Tunisia

Tunisia is steeped in history, from ancient civilizations to Islamic architecture. Start in Tunis, the capital, where the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, weaves narrow alleyways, souks, and centuries-old mosques into a vibrant cultural core. Just outside the city, the Bardo Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics. The ruins of Carthage, once Rome’s greatest rival, sit on the coast and still whisper of ancient glory. To the south, the whitewashed town of Sidi Bou Said, with its blue shutters and stunning seaside views, charms with Andalusian vibes. Inland, Kairouan, Islam’s fourth holiest city, boasts the Great Mosque of Kairouan, an architectural masterpiece and one of the oldest mosques in Africa. Roman history buffs will be amazed by El Djem Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman coliseums in the world. For nature and adventure, visit Matmata, where Berber families live in traditional troglodyte homes — also known as a Star Wars filming location. In the far south, Douz is the gateway to the Sahara Desert, where you can ride camels over dunes or attend the annual Festival of the Sahara. On the coast, Djerba Island mixes beach life, Jewish history, and North African flavor in a sun-soaked setting.

Tunisian cuisine is rich, spicy, and diverse, combining Mediterranean ingredients with Berber, Arab, and French influences. Brik is a beloved starter — a crispy fried pastry filled with egg, tuna, capers, and parsley. Couscous, Tunisia’s national dish, is often served with lamb, fish, or chicken, along with vegetables and a mildly spiced broth. Seafood is abundant, especially in coastal areas, with grilled fish like loup de mer (sea bass) or calamari commonly served fresh from the Mediterranean. Lablabi, a spicy chickpea soup with garlic, cumin, and olive oil, is a warming dish popular in winter. Ojja, a tomato-based stew with eggs and merguez sausage, is a delicious breakfast or light dinner. Tunisians also love harissa, a fiery chili paste found on nearly every table. Finish with a sweet makroud (date-stuffed semolina pastry) or zrir (a blend of sesame, honey, and nuts). Mint tea and strong coffee with orange blossom water round out most meals.

Tunisia has a relatively affordable and user-friendly transport system. In cities, yellow taxis are metered and cheap, although drivers sometimes prefer to negotiate a flat rate. Louages — shared minivans — are the primary way to travel between towns and cities. They’re inexpensive and fast but depart only when full. The national rail network, SNCFT, offers routes between major cities like Tunis, Sfax, and Gabès, though trains may be slow and prone to delays. Buses run by SNTRI are more reliable for long-distance travel, and there are express lines with air conditioning and assigned seating. Car rentals are widely available and useful for exploring rural or desert regions, though road conditions can vary. Driving is on the right-hand side, and roads are generally well-marked. In Djerba, bicycles and scooters are a fun way to explore the island at your own pace.

Tunisia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in North Africa. Local meals from street vendors or traditional eateries often cost $2–5 USD, and daily expenses for a budget traveler can easily stay under $30–40 USD. Louages and buses are incredibly cheap for intercity travel, and many major historical sites, including medinas and ancient ruins, have modest entrance fees (often less than $5 USD). Accommodations range from family-run guesthouses and hostels to affordable three-star hotels, especially outside peak seasons. Shopping in souks is inexpensive, and haggling is expected — just be polite and smile. Travel in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) to avoid crowds and high-season prices.

Tunisia is generally safe for travelers, especially in tourist areas like Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, and Djerba. However, it’s important to stay informed about local news and regional advisories, particularly in remote border areas. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded markets or public transport, so keep bags secure and valuables discreet. Women may receive unwanted attention in some areas; dressing modestly and confidently helps minimize this. Avoid political demonstrations, as protests can arise unexpectedly. In the Sahara, always use licensed guides and let someone know your travel plans. Tap water is drinkable in cities but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs.

Tunisians are warm, hospitable, and proud of their cultural heritage. Greeting people with a smile and a “Salam Alaikum” is a great way to begin any interaction. Modest clothing is recommended, especially in rural areas or religious sites. Women travelers are not required to wear a headscarf but may choose to wear one when visiting mosques. Men should also dress neatly when entering sacred or formal spaces. Haggling is part of the shopping culture in souks — it’s expected and can even be enjoyable when done respectfully. During Ramadan, eating or drinking in public during daylight hours may be seen as disrespectful, so be discreet unless in tourist zones.

Tunisia is perfect for history lovers, culture seekers, adventurous road-trippers, and budget-savvy beach travelers. With its Roman ruins, ancient medinas, dramatic desert landscapes, and Mediterranean coastline, it offers a little bit of everything — whether you're tracing the steps of gladiators, bartering in souks, or watching the sun set over the dunes. It's ideal for solo travelers, couples, and photographers, especially those looking for an immersive and affordable North African escape full of texture, contrast, and discovery.

Budget travelers can find charming, affordable stays at places like Dar Ya Hostel in the Tunis medina or Maison d’Hôtes Kenza in Tataouine, where local hospitality and character-rich décor offer great value for around $20–40 USD per night. Mid-range guests will enjoy boutique stays at Dar El Medina in Tunis or Hotel Dar Said in Sidi Bou Said, both offering a mix of heritage charm and modern comfort, usually around $60–120 USD per night. Luxury travelers should consider The Residence Tunis, a five-star beach resort with spa and golf amenities, or Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Yasmine Hammamet, a serene retreat offering fine dining, hammam treatments, and lavish suites starting from $200+ USD per night.

One common mistake is underestimating how conservative some rural regions can be — wearing revealing clothing or public displays of affection may draw unwanted attention. Another is forgetting to carry cash, especially when venturing outside major cities where card payments are rare. Travelers sometimes skip inland towns like Kairouan or Le Kef, missing out on Tunisia’s rich religious and historical depth. Also, be cautious with photography — always ask before photographing people or inside religious buildings. Lastly, do not drink tap water in rural areas, and be cautious when eating uncooked food from street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.

Google Maps works well for urban areas and road navigation. XE Currency helps convert prices from Tunisian Dinars, while Google Translate with Arabic and French downloaded offline can assist in conversations. Use TUNISAIR or Nouvelair apps for domestic flights and updates, and Bolt or Intigo ride apps are beginning to appear in cities like Tunis. Offline note apps, train timetables, and VPNs are also useful for accessing restricted sites.

A 10-day itinerary could begin in Tunis, spending 2 days exploring the medina, Bardo Museum, and ruins of Carthage, followed by a day trip to Sidi Bou Said. From there, travel to Kairouan for a day of Islamic architecture and cultural immersion. Continue to El Djem for Roman history, then head south to Matmata and the Ksour region for troglodyte homes and desert vistas. Spend your last few days relaxing on Djerba Island, enjoying its beaches, spice markets, and synagogues — or venture deeper into the Sahara from Douz.

Tunisia was home to the ancient city of Carthage, one of Rome’s most formidable foes and a powerful Mediterranean empire. The country was also the filming location for several scenes in the original Star Wars trilogy — most notably Luke Skywalker’s home on Tatooine, filmed in Matmata and Ksar Ouled Soltane. Tunisia boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from Roman ruins and Islamic cities to the historic Medina of Tunis. The olive tree plays a central role in the country’s economy, and Tunisia is one of the world’s top producers of olive oil. It also has a rich tradition of Andalusian music and calligraphy, blending Islamic and Mediterranean artistic influences over centuries.