The golden beaches and warm waters of Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast have been enticing European tourists with vacation packages since the 1960s. But this North African nation offers more things to do than lazing in the sun. The capital city of Tunis pairs a UNESCO World Heritage–listed medina with easy access to the ruins of Carthage and the blue-and-white houses of Sidi Bou Said. The Sahara delivers camel adventures aplenty, plus underground homes. And, from the holy city of Kairouan to the Roman amphitheater in El Jem, history buffs will be in heaven.
If sun, sea, and sand are your top priorities, you’ll want to visit Tunisia during the long, hot summer. However, be prepared for higher-cost accommodation and busier sights: Prices and occupancy levels peak during the European school vacation in July and August. For warm weather but fewer crowds, plan for shoulder seasons: May–June and September–October. Off the tourist trail, it can be hard to find things to eat and drink during daylight hours in the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
Reasonably comfortable and very affordable trains crisscross Tunisia, linking many of the country’s main cities. In Tunis, commuter trains and rideshare services such as Bolt and inDrive are available. Buses and shared minibus taxis, known as louages, are also affordable, although louages are easiest to use if you speak Arabic or French. Many find the security checkpoints and chaotic city traffic hard to handle and opt for guided tours instead of rental cars.
If you’re exploring Tunis’ UNESCO-listed medina, a coffee or a mint tea is a must. One of the oldest cafés in town, Café El Mrabet has been dishing up drinks in the heart of the old quarter for centuries. From the candy-striped columns and carpets at street level to the atmospheric roof terrace with views of the Ez-Zitouna Mosque, it’s a stunning spot to soak up the atmosphere.
