Tunis Tunisia: Medina Walking Tour, Bardo National Museum & Day Trips

Tunis Travel Guide: Medina Mazes, Roman Mosaics & Blue-White Coastal Escapes

Tunis is a city where civilizations overlap effortlessly. Ancient Roman floors sit inside palaces, minarets echo beside French boulevards, and cobalt-blue villages sparkle just minutes from chaotic souks. Compact, affordable, and deeply historic, Tunis rewards travelers who love culture, food, and photography.

This 2–3 day itinerary breaks the experience into simple points—perfect for first-time visitors wanting depth without stress.

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Why Visit Tunis? Amazing Facts That Surprise Travelers

• Tunis has over 700 historic monuments in its Medina
• The Bardo Museum houses the world’s largest Roman mosaic collection
• Carthage once rivaled Rome before being completely destroyed and rebuilt
• Sidi Bou Said inspired artists, poets, and writers from across Europe
• Tunis is one of North Africa’s most walkable capitals
• Jasmine flowers are so common that Tunisia is nicknamed “The Land of Jasmine”

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Day 1 in Tunis: UNESCO Medina Walk & Street Food Adventure

Morning: Enter the Medina of Tunis

• Start at Bab El Bhar (Sea Gate), the symbolic divide between old and new city
• Step into the UNESCO-listed Medina
  • Narrow alleys
  • Hidden courtyards
  • Echoing call to prayer
• Visit Zitouna Mosque
  • One of the oldest mosques in North Africa
  • Marble columns reused from Roman ruins
  • Peaceful courtyard ideal for reflection

Explore Traditional Souks

• Souk des Chechias – traditional felt hats
• Souk El Attarine – spices, perfumes, jasmine oils
• Souk El Berka – historic jewelry market
• Bargaining is expected and friendly

Lunch: Tunis Street Food Classics

• Eat like locals:
  • Brik – crispy pastry with egg and tuna
  • Lablabi – warm chickpea soup with cumin
  • Fresh flatbread from street ovens
• Budget-friendly and incredibly flavorful

Afternoon: Hidden Medina Treasures

• Dar Lasram
  • Restored palace with fountains and mosaic tiles
• Youssef Dey Mosque
  • Ottoman architecture and elegant minaret
• Shop for:
  • Leather bags
  • Ceramic plates
  • Hand-blended spices

Evening: Traditional Tunis Dinner

• Courtyard dining experience
• Try:
  • Couscous with lamb or vegetables
  • Harissa-spiced merguez sausages
• Atmosphere feels timeless and intimate

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Day 2 in Tunis: Bardo Museum & Colonial-Era Streets

Morning: Bardo National Museum Highlights

• Short ride from the city center
• Located inside a former palace
• Must-see mosaics:
  • Mythological scenes
  • Roman chariot races
  • Medusa portraits
• These mosaics once decorated elite Roman villas across Tunisia

Why the Bardo Is Unmissable

• Each mosaic tells a story of daily Roman life
• Floors survived centuries beneath sand
• Considered one of the finest museums in Africa

Lunch: Central Market Experience

• Visit Marché Centrale
  • Fresh seafood
  • Grilled fish
  • Olive oils and spices
• Lively atmosphere and local flavors

Afternoon: French Colonial Tunis

• Walk along Avenue Habib Bourguiba
  • European-style cafés
  • Clock tower landmarks
• Visit:
  • St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral
  • Belvédère Park for city views
• Coffee breaks are a ritual here—slow and social

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Day 3 from Tunis: Sidi Bou Said & Ancient Carthage

Morning: Sidi Bou Said Blue Village

• Easy train ride from Tunis
• Famous for:
  • Whitewashed houses
  • Blue doors and windows
  • Jasmine-covered balconies
• Photo opportunities at every corner

Things to Do in Sidi Bou Said

• Walk cliffside paths overlooking the sea
• Visit the mausoleum viewpoint
• Sip mint tea at hilltop cafés
• Shop for handmade souvenirs

Afternoon: Carthage Ruins

• Short ride from Sidi Bou Said
• Explore:
  • Antonine Baths by the sea
  • Ancient amphitheater
  • Byrsa Hill ruins
• Learn how Carthage shaped Mediterranean history

Evening: Return to Tunis

• Final Medina shopping
• Sunset strolls
• Last taste of Tunisian sweets

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Where to Stay in Tunis

• Medina – historic atmosphere, riad-style stays
• City Center – cafés, transport, colonial charm
• La Marsa – beachside calm near Sidi Bou Said

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Getting Around Tunis

• Trains connect city, coast, and ruins
• Taxis are affordable and widely available
• Medina is best explored on foot
• Day trips are easy without renting a car

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Tunisian Food You Must Try

• Couscous (national dish)
• Brik
• Shakshuka
• Makroud (date pastry)
• Bambalouni (fried street dough)

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Practical Travel Tips

• Dress modestly inside mosques
• Carry small cash for souks
• Mornings are best for sightseeing
• Evenings are ideal for cafés and strolls
• Learn basic greetings—it goes a long way

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