Local Culture and Cuisine
The bustling streets of the Medina are an explosion of colour and culture. Step into a world of rich fabrics, intoxicating perfumes and exotic spices spilling out into the cobbled streets of this enchanting city.
Located on the gulf of the Mediterranean Sea, Tunis is the vibrant capital city of Tunisia. As a fairly untouched tourist destination, this cultural mecca of North Africa has many fascinating historical attractions, dating back millennia. The impressive colonial buildings of Ville Nouvelle provide a sharp contrast to the smaller, humble structures of the charming Medina.
Cheap flights to Tunis are now available for a limited time only, so book your flight today and be awed by the historic marvels and vibrant character of this city! Tunis is home to Tunis–Carthage International Airport (TUN), situated 15 minutes from the city centre and is easily accessible by car. TUN serves a multitude of airlines, including EgyptAir, Air France and Turkish Airlines. There are no direct flights available from South Africa, but popular connecting flights are available from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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The bustling streets of the Medina are an explosion of colour and culture. Step into a world of rich fabrics, intoxicating perfumes and exotic spices spilling out into the cobbled streets of this enchanting city.
Experience the remnants of ancient Carthage strewn across the Bay of Tunis, via a walking tour or lookout point from Byrsa Hill. Other popular attractions include the Olive Tree Mosque and the Spanish port of La Goulette.
Art and design lovers will have a field day exploring the variety of colonial and post-colonial buildings dotted along Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The Sidi Bou Said neighbourhood offers splendid views from the Andalusian-style houses.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Country | Tunisia |
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Currency | Tunisian Dinar (TND) |
Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 0.17 TND |
Language | Arabic (French & Italian are spoken by some locals) |
Hub Airport | Tunis–Carthage International Airport (TUN) |
Airline | Tunis Air |
Time Zone | GMT + 01:00 |
Travel Adaptor | Type C / E |
Tunis experiences a hot, Mediterranean subtropical climate, resulting in dry, hot summers and cold, rainy winters. A good time to visit is between June and October when the weather is pleasantly warm. If you don’t mind wearing a few extra layers, take advantage of the low season, occurring between November and April for low-season rates and fewer crowds during these cooler months. Tunis showcases many vibrant festivals during the summer – the most popular being the Tunisian Medina Festival, held during the month of Ramadan, showcasing street shows, costume parades, international films and music performances.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low °C | 7°C | 7°C | 8°C | 10°C | 13°C | 17°C | 20°C | 21°C | 19°C | 15°C | 11°C | 8°C |
High °C | 15°C | 16°C | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C | 29°C | 32°C | 32°C | 30°C | 25°C | 20°C | 16°C |
Rainfall (mm) | 62 | 55 | 43 | 37 | 23 | 11 | 3 | 9 | 32 | 58 | 53 | 62 |
Tunis is the ancient city that formed the centre of the Carthaginian Empire. While the historic discoveries and ruins uncovered here are beyond fascinating, Tunis itself has remained largely untouched by tourists. As such, this city is a diamond in the rough, filled with exotic scents, bright colours and a vibrant energy.
Central Tunis is divided into two distinct areas – the old Medina and the new town, Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is the traditional heart of the city, made up of a labyrinth of alleys and passageways. It’s filled with boisterous traders and colourful displays, and the scent of local foods and spices permeates the air. You’ll find wonderful souvenirs here made by local craftsman, including leatherwork, plastic goods, tin and exquisite filigree.
Other landmarks worth checking out include the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul and the Zitouna Mosque. The souks around the mosque are also wonderful to explore, and you’ll find plenty of reasons to drop a few dinar.
Of course you can’t visit Tunis without visiting Carthage, so plan a day in this incredible place early on in your trip. You’ll find an abundance of ancient ruins here, dating back millennia. The views over Tunis and the gulf are spectacular, especially from the Basilica of Saint-Cyprien, and the Carthage Museum and Acropolium.
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