Perched on the banks of Lake Tunis, the city of Tunis is home to 15th-century architecture, ancient medinas and North African history museums. It also thrives with modern art galleries, cafes, parks and zoos.

Things to do

The Old Town area of Tunis reflects its Arabo-Muslim roots that date back to 698 AD. Enter through the Bab el Bahr gate, then roam the narrow alleyways and ancient souk markets selling everything from perfume to jewellery, colourful spices, silks and leather goods. Don’t forget to taste some local handmade “makroud” pastries.

Visit opulent palaces on Sidi Brahim in the Old Medina, including a palace complex housing the Bardo Museum, which showcases Roman mosaics unearthed from archaeological excavations. Just outside the city limits lies the ruins of Carthage, where you can explore ancient walls, gates and remnants of its amphitheatre.

Head over to the port suburb of La Goulette for a relaxing day on the beach or walk along the coast to the Ottoman citadel. You can also enjoy picnicking beneath olive and fig trees in Belvedere Park before viewing contemporary Tunisian art at the Museum of Modern Art. If you’re travelling with little ones, visit Belvedere Park to see gazelles, penguins, birds and other animals.

Rent a bicycle to tour the city’s street art and discover dozens of vivid murals in outdoor urban spaces. To experience genuine Tunisian cuisine, snag a rooftop terrace table at El Ali in the Old Medina, where you can observe Gnawa musicians and afro-Berber performing artists while sipping citronnade or sweet mint tea.

Getting around

Buses, bikes and taxis provide transportation in Tunis. You can also rent a car at Tunis-Carthage Airport, about 14 kilometres from the city centre.