Tunes or Tunis is the most populous capital and city in the Tunisia. Despite its location on the Mediterranean coast, Tunis is a city with few beaches, which saved it from the floods of tourists that invaded cities in the north and south of the country. On the other hand, it has a combination of historical monuments, souqs, and contemporaneity make it one of the most fascinating Tunisian cities.
Understand
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and its largest city, with around 1 200 000 inhabitants. The city's tourist attractions are few, but the ruins of Carthage are close to the city and the Tunis souq is one of the nicest in Africa.
Guidance
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Tunis divides into the old town, or medina and in the new city, or ville nouvelle in French.
To arrive
By airplane
O Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN), 8 km from the center, is small, but has everything you need for a pleasant arrival. You can exchange money here at reasonable rates. Tuninter, the international company of Tunis Air[1] (330 100; Avenida Habib Bourguiba, 48), flies from Tunis to Jerba, fax and Tozeur; each flight costs around €65 (R$143).
A taxi to the city center - insist that you turn on the meter - should cost around 3 dinars during the day and 5 at night. If you want, you can take a bus, which are frequent during the day (but not at night).
Don't go to the taxi drivers who are at the taxi stand, because at night they will ask for 20 - 25 TD. During the day, drivers use the taximeter without discussion, but it is likely that these have been tampered with and therefore have higher values. If the meter goes over 2 dinars before the end of the airport road, it is being stolen and you should consider getting out of the taxi (without paying) and taking another taxi.
A better idea is to go to the departure area and take a taxi from someone who has just arrived. This increases the chances that the driver will be honest and many locals do this (especially those working at the airport).
By train/train
Tunis Central Station is close to Place de Barcelone. Trains are generally cheap and comfortable, but if you want to come first class during peak season, it's best to book your seat. Trains are operated by SNCFT.
There are frequent trains connecting Tunis with the main cities in the country. The main route is between Tunis and Gabes, via Sousse, fax and Gafsa. It is essential to buy a ticket before boarding the train, or the price may double. There are several daily trains for each route, many of which are air-conditioned and have a restaurant car.
Of boat
THE SNCM[2] (Société Nationale Maritime Corse Méditerranée) operates ferries from France and the Italy to Tunisia. The main routes are Marseille-Tunes (from 21 to 24 hours) and Genoa-Tunes (from 21 to 24 hours).
The main ferry terminal in Tunis is at La Goulette, but ferries can leave from other ports.
By car
It is not very recommended to drive a car in Tunisia, due to the poor quality of the roads, the poor signage of the roads, and due to the disregard for the highway code. It is also more dangerous to drive at night, and out of cities and main tourist areas.
If you want to rent a car, the airport is full of car rental companies. In general, local airlines are cheaper than international ones, but prices vary.
By bus/bus
Tunisia has more than 70 bus lines, with Tunis being the departure or arrival point in many of them. There are two bus stations in the city: Gare Bab el Fellah receives buses from destinations south of the capital and Gare Bab Saadoun receives buses from destinations north of the capital, including Bizerte, Tabarka, Sousse, Hammamet and nabeul. Buses are operated by SNTRI at both stations.
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By subway
Tunes is well served by a convenient subway system (above the ground) with five lines operated by Tunis Transport Society[3]. All lines run through the Place de la République/Place de Barcelone station, in the city centre.
Ticket prices are reasonable (single trips cost 0.410 TD), and it's a great way to see the city. The problem is that the stops are not very well marked, so you may end up passing through it and not notice. In addition to covering a large part of the city, it also covers part of its surroundings, making it a good option if you want to go to Carthage.
The most useful lines are 1 to the bus station in the south of the city, 2 to the consulates on Ave. de la Liberté, and 3 and 4 to the bus station in the north. Line 4 also stops at the Bardo Museum.
By taxi
Taxis are a good option for long distances, however you have to ensure that the driver turns on the meter so that it is not stolen. Even with the taximeter turned on, some drivers tamper with the taximeters to show values higher than what is supposed to be, so pay attention. After all, they are cheaper and safer.
By car
Driving is a very common option, and therefore a bad idea. At certain times of the day, all the roads in Tunis are crammed with cars, and traffic jams are common. Also, many people in the city don't respect the highway code, so it can be dangerous. It is very common to see cars dented on the side of the road. If you want to rent a car, there are many car rental shops, especially at the airport, but some require you to hire a driver as well.
Look
- (Le Musee National du Bardo), Le Bardo-2000 (Metro: Bardo - line 4), ☎1 513-650, fax: 1 513-842. November-April: daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. May-October daily 9:00am-5:00pm. Occupying a twelfth-century Ottoman palace belonging to the former bey (governor), it is renowned for its vast collection of Roman mosaics, although the (huge) collection covers the entire history of the country, from prehistoric times to the present. it was Ottoman. The exhibitions include artefacts from Carthage, mahdia, Sousse, many from the Roman period, in addition to exhibitions on Arab culture.
- (Museum of Patrimoine Traditionnel), Rue Sidi Kassem. Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-4:30am. A small but interesting museum in an 18th century palace in the medina, exposing the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant in the Ottoman era. Its collections include earthenware, stucco ornaments, costumes and furniture.
- (Cathedrale Saint-Vincent-de-Paul), Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul is the only Catholic cathedral in the country. It takes its name from Saint Vincent de Paul, a priest who was sold into slavery in Tunis, who after being freed became interested in freeing Christian slaves in the area. The cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Tunis.
- (Jemaa ez-Zitouna), Rue Jemaa ez-Zeytouna. Every day except fridays; 8:00-11:00. Tunisia's largest mosque and one of the city's most visited and well-known attractions, this aglabid mosque dates back to the 8th century, although its distinguished minaret was only built later, in the 19th century. It is essential to wear discreet and modest clothing, but non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, only in its courtyard. The mosque is surrounded by souqs on three sides, which are worth exploring. Courtyard entrance: 3 dinars.
- (France postage). Bab el Bahr means "Gate to the Sea". Before the French arrived in the 19th century, that was exactly what it was: at that time there was only open country there, as far as Lake Tunis. For the French, the Bab el-Bahr became a symbol, a gateway between the eastern and the European part of Tunis. Since then it has been given another name, "Porte de France".
- , Rue Bab Sadoune. It is another gate of the Tunis medina. Built around 1350 on the outskirts of the Bab Souika suburb, it was named after the saint Sidi Bou Saadoun. Controlling the routes to Béja, Bizerte and El Kef, it originally had only one arch and was replaced in 1881 by a gate with three arches, which better adapted to the volume of traffic.
- , Rue Tourbet el-Bey. A magnificent 18th century mausoleum, the largest in Tunis, where over 160 princes, ministers and their families are buried. The sumptuous interior is decorated with tiles, marble and carved plaster. In the mausoleum there is an eight-pointed star that represents the gates of paradise.
- , Avenue Taieb Mehiri. Created and designed by the French, this once exclusive park with a lake, a small zoo, an elegant 18th century pavilion and an elegant café-terrace is now a popular place for Tunisians who want to escape the summer heat and noise of the city. .
Knife
- Go shopping at the Medina souq.
- Stroll through the old town and its ancient buildings, mosques, and gates.
- See an opera, ballet or other production at the Teatro Municipal de Tunis.
- Take a stroll through the capital's largest park, Belvedere Park, which includes the Museum of Modern Art and the municipal zoo, overlooking Lake Tunis.
- Take a walk on Avenida Habib Bourguiba. This avenue is to Tunis what the Champs Elysées are to Paris; it starts near the medina, in front of the cathedral, and goes to Lake Tunis, passing through one of the most beautiful parts of the city. It is flanked by beautiful colonial buildings, cafes and hotels.
- Walk through the gates of the medina - they are some of the most beautiful monuments in the city.
- Head to one of the city's many hammams (public baths).
Buy
ATMs are a convenient way to get money without going to a money changer and there are many VISA ATMs throughout the city. [4].
Buy tapestries or handicrafts, like one of the fantastic lamps for sale at the Tunis souq.
Where to buy
- O souq in the medina is one of the most fascinating places in the city. Everywhere there are tiny shops crammed full of stuff; you can see people selling and buying, walking all over the souq; cats hiding on corners; the smells of oils, spices, fried foods, and rotting garbage; the sounds of muezzin, raï, football on the radio, people speaking Arabic and French... The main streets of the medina are very touristy, but even on these streets, as well as the less visited ones, it remains an authentic and lively market . Behind the worn facades can be old palaces, mosques, madrasahs (Islamic schools). Compared to Morocco or same Sousse, has an advantage: here you will not be harassed. Bab El Bahr (see section Look) is a good starting point for your visit to the souq. The goldsmiths are near Bab Bnet. Haggle whenever you want to buy something.
- Halfaouine (Metro: Habib Thameur) - A traditional and inexpensive food market, located on Place Halfaouine.
- There are small shops in almost every hotel in Tunis, where you can buy everything you need, but the prices are a little expensive, so it's better to shop in another part of the city.
- There are supermarkets (belonging to the state) of Monoprix and General in the capital.
With the
Economic
- , Rue de Caire, 4, ☎ 216 71 257 052. You can eat a good meal, like lamb, for just 5 dinars. It's a local favourite, with a tiled interior, TV, neon lights and good Tunisian food (the specialty is spicy dishes from the Sfax region).
- , Rue Mustafa M'barek. A very cheap restaurant with food like couscous and salads.
Medium
- , Rue Ali Bach Hamba, 7 (near Porte de France), ☎216 71 252 061. The steaks and fish are good and the local food like Berber lamb is excellent. Service is fast.
- , Carthage Avenue, ☎216 71340423, email: [email protected]. A very cozy restaurant with several floors. Good Italian food. It has live music and is open until three in the morning.
- , Rue d'Iran (Metro: Nelson Mandela), ☎216 22428470. Open Monday-Saturday. It is only open for lunch until 3pm.. Delicious West African food at very reasonable prices, popular with African Development Bank employees. Much tastier and friendlier than traditional Tunisian restaurants.
- , Avenue Habib Bourguiba, ☎(071) 256 601. A good restaurant, with a clean and beautiful interior and a few tables on the terrace. You can choose from pizzas, couscous and a wide variety of salads such as Roquefort and walnut. Also serves alcohol.Also serves alcohol.
- , Rue de Yougoslavie, ☎(071) 254 246. Monday-Saturday 11:30am-3:00pm & 7:00pm-24:00. If you want Italian food, this Italian restaurant is the place to go. It has great works of art decorating the interior and tables outside the restaurant - a great choice in the city centre. A duo of guitarists perform here at night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
waste
- , Rue Dar el-Jeld, 5-10 (Near the prime minister's residence and the Youth Hostel), ☎71 560 916. Probably the best in Tunis, this restaurant pays attention to every detail. You don't even open the door - you knock on the huge yellow door, and they open it (it looks like it's closed). The food is great, and the staff speaks English and French fluently, and can recommend various dishes. The menu is a bit complicated, with price categories instead of prices (see the last page to see what price each price category corresponds to). The atmosphere is fantastic, with a tiled patio, and there are private areas to one side. Everything on the menu is recommended, although some things, like the couscous, are just fine but not amazing. 25-40 dinars.
- , Byrsa, Carthage, ☎(071) 733 433. The trendy restaurant, with Philippe Starck furniture, excellent Mediterranean food and wonderful views over the bay and across the city.
- , Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 1, ☎(071) 737 100. Luxury restaurant serving great fish and seafood with a large terrace shaded by palm trees at the harbour.
drink and go out
- , Avenue Fatouma Bourguiba, 3. The name means "O Bife no Telhado", and a lot of people come here for the food, the drinks, the live music, the DJ, and the dance floor.
- , Hotel el-Hana International, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 49. On the 10th floor of the Hotel el-Hana International, it is a popular bar with locals and foreigners, with music and outdoor tables.
- , Hotel el-Hana International, Ave Habib Bourguib. It is in a fantastic location overlooking Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
- , Avenue Habib Bourguiba. 06:00-24:00. It is one of the main cafes on the avenue, a cafe with a mix of men and women and several outdoor tables.
- , Hotel La Maison Blanche, Avenue Mohamed V, 45. A good place to have a drink. It is a bar in a 5 star hotel in art-deco style.
sleep
Most tourists are interested in finding accommodation in the Medina or Ville Nouvelle. The medina includes the youth hostel as well as other budget accommodation and the luxury hotel Dar El-Medina. Ville Nouvelle offers a large number of budget and medium-sized options, many of them located in the area north of Place Barcelone.
Economic
- (also known as 'Auberge de Jeunesse' and 'Tunis Youth Hostel'), Rue Saïda Ajoula, 25, ☎ 216 71 567 850. Situated in the heart of the medina, and a little difficult to find (although there are flashing signs along the way), this former sultan's palace is architecturally impressive. Rooms are basic and fan cooled. A mid-night meal is included in the price. Breakfast, bread and coffee, is a bit bad and is served on the large patio. Bathrooms, however, are not cleaned very often and can become very dirty. Hot water is not always available. Using local hammams for all hygienic needs is a better idea. 8TD incl. breakfast.
Medium
- , Rue de Hollande, 6 bis, ☎ 216 71 240 632, fax: 216 71 240 631. This hotel has a slightly worn colonial charm. Rooms are basic but clean. Excellent restaurant with bar (Uma Celtia costs 2.5 TD), which provides room service. Breakfast is included in the price, and croissants are above average. The rooms have a washbasin and private shower, but with a private bathroom - a room with a bathroom costs 10 TD extra. Some rooms are a little noisy as they are close to the tram. It is located half a block north of Place Barcelone. 32-52 TD.
- , 14 rue de Marseille. Located 50 meters from Avenue Habib Bourguiba, this hotel has wireless internet, bilingual reception staff, air conditioning, balconies and cable TV.
- , Rue de Cologne, 16. The Saint Georges has simple, comfortable and functional rooms with a private bathroom, desk and wardrobe. In summer the rooms are air conditioned.
- , Rue du Kuwait, 30. A modern hotel in the heart of the city, just a short distance from the medina and Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The 130 soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms have modern decor, all equipped with cable TV, telephone, voicemail, hairdryers and internet access.
- , Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 14. This hotel is simple but very well located, close to the medina and the airport.
- , Avenue Kheireddine Pacha, 4. One kilometer from Avenue Habib Bourguiba, this hotel has wireless internet access for an additional fee and cable TV. It also has two excellent restaurants and a bar.
- , Avenue de l'Arabie Saoudite. Hotel Du Parc is a modern hotel located in the city centre, close to Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The 51 air-conditioned rooms have contemporary decor, all with balcony, telephone, cable TV, internet access, minibar, private bathroom and hairdryer. The employees can speak several languages and can arrange excursions and visits to the medina, the Bardo Museum, and Carthage.
- , Avenue Taleb Mehiri, 75, ☎( 216) 71 846 000 / 71 788 011, fax: ( 216) 71 780 042. Les Ambassadeurs is right in front of Parc du Belvedère, a great location close to the centre. Rooms have great views of the park, are clean and comfortable. Suites have kitchenettes, mini-bars and free internet access.
waste
- , Rue Sidi Ben Arous, 64 (Take a taxi to Place du Government in the western part of the medina; is only a few blocks). A luxury hotel in a secular mansion in the medina. 200-250.
- , Avenue de la Ligue Arabe · B.P. 345, ☎(216)(71) 782 100. A modern hotel with views across the city. It is conveniently located in the Economic Center of the city.
- , Avenue Mohamed V, 45. A little far from the city centre, La Maison Blanche is a hotel full of charm: elaborate furniture in bright rooms. The piano bar is in Art Deco style.
- , Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 50. A modern business hotel with good views and spacious rooms.
- , Avenue Hedi Chaker, 44, ☎( 216) 71 78 52 33, fax: ( 216) 71 80 12 35, email: [email protected]. All rooms have plasma screens, internet (for an additional price) and minibar.
Stay in touch
Safety
Unofficial "guides" and swindlers abound at tourist sites. Send them away if they start talking about the architectural wonders of this or that, or in the end they will ask for money for the effort spent and the "guided tour".
Health
Daily
One of the most annoying things about Tunis is the number of "friends" you attract. There are a number of men, who walk mainly on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, who approach tourists and start talking to them. You may think the person is friendly, but don't go with the hype. Also beware of teenagers approaching you on Avenue Habib Bourguiba. They attack" tourists and try to convince them to go with them to the cinema. Later, their new "friend" will ask for 10 Dinars, or a pack of Marlboro, or this or that. Better avoid these people and send them although.
Leave
- Cartago, the ruins of a famous city, completely razed by the Romans. What remains of the city is now displayed in a museum, easily accessible by train.
- Kerkouan, a Phoenician and Punic historic site 80 km west of Tunis.
- Sidi Bou Saïd, a beautiful village of blue and white houses and full of cafes and restaurants, easily accessible by train.
- quamart, a resort on the Mediterranean coast of Tunisia.
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