Some places demand your attention with towering skyscrapers or flashing lights. Tunis? It doesn’t need the fanfare. This city lures you in with its quiet charm – the scent of spices drifting through the Medina, the glimmer of mosaic tiles hidden behind unassuming doors, the call to prayer echoing between ancient walls. It’s a place where history hums beneath your feet, where the past and present exist side by side, and where every corner tells a story.
Throw in a little seaside magic at Sidi Bou Said, and you’ve got a destination that’ll have you utterly hooked. Here’s how to soak up the best of Tunis in a way that’s as immersive as it is unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Tunis
Before we explore all the incredible things Tunis has to offer, let me ask – have you sorted your accommodation yet? No? Perfect. I’ve got just the place for you.
How does staying in a former embassy where royals and prime ministers once roamed sound?
Check out my blog on the Royal Victoria Hotel Tunis here.
9 Things To Do in Tunis: Add These to Your Tunis Itinerary Now
Sunset Views and Dinner at Hotel Dar Jeld
Recommendations for a five-star hotel are a rare sight on this blog – so here’s an exception. There’s no better way to kick off your adventure than with a rooftop dinner at Hotel Dar Jeld. This spot is effortlessly elegant – twinkling city lights, a gentle breeze, and a menu bursting with flavours that’ll have you questioning why Tunisian food isn’t hyped more. Tunis at night is pure magic, and this is one of the best seats in the house.
Side note: Tunisians have a love affair with harissa – so be prepared for the spice.
A Sweet Start – Eat Makroudh
Tunisian sweets don’t mess around, and makroudh is proof. These golden, date-filled pastries are sticky, syrupy, and the perfect balance of nutty and sweet. You’ll find them in markets, bakeries, and tucked away in tiny alleyway stalls. Grab one (or five), let the honey glaze drip onto your fingers, and prepare for your taste buds to fall in love.
Sidi Bou Said – A Mediterranean Dream
Imagine Santorini had a Tunisian cousin – that’s Sidi Bou Said. This clifftop village is all white-washed walls, vibrant blue shutters, and cobbled streets leading to breathtaking sea views. It’s effortlessly photogenic, but it’s more than just a pretty face. Artists and writers have flocked here for years, drawn in by the light, the tranquillity, and the feeling that time slows down just a little.
Stroll through its winding streets, duck into hidden courtyards, and soak in views of the Mediterranean that’ll make you forget about everything else. And while you’re here, don’t miss bambalouni – a deep-fried, sugar-dusted doughnut that tastes even better when eaten by the sea.
Get to Know the City on a Free Walking Tour
Tunis isn’t a place to rush through – it’s a place to understand. And the best way to do that? A free walking tour. The ‘Unveiling Tunis’ tour on FreeTour.com takes you deep into the city’s history, from ancient foundations to colonial influences and modern-day life.
Your guide will walk you through the Medina’s tangled alleyways, past grand squares and forgotten courtyards, and into parts of the city you might otherwise overlook. And for the love of all things good – tip your guide. A little generosity goes a long way.
Get Lost in the Medina
The Medina isn’t just a market – it’s a living, breathing maze where every turn holds something new. Stalls spill over with pyramids of spices, glowing lanterns, and handcrafted rugs that look straight out of a fairytale. The air is thick with the scent of cumin and mint tea, and just when you think you’ve found your way, another twisting alley lures you deeper.
Side note: Did you know the Medina of Tunis has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. No? Now you do.
Forget maps. Just wander. The best finds are always the ones you aren’t looking for.
Al-Zaytuna Mosque – A Piece of Tunisian History
Right at the heart of the Medina, Al-Zaytuna Mosque has stood for over 1,300 years, watching Tunis evolve around it. It’s an architectural masterpiece, with intricate tilework, grand archways, and a courtyard that seems to hold whispers of centuries past.
Non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, but you can admire the mosque from the outside – or better yet, find a rooftop café nearby and take in its beauty from above.
Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul – Where Cultures Collide
Tunis is a blend of influences, and nowhere is that clearer than at the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul. Right in the city centre, this grand neo-Gothic structure stands in striking contrast to its surroundings, a reminder of Tunisia’s colonial past. Step inside, take in the stained glass and towering columns, and appreciate the quiet serenity within.
Strong Coffee at Café du Souk
If your energy is flagging, Tunisian coffee will sort you out. And Café du Souk is the place to get it. Tucked away in the Medina, this rooftop café serves coffee so strong it could wake the dead. Thick, rich, and unapologetically bold – it’s the kind of caffeine kick that fuels an entire day of exploring.
Find a seat on the rooftop, let the chaos of the city hum below, and take a moment to just be.
Cool Off with Tunisian Lemonade
The North African sun? Relentless. The cure? Ice-cold Tunisian lemonade. It’s tangy, sweet, and ridiculously refreshing – the kind of drink that instantly makes you feel like a new person. Grab one from a street vendor and let the citrusy goodness work its magic.
Tunis – A City That Stays With You
Tunis isn’t flashy. It doesn’t try to impress you with over-the-top tourist attractions or glossy postcards. But that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a city of quiet moments – the scent of jasmine in the air, the sound of distant laughter in a hidden courtyard, the feeling of history beneath your fingertips as you trace the patterns on an ancient door.
And then there’s Sidi Bou Said, where the world slows down and the sea stretches endlessly ahead, reminding you that sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing at all.
So take your time. Wander aimlessly. Let Tunis surprise you. Because trust me – it will.
Last Updated on 6 months ago by Ryan | Irish Travel Addict
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Tunis looks incredible – adding to the bucket list right now 😍
I would recommend. 100/10 😍😍