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Daytime

Morning Light at the Gate to the Sea

Start your day at the historic Bab El Bahr, then enjoy a quiet lunch nearby before wandering through the lively cafes of Pasteur Square.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 180 min

Timeline

  1. 08:00

    Bab El Bahr

    Stand before Bab El Bahr, the 'gate to the sea' that has stood since 1848. On a clear morning, look past the stone archway to see where the Mediterranean and Lake Tunis meet in the distance. The avenue is quietest just as the city wakes up.

  2. 08:45

    La Mamma

    Walk seven minutes to La Mamma. This cosy, multi-floor restaurant serves Italian-inspired food and is open until midnight. It is a good spot to sit down for a relaxed early lunch or a substantial snack in a warm atmosphere.

  3. 09:45

    ساحة باستور

    Head to Pasteur Square, a 41-minute walk north. This large intersection is a hub of local life. Wander the square and take in the mix of architecture and people watching.

  4. 10:00

    سمرقند

    End your walk at the Samarkand café, located nine minutes from the square. It is open from 07:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 07:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays, making it a perfect final stop to rest and reflect on the morning.

Local tip

The walk from Bab El Bahr to Pasteur Square is long. If you prefer a shorter route, consider taking a taxi or checking local transport options between the two areas.

Check before you go

  • La Mamma is open late, but confirm if reservations are needed for your group size.
  • Samarkand café closes at 17:00 on weekdays and 13:00 on Saturdays. Plan your arrival accordingly.

Worth knowing

  • سمرقند is open at 10:00 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tunis (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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