Tunisian seaside resorts such as Hammamet are renowned for their beauty and great offer in terms of hotels. Have you ever wondered what lies beyond this glamour?
In this article we aim to uncover Tunisia’s rich Punic and Roman history and treat ourselves to a coffee at the so called Tunisian Santorini. Read more why you should also consider a day trip to the capital of this wonderful country.
How to Get to Tunis from Hammamet
All the touristic points below are located in our around Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. And so finding the best way to travel to Tunis is paramount to enjoying your trip.
You have the following options to Tunis: Bus, Train, Organised Tour or Private Tour.
Travelling to Tunis can be done in a day trip. Typically hotel pick up will be at 8-9am and you will come back by 5-6pm. We checked many trips online and found a few on Getyourguide, one of which we suggest below:
Another thing you could consider as a means of transport is choosing a private tour. They come around about to the same price (not sure why?) but offer the comfort and flexibility that comes with just exploring on your own.
This is the option we chose and felt that it was the best way to explore these attractions. Whilst not many travel agencies as we have experienced in Alanya or Sharm El Sheikh, we found a few providers for such trips.
If you are based in Hammamet (or nearby) we recommend Hedi Missaoui as we believe he offers a good experience and also is flexible when organising these trips, catering for any stop requests.
Below you will find his contact details, alternatively, you will find him in the roundabout by the old medina in Hammamet.
Morning in Carthage Historical Site
1. Overview of Carthage
Carthage is one of those places where history seems almost tangible. This ancient city, once a powerful empire, now stands as a fascinating archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the past.
The ruins are spread out, so we planned our visit to focus on the key areas of interest.
2. What to see in Carthage?
2.1. Explore the Archaeological Site of Carthage
Founded by the Phoenicians, Carthage is an extensive archaeological site, located on a hill dominating the Gulf of Tunis and the surrounding plain.
The archaeological site is vast, and wandering through it feels like stepping back in time. The remnants of Carthage, though fragmented, tell the story of a civilisation that was once at the heart of the Mediterranean world.
After the famous attack for General Hannibal, and Carthage’s defeat, the Roman’s realised that city’s strategic location will be key to their success in Africa. As a result they rebuilt Carthage as a colony trying to erase old references to the city’s once glorious past.
We took our time exploring the ruins, imagining the bustling life that once filled these spaces.
The site is easily accessible on foot, and offers good spots to oversea the Punic Port of Carthage and all of Tunis.
2.2. See the St. Louis Cathedral in Carthage
Overlooking the ruins, the St. Louis Cathedral is a striking reminder of Carthage’s layered history. Although no longer in use as a place of worship, the building itself is quite impressive and adds an intriguing contrast to the ancient surroundings.
The Cathedral is quite unique and different from European architecture, in the sense that it offers a blend of oriental motifs with vibrant colours.
Nowadays the cathedral is deconsecrated and simply serves as a museum. We still found it worth exploring it.
2.3. Stroll through the Baths of Antoninus
The Baths of Antoninus are among the most significant Roman ruins in Carthage. Wandering through the remains of this once-grand bathing complex, it’s easy to imagine the scale and luxury that defined Roman Carthage.
The site is very similar to the Roman baths in Varna, although the site here is larger.
The sea views from the site are particularly enjoyable, providing a peaceful backdrop to our exploration.
We do suggest you bring closed shoes, as slippers might be inappropriate for this uneven terrain.
2.4. Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre, though partially reconstructed, offers a glimpse into the entertainment world of ancient Carthage. We could easily picture performances and gatherings taking place here, and it’s a peaceful spot to sit and take in the historical atmosphere.
Nowadays it is still used for modern day performances which is wonderful to see. The overall visit isn’t long but we would suggest 15 minutes or so.
Mid-Day in Sidi Bou Said
1. Overview
After a morning steeped in history, we headed to Sidi Bou Said, a village known for its distinctive blue and white architecture. The contrast between the vibrant colours and the Mediterranean backdrop creates a picture-perfect scene that feels almost timeless.
2. What to do in Sidi Bou Said
Strolling through the cobbled streets of Sidi Bou Said is a highlight in itself. We spent time visiting local shops and cafes, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
Hedi, our guide decided to treat us to some amazing views which in turn we recommend to you. First we had the luck to go on top of a local shop’s terrace which offers a spectacular 360 view of the centre of Sidi Bou Said.
The second panoramic stop was here:
Although, not very touristic, the breath-taking views are simply stunning and deserve your attention. There isn’t where to seat and frankly it’s near the local cemetery almost near a dump yard (unfortunately) but the climb to the panoramic view is one you shouldn’t miss.
Next, a stop at a traditional café called Café des Délices (Café Sidi Chabaane) for a much needed espresso break allowed us to pause and enjoy the stunning views over the Mediterranean. The blend of culture and scenery here is truly captivating.
The cafe is indeed a tourist trap (when comparing to local offers), however, we found the prices to be less than your average cost of an americano at any major coffee chain in Europe.
On the way down to your car, we suggest you also stop by and have a doughnut (beignet). You will see everyone eating them and believe us, you will regret it if you don’t try one.
We had some wondeful beignets from Bambalouni which you can find here. We liked it so much that we decided to return shortly and have another. It’s that good!
Afternoon in Tunis
1. Overview of Tunis
Tunis, the capital, is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Our afternoon was spent exploring both its historic sites and more modern areas, giving us a well-rounded sense of the city’s character.
2. Top Attractions in Tunis
2.1. Immerse yourself in History at the National Museum of Bardo
The Bardo Museum is a must-visit, especially for those interested in Tunisia’s rich history. The museum’s collection of mosaics is particularly impressive, showcasing detailed scenes from across the Roman and Byzantine eras.
We found the exhibits well-curated and informative, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s past.
The museum can be seen in 1 hour if you are quick and although out of the way from the rest of the Tunis points to see, it’s a rewarding experience.
Afteral, this is the second museum by importance in Africa, after the Cairo Arheological Museum. It would be like coming to London and not seeing the British Museum.
2.2. Walk down the Avenue Habib Bourguiba
Walking down Avenue Habib Bourguiba, we got a sense of the more contemporary side of Tunis. This bustling avenue, often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, is lined with shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. It’s a great place to experience the city’s energy.
We also decided to treat ourselves to an orange juice and an ice cream however, we do suggest you first double check prices as they tend to increase for tourists (particularly Europeans).
2.3. Take a look at the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul and St Olivia of Palermo
This striking cathedral, situated along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, stands as a reminder of Tunisia’s colonial past. The mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements makes it a unique sight, and we appreciated the peaceful interior, which contrasts with the lively street outside.
2.4. Take a Photo of Bab El Bhar
Bab El Bhar, also known as the “Sea Gate,” is a symbolic entrance to the Tunis Medina. Passing through this gate, we felt like we were entering a different world, where the winding alleys and traditional market stalls seemed worlds away from the modern city.
At this square you will find this striking contrast between old and new with many merchants looking to sell you their merchandise. In the square there are a few places where you can sit and have a coffee and we think it would be a great place to relax after a day’s schedule of exploring.
2.5. Check out Ez-Zitouna Mosque
At the heart of the Medina, the Ez-Zitouna Mosque is a centrepiece of Tunisian Islamic culture. Although non-Muslims are not permitted inside, we took the opportunity to admire the architecture from the outside and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of the surrounding area.
2.6. Go Shopping in Tunis Medina / Bazaar
Exploring the Medina was one of the highlights of our day. The maze-like streets are filled with vendors selling everything from spices to handcrafted goods.
We enjoyed haggling for souvenirs and experiencing the vibrant market culture first-hand. The bazaar in Tunis reminded us of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
You will find that the Medina does tend to split into the more touristic area with nice glamourous shops and the mode authentic one with shops aimed for locals. You will see the difference if you venture more deep in the Medina.
We found a lot of the shops to offer very similar merchandise but that shouldn’t deter you from buying something. Also the sellers don’t feel too pushy offering a better experience than in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.
3. Where to eat in Tunis?
During our time in the Medina, we decided to take a moment and have some lunch. We decided to stop by El Ali Restaurant & Cafe to have something to eat.
It is housed inside an old medina building and the architecture and inside decor simply make it feel very authentic. The restaurant offers a modern take on Tunisian foods.
I had the lamb tagine with white sauce whilst Hristina had the grilled sea bream on a bed of couscous and grilled vegetables. Both were very well presented. For me the lamb was cooked ok, not great but the white sauce made all the difference. Add some freshly baked bread and you are in heaven.
Practical Tips
Timing is everything when visiting these sites, so we recommend starting early to make the most of the day. We also found it useful to have some local currency on hand, as not all vendors accept card.
Similar to the trip to Kairouan and El Jem, the ticket for Carthage is a fixed price and gives you access to multiple points of interest, so make sure to keep your ticket until you are done with Carthage.
As mentioned earlier, unless you are presented with a menu, make sure you first ask the price of the service/product. Most likely they will make up a price based on their social profiling of you (typically 4x higher).
If you haven’t ordered anything then you can always leave if the price is too exorbitant.
What to Bring?
- Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as you will be exploring both historical sites on foot. A scarf for the ladies is recommended if you plan to visit a mosque.
- Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
- Water and Snacks: Carry a reusable water bottle and some snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout the day.
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning architecture and scenic views.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Tunis was a wonderful highlight of our trip. Having been previously to Rabat and Cairo, we can say Tunis, has a definite North African feel but with an European twist.
We found the city to be safe and fairly clean in most places. The many wonderful things we managed to see such as the Carthage site or the wonderful Sidi Bou Said simply enriched our souls and made us feel accomplished as we say farewell to this exciting country.
Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:
- Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here.
- Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com, Trip.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
- Transport – consider Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
- Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide, Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
- Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
- Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
- Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.
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