Head to Tunis and discover the coolest things to do in Tunisia

The history of Tunisia is a long and intricate story that has unfolded over centuries. Considered a Mediterranean country, Tunisia sits at the northern tip of Africa, not far from the islands of both Sardinia and Sicily, part of Italy. Its strategic location meant that it was fought over by the great ancient Mediterranean powers.

The city of Carthage, the ruins of which are now on the outskirts of Tunis, was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. This site is one of the top places to visit in Tunisia for history lovers as it offers a taste of what life would have been like back in the early days of Tunisia. The Phoenicians were defeated by the Romans in 146 BC, and this area was then governed by the Romans for over 500 years.

The Arabs invaded in the 7th century, bringing Islam with them. It became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, until the French took control in 1881. Tunisia gained its independence in 1956, but French is still widely spoken by a lot of the population. That tumultuous history left its mark on the country, and some of the best things to see in Tunisia are the ruins and buildings left behind by each of these cultures.

Fancy visiting Tunisia and seeing the enchanting country for yourself? Thanks to the country’s Mediterranean climate, visitors can enjoy warm temperatures all year round. The peak tourist season is between June and August when temperatures soar. Yet, if you want to enjoy warm temperatures and escape the crowds, you can easily enjoy a holiday anytime from April to October. In the winter, temperatures are cooler and there is a higher chance of rain, but this is an ideal time to visit if you are interested in the winter sun or participating in outdoor activities such as hiking or sightseeing Tunisia’s top attractions.

It is worth noting that Tunisia is a Muslim country and that since Ramadan falls between April and May and throughout this time many restaurants may be closed during the day and the atmosphere more subdued than usual. But, don’t worry, there are still plenty of things to do in Tunisia all year round. 

One of the best places to visit in Tunisia is the enchanting city of Tunis. Dive straight into the bustling life of this city and sign up for a free walking tour. There’s plenty of choice of tours, and it will help you get your bearings and figure out what you want to go back to and see more of. Your guide will tell you stories about the fascinating, long history of this city, and you’ll probably start to worry that you haven’t planned enough time to enjoy all the things to do in Tunis, Tunisia.

If you’re staying in Tunis and want to get an understanding of Tunisia’s culture, then you can’t miss the Medina. This was the beating heart of Tunis for over 1,000 years and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 7th century by the Arabs.

The Al-Zaytuna Mosque is one of the top Tunisia tourist attractions. The name means olive tree (any language buffs will appreciate that the Spanish for olive is aceituna – and came from the Arabic word), as legend has it that the founder of the mosque had been given lessons under an olive tree that stood on this spot. Non-Muslims can only enter the courtyard. Craftsmanship in Tunis really is something to behold and you’ll find plenty of it in the souks in the Medina.

One of the best souks is the Blacksmith’s souk, south of the mosque, which is less touristy. Explore the winding streets and head up to one of the rooftop cafés for views over the city, one of the unmissable things to do in Tunisia.

You also shouldn’t miss the Bardo Museum and other Tunis neighbourhoods like the beautiful Ville Nouvelle, which was the colonial French quarter. You’d be forgiven for wondering if you’d somehow taken a wrong turn and ended up in Paris.

As you might have already guessed, Carthage is at the top of our list of the best things to do in Tunisia. There’s a huge amount for you to discover at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you really want to see it all and indulge in Tunisia sightseeing, then you’ll need to set aside a couple of days to fit it all in. There are ruins here from both Phoenician and Roman times, covering a large area to the east of Tunis itself. Don’t miss out on the National Archaeological Museum, which includes exhibits that will explain a lot of what you’ve seen around the archaeological sites.

Once you’ve explored everything that Carthage and Tunis have to offer, there are plenty more things to see in Tunisia to keep you busy.

Sidi Bou Said is a stunning Andalusian-esque seaside village of blue and white houses perched on the shores of the Mediterranean. First made famous by artists who captured its beauty over a hundred years ago, it’s now a popular Bohemian, weekend spot. Wander its streets and admire that view.

On the coast, you’ll also find Monastir and the island of Djerba, which is still a pottery-making hot spot. Moving to the city of Djem, you’ll find the Thysdrus Amphitheatre, which is the largest Roman amphitheatre in the whole of Africa. The caves of Matmata are another one of the top places to see in Tunisia, carved out of a Mars-like landscape. You might recognise them from the Star Wars films. Tunisia is also a fantastic place for lovers of extreme sports, with everything from windsurfing and diving along the coast to hot air ballooning to keep those adrenaline levels topped up.

Hammamet is a picturesque coastal town known for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and rich cultural heritage. Just an hour’s drive away from the busy city streets of Tunis, this town is one of the best things to do in Tunisia if you crave a day of relaxation. When visiting Hammamet, spend the day relaxing on the sand or get your cultural fix and participate in the many activities in Hammamet for visitors. A visit to the 13th-century Kasbah will provide you with stunning views of the town and sea or head out to the countryside and see the town from a different perspective while on a camel ride. Hammamet is also a shopper’s paradise with a bustling Medina and quaint souvenir shops at every corner. Soak up the essence of this laid-back country and enjoy a winter sun break with a difference.