🇹🇳 Your 3-Day Tunisia Itinerary: Ancient Echoes & Coastal Charms

Start your day by taking a taxi to the Bardo National Museum. Plan to spend at least three hours here. The museum is renowned for its vast collection of Roman mosaics, but it also features Punic, Christian, and Islamic artifacts. Key highlights include the Virgil Room and the Sousse Room, which are filled with incredibly detailed mosaics. The building itself, a former beylical palace, is a work of art. The combination of stunning artifacts and opulent architecture makes the Bardo a truly world-class institution and a must-see to understand Tunisia’s rich history.

After the museum, take a taxi to Bab el Bhar (the Sea Gate), the main entrance to the Tunis Medina. For lunch, find a small local restaurant within the Medina walls to try an authentic ‘brik’ (a crispy, filled pastry) and a bowl of couscous. Spend the afternoon wandering without a fixed plan. Walk down the main Rue Zitouna, explore the covered Souk El-Attarine (perfumers’ market) and the Souk des Chéchias (traditional hat makers’ market). Visit the Al-Zaytuna Mosque (non-Muslims can view the courtyard at certain times). End your afternoon with a mint tea at a rooftop cafe, like Café Panorama, which offers stunning views over the entire Medina.

For Young Travelers: The Medina is a fantastic place for photography and exploration. In the evening, explore the more modern downtown area around Avenue Habib Bourguiba, which has a lively atmosphere with many cafes and local people enjoying the evening air.

For Seniors: The Bardo Museum is large but has elevators. The Medina can be challenging with its uneven surfaces and crowds. It’s best to stick to the main thoroughfares and take frequent breaks. Hiring a licensed guide for the Medina can provide a more structured and less overwhelming experience.

For Families: The sheer scale of the mosaics at the Bardo can be impressive for children. The Medina is a sensory adventure for kids, but the crowds can be intense. Keep it fun by turning it into a treasure hunt for specific items in the souks, like colorful slippers (‘babouches’) or lanterns.

For Travelers with Disabilities: The Bardo Museum is mostly accessible. The Tunis Medina, however, is very difficult for wheelchair users due to its narrow, uneven, and crowded alleyways and frequent steps. The modern city center around Avenue Habib Bourguiba is a more accessible alternative for exploration.

For Luxury Travel: Hire a private guide and driver for the day for a seamless experience. Your guide can provide deep insights at the Bardo and navigate the Medina’s hidden gems. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Dar El Jeld, one of the Medina’s most prestigious and beautiful historic restaurants.

For Adventure Travel: After the Bardo, challenge yourself to navigate the Medina without a map. The joy is in getting lost and making your own discoveries. Seek out smaller, less-visited souks and interact with local artisans to learn about their crafts.

For Culture Lovers: In the Medina, go beyond the main souks. Visit the Tourbet El Bey (a historic mausoleum) and the Dar Hussein museum. Seek out a traditional ‘hammam’ (public bath) for an authentic local wellness experience in the evening.

Staying in or near the Medina offers a truly atmospheric experience. For a luxurious stay, the Palais Bayram is a beautifully restored 18th-century palace within the Medina, offering opulent suites and a tranquil courtyard. A highly-rated mid-range option is Dar El Jeld Hotel & Spa, known for its superb restaurant and elegant traditional decor. For a charming and budget-friendly choice, Dar Ya is a traditional guesthouse (a ‘dar’) that provides an authentic and welcoming stay right in the heart of the old city.

• Luxury: Palais Bayram
• Mid-Range: Dar El Jeld Hotel & Spa
• Budget: Dar Ya

When visiting the Tunis Medina, it’s best to go with a spirit of adventure and accept that you will likely get lost—this is part of the fun. However, be cautious of “friendly” locals who offer to be your guide or show you a special Berber market; this is often a tactic to lead you to a specific carpet or souvenir shop where you will face high-pressure sales. A firm but polite “la, shukran” (no, thank you) is usually sufficient. If you do want a guide, it is best to hire an official, licensed one through your hotel or the tourist office.

Haggling is an expected and integral part of shopping in the souks. The initial price quoted by a vendor is rarely the final price. As a general rule, you can start by offering about half the asking price and then work your way to a mutually agreeable amount. Always be polite, smile, and maintain a friendly attitude. If you’re not happy with the price, it’s perfectly acceptable to walk away. Sometimes, this will result in the vendor offering you a better price.

For your day of museum and medina exploration, dress conservatively and comfortably. Tunisia is a progressive Muslim country, but it is still respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and traditional areas like the Medina. For both men and women, this means wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Lightweight trousers, long skirts, or capris paired with a T-shirt or a loose-fitting blouse are ideal choices.

Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential. You will be on your feet for most of the day, walking through large museum halls and on the uneven cobblestones of the Medina. A hat and sunglasses are important for sun protection, as you will be moving between shaded alleyways and open plazas. A light scarf is a very useful accessory; it can be used for extra sun protection or for women to cover their hair if they choose to enter a mosque courtyard.

For lunch inside the Medina, you will find many small, family-run eateries offering delicious and authentic Tunisian food at very affordable prices. Look for places that are busy with locals. This is the perfect opportunity to try a classic ‘brik à l’oeuf’ (a thin pastry filled with an egg, tuna, and parsley, then deep-fried) or a plate of grilled ‘merguez’ sausage. Many of these places can be found on the streets branching off from Rue Zitouna.

For dinner, you have many options. You can choose to dine in elegance at a historic restaurant within the Medina, like Dar El Jeld or Dar Belhadj, which offer traditional Tunisian cuisine in a beautiful palatial setting (reservations are recommended). Alternatively, you can head to the more modern city center, where you can find a wider range of restaurants, including French and Italian options, reflecting the country’s colonial history. The La Marsa coastal area, a short taxi ride away, also has an excellent selection of modern restaurants.

The best way to get around for today’s itinerary is by taxi. Taxis in Tunis are plentiful and affordable. From the city center or your hotel, take a taxi to the Bardo Museum in the morning. After your museum visit, take another taxi to Bab el Bhar, the main entrance to the Medina. It’s important to insist that the driver uses the meter (‘compteur’ in French). If the driver refuses, simply wait for another taxi.

Once you are at the Medina, the only way to explore its intricate network of alleyways is on foot. The area is a pedestrianized maze, and walking is part of the immersive experience. After your exploration, you can easily find taxis waiting near the main gates of the Medina to take you back to your hotel or to your dinner destination.

Start your day by taking the TGM light rail train from Tunis Marine station towards La Marsa. Get off at the “Carthage Hannibal” stop. It’s best to buy a single ticket that covers all the main Carthage archaeological sites. Begin your exploration at Byrsa Hill, the site of the ancient Punic citadel and now home to the Carthage National Museum. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the Antonine Baths, the largest Roman baths outside of Rome. The sheer scale of the complex and its stunning seaside location are breathtaking. Other key sites include the Roman Amphitheater and the Punic Ports.

In the afternoon, get back on the TGM train for one more stop to “Sidi Bou Said.” The village is a short uphill walk from the station. The main activity here is simply to wander and absorb the beauty. Walk up the main street, Rue Habib Thameur, browse the art and souvenir shops, and be sure to explore the quieter side streets. A must-do is to visit Dar El Annabi, a beautifully preserved traditional house that gives you a glimpse into local life. End your afternoon at the famous Café des Nattes or Café Sidi Chaabane for a traditional mint tea while enjoying spectacular views of the sea and the marina below.

For Young Travelers: Sidi Bou Said is incredibly photogenic. After exploring the main village, walk down the hill to the marina for a different perspective and to see the local fishing boats. The nearby coastal town of La Marsa is a lively spot in the evening, with many trendy restaurants and beachside bars.

For Seniors: The Carthage sites are spread out, so using local taxis to get between them is advisable. Sidi Bou Said is very hilly with many steps and cobblestones. Take your time, walk slowly, and enjoy the views from the cafes on the lower part of the main street without feeling the need to climb to the very top.

For Families: The vast open spaces of the Carthage ruins, especially the Antonine Baths, are great for kids to explore and imagine ancient life. Sidi Bou Said is like a fairytale village for children, but keep a close eye on them in the sometimes-crowded and steep streets.

For Travelers with Disabilities: The Carthage sites are challenging for wheelchair users, with uneven terrain, sand, and limited paved pathways. The Antonine Baths site is perhaps the most accessible of the main ruins. Sidi Bou Said is not wheelchair-friendly due to its steep hills, narrow streets, and many steps.

For Luxury Travel: Hire a private car and an expert archaeologist guide for the day to get the most out of the history of Carthage. Enjoy a gourmet seafood lunch at a restaurant with stunning sea views in Sidi Bou Said, such as Au Bon Vieux Temps. You can also arrange a private tour of a local art gallery with the artist.

For Adventure Travel: Instead of taking the train, consider renting a scooter in the La Marsa area to explore the coastal towns at your own pace. For a small adventure, try to find the less-visited Roman Villas in Carthage, which contain beautiful floor mosaics.

For Culture Lovers: In Carthage, visit the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial for a poignant and beautifully maintained piece of WWII history. In Sidi Bou Said, visit the Ennejma Ezzahra palace, a stunning center for Arab and Mediterranean music, to learn about the cultural history of the village.

Staying in Sidi Bou Said offers a magical experience once the day-trippers have left. For a luxurious stay, the La Villa Bleue offers stunning sea views, an infinity pool, and exquisite traditional decor. A beautiful mid-range option is the Dar Said, a historic house converted into a charming hotel with a lovely pool and courtyard. For a more budget-friendly stay in the nearby and very pleasant coastal town of La Marsa, Dar El Marsa Hotel & Spa provides modern comfort with a rooftop pool and easy access to the beach and restaurants.

• Luxury: La Villa Bleue
• Mid-Range: Dar Said
• Budget (in La Marsa): Dar El Marsa Hotel & Spa

The archaeological sites at Carthage are spread over a large area. Don’t try to walk between all of them, especially in the heat. It’s much more efficient to use local taxis for the short hops between sites like Byrsa Hill, the amphitheater, and the Antonine Baths. The taxis are cheap and plentiful. Purchase the global ticket at your first stop (e.g., Byrsa Hill or the Baths), which grants you access to all the different sites for one price. This is much more economical than buying individual tickets.

Sidi Bou Said is most beautiful in the late afternoon when the light is soft and golden, and the crowds begin to thin out. Many people visit as a quick photo stop, but the real magic is found by slowing down. Wander away from the main tourist street to explore the quiet residential alleys. Sit for a full hour at a cafe, order a mint tea, and just watch the world go by. This is how you truly experience the enchanting atmosphere of the village.

For your coastal day trip, lightweight and breathable clothing is key. The sun reflecting off the ancient stones and white walls can be intense. Long, loose-fitting trousers or a long skirt and a light top will be comfortable and respectful. Sun protection is absolutely essential. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable. The sea breeze can be deceptive, and you can get sunburned easily.

You will be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, from the dusty paths of Carthage to the steep cobblestones of Sidi Bou Said, so comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are a must. Sandals with good support or comfortable sneakers are your best options. A light scarf can be useful to protect your neck from the sun or for a bit of extra warmth if the sea breeze picks up in the evening.

While there are some basic cafes near the Carthage ruins, the best options for lunch are in Sidi Bou Said or the nearby town of La Marsa. Sidi Bou Said has several restaurants with spectacular views. For a memorable meal, find a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea. Many specialize in fresh fish and seafood. A great option for a lighter meal or snack is to buy a ‘bambalouni’, a hot, freshly fried Tunisian donut, from a street vendor in Sidi Bou Said.

For dinner, the coastal area of La Marsa offers a fantastic selection of modern and trendy restaurants popular with locals. You can find everything from excellent Italian and French cuisine to high-end Tunisian restaurants. It’s a great place to experience Tunis’s modern, cosmopolitan side. Alternatively, returning to Sidi Bou Said for dinner offers a magical, romantic atmosphere after the day crowds have disappeared.

The most convenient and atmospheric way to travel from central Tunis to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said is by using the TGM (Tunis-Goulette-Marsa) light rail line. The train departs from the Tunis Marine station, located at the end of Avenue Habib Bourguiba. It’s an affordable and efficient system that stops at several stations in Carthage (Carthage Hannibal for Byrsa Hill, Carthage Présidence for the Antonine Baths) and at Sidi Bou Said. The journey offers nice views of the Lake of Tunis.

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for the day. This provides more flexibility and comfort but is a more expensive option. If you choose this, be sure to agree on a fixed price for the entire day’s hire before you set off. Once you are in Carthage, you will likely still want to use smaller local taxis to get between the spread-out archaeological sites.

Start your morning with a coffee at a sidewalk cafe on Avenue Habib Bourguiba to soak in the local atmosphere. From there, take a slow walk down the grand boulevard towards the Medina. Admire the striking architecture of the Municipal Theatre and the St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral. Don’t miss the bustling Central Market (Marché Central), a vibrant, covered market hall where locals shop for fresh produce, fish, meat, and spices. It’s a feast for the senses and offers a more authentic glimpse into daily life than the tourist-focused souks of the Medina.

In the afternoon, enter the Medina through Bab el Bhar for your final exploration and souvenir shopping. This is your chance to pick up some beautiful local handicrafts. Look for high-quality leather goods like bags and slippers (‘babouches’), hand-painted ceramics, silver jewelry, and fragrant spices or perfumes. After you’ve found your treasures, treat yourself to a final mint tea at a rooftop cafe, enjoying one last panoramic view of the ancient city. For your farewell dinner, choose a restaurant that offers a style of cuisine you haven’t tried yet, perhaps in the trendy and modern Berges du Lac neighborhood.

For Young Travelers: The Ville Nouvelle has many modern shops and a familiar European feel. After exploring, consider visiting a local art gallery in the area to see some contemporary Tunisian art. The Central Market is also a great spot for adventurous foodies to try local cheeses and olives.

For Seniors: The flat, wide boulevards of the Ville Nouvelle are very pleasant and easy to walk. There are many benches and cafes for resting. A final, focused visit to just one or two specific souks in the Medina for souvenirs is more manageable than extensive wandering.

For Families: Walking down Avenue Habib Bourguiba and seeing the trams can be fun for kids. The Central Market, with its lively atmosphere and colorful displays, can be a fascinating experience for them. Let them choose a small, colorful ceramic piece as a souvenir from the souk.

For Travelers with Disabilities: The Ville Nouvelle around Avenue Habib Bourguiba is modern, flat, and the most accessible area in Tunis for wheelchair users. The Central Market is also accessible on the ground floor. As mentioned before, the Medina itself is not easily navigable.

For Luxury Travel: Indulge in some high-end shopping in the boutiques of the Ville Nouvelle. In the afternoon, book a private ‘parfumier’ experience in the Medina, where you can create your own custom fragrance. For a final luxurious treat, indulge in a spa treatment at a high-end hotel hammam.

For Adventure Travel: Take a local train (not the TGM) from the main Tunis station to Zaghouan to see the impressive Roman water temple and the start of the aqueduct that once supplied Carthage with water. This is a more off-the-beaten-path day trip for those interested in Roman engineering.

For Culture Lovers: Explore the history of the French colonial era by focusing on the architecture of the Ville Nouvelle. Visit the magnificent St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral and the Grand Synagogue of Tunis. In the Medina, seek out Dar Lasram, another beautifully preserved palace, to learn more about the life of wealthy merchants.

Staying in the modern city center offers convenience and a different atmosphere from the Medina. For a luxurious stay with a rooftop pool and panoramic city views, the Sheraton Tunis Hotel is a top choice. The Hotel Carlton is a great mid-range option with a fantastic location right on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, set in a charming historic building. For a reliable and modern budget hotel, the Ibis Tunis provides clean, comfortable rooms in a convenient central location.

• Luxury: Sheraton Tunis Hotel
• Mid-Range: Hotel Carlton
• Budget: Ibis Tunis

When shopping for souvenirs in the souk, it’s a good idea to browse different shops to get a feel for the quality and price of items before you start buying. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you can’t agree on a price; there will be many other shops selling similar items. Always be respectful and friendly during the haggling process. For items like spices or dates from the Central Market, you’ll find that the prices are generally fixed and much lower than in the tourist souks.

Be mindful of your departure plans. Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) is not far from the city center, but traffic can be heavy. It’s best to arrange your taxi to the airport in advance through your hotel or to allow plenty of extra time if you plan to hail one on the street. Confirm the price with the driver before you get in, or ensure they will use the meter to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Your attire for today can be slightly more modern, especially while exploring the Ville Nouvelle, but smart casual and modest is still the best approach. Lightweight trousers or a smart pair of jeans with a polo shirt or blouse will be perfect. The key is to be comfortable for walking while still looking neat. As you will be transitioning back into the Medina, your modest attire will remain appropriate and respectful.

Once again, comfortable walking shoes are essential. The boulevards of the new city and the alleys of the Medina both demand a lot of time on your feet. Sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses, remains important, especially in the wide, open spaces of the Ville Nouvelle. A bag that is secure and easy to carry will be useful for stowing your purchases from the souk.

The Central Market is a fantastic place for a quick, fresh, and authentic lunch. Inside, you’ll find small stalls serving simple but delicious dishes, most famously ‘leblebi’, a hearty chickpea and bread soup that is a Tunisian breakfast and lunch staple. It’s a true local experience. Alternatively, the sidewalk cafes along Avenue Habib Bourguiba offer pleasant spots for a simple French-style lunch, like a baguette sandwich or a quiche.

For your farewell dinner, consider indulging in a nice meal. The Berges du Lac 1 and 2 neighborhoods, located between the city center and the airport, are modern areas popular with locals and expats, offering a wide range of excellent international and contemporary Tunisian restaurants. It’s a great place to experience the modern, upscale side of Tunisian life and enjoy a final delicious meal before your departure.

Today’s itinerary is very walkable. Avenue Habib Bourguiba and the Ville Nouvelle are designed for pedestrians, and this area flows directly into the Medina at the Bab el Bhar gate. You can easily spend the entire day exploring these two contrasting areas on foot. The Central Market is located just off the main avenue, making it an easy stop on your walk. Walking allows you to appreciate the architectural shift as you move from the French-designed new city to the ancient Arab medina.

If your hotel is located further out, a taxi or the light rail tram system can easily get you to the start of Avenue Habib Bourguiba (get off at Place de la République or Place de l’Indépendance). From there, everything is best reached on foot. At the end of the day, you can easily find a taxi from either the Medina or the Ville Nouvelle to take you to your dinner destination or back to your hotel.

Tunisia offers unique wellness experiences rooted in tradition. The ‘hammam’ (public steam bath) is a central part of the culture, offering exfoliation and relaxation. Many hotels and spas offer luxurious modern versions of the hammam experience. For yoga, you can find classes in Tunis and in coastal resort towns. The serene island of Djerba and the tranquil countryside provide peaceful settings for wellness retreats that often combine yoga with thalassotherapy (seawater therapy), for which Tunisia is famous.

Pack lightweight, modest clothing. Loose-fitting trousers, long skirts, and tops that cover the shoulders are ideal for respecting local culture and staying cool. A light scarf is versatile for sun protection and for women to cover their hair when entering mosques. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are essential. Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring ruins and medinas. In the evenings or in more modern areas like La Marsa, smart casual attire is appropriate. A light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler evenings, even in summer.

The souks of Tunisia are a shopper’s paradise. Key items to look for include hand-painted ceramics from Nabeul, beautiful olive wood products (bowls, utensils), high-quality leather goods like bags and slippers (‘babouches’), and traditional silver Berber jewelry. Woven carpets (‘mergoum’) are a famous local craft. Spices, dates, and harissa make for excellent edible souvenirs. Remember that haggling is expected in the souks. Outside of the medinas, in the Ville Nouvelle or modern shopping centers, prices are generally fixed.

1. What is the currency in Tunisia? The currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). It’s a closed currency, meaning you cannot obtain it outside of Tunisia. You can exchange money at the airport or withdraw from ATMs.
2. What languages are spoken? The official language is Arabic. French is also widely spoken, especially in business and tourism. English is understood in major hotels and tourist sites.
3. Is Tunisia safe for tourists? Yes, Tunisia is generally safe for tourists, especially in the main tourist areas like Tunis, Hammamet, and Djerba. Standard travel precautions should be taken.
4. What is the dress code? Tunisia is a Muslim country, and modest dress is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional medinas. Covering shoulders and knees is a good guideline. Beach resorts are much more relaxed.
5. Do I need a visa? Many nationalities, including citizens of the US, UK, EU, and Canada, can enter Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the specific requirements for your country.
6. Is the tap water safe to drink? It is recommended to drink bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive.
7. How do I get around? Taxis (‘louages’ for shared, long-distance taxis) are a common way to travel. For the Tunis area, the TGM train is excellent for coastal trips. Taxis within cities are affordable; insist on using the meter.
8. What is tipping etiquette? Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up the bill in a taxi or leaving about 10% in a restaurant for good service is a common practice.
9. What is harissa? Harissa is a fiery chili paste that is a staple of Tunisian cuisine. It’s often served as a condiment with bread and olive oil at the start of a meal. Be warned, it can be very spicy!
10. Can I use credit cards? Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and major shops. However, you will need cash for taxis, small eateries, and shopping in the souks.