TunisTunisia · Ferry Destinations

All About Tunis

Enthralling discoveries await ardent travelers around every nook of Tunis, the capital and economic center of Tunisia. A region that transitioned from a Berber settlement to a French protectorate, dominated by conflicting empires along the way, there is much to see and do in Tunis today. The initial culture shock aside, travelers often face a bombardment of varied influences when touring the city. From Roman ruins and Arab souks to European gardens and contemporary music events, a holiday in Tunis is full of myriad colors and exotic temptations.
 

Routes and Ferries to Tunis

Travelers who are in a hurry to start their Tunisian adventure typically take flights from various European cities and land at the Tunis-Carthage International Airport. Situated 8km from the center, both buses and taxis stationed outside the terminal transfer visitors to the town at all hours. If already in the country, taking a train to Tunis is ideal. The capital is a vital railway hub with several trains coming and going to different parts of Tunisia throughout the day.

The demand for ferry tickets to Tunis goes up nearer to the summer holidays in Europe. Luckily, there are plentiful options for last-minute bookings on Ferryscanner. The ferry companies Grimaldi Lines, Corsica Linea, and CTN Ferries have vessels arriving from Civitavecchia, Genoa, Salerno, and Palermo regularly. Although the sailing times from these destinations range from 12 to 30 hours, tourists generally prefer a laidback cruise to Tunis that allows them to enjoy the scenic spoils of the Mediterranean Sea.
 

Port of Tunis

Tunisia’s primary seaport, La Goulette, has been a significant force behind the rise of tourism in the country. First built during the 1500s, it now consists of a fishing port and cruise ship docks. Passengers arriving here, using ferry tickets to Tunis, can expect shops, dining options, a spa, and bank facilities at the recently upgraded ferry terminal. La Goulette is at a distance of 11km from the Tunis town center. Trains and taxis go between the two frequently throughout the day. A taxi ride typically costs €10.00 from the port to a central hotel. While at the port, step outside to explore the 16th-century Fort de la Goulette, and indulge in delicious seafood at Le Café Vert or Les Voiliers.
 

Best Beaches

Crowded or isolated, sandy or rocky, there’s a beach for every preference near Tunis. Most foreign tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Tunis prefer to lounge on the sandy strip of Sidi Bou Said. However, some of the smaller beaches around the capital are equally pleasant and less crowded during the touristic summer months.

Port aux Princes

Along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Tunis is a gorgeous beach that is rapidly becoming a favorite with vacationers. A recent road connection has made this once sheltered spot more easily reachable, leading to its growing popularity. A deserted and crumbling villa in the middle of the beach, where occasionally private parties are held, adds to its exoticness. Cafés pop up on the spot during summers, but the beach is still worth the one-hour drive rest of the year.

La Marsa Beach

La Marsa is among the best beaches in Tunis. Only 16km from the city, a taxi ride from the center costs €4.00. For another €4.00, you can rent an umbrella, table, and chairs on the beach. The seaside retreat is brimming with restaurants and shops, with bars further livening up the place after sundown. The beach itself is clean with calm waters and a welcoming vibe all around.

Korbous Beach

A beach for adventure seekers, Korbous is an hour away from Tunis. The region is particularly spectacular for having a rugged shoreline that also provides impressive hiking trails. Not the safest for children, the stony Korbous Beach will appeal to sunbathers who prefer seclusion over amenities. When spending a day here, take out some time and visit the famous hot springs nearby.

Salambo Beach

A short distance up north from La Goulette harbor is the sandy city beach of Salambo. Having classic Mediterranean turquoise waters, the beach is more active during the warmer months. Visitors can rent umbrellas and chairs during this time. Favored by families, it’s an excellent seat to watch ferries come and go in the distance. The area behind the beach has several cafés, shops, and even a quaint little cinema named ‘Cinevog’.

Soliman’s Beach

A 30-minute eastwardly drive from Tunis gets you to the humble Soliman’s Beach. Visited by locals rather than tourists, there’s hardly any activity around here during the winters. A quiet shore with shallow waters sees several resident families spending their afternoons on the sand here during the summer break. Various cafés and impressive resorts help in making Soliman’s a preferred setting for a day on the beach.
 

Places To Visit

Centuries-old alleyways, coastal retreats with a European atmosphere, and capital cities of ancient civilizations, there are various captivating places to visit in Tunis, each with its own inimitable characteristic and appeal.

Medina

The concept of time takes a break once you start exploring the narrow streets of the Medina. Dating back to the 7th-century, Tunis’ old town has a cornucopia of awe-inspiring sights. This UNESCO World Heritage Site promises a visual treat as tourists come across vintage doors, street art, age-old houses, family-run cafes, mosques, and specialized shops selling everything from jewelry to hats. The Medina of Tunis is also the best place to experiment with local cuisine, wherein mint tea, couscous, and tajines are must-haves.

Bardo National Museum

A vital institution of Tunisia, the Bardo National Museum exhibits relics ranging from the pre-historic times to the 20th century, found across the nation. Its location inside a 19th-century Beylic palace adds an architectural allure to its significance. The wreckage of a Roman ship is one of the most interesting displays here. Moreover, Bardo Museum has an impressively extensive collection of mosaics, unlike anywhere else in the world.

Ville Nouvelle

For a spot of Europe in Tunis, plan a day in the neighborhood of Ville Nouvelle. The French district’s Habib Bourguiba street is lined with art nouveau buildings, including the National Theatre, classic cafes, and designer shops. To get a panoramic view of the area, head to the 10th floor of the El Hana Hotel for a drink at the Jamaica bar. Also, don’t miss out on a photo-op with the abandoned Hotel du Lac. Several film fans believe that its Brutalist design inspired the Star Wars Sandcrawler.

Carthage

History takes precedence in Carthage, once the capital of the Punic empire that was later occupied by Roman and Islamic leaders. Tourists wishing to understand the region’s past better should plan an entire day in Carthage, visiting various ancient sites. Among the unmissable are the 2nd-century Punic Ports, an amphitheater that could accommodate over 40,000 people, the Carthage Museum, remains of Roman villas, and the Roman theatre, the venue of the annual International Festival of Carthage.

Sidi Bou Said

The most famous place to visit in Tunis is undoubtedly Sidi Bour Said. Exuding a bohemian vibe accentuated by its bougainvillea adorned Greek-like blue and white houses, the seaside resort has been attracting artists and literary figures for decades. A day in Sidi Bou Said is all about visits to art galleries, bargain hunting at the outdoor market, a stop at the Museum Dar el-Annabi, and memorable moments spent sipping cocktails at one of the many stops along the seaside.
 

Transportation Around Tunis

Using public transport to move around Tunis is convenient and recommended. There is also the possibility to rent a car. However, it can be more of a hassle than an advantage. Road signs are only in French and Arabic, traffic can be a pain, and borders to neighboring countries are often closed. Moreover, taxis are metered and dirt cheap. A ride within the city limits typically comes to a maximum of €2. Taxis are also the best option for anyone arriving at the port with ferry tickets to Tunis in hand.

If planning a long-distance trip, hop into any of the countless ‘louages’  (8-seater minivans), that take passengers to Tunisian cities near and far. Equally pocket-friendly, a three-hour drive to Sousse, for example, will cost you only €2.50.

The Tunis Métro runs over the ground and has six lines covering sightseeing spots and various city neighborhoods. Although a great transport mode, its best to avoid the trams during rush hour due to their over-crowdedness. Tourists wanting to visit Carthage and Sidi Bou Said for the day can travel by train. There are multiple connections throughout the hour. A return ticket costs as low as €0.50.