts mint tea (more expensive than most places, but you can’t beat this view) and the atmosphere is really quiet and relaxing.
If you have more time, you can walk by the Zitouna Mosque (on picture 1) and the Kasbah Mosque (picture 3 below).
If you want to do some shopping in the souks, you can buy traditional textiles, jewellery in the stores that have a state certificate (otherwise it won’t be real silver or gold), handmade pottery and crafts, and even perfumes. For the best perfumes, here’s a little shop with a state certificate making delightful perfumes and essential oils : Parfumerie Yasmine, on Attarine street. The Bougainvillea scent is incredible, and if you traveled with a carry-on only, they can make 10mL perfume roll-on.
Finally, to spend a few hours in a less hot and busy area, plan a visit to the Bardo National Museum. Housed in a former stunning palace, it is one of North Africa’s most important museums, famous for showcasing the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaicss. It also houses artifacts depicting Tunisia’s rich history, from ancient Carthage to the Ottoman era.
Entrance fee : 12 Dinars, which equals to 3,5€.
Opening hours : Everyday from 9am to 4:30pm, closed on Mondays.
If you are spending a few days in Tunis but want to explore the nearby cities, these are the places I’d recommend visiting, not too far away and absolutely worth the detour :
- Sidi Bou Said : A picture-perfect village with whitewashed houses, blue doors and vibrant pink bougainvillea. This charming town offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as cute cafés and bambalouni stalls (sweet Tunisian donut).
- Carthage : This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a powerful empire. You can take a journey through time by exploring the numerous Roman ruins in this archeological site.
- Bizerte : A true hidden gem, unknown by tourists but definitely worth visiting. Whether it is its charming old port, beautiful Medina or central market, Bizerte is the perfect day trip for those seeking authenticity off the beaten path.
- Sousse : A bit further away from Tunis, but a lovely Medina to explore, as well as the Ribat and Great Mosque that you can visit even if you are not a muslim.
- Monastir : 20 minutes from Sousse, Monastir is a peaceful coastal city, with a beautiful seaside and imposing ribat fortress. Take the time to also visit the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba.
That’s it for my recommendations on the top places to see in Tunis. I had a wonderful time exploring the souks and wandering in the little alleys of the Medina, and I’m sure you will too !
If you plan on visiting Tunisia any time soon, check out my article about the top places to see in Carthage and the top places to see in Sidi Bou Said.
If you need a custom itinerary, you can fill this form and I’ll make your own personalised itinerary.
