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Tunisia is a country that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for sun and sea, culture and history, adventure and nature, or shopping and cuisine, you will find it in Tunisia. Tunisia is located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Algeria, and Libya. It has a rich and varied heritage, influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, French, and more. Tunisia is also home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, from the golden beaches and turquoise waters of the coast, to the green hills and olive groves of the north, to the vast and mysterious Sahara desert in the south. In this article, we will explore some of the main attractions and tips for travelers who want to discover Tunisia.
Destinations
Tunisia has many destinations to suit different tastes and interests. Here are some of the most popular ones
- Tunis: The capital and largest city of Tunisia, Tunis is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that combines the old and the new. You can visit the ancient ruins of Carthage, the UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the rival of Rome; the Bardo Museum, which houses one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in the world; the Medina, the historic and colorful heart of the city, where you can wander through the narrow streets and alleys, browse the souks, and admire the mosques and palaces; and the modern avenues and boulevards, where you can enjoy the cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Sousse: One of the oldest and most famous seaside resorts in Tunisia, Sousse is known for its sandy beaches, lively atmosphere, and rich culture. You can relax on the shore, swim in the clear water, or try some water sports; visit the Archaeological Museum, which displays a remarkable collection of Roman and Byzantine artifacts; explore the Medina, which is surrounded by a 9th-century wall and contains a grand mosque, a ribat (fortress), and a kasbah (citadel); and shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and spices in the bustling markets.
- Kairouan: The fourth holiest city in Islam, Kairouan is a spiritual and cultural center of Tunisia. It was founded in the 7th century by the Arabs and became a hub of learning and art. You can visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and most impressive mosques in the world, which has a striking minaret, a vast courtyard, and a beautiful prayer hall; the Zaouia of Sidi Sahab, a mausoleum dedicated to one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad; the Aghlabid Basins, a complex of water reservoirs that supplied the city; and the Medina, which is full of monuments, mosques, madrasas (schools), and workshops.
- Tozeur: The gateway to the Sahara, Tozeur is a desert oasis that boasts a unique charm and beauty. You can admire the distinctive architecture of the old town, which is made of yellow brick and decorated with geometric patterns; visit the Dar Chrait Museum, which showcases the traditional costumes, jewelry, and art of the region; enjoy the palm groves and gardens, which produce dates, fruits, and vegetables; and take a camel ride, a 4x4 tour, or a hot air balloon flight to see the stunning scenery of the desert, including the salt lake of Chott el Djerid, the mountain oasis of Chebika, and the Star Wars film sets of Ong Jmel and Mos Espa.
Cities
Tunisia has many cities that offer different attractions and experiences. Here are some of the most notable ones
- Hammamet: A popular tourist destination, Hammamet is a seaside resort that has a long and sandy beach, a marina, and a golf course. It also has a charming old town, which is enclosed by a 15th-century wall and has a fortress, a mosque, and a medina.
- Monastir: A historic and cultural city, Monastir is famous for its ribat, a fortified monastery that dates back to the 8th century and offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city. It also has a mausoleum, which is the resting place of Habib Bourguiba, the first president of Tunisia; a museum, which displays his personal belongings and documents; and a medina, which has a mosque, a souk, and a fish market.
- Sfax: A commercial and industrial city, Sfax is the second-largest city in Tunisia and a major port. It has a medina, which is one of the best-preserved in the country and has a kasbah, a mosque, and a museum; a modern city center, which has a theater, a park, and a shopping mall; and a nearby island, Kerkennah, which is a tranquil and scenic place to enjoy the sea and the sun.
- Bizerte: A coastal and military city, Bizerte is the northernmost city in Africa and one of the oldest in Tunisia. It has a picturesque harbor, which is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boats; a Spanish fort, which overlooks the bay and the city; a medina, which has a mosque, a synagogue, and a souk; and a lake, which is a natural reserve for birds and fish.
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Hotels
Tunisia has a wide range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from luxury hotels, boutique hotels, beach resorts, spa hotels, eco-lodges, and more. Here are some examples of hotels in Tunisia
- The Residence Tunis: A five-star hotel located in Gammarth, near Tunis, The Residence Tunis offers a refined and elegant stay. It has 164 rooms and suites, which are spacious and stylish, with balconies overlooking the sea or the golf course. It also has a spa, which is one of the largest and most luxurious in the country, with a hammam, a sauna, a pool, and a fitness center. It also has a restaurant, which serves Mediterranean and Tunisian cuisine, a bar, which offers cocktails and live music, and a golf course, which is an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones II.
- Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa: A four-star hotel located in the medina of Tunis, Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa is a historic and charming hotel. It is housed in a 19th-century palace, which was once the residence of a wealthy merchant. It has 12 rooms and suites, which are decorated with traditional furniture, fabrics, and art. It also has a spa, which offers massages, facials, and body treatments, using natural and local products. It also has a restaurant, which is located in the former stables of the palace, and serves authentic and delicious Tunisian dishes.
- La Badira: A five-star hotel located in Hammamet, La Badira is a modern and luxurious hotel. It has 130 rooms and suites, which are bright and spacious, with terraces overlooking the sea. It also has two pools, one of which is heated and one of which is infinity; a spa, which offers a range of treatments, including thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy; and three restaurants, which serve international, Mediterranean, and Tunisian cuisine, using fresh and organic ingredients.
- Dar Hi: A three-star hotel located in Nefta, near Tozeur, Dar Hi is an eco-friendly and innovative hotel. It has 17 rooms, which are divided into four categories: the Pill houses, which are circular and minimalist; the Dune houses, which are built on the sand and have a panoramic view of the desert; the Troglodyte houses, which are dug into the ground and have a private patio; and the Dar Malika, which is a traditional house with four bedrooms. It also has a pool, which is heated by solar panels; a spa, which offers massages, hammam, and yoga; and a restaurant, which serves organic and local food, cooked in a solar oven.
Meals and Restaurants
Tunisia has a rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by the various cultures that have passed through the country. Tunisian food is spicy, flavorful, and colorful, using ingredients such as olive oil, harissa (a hot chili paste), couscous (steamed semolina), and dates. Some of the typical dishes are
- Brik: A thin pastry filled with egg, tuna, cheese, parsley, and harissa, and deep-fried until crispy and golden.
- Lablabi: A soup made of chickpeas, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and bread, topped with olive oil and harissa.
- Tajine: A baked dish made of eggs, cheese, meat, potatoes, and vegetables, flavored with herbs and spices.
- Couscous: A staple dish made of steamed semolina, served with meat, vegetables, and broth, seasoned with salt, pepper, and harissa.
- Makroudh: A sweet pastry made of semolina, filled with dates or almonds, and soaked in honey or sugar syrup.
Tunisia has many restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, from traditional to international. Here are some examples of restaurants in Tunisia
- Dar El Jeld: A famous and prestigious restaurant located in the medina of Tunis, Dar El Jeld serves authentic and refined Tunisian cuisine, such as brik, couscous, tajine, and lamb. The restaurant is housed in a 17th-century palace, which has a beautiful courtyard, a fountain, and a gallery. The restaurant also has live music and entertainment, such as belly dancing and folkloric shows.
- La Sirene: A modern and chic restaurant located in Sousse, La Sirene offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, such as sushi, pasta, seafood, and salads. The restaurant has a stylish decor, a terrace, and a panoramic view of the sea. The restaurant also has a bar, which serves cocktails, wine, and beer.
- Le Golfe: A cozy and romantic restaurant located in Hammamet, Le Golfe specializes in seafood and fish, such as grilled lobster, fried calamari, and bouillabaisse. The restaurant has a rustic and charming atmosphere, with wooden furniture, candles, and flowers. The restaurant also has a garden, which overlooks the beach and the bay.
- La Palmeraie: A luxurious and elegant restaurant located in Tozeur, La Palmeraie serves international and Tunisian cuisine, such as steak, chicken, pizza, and dates. The restaurant is part of the Dar Hi hotel, which is an eco-friendly and innovative hotel. The restaurant has a contemporary and minimalist design, with white walls, glass windows, and colorful cushions. The restaurant also has a pool, which is heated by solar panels.
Shopping
Tunisia is a paradise for shoppers, who can find a variety of goods, such as carpets, pottery, leather, jewelry, spices, and perfumes. Tunisia has many places to shop, from traditional markets to modern malls. Here are some of the best places to shop in Tunisia
- The Souks: The souks are the traditional markets of Tunisia, where you can find everything from handicrafts to food. The souks are located in the medinas of the cities, and each souk has its own specialty, such as the Souk el Attarine (the perfume market), the Souk el Berka (the jewelry market), and the Souk el Kmach (the fabric market). The souks are a great place to bargain, haggle, and discover the local culture.
- The Medina Center: The Medina Center is a modern and upscale mall located in Tunis, near the medina. The Medina Center has more than 150 shops, which sell local and international brands, such as Zara, Mango, Lacoste, and Swarovski. The Medina Center also has a cinema, a food court, and a children's playground.
- The Festival City: The Festival City is a large and lively mall located in Sfax, near the airport. The Festival City has more than 200 shops, which sell fashion, electronics, cosmetics, and books. The Festival City also has a hypermarket, a bowling alley, a skating rink, and a musical fountain.
- The Nefzaoua: The Nefzaoua is a unique and colorful mall located in Nefta, near Tozeur. The Nefzaoua is inspired by the desert and the oasis, and has a sand-colored facade, palm trees, and water features. The Nefzaoua has more than 100 shops, which sell local and regional products, such as dates, honey, olive oil, and pottery. The Nefzaoua also has a spa, a museum, and a cultural center.
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Transportation
Tunisia has a good and cheap transportation system, which includes buses, trains, taxis, and car rentals. Here are some of the main modes of transportation in Tunisia
- Buses: Buses are the most common and affordable way to travel in Tunisia, especially between cities and towns. Buses are operated by different companies, such as SNTRI, Louage, and Sahel Bus. Buses are usually comfortable and air-conditioned, but can be crowded and slow. Buses can be booked online, by phone, or at the bus stations.
- Trains: Trains are another option to travel in Tunisia, especially for long distances. Trains are operated by the national railway company, SNCFT, which offers different types of services, such as express, regional, and suburban. Trains are usually fast and punctual, but can be old and dirty. Trains can be booked online, by phone, or at the train stations.
- Taxis: Taxis are a convenient and flexible way to travel in Tunisia, especially within cities and towns. Taxis are yellow and have meters, which charge by distance and time. Taxis are usually available and cheap, but can be hard to find during peak hours and holidays. Taxis can be hailed on the street, at the taxi stands, or by phone.
- Car Rentals: Car rentals are a great way to travel in Tunisia, especially for exploring the countryside and the desert. Car rentals are available from different companies, such as Avis, Europcar, and Budget. Car rentals are usually expensive and require a valid driver's license, a credit card, and an insurance. Car rentals can be booked online, by phone, or at the airport.
Tips for Travelers
Tunisia is a safe and welcoming country, but there are some tips and precautions that travelers should follow to have a pleasant and enjoyable trip. Here are some of the most important tips for travelers in Tunisia:
- Visa and Passport: Tunisia does not require a visa for most nationalities, but travelers should have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Travelers should also have a return or onward ticket, and a proof of sufficient funds.
- Currency and Exchange: Tunisia's currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), which is divided into 1,000 millimes. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 2.8 TND. Travelers can exchange money at the banks, the hotels, or the authorized bureaux de change. Travelers should avoid the black market, which is illegal and risky. Travelers should also keep the receipts of the exchange, as they may need them to reconvert the dinars at the end of the trip.
- Language and Communication: Tunisia's official language is Arabic, but French is widely spoken and understood, especially in the cities and the tourist areas. English is also spoken by some people, especially the young and the educated. Travelers can communicate with the locals using simple words and gestures, or using a phrasebook or a translator app. Travelers should also learn some basic Arabic words and phrases, such as hello (as-salamu alaykum), thank you (shukran), and goodbye (ma'a salama).
- Culture and Etiquette: Tunisia is a Muslim country, but it is also a secular and tolerant country, where different religions and cultures coexist. Travelers should respect the local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly, especially in the religious and rural areas; avoiding alcohol, pork, and public displays of affection, especially during Ramadan; greeting the elders and the women first, and using the right hand for eating and shaking hands; and tipping the service providers, such as the guides, the drivers, and the waiters.
- Health and Safety: Tunisia is a safe country, but travelers should take some health and safety measures, such as getting the recommended vaccinations, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies; drinking bottled water and avoiding ice and raw food; carrying a first-aid kit and a sunscreen; avoiding the scammers, the pickpockets, and the beggars; and following the advice of the authorities and the tour operators.
Conclusion
Tunisia is a wonderful and diverse country, that has a lot to offer to the travelers. Tunisia has a rich and varied history, a beautiful and varied nature, a delicious and varied cuisine, and a friendly and hospitable people. Tunisia is a destination that will surprise and delight you, and make you want to come back again and again.