Top Six Things to Consider When Visiting Tunisia

Sensible Traveler’s Hot Take

Visiting Tunisia may be one of the easiest ways for a western traveler to visit Africa for the first time. It’s a beautiful country with a diverse culture and historic past. The locals are very friendly, the food and lodging is relatively affordable and the geography offers a mix of dessert, mountains and sea. Tunisia’s economy has been in rough shape since the Arab spring and tourism has slowed which means it is a fantastic time to visit as prices are low and things to explore are plentiful with less crowds. It can be very hot in the summer so it’s Sensible to travel in the spring and the fall.

Top Six Things to do in Tunisia:

1. Explore the Souk in Tunis
   • If you’ve never been to a souk, which is the center of cities in the ancient world, Tunis is a wonderful one for a beginner. Diverse stores and merchants in a relatively safe environment. Lodging near the souk is very affordable. Typically cars are limited in these areas and everyone is traveling on foot with the exception of animals!
2. Visit Carthage!
   • An easy day trip from Tunis or Sidi Bou Sahid via train, this ancient city has beautiful Roman ruins without hoards of visitors.
3. Dougga
   • A good day trip from Tunis, you’ll likely need to hire a driver to take you here but this set of ancient Greek ruins in the middle of green fields is breathtaking and well worth the drive. No crowds and the ability to explore the ruins with however much time you need.
4. Sidi Bou Sahid
   • Take a quick (45min train trip from Tunis) and stay a few days here. The White and blue buildings overlooking the sea gives off Mykonos vibes is picture perfect for a few days of relaxation. Plenty of hotels or Airbnbs to stay at for a reasonable cost.
5. Visit El Jem
   • The Romans built some 230 Amphitheaters across the Empire. The third largest and arguably the best preserved is the one at El Jem in Tunisia. The site is sublime and calming. One can more intimately feel the energy of the Roman Empire here in Tunisia far more than I have been able to capture it anywhere on the Italian Peninsula. Parts of the movie Gladiator were filmed at El Jem. The Sensible Traveler watched this movie for the first time with a dear friend while in Tunisia and became obsessed with the soundtrack and the super theme song, “Now We Are Free.”
6. The Sea
   • Tunisia is a North African nation on the Mediterranean Sea. It has been outward looking and influenced by this Cultural Superhighway for Millenia, from the Carthaginians and Arabs to the Romans and the Berbers.  For two weeks the Sensible Traveler had spectacular access and views of the sea. I have that access readily available at home but I often take this for granted. I made a pact with myself that I would embrace my sea more often allowing it to energize my soul. This was a brilliant take away for me. A rediscovery of access I had all too sadly taken for granted.

Food to Eat

1. Fish Couscous – Many consider the national dish of Tunisia to be Fish Couscous. The Sensible Traveler had this culinary delight several times during two weeks of traveling around the country. Every time it was fresh and wonderful. Simple quality ingredients that bring forth comfort.
   • I not only love the flavors of North Africa, but I can now cook the flavors of North Africa. International travel brings new opportunities to challenge oneself abroad and at home.

Value

1. While it’s been very unfortunate for Tunisa’s citizens, the economy has suffered some rough times which means prices are relatively affordable for outsiders.
2. Food is relatively cheap and inexpensive.
3. Decent CLEAN boutique hotel (the Sensible Traveler rarely stays at chain hotels because they don’t want to pay the markup) and Airbnb lodging options.
4. The local buses and trains are extremely cheap and should be prioritized when getting around.
5. Language – if you speak Arabic, French or English, you should have a relatively easy time communicating with the locals.
6. It’s a great stop to add to your itinerary if you’re exploring France or southern Europe and want to experience a completely different culture.

Time Needed: 5 days, 4 nights. While you could certainly find plenty to do to if you stayed more than 5 days, 5 days and 4 nights should be enough time to get a very good sense of the country.