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How to Spend 3 Days in Tunis
10 Tours and Activities
Tunis is a vibrant metropolis where ancient and modern collide, as well as a jumping-off point for exploring the cultural and historic riches of Tunisia. Three days gives you enough time to experience a bit of it all. Here’s how to make the most of your three days in the Tunisian capital.
Day 1: Ancient and Modern Tunis
Take your first day to explore the city of Tunis itself. Start with a morning sightseeing tour, and take in such city highlights as the UNESCO World Heritage Site medina in the old city, Tunis El Manar University, and the old French district. Depending on your interests, spend the afternoon learning the art of Tunisian cuisine during a hands-on cooking class with a local family or visit the Bardo National Museum—one of the best museums in the country—to see its exquisite collection of Roman mosaics, rare Phoenician artifacts, and early Islamic ceramics. Head back to the medina this evening for a meal at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Ancient Carthage
No trip to Tunisia would be complete without a visit to the Carthage Archaeological Park, where the ruins of the former Punic capital dot the area around Byrsa Hill. Most tours stop at the 2nd-century Antonine Baths, Roman villas, Punic ports, Sanctuary of Tophet, and the Carthage Museum atop Byrsa Hill, with views across the Gulf of Tunis. If you’d rather explore the site on your own, consider a self-guided bike tour. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sights in the blue and white clifftop village of Sidi Bou Said, considered one of the most scenic spots in all of Tunisia. Do some shopping along its cobbled streets, or stop at a café terrace for a cup of mint tea, and then stick around for an alfresco dinner.
Day 3: Around Tunisia
Head farther afield today to experience a bit more of Tunisia. Those with an interest in history and archaeology could spend the day touring the ancient Roman city of Dougga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Roman ruins in all of Africa. Another option is to combine a visit to the UNESCO-listed medina of Kairouan with an afternoon visit to the ancient amphitheater at El Jem. Alternatively, head to Cap Bon on Tunisia’s coast to explore artsy Hammamet, soak your feet in the Ain El Atrous hot springs, and view the Roman quarries (Les Grottes).

How to Spend 1 Day in Tunis
9 Tours and Activities
From its medieval medina to the ruins of ancient Carthage, all enveloped by an expanding modern metropolis, Tunis serves as an intoxicating introduction to the history and culture of Tunisia. If you only have one day to spend in the capital city, here are some tips for how to make the most of your time.
Morning: City Sightseeing
Start your day in the Tunisian capital with a sightseeing tour around town. Opt for an air-conditioned van to beat the heat as you visit the medina UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tunis El Manar University, and the historic French district. Consider a private guide to go at your own pace and ensure you don’t miss anything you want to see. If you have some time to spare, stop into the Bardo National Museum, home of the largest collection of Roman mosaics outside Italy and one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean basin.
Afternoon: Ancient Ruins
No trip to Tunis would be complete without a stop at the UNESCO-listed ruins of Carthage at Byrsa Hill. Learn about Tunisian history as you visit the Punic ports and Antonine Baths. Stop at the Carthage National Museum to see the collection of statues, mosaics, and other artifacts excavated from this former capital of the Punic empire. Don’t forget your camera; the views from the top of Byrsa Hill extend out over the Gulf of Tunis.
Night: Sidi Bou Said
As the sun begins to dip, head to the cliffside village of Sidi Bou Said, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This area (included in many half-day trips to Carthage) is one of the prettiest in Tunisia and a popular spot to sip mint tea and smoke a narghile (water pipe) on the outdoor patio of a Moorish café. Alternatively, head back to central Tunis for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample typical North African cuisine, such as shakshuka (eggs poached in a tomato sauce with spices), brick a l’oeuf (a deep-fried savory pastry filled with egg), or couscous.

How to Spend 2 Days in Tunis
7 Tours and Activities
With two days to spend in the intoxicating Tunisian capital, you’ll have enough time to wander the medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the ruins of Carthage, experience the local café culture, and learn more about North African cuisine. Here are some ideas for how to spend your 48 hours in Tunis.
Day 1: Around Town
**Morning:**Get oriented this morning with a sightseeing tour around Tunis. Learn about the city’s ancient history and modern culture as you visit significant landmarks, such as Tunis El Manar University, the old French quarter, and the bustling and historic Tunis medina in the heart of the old city.
**Afternoon:**This afternoon, take a deep dive into the art of Tunisian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class with a local family. Shop for traditional ingredients in a local market, and learn to prepare several dishes based on your own tastes and interests. You’ll get to feast on your creations once you’re done.
**Night:**While Tunis has a few bars and clubs, a favorite evening pastime—particularly in summer—is to relax on a café terrace along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the city’s central thoroughfare. Stop for a cup of tea or a casual dinner and some people watching among the locals.
Day 2: Out and About
**Morning:**This morning, get a crash course in Tunisian history with a visit to the Bardo Museum. One of the most important museums in the country, the Bardo sits within a 15th-century palace, where an exceptional collection of Phoenician and Roman artifacts are on display.
**Afternoon:**Your morning museum visit sets the scene for a half-day excursion to the ruins of Carthage, birthplace of Hannibal and the former capital of the Punic empire. Visit with a guide to learn more about the area’s history and archaeological work, and soak up the stellar views of the Gulf of Tunis from the top of Byrsa Hill.
**Night:**In the late afternoon, make your way to the cliffside village of Sidi Bou Said, considered one of the prettiest spots in Tunisia. Spend some time strolling the cobbled streets and watch the sunset over a cup of mint tea on an outdoor terrace.