La Marsa offers a refined coastal escape just north of Carthage, where the creatives of Tunis mingles with sunseekers along a lively corniche. The main beach draws families for summer swims, while off-season sees fishermen casting lines from the sand. What distinguishes this stretch is its evolving cultural scene: skateboarders carve concrete slopes by day as musicians strum under the palms, creating an organic performance space above the shore. The neighborhood’s architectural legacy reveals its bourgeois roots. Whitewashed villas with intricate mashrabiya screens stand guard along avenues lined with jacaranda trees. Recent years have brought a creative influx, with designers and musicians transforming old seaside residences into studios. While the western edges fade into industrial zones, the heart of La Marsa retains its aspirational charm, particularly around Avenue Habib Bourguiba where pavement cafés serve mint tea with Mediterranean views.

Bab al-Bhar, the monumental gateway to the Medina of Tunis, stands as a portal between eras. Once part of the old city’s defensive walls, its arch now opens onto a lively plaza where daily life unfolds. Here, children play by fountains, artisans sell traditional textiles, and tea houses hum with conversation. Beyond lies the Medina, Tunisia’s historic heart. Its narrow streets branch into specialised souqs, each dedicated to specific crafts: copper smiths hammering wares, perfumers blending oils and leather workers stitching goods. At its centre rises Al-Zaytuna Mosque, the city’s oldest and most revered site. Stalls between these hubs offer ceramics, textiles, and other handcrafted treasures. Visit mid-week to navigate comfortably. On Saturdays, the crowds can become overwhelming, and on Sundays many shops stay closed.

Experience the charm and history of the oldest winery in the Canary Islands at El Grifo. Producing half a million bottles of wine annually, this picturesque winery is renowned for creating strong volcanic, mineral flavours. As a must-see destination for foodies and history enthusiasts alike, El Grifo offers tours of its cellar and a chance to witness vintage winemaking processes first-hand. Visit the on-site museum to explore old wine presses and other vintage machinery, adding to the rich history and character of this unique winery.

Dar Lasram, a grand 19th-century mansion that once belonged to the important Lasram family, now houses the offices of the Association for the Protection of the Medina of Tunis. It was among the first historic buildings restored by the association. Inside, you’ll find stately courtyards and rooms adorned with intricate tilework, alongside a small exhibition on the association’s efforts to preserve the Medina’s heritage.