Tunis

The Bardo National Museum stands as Tunisia’s largest museum and an essential stop for history and art lovers. Housed in a majestic Hafsid-era palace (1228–1574), later expanded by the Ottomans, its collection ranks among the Mediterranean’s most significant — second only to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum in Africa. The museum’s Roman mosaics, unearthed during 19th-century excavations, offer vivid glimpses of ancient North African life, complemented by Punic and Hellenistic statues. A modern annexe has doubled the exhibition space, blending seamlessly with the historic palace. Guided tours come highly recommended to fully appreciate the museum’s treasures.

In the Medina of Tunis, every winding alley converges on Al-Zaytuna Mosque (literally the Mosque of the Olive). Founded in 734 on a former church site and rebuilt in the 9th century, it stands among the world’s oldest mosques. This cultural landmark is cherished by locals and visitors alike. The mosque’s courtyard is framed by over 200 columns repurposed from Roman Carthage, and its square Almohad-style minaret dominates the skyline. Though only Muslims may enter the prayer halls, you can admire the courtyard from Café Panorama’s terrace.

Tunis reveals its scholarly heritage through a collection of beautifully preserved madrasas, each bearing witness to centuries of intellectual pursuit. Over 20 madrasas are spread over the Medina of Tunis, some of them seven centuries old. The role these madrasas played has evolved over time. The Madrasa Slimania, founded by 18th-century ruler Ali Pasha, stands out with its ornate prayer hall and elevated entrance porch. Where student cells once housed scholars, medical professionals now work beneath the same vaulted ceilings. Nearby, the Madrasa El Bachia has transitioned from Quranic school to artisan workshops, its courtyard fountain silent but its creative spirit alive. The Madrasa Palmier (or Madrasa Ennakhla) maintains its original purpose as a centre for Quranic studies, its namesake palm still shading the courtyard behind formidable studded doors. Meanwhile, El Khaldounia represents a bridge between tradition and modernity. Established in 1896 near Souk Al Attarine, this progressive institution now serves as a bilingual library, honouring Ibn Khaldoun’s legacy of critical thought.

Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the grand central boulevard of Tunis, channels Parisian elegance with its tree-lined median, sidewalk cafés and historic facades. The thoroughfare, named after Tunisia’s first president, serves as a busy commercial hub and an open-air museum of 20th-century history, flanked by landmarks like the French Embassy and the neo-Byzantine Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul. Dominating the eastern end, the Tunis Clock Tower rises 38 metres above Place du 7 Novembre. Its gilded, lattice-patterned design blends modernist and traditional motifs, glowing amber after dark. Though functionally modest (locals joke about its reliability), the tower’s height and central roundabout position make it an unavoidable landmark. By day, the avenue thrums with shoppers and coffee drinkers; by evening, it becomes a stage for leisurely promenades. For visitors, it’s less about individual sights than the collective energy: the hum of conversation, the scent of orange blossoms, and the weight of history beneath your feet.

The North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial honours 2,841 WWII soldiers who fell during the often-overlooked North African campaign. Spread across 27 acres, their headstones align in nine precise plots, divided by paths meeting at decorative pools. The chapel and memorial court feature mosaic maps detailing American military operations across Africa to the Persian Gulf. Their design blends seamlessly with local architecture, creating a space of quiet reflection.

The Medina’s traditional hammams offer an authentic glimpse into Tunisian daily rhythms. Look for the distinctive green-and-red striped doorways marking these bathhouses. Remember to bring swimwear and slippers. Entry costs just a few dinars, with massages and other spa treatments available for a small extra fee.

Carthage, the fabled fallen city, lies partially excavated among the whitewashed villas of the most affluent suburb of Tunis. A short drive from the city centre, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a Mediterranean powerhouse — a wealthy trading hub that stirred ancient myths, poems and rivalries. The archaeological park reveals remnants of the Carthaginian Empire and later Roman rule: 2nd-century BC theatres, baths and residential ruins stand testament to its layered history.

Sidi Bou Saïd stands out as one of the highlights of a trip to Tunis. Reach this hilltop village by taxi or suburban train, where cobbled lanes wind between Santorini-esque white houses, their doors and shutters painted vivid blue. The sea views dazzle at every turn. Best enjoyed with mint tea at Café des Nattes or Kahoua El Alia as the sun dips low.

The Japanese Garden, a peaceful retreat near the city centre, offers respite from urban heat and dust. Its shaded paths wind past a tranquil lake, arched bridges and quiet corners ideal for walking, cycling, or yoga. While lacking modern playgrounds, the park’s calm atmosphere attracts locals relaxing or roller skating through its greenery.