Tunis

Avenue de France

One of the busiest streets of Tunis. It is bordered with shops and eateries and several architecturally interesting buildings.

Bab El Bahr

Porte de France

The gate to the sea, which remains unchanged since its erection in 1848. It can be found on the Avenue de France. Before it was built it was an empty space where you could see the Mediterranean on one side and Lake Tunis on the other.

Bab Saadoun

Another gate, constructed in 1350 with one arch, then rebuilt in 1881 with three arches to facilitate commerce.

Bardo Museum

Le Musée National du Bardo

Occupying the 13th-century palace of the Ottoman-era bey (ruler) and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics, although the (huge) collection covers Tunisia's entire existence from the prehistoric era until the Ottoman days. Exhibits from Carthage, Mahdia, Sousse, many from the Roman period in addition to presentations of Arabian culture old and new. It can be mercilessly hot and stifling in the museum, so bring water. The only bathrooms are on the ground floor, and have attendants asking for change. The museum is segregated into old and new, so be sure to walk around a fair amount looking for new passages to be sure you haven't missed any major areas.

Tue - Sun. Sep 16th - May 30th: 09:30-16:30. Jun 1st - Sep 15th: 09:00-17:00·13 DT

Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul

Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Paul

Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from Tunis' colonial era, in the neo-Romanesque style. It was named after St. Vincent de Paul, a priest in the region who was sold as a slave and fought slavery after he was liberated. The facade is decorated by a golden mosaic of Jesus and two trumpet-playing angels.

Chambre des Conseillers

Finished in 2005, this building used to house the upper house of the Parliament of Tunisia. It didn't serve this purpose for very long; after the 2011 revolution the Tunisian parliament was made unicameral and the counselor chamber has been empty ever since.

Dar Ben Abdallah Museum

Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel

A small but interesting folk museum within an 18th-century palace in the medina, covering the everyday life of a rich merchant in the Ottoman era with exhibits including faience, stucco ornament, costumes and furniture.

Tue-Sun 09:30–16:30·5 DT

Grande Mosquée Zitouna

The largest and oldest mosque in Tunisia and an important landmark, this Aghlabite mosque dates back to the 8th century, although the distinctive square minaret is a much later 19th century addition. It has 160 pillars, that come from the ruins of Carthage. Modest dress essential, but non-Muslims can only enter a viewing platform on the edge of the courtyard (3 DT), not the mosque itself. Still an active mosque, but closed to tourists after the 2011 revolution.

Hôtel de Ville

Not a hotel, but the city hall. The building was inaugurated in 1998 and is a combination of traditional and modern architecture with large windows, Middle Eastern patterns and arches. The city hall also features a lot of Tunisian flags, and has a striking flagpole structure on the square in the front of the main entrance.

Medersa Bachia

Madrasa El Bachia

Quran school from the 18th century, a monument since 1912. It is notable for its public fountain located outside the entrance. In the 1980s it was converted into an artisan school with students studying leather craft, jewellery and embroidery. Non-Muslims may not enter.

Parc du Belvédère

A large park created during the French rule and featuring palm trees, mimosas and azaleas and a great view of Tunis and the lake. Sadly, the park has seen better days and graffiti is commonplace. Still, it's a popular place for locals to escape the heat and noise of the city.

Place de la Victoire

A lively square at the entrance to the medina. Bordered with shops, cafés and the ornamented building which houses the High Commission of the United Kingdom.

Sidi Youssef Dey Mosque

Mosquée Sidi Youssef Dey

Opened in 1631, this was the first Ottoman mosque to be built in Tunis. It is the largest Hanafi mosque in the city, was extensively restored in the late 19th century and is now a part of the University of Ez-Zitouna. A historical monument, the Youssef Dey mosque has a beautiful octagonal minaret and white marble mausoleum.

Théâtre Municipal

A pretty white Art-Deco building, worth seeing in its own right even if you're not going there to see a play or concert (also see the Do section).

Tourbet el-Bey

An impressive 18th-century mausoleum, the final resting place for over 160 princes and ministers and their families. The eight-pointed star inside represents the doors to paradise.

Tunis Clock Tower

The iconic clock tower is one of the city's most visible landmarks.

Tunis Medina

Médina de Tunis

The world heritage listed old town is a must-see colorful, crowded labyrinth of decorated old houses, vaults and street vendors. You can move around by foot only. You get a feel of medieval life.

Uthina

It was an ancient Roman-Berber city. Now it features remains of a fortress, cisterns, an aqueduct, a triumphal arch, a theatre, an amphitheater, a basilica with a circular crypt, and a bridge. Many mosaics are to be found there as well.

09:00 - 17:00, it closes 2 hr later in summer·7 DT

Al-Fateh Mosque

Mosquée Al-Fateh

A large white mosque north of downtown.