Tunis
TunisiaCsa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Tunis al-Khadra’ | Tunis the green
Why visit
The medina is unmissable, a labyrinth of souks, madrasas, the magnificent 8th-century Zitouna Mosque, and tucked-away palaces (Dar Lasram, Dar Hussein). The Bardo National Museum holds the world's most spectacular collection of Roman mosaics. Take the TGM tram to ancient Carthage's ruins, the famous-blue village of Sidi Bou Said perched above the sea, and the seaside cafes of La Marsa. Eat brik (egg-stuffed deep-fried pastry), couscous Tunisien, and harissa-spiced lablabi. The Avenue Habib Bourguiba is Tunis's grand French-colonial boulevard.
When to avoid
Tunisia is usually safer than other North African countries but check current travel advisories, occasional terrorism risk and warnings about southern desert regions. Petty pickpockets work the medina. Keep valuables hidden. Don't drink tap water. Modest dress is appreciated though Tunis is more liberal than Morocco or Egypt. Women may face street harassment. Aggressive hawkers in the souks can be wearing, a polite but firm 'la, shukran' (no thanks) usually works.