Some cities impress you instantly. Tunis does something else — it grows on you. The longer you stay, the more layers you uncover. It’s a city of contrasts: ancient alleyways and modern cafés, Roman ruins beside palm-lined boulevards, the call to prayer drifting over traffic noise. Tunis doesn’t try to be perfect, and that’s exactly why it feels so real.
Located on the edge of the Mediterranean, Tunis is not just the political heart of Tunisia, but also its cultural soul. It’s a place where history isn’t confined to museums — it’s woven into daily life.
A Short History of Tunis
Tunis has been shaped by centuries of civilizations, each leaving behind something tangible. Long before modern Tunisia existed, the Phoenicians settled nearby, followed by the rise of Carthage — once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. After the Romans destroyed Carthage, they rebuilt the region, leaving behind extraordinary architecture and infrastructure.
Arab rule transformed Tunis into a major Islamic center of learning and trade, while Ottoman influence added elegance and structure. Later, French colonial rule introduced European architecture and urban planning, which still define parts of the city today. What makes Tunis special is not just this layered past, but how effortlessly it all still coexists.
The Medina of Tunis – Getting Lost on Purpose
The Medina of Tunis is the beating heart of the city. Walking into it feels like stepping back in time. The streets are narrow and winding, intentionally confusing, designed centuries ago to protect the city from invaders. Today, they invite visitors to slow down and explore.
What struck me most was how alive the Medina still is. This isn’t an open-air museum. People live here, work here, pray here. Artisans hammer copper, leatherworkers stitch by hand, and spice sellers arrange their goods in vibrant pyramids. Every door seems to hide a story, every corner reveals something unexpected. My advice: don’t use a map. Let the Medina guide you.
The Bardo Museum – Tunisia’s Story in Stone
The Bardo Museum completely changed my understanding of Tunisia. Housed in a former palace, it feels grand even before you step inside. But it’s the mosaics that truly leave you speechless.
Room after room displays massive Roman mosaics, astonishing in both size and detail. They depict daily life, mythology, celebrations, and ordinary moments frozen in stone. Standing there, I realized how central this region once was to the Roman Empire. This museum isn’t just beautiful — it’s powerful. You walk out with a deep respect for Tunisia’s historical weight.
Zitouna Mosque – The Spiritual Heart of Tunis
The Zitouna Mosque is not just another landmark — it is the soul of Tunis. Located deep inside the Medina, this mosque has been a center of religious and intellectual life for more than a thousand years.
Even if you’re not Muslim, the atmosphere around the mosque is deeply moving. The courtyard is calm and timeless, a place where the noise of the Medina suddenly softens. I loved sitting nearby, watching people come and go, feeling the rhythm of daily life flow around this sacred space. The Zitouna Mosque reminds you that Tunis has always been a city of learning, faith, and quiet strength.
St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral – A European Echo in North Africa
Right in the heart of the modern city stands the St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral, an unexpected sight in North Africa. With its Roman-Byzantine architecture and grand façade, the cathedral feels almost surreal against the backdrop of Tunisian street life.
Built during the French colonial period, it reflects a chapter of Tunisian history that’s still visible in the city’s wide boulevards and cafés. Stepping inside, the noise of Avenue Bourguiba fades away, replaced by silence and light. It’s a beautiful reminder of how many cultures and religions have shaped Tunis over the centuries.
Belvédère Park – Breathing Space Above the City
When the city feels intense, Belvédère Park is where I go to breathe. Sitting on a hill just north of the center, it’s the largest green space in Tunis and offers beautiful views over the city and the Lake of Tunis.
Locals come here to walk, jog, picnic, or simply escape the heat. I loved wandering along shaded paths, hearing birds instead of traffic. It’s not polished or manicured — it’s relaxed and lived-in, just like Tunis itself. If you want to understand daily life beyond sightseeing, this park is essential.
What You Absolutely Have to Eat in Tunis
Tunisian cuisine is bold, comforting, and full of character. These are a few things I believe you must try:
Ojja
A rich, spicy tomato-based dish with eggs gently poached in the sauce, often served with merguez sausage or seafood. It’s hearty, warming, and perfect after a long day of exploring.
Lablabi
This is Tunisian street food at its best. A humble chickpea soup served with bread, garlic, cumin, olive oil, and often topped with a soft egg. It’s simple, deeply satisfying, and incredibly local — especially popular in the evenings.
Brik
Thin pastry filled with egg, tuna, capers, and parsley, then fried until perfectly crisp. The goal is to break it open without spilling the egg — messy, delicious, and completely addictive.
And yes, everything comes with harissa. Spicy, smoky, and unforgettable — just like Tunis.
Carthage – Echoes of a Lost Empire
Exploring Carthage is a quiet, reflective experience. The ruins are spread out across a modern suburb, overlooking the sea. There’s no single dramatic entrance — instead, you move between sites, slowly piecing together what once was.
The Antonine Baths, in particular, are unforgettable. Standing among the remains, with the Mediterranean stretching out before you, it’s impossible not to imagine the scale of the ancient city. Carthage once challenged Rome itself — and although only fragments remain, the sense of former greatness lingers in the air.
Sidi Bou Said – Where Time Slows Down
Just outside the city lies Sidi Bou Said, a place that feels almost dreamlike. Whitewashed houses, bright blue doors, and flowering balconies cascade down toward the sea.
I spent hours here doing very little — walking, sitting, watching. From the clifftop cafés, the Mediterranean sparkles endlessly. There’s a calmness here that’s hard to describe. It’s romantic without being cliché, beautiful without being overdone. Visit early in the morning or at sunset, when the crowds thin and the village truly breathes.
Where I Love to Stay in Tunis
For a luxurious and elegant stay, La Badira is a personal favorite. It’s refined, calm, and beautifully designed — perfect if you want to escape the city’s intensity.
If you prefer something more central, Dar El Jeld offers an authentic experience inside the Medina itself. Staying here allows you to feel the rhythm of the old city day and night.
Favorite Cafés – Where Tunis Slows Down
One place I kept returning to was Café des Délices. Yes, it’s famous — but for good reason. The view alone is worth it, especially with a mint tea in hand.
In the city center, Café Panorama is ideal for people-watching and long conversations. Tunis has a strong café culture, and these spaces feel like living rooms for the city.
My Favorite Restaurants in Tunis
For traditional Tunisian cuisine done right, Dar Slah stands out. The setting is intimate, and the food feels deeply rooted in local tradition.
If you’re looking for something a bit
