is a great opportunity to explore the Maghreb region, its capital is the most peaceful city in North Africa, and the sights of Tunisia will impress everyone.
Where is Tunisia located?
The largest and capital of Tunisia is located on the northern coast of Africa, between the western and eastern basins of the Mediterranean Sea. Tunis was built at the end of the shallow lake of Tunis, at the entrance to the Gulf of Tunis, and is connected to its port of Khalq al-Wadi, 6 miles (10 km) to the northeast.
History
Tunisia was founded by the Libyans, who in the 9th century BC surrendered the site of Carthage to the Phoenicians from Tyre. In 146 BC, during the Third Punic War between Carthage and Rome, Tunis and Carthage were destroyed. The city flourished under Roman rule, but its importance is mainly due to the Muslim conquest in the seventh century AD. It became the capital under the Aghlabids (800-909) and reached its greatest heyday under theafAfidId dynasty (1236-1574). In 1535, it became the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and in 1539, the city passed into the hands of the Turks. It was recaptured by the Spanish, who held it from 1573 to 1574 but were obliged to cede it to the Ottoman Empire, under which it remained until the French protectorate (1881-1956). Occupied by the Germans in 1942 and liberated by British and Allied forces in 1943, it became the national capital of Tunisia after independence in 1956. From stunning old architecture to adventurous entertainment and delicious food, the relaxed atmosphere combined with its exotic appeal makes a holiday in Tunisia a great option for all types of travelers. The city is especially good for fans of fantastic most liked Instagram photos. The Instagrammable places of Tunisia will not disappoint you, believe me! Here are 12 of the main attractions of Tunisia that you just have to see and photograph during your stay in this magical city.
1. Old Medina of Tunis
Every Arab city revolves around its own medina or old city - and Tunisia is no different from the others. Built-in 698 AD, the Tunisian Medina was one of the first Arab-Muslim cities in the Maghreb, and so there are many attractions worth visiting. A block full of crumbling buildings and alleys, winding and confusing routes, you will surely get lost as you pass the main entrance gate of Bab el Bar. Enjoy the chaos of the bazaars, stumble upon fabulous monumental relics, and take a break in the luxurious palaces on Sidi Brahim. Address: Bab el-Bhar, Kasbah Street, Medina, Tunisia.
2. Bardo Museum
Housed in a luxurious Tunisian palace, this Tunisia museum has the world's most famous collection of mosaics and is the most impressive exhibit in North Africa. Each room displays a treasure trove of vibrant mosaic art found in Tunisia's ancient monuments and remarkable remnants of the long history that shaped this land. The Bardo is one of the most amazing Tunisia museums you will ever visit. Opening hours: 9.30 - 16.30 Address: Bardo Museum, Mongi Slim Street, Tunisia, +21 671 51 36 50
3. La Goulette
Alert! Instagrammable places in Tunisia! Not in the center, but rather in its (stunning) backyard, La Goulet is a suburb of the city's port, nestled between a Tunisian lake and the ocean, sparkling under the scorching sun. This is the perfect place to spend a day on a yacht enjoying the refreshing sea breeze, sunbathe on the warm sandy beach, or simply take a long walk from the Spanish fort to the Ottoman citadel overlooking the wide, deep blue ocean. An ideal, relaxing holiday, La Goulette provides a much-needed boost of energy from the city's hustle and bustle. Address: Port of La Goulet, Tunis, Tunisia.
4. Zitun Mosque
Zitun Mosque is one of the best places in Tunis. If an Arab city revolves around its medina, then the medina revolves around its mosque. Undoubtedly, the Zitouna Mosque has been pumping blood through the veins of Tunisia and has been doing so since 732 AD. This is an architectural tour of strength, consisting of a magnificent prayer hall (which is not open to non-Muslims), a tranquil courtyard, and a roof with dazzling tile work to admire. The most liked Instagram photo of the Medina with the twinkling city lights in the background makes your Instagram report even more Instagrammable.
5. Bazaars
Walking in the bazaar or the Arab market is a sensational experience for any Westerner. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, want to enjoy the atmosphere or just have fun evening - Tunisian bazaars will not disappoint you. Grouped according to the craft, you can find tiny shops selling jewelry and perfumes, wedding dresses, spices, carpets, fabrics, and leather clothing. Sniff a bunch of brightly colored spices, taste the delicious makruda (a truly divine local pastry), and chat with the friendly shop owners. This is much more interesting than the local market at home.
6. Culture Cafe in El Ali
With a rooftop terrace overlooking the Zitouna Mosque, this cafe-restaurant has it all. Great location in the heart of the Medina, great traditional Tunisian cuisine, charming staff serving citrus fruits and fresh cocktails, and a special iftar menu during Ramadan. Inside, the library and sofas create a homely atmosphere in which you enjoy sipping your super-sweet mint tea. In addition, El Ali is a truly cultural haven, with weekly music nights during which local bands, gnawa musicians, and Afro-Berber artists will make you shiver to swing rhythms and catch melodies. Opening hours: 8.30 am - 10.30 pm
7. Parc du Belvedere
As with almost every trip around the city, a vacation in Tunisia is exhausting. Wonderful, but tedious. It's the smells, the sounds, the bustle; sometimes you want to escape to a more peaceful place, and at these moments, Belvedere Park is the most desirable splash of greenery. This park is the best place in the city to take a breath and regroup: on the hillside there are fountains and palm trees, olive and fig trees, which provide shade so that after lunch you can calmly read a good book or play ball with the children. Those who take a short hike to the top of the hill are rewarded with a fantastic panorama, and those who are interested in Tunisian contemporary artists can visit the Museum of Modern Art in the center of the park. Or, of course, the zoo. Address: Tayeb M'hiri Avenue, Tunisia.
8. Carthaginian Archaeological Site
Where is Tunisia located? That's right, in a historical paradise. History buffs will never want to leave here again. The ancient ruins of Carthage, near Tunis, tell a long and fascinating story. Its mythical cache has survived to this day, and the stories that can be found here are endless. Anyone who has ever heard of Hannibal and his elephants will be amazed by the remains of the amphitheatre, the old walls and gates, the reddish-brown sand against the deep blue of the ocean. In Carthage, history is literally around every corner, and the experience of being here is priceless. Address: Carthaginian Archaeological Site, Route de la Goulette, Tunis, Tunisia.
9. Festival in Tunisia
If you happen to be in Tunisia during Ramadan, you will be the luckiest person in the world. Every year during this special month, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, the Tunisian Medina Festival lights up the capital of Tunisia evenings. At various venues in the city of Medina, musical performances are held with the participation of Tunisian artists, as well as musicians from Libya, Spain, Cuba and other countries, and films from various countries are shown. Nights of Ramadan in Tunisia is an event that comes once in a lifetime. When: Every year during Ramadan (changes slightly from year to year). Address: All over the Medina
10. Bike Tour: Tunis-Sidi Bou Said
In recent years, cycling tours in Tunisia have become the number one travel destination in the city. Exploring the city by bike is a fun way to see the sights, and there are plenty of options to choose from. The best of these is perhaps a bike ride that takes you to several fantastic murals made by different artists invited by the city to create a work of art in the urban space. For those who are looking for a real spirit of adventure, there is also the opportunity to ride a bike to Sidi Bou Said, located about 25 km from Tunis and the most Instagrammable city you will ever see. The coastal road is pleasant for cycling, but does not provide much shade, so it is best to start the tour early in the morning and return in the evening when the scorching sun has lost most of its heat. Address: One of the bike rental locations is located at 11 rue des Hafsides, La Marsa, Tunis, Tunisia, +21 623 11 96 26.
11. Roofs of Tunisia
When you are in Tunisia, go higher. On the glamorous roofs of the Medina, you can see Instagrammable tiles and the best views. I think it won't be hard to find someone to sell you a rooftop walk, but know that if someone takes you there, it's to get a tip or ask you to buy something from one of the stores.
12. Fondouk El Attarine
In days gone by, Fondouk El Attarine was a caravanserai where traveling merchants would place their caravans and animals to rest after a long day of travelling. Today, this gorgeous, light-filled building houses a luxurious bazaar selling artisan jewellery, carpets and other handmade items, as well as an elegant restaurant located in the bright, square courtyard of Fondouk El Attarine. Modern travellers can recuperate with a healthy selection of typical Tunisian cuisine, including fresh mixed salads, fish tajines, and pomegranate desserts. Far from its original purpose as a slumber inn, Fonduk comes alive in the evening with local ceremonies and traditional music. Address: Fondouk El Atarin, 9 bis souk El Atarin, Tunisia +216 71 322 244
Tours to Tunisia
Desert oasis, cosmic landscapes and ancient Berber architecture... Discover the vast mosaic of Tunisian wonders as you travel through Tunis, El Jem, Kairouan, Tozer, Dawz, Sahara Desert camping, Tataouin, Matmata and more with a private guide and driver. Swim in an oasis, admire Roman ruins half as old as the times, argue like a local over the decorations in the bazaar, take a trip to the gates of the Sahara, spend the night in a Berber camp, visit and stumble over abandoned Star Wars complexes. Tours to Tunisia are countless and vary by theme, time spent in the city and of course the price. Lonely Planet, for example, offers very interesting tours that reveal the culture and beauty of this incredible city and country.
