Tunisia travel guide : discover history, culture and must-see destinations

Essential Tunisia travel information

• Official name: Republic of Tunisia (Al-Jumhūrīyah at-Tūnisīyah)
• Capital: Tunis
• Population: About 12 million people
• Official language: Arabic
• Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
• Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Tunisia's rich history: from Carthage to Arab Spring

Tunisia has one of the most fascinating histories in the Mediterranean. Here's a simple timeline:

Ancient civilizations

Tunisia's strategic location at the center of the Mediterranean made it a crossroads of ancient civilizations. The Phoenicians established Carthage near modern Tunis around 814 BCE, creating a powerful maritime empire that challenged Rome for control of the Mediterranean. Under leaders like Hannibal, Carthage became Rome's greatest rival until its destruction in 146 BCE after three Punic Wars. Roman rule transformed Tunisia into the province of Africa, one of the empire's wealthiest regions known for grain production, olive oil, and magnificent cities like Thysdrus (El Djem) with its colossal amphitheater. The ruins of Dougga, Bulla Regia, and Sbeitla showcase Tunisia's importance during the Roman period, with well-preserved mosaics, temples, and urban planning.

Islamic conquest and medieval period

Arab armies conquered Tunisia in 647 CE, bringing Islam and Arabic language while establishing the city of Kairouan as the first Muslim capital in North Africa. The Aghlabid dynasty (800-909) made Tunisia a center of Islamic learning and culture, building the Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of Islam's holiest sites and architectural masterpieces. Successive dynasties including the Fatimids, Zirids, Almohads, and Hafsids established Tunisia as a major power in the medieval Mediterranean, controlling trans-Saharan trade routes and maintaining cultural connections with Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain). The medieval period saw the development of distinctive Tunisian architectural styles, craft traditions, and scholarly institutions that attracted students from across the Islamic world.

Ottoman period and European influence

Tunisia became an Ottoman province in 1574 but maintained considerable autonomy under local rulers (beys) who modernized the country in the 19th century. The Fundamental Pact of 1857 and Constitution of 1861 made Tunisia the first Arab country to adopt a constitution and guarantee equal rights regardless of religion. Financial difficulties led to increased European influence, culminating in the French protectorate established in 1881. Unlike Algeria, Tunisia retained its monarchy and many traditional institutions under French rule. The protectorate period brought modern infrastructure, education systems, and urban planning but also cultural disruption and economic exploitation that fueled independence movements.

Independence and modern Tunisia

Tunisia gained independence in 1956 under President Habib Bourguiba, who implemented progressive social reforms including women's rights, education expansion, and family planning. Bourguiba's successor, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, ruled from 1987 to 2011 in an increasingly authoritarian manner despite economic development. The Jasmine Revolution beginning in December 2010 sparked the Arab Spring, making Tunisia the birthplace of democratic movements across the Arab world. Since 2011, Tunisia has struggled to build democratic institutions while addressing economic challenges and security concerns. Despite difficulties, Tunisia remains the Arab Spring's only success story, maintaining a functioning democracy with competitive elections, press freedom, and civil society organizations that serve as models for democratic transition in the region.

Tunisian culture & traditions every traveler should know

Languages and communication

Arabic is Tunisia's official language, with Tunisian Arabic (Derja) being the spoken vernacular that differs significantly from Modern Standard Arabic. French remains widely spoken due to the protectorate period and continues as a language of business, education, and tourism. Berber (Tamazight) is spoken by small communities, particularly on Djerba island and in the south. English is increasingly common in tourist areas and among younger generations. Tunisia's high literacy rate (over 80%) reflects the country's emphasis on education since independence. Any comprehensive Tunisia travel guide should emphasize that Tunisians appreciate visitors who attempt basic Arabic greetings like "ahlan wa sahlan" (welcome), "shukran" (thank you), and "ma'a salama" (goodbye), though French phrases are equally well-received and often more practically useful for travelers.

Islamic culture and social customs

Tunisia is predominantly Muslim (98% of population) but practices a moderate form of Islam influenced by centuries of cultural synthesis and progressive social policies. The country has a strong tradition of religious tolerance and personal freedom, with women enjoying equal rights in education, employment, and political participation since independence. Tunisian society balances Islamic values with Mediterranean lifestyle, evident in the relaxed atmosphere of seaside cafés, mixed-gender social interactions, and liberal attitudes toward alcohol consumption in tourist areas. Ramadan observance varies by region and social class, with coastal tourist areas maintaining normal services while traditional areas observe stricter fasting protocols. The call to prayer provides rhythm to daily life, but Tunisia's secular constitution and educated population create a society where religious and secular worldviews coexist comfortably. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting mosques and traditional areas, though coastal resorts and urban centers are quite liberal in their dress codes.

Tunisian cuisine: What to eat & drink

Tunisian food represents one of the Mediterranean's most sophisticated culinary traditions, blending Arab, Berber, Ottoman, and French influences:

• Couscous (Tunisia's national dish, traditionally served on Fridays with lamb, chicken, or fish and seven vegetables)
• Brik (crispy pastry filled with egg, tuna, capers, and parsley, typically eaten as an appetizer)
• Harissa (spicy chili paste that accompanies most meals and varies in heat from mild to fiery)
• Mechouia (grilled vegetable salad with tomatoes, peppers, and onions, seasoned with olive oil and spices)
• Makroudh (semolina pastries filled with dates and soaked in orange flower syrup)

Tunisian cuisine features sophisticated spice combinations including baharat, ras el hanout, and the ubiquitous harissa that adds heat and complexity to dishes. Olive oil production, dating back to Roman times, remains central to Tunisian cooking, with the country producing some of the Mediterranean's finest extra virgin oils. Tunisian meals typically begin with multiple mezze-style appetizers, feature bread as an essential component, and emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients. Traditional beverages include mint tea, Turkish-style coffee, and boukha (fig brandy). The coastal location ensures excellent seafood, while inland regions specialize in lamb and game dishes. Food plays a central role in Tunisian hospitality, with guests often invited to elaborate family meals that demonstrate the culture's emphasis on generosity and social connection.

Arts, crafts, and daily life

Tunisian culture expresses itself through distinctive arts and crafts that reflect the country's multicultural heritage. Ceramics from Nabeul feature intricate blue and white designs influenced by Turkish and Andalusian traditions, while Sejnane pottery maintains ancient Berber techniques using natural clay and organic decorations. Traditional carpet weaving in Kairouan produces some of North Africa's finest rugs, with geometric patterns and natural dyes passed down through generations. Tunisian music blends Arab classical traditions with local folk styles, including the haunting malouf music inherited from Andalusian refugees and contemporary rai influences from Algeria. Tunisian daily life reflects Mediterranean rhythms with afternoon siestas, late dinners, and extensive café culture where men gather to play cards, discuss politics, and socialize over coffee or tea. The concept of hospitality (karam) remains central to Tunisian identity, with visitors often invited to homes for meals and extended conversations. Understanding these cultural values enhances any Tunisia travel experience, as locals appreciate visitors who take time to engage with traditions, respect social customs, and show interest in the country's complex history and evolving identity as a democratic Arab nation.

Top places to visit in Tunisia

Tunis: Essential capital city experience

The capital offers a perfect blend of ancient medina life and modern urban energy:

• Tunis Medina: A UNESCO World Heritage site containing over 700 monuments including mosques, madrasas, and palaces within 3 kilometers of narrow streets and covered souks.
• Zitouna Mosque: The spiritual center of Tunis, founded in 732 CE and expanded over centuries, featuring a magnificent prayer hall with 184 columns from Roman sites.
• Bardo Museum: Home to the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics, housed in a 19th-century palace with artifacts spanning Tunisia's entire history.
• Avenue Habib Bourguiba: The modern city's main boulevard lined with cafés, shops, and French colonial architecture, leading to the medina gates.
• Carthage: Ancient ruins scattered across Tunis suburbs, including Roman villas, the Antonine Baths (once the largest in the Roman Empire), and the Carthage Museum.

Sidi Bou Said: Tunisia's blue and white gem

This clifftop village overlooking the Mediterranean epitomizes Tunisian aesthetic beauty with its distinctive blue and white architecture mandated by local laws since the early 20th century. The village's narrow cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-draped courtyards, and panoramic sea views have attracted artists, writers, and musicians including Paul Klee and André Gide. Traditional coffeehouses serve mint tea and Turkish coffee in authentic settings, while art galleries showcase contemporary Tunisian and international works. The Ennejma Ezzahra palace, former residence of Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger, now houses a museum of traditional Arab and Mediterranean music. Despite its popularity with day-trippers, Sidi Bou Said maintains its artistic character and provides excellent restaurants with terraces offering spectacular sunset views over the Gulf of Tunis.

Kairouan: Islam's fourth holiest city

Founded in 670 CE as the first Muslim capital in North Africa, Kairouan remains Islam's fourth holiest city after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, rebuilt in the 9th century, showcases early Islamic architecture with its massive minaret, marble columns recycled from Roman sites, and intricate geometric decorations. The city's medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves medieval Islamic urban planning with its traditional houses, madrasas, and craft workshops. Kairouan's carpet-making tradition produces some of Tunisia's finest rugs using techniques dating back over 1,000 years. The city's spiritual significance attracts Muslim pilgrims who believe seven visits to Kairouan equal one pilgrimage to Mecca, while its religious festivals and traditional architecture provide insights into Tunisia's Islamic heritage and continuing religious traditions.

Djerba: The island of dreams

Tunisia's largest island, connected to the mainland by a Roman causeway, offers a unique blend of cultures including Arab, Berber, and Jewish communities that have coexisted for centuries. The island's 125 kilometers of coastline feature pristine beaches and traditional fishing villages, while the interior contains ancient olive groves and distinctive white-domed mosques. Houmt Souk, the main town, provides authentic market experiences with spice vendors, pottery workshops, and traditional textiles without the intensity of mainland medinas. The El Ghriba Synagogue, one of Africa's oldest Jewish sites, attracts pilgrims from around the world for annual festivals. Djerba's traditional architecture, including unique mosque designs and fortified granaries (ghorfas), reflects the island's distinct identity within Tunisia. The island's relaxed atmosphere, excellent beaches, and cultural authenticity make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion. Any Tunisia travel guide should recommend spending at least three days on Djerba to fully appreciate its unique character and unhurried pace of life.

Sahara Desert: Douz and the Grand Erg Oriental

The gateway to Tunisia's Sahara experience begins in Douz, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," where palm oases meet the golden dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. Traditional camel treks lead into the desert wilderness, passing nomadic camps and reaching remote oases where Bedouin families maintain traditional lifestyles. Desert experiences range from day trips to multi-day expeditions camping under star-filled skies far from light pollution. The annual Sahara Festival in Douz (December) showcases traditional desert culture including camel races, folk music, and poetry competitions. Nearby Chott el Djerid, a vast salt lake covering 7,000 square kilometers, creates otherworldly landscapes with mirages and salt crystal formations. The desert region provides profound contrast to Tunisia's Mediterranean coast and historic cities, offering silence, vast landscapes, and insights into nomadic cultures that have adapted to one of Earth's most challenging environments for over 1,000 years.

Natural wonders & landscapes of Tunisia

• Ichkeul National Park: UNESCO World Heritage wetland ecosystem supporting over 200 bird species, including flamingos, during their migration between Europe and Africa.
• Chott el Djerid: North Africa's largest salt lake covering 7,000 square kilometers, creating spectacular mirages and unique desert landscapes near the Sahara.
• Ain Draham: Cork oak forests in the Kroumirie Mountains offering cool relief, hiking trails, and unique ecosystems rare in North Africa.
• Kerkennah Islands: A remote archipelago with traditional fishing communities, flamingo colonies, and pristine beaches accessible only by ferry from Sfax.
• Matmata: Underground Berber dwellings carved into soft rock, creating unique lunar landscapes that served as Star Wars filming locations.

Fascinating Facts About Tunisia

Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring in 2010, inspiring democratic movements across the Middle East and North Africa.

The country has three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ruins of Carthage, the medinas of Tunis and Kairouan, and Ichkeul National Park.

Tunisia's El Djem amphitheater is the third-largest Roman amphitheater in the world, capable of seating 35,000 spectators.

The country produces some of the world's finest olive oil, with olive cultivation dating back over 2,000 years to Roman times.

Tunisia was the first Arab country to ban polygamy (1956) and grant women equal rights in marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

Tunisian contributions to world culture

• Democratic transition model (the only successful Arab Spring democracy)
• Islamic architecture and scholarship (Great Mosque of Kairouan influencing North African mosque design)
• Roman archaeological preservation (world's finest collection of ancient mosaics)
• Traditional crafts (Kairouan carpets, Nabeul ceramics, and metalwork techniques)
• Women's rights in the Arab world (pioneering gender equality legislation since 1956)