How to Enjoy Your Tunis Travels: A 7-Day Guide for First-Time Travellers

Tunis is Tunisia's largest city and capital. Located in North Africa, Tunisia has a lot of land covered by the Sahara desert. The rest of the area includes beautiful beaches, sand dunes, green valleys, and rustic villages. If you are ever in the mood to experience a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions, stop by Tunis for a memorable seven-day vacation. 

Day 1 – Immerse yourself in history in the Medina

Enlisted in the UNESCO heritage list, the Medina of Tunis is located around the Zitouna Mosque. Around 700 historic structures including grand mosques, magnificent palaces, and majestic madrasas are housed at this site. You need to step into this spot via Place de la Victoire, a bustling square with lots of cafes and a stunning gate called Porte de France guarding the area. Then you can explore the city's offerings in this section by losing yourself in a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets. Since this is one of the top attractions in Tunisia, luxury hotels can be located close by so that guests will have easy access to the site. Some noteworthy places you can visit here include the Bab Jedid Gate, Bab Bhar Gate, the Youssef Dey Mosque, Kasbah Mosque, the Souq el-Attarine, and, noble houses like Dar Hussein.   

Day 2- Explore the blue city

The most striking thing you would be able to feast your eyes upon in Sidi Bou Said are the charming white and blue-hued houses. You also get some stunning viewpoints and experiences which allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s cultural roots. Do not forget to view one of the best sunsets in your life in this alluring village which overlooks the Mediterranean. Unleash your taste buds at the trendy cafes which dot the city and call at the numerous miniature museums and art galleries scattered around the place. 

Majdi15ca, Sidi bou said, tunis, CC BY-SA 4.0

Day 3- Experience a traditional hammam 

One of the truly unique experiences you can indulge in Tunis is a hammam. This is also known as The Turkish Bath which offers a steam room which allows you to take a shower and unwind. This technique has been used since ancient times as a form of age-old healing method. It is also a great way to spend some quality time with your loved ones.  

Day 4 – Enjoy trying your hand at some local handicrafts

If you are still hunting for some off-the-beat experiences to add to your vacation, why not enrol on a calligraphy class or a pottery-making expedition? You will be able to learn the basics of writing in Arabic and take home some interesting experiences like being able to write your name in the language. 
Ceramics and pottery hold a significant place in Tunisia's art scene. Quite a number of workshops teaching the art at all levels can be located in Tunis. Pick one which suits your liking and get personalised attention as you learn how to master the craft.   

Day 5 – Visit the Carthage

Your stay in Tunis will not be complete if you do not pay a visit to the ancient city of Cartage. Guests in properties like The Residence Tunis can easily access this place as the hotel offers round-trip transfers accompanied by multilingual tour guides. The place has a history dating back almost three millennia. It was the centre of a strong Mediterranean empire before it was destroyed by the Romans in the Third Punic War in 146 BC. You can visit some mind-blowing attractions here like the Punic Port and the Carthage Museum.

Day 6 – Shopping spree 

If you are someone who loves to shop, call at Marche Central. Located downtown in Centre Ville, this central market is known as a bustling shopping hub. You will be able to find almost anything under the sun here. Be sure to look out for some bargains as well as some souvenirs to take home with you. 

Day 7 – Street food adventure 

Beb jedid is probably the most well-known place to experience some street food in Tunis. Sink your teeth into the Tunisian favourite named Kafteji which is freely available in all the outlets and restaurants here. Other delicacies which you might like to sample include Lablebi (flavourful stew), ojja (eggs and spicy tomato sauce),  bambalouni (Tunisian doughnut), fricassee (miniature sandwich) and zalabia (sweet dessert).