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Carthage

archaeological site in Tunisia

17km

36.85805610.330833

Sousse

Tunisian town

100km

35.833310.6333

Kairouan

Tunisian town

101km

35.6763888910.10166667

Dougga

archaeological site in Tunisia

112km

36.4233339.220278

El Jem

Tunisian town

147km

35.310.7167
Sights (25)

Théâtre municipal de Tunis

Theater in Tunis, Tunisia

284m

36.7991666710.18083333

Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul

cathedral in Tunisia

490m

36.810.17888889

Medina of Tunis

The world heritage listed old town is a must-see colorful, crowded labyrinth of decorated old houses, vaults and street vendors. You can move around by foot only. You get a feel of medieval life.

2.4km

36.8166666710.16666667

Bab Saadoun

listed monument of Tunisia

2.8km

36.8086805610.15902778

Bardo National Museum (Tunis)

Occupying the 13th century palace of the Ottoman-era bey (ruler) and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics, although the (huge) collection covers Tunisia's entire existence from the prehistoric era until the Ottoman days. Exhibits from Carthage, Mahdia, Sousse, many from the Roman period in addition to presentations of Arabian culture old and new. It can be mercilessly hot and stifling in the museum, so bring water. The only bathrooms are on the ground floor, and have attendants asking for change. The museum is segregated into old and new, so be sure to walk around a fair amount looking for new passages to be sure you haven't missed any major areas.

5.5km

36.8093861110.13450833

La Goulette

Tunisian town

13km

36.8180555610.305

Circus of Carthage

A Roman circus used for chariot racing, it was modeled on the Circus Maximus in Rome and other circus buildings throughout the Roman Empire. Measuring more than 470 m in length and 30 m in width, it could house up to 45,000 spectators. Not much left of it nowadays though.

15km

36.850810.3137

Carthage amphitheatre

An eviscerated Roman amphitheatre constructed in the first century CE, ringed by forested, rolling hills. Interesting for a quick stroll, but it is unlabelled in any language. May therefore be more interesting with an enthusiastic guide. Worth a look. The adjacent forest may be a nice spot for a picnic.

15km

36.8561111110.31508333

Acropolium of Carthage

St Louis Cathedral forms one edge of the museum, but does not appear to be open - it was completed in 1890.

16km

36.85378410.323356

Carthage Paleo-Christian Museum

Built on an excavation site, it lies above the former Carthaginian basilica (Dermech Basilica). Permanently closed.

16km

36.848410.3247

Carthage National Museum

Most remnants excavated from the ruins have been stored in the cavernous museum located on Byrsa Hill, documenting both the Punic and the Roman eras. Signs within the museum are entirely in Arabic and French. On the second floor, the part nearer to the staircases showcase artifacts from Roman times, and the inner part the artifacts of the earlier Punic period. Fascinating artifacts such as alabaster jars and jewelry remain. The descriptions of the Roman conquest and the legend of Dixon are also vivid, but sadly, inaccesible to English speakers. The museum grounds offer sweeping views of the coast and city, and also include the ruins of some Punic streets, the former site of a public library, numerous sculptures, a chapel or church, some excellent mosaics and some coffins. A few benches under the trees with a great view make for a good resting spot. Unfortunately many items about the grounds are unlabelled, so a guide may be useful (or eavesdrop on a tour group if you can). Ignore the shifty guy trying to charge you 1 DT to use the toilet. As of Nov 2018 visitors are allowed to access museum grounds only, while museum building is closed for reconstruction.

16km

36.853310.324

Baths of Antoninus

Ruins of the largest Roman baths outside Rome itself. The site also has a Punic cemetery, some old houses, some Punic kilns, a chapel, some graves, and mosaics. Guides are available in a number of languages, and may be worthwhile as the site is large. It is illegal to take photographs in the direction of the presidential palace. Doing so, especially when traveling alone, may land you in jail for up to 3 years, though the guards don't appear too concerned.

17km

36.854310.3351

Carthage Palace

You can walk past the president's well-guarded palace, which includes a private boat moor and helicopter pad, on the main road. You can also see it from the Antonine Baths, and the ruins above (cross under the TGM railway bridge, then turn right up the hill).

17km

36.8569444410.33861111

Port El Kantaoui

seaside resort in Tunisia

93km

35.89410.598

Great Mosque of Kairouan

One of the finest Islamic buildings in North Africa and rewards closer inspection. Non Muslims are not permitted into the prayer hall, but the doors are open to allow you to view inside. Access to the main courtyard is available to all. The columns throughout the complex were taken from Carthage, the wooden ceiling from Lebanese cedar wood. In the courtyard, there are indents into the floor with varying sizes for camel or dromedary hoofs, or human feet, for washing before prayers. On the tiny platform in the middle of the courtyard, there is also four black pins on a board that tells the prayer times by the sun. Facing the prayer room, on one of the left columns is also a last black pin marking the night prayer by moonlight.

100km

35.6813888910.10388889

Ribat of Sousse

Whilst not as impressive or extensive as the Ribat in Monastir this fortified holy site is a worthwhile visit and served as home to a branch of Islamic warriors very similar in nature and creed as the Hospitaller Knights that lived in Rhodes. Climbing to the top of the watch tower affords you fantastic views over the Medina.

100km

35.827710.6388

Great Mosque of Sousse

A surprisingly tranquil place despite its location in the middle of the city. Built c. 850 AD, this mosque is simple and austere in the Aghlabite style, no decoration whatsoever aside from a string of angular Arabic and curved arches. Even the prayer room is covered in reed mats instead of the usual carpet. You must be properly dressed to enter, but green wraps can be rented for a token fee to cover up.

100km

35.8269444410.63972222

Kerkouane

archaeological site in Tunisia

102km

36.9463888911.09916667

Raqqada

Raqqāda is the site of the second capital of the 9th-century dynasty of Aghlabids, located about ten kilometers southwest of Kairouan. The site now houses the National Museum of Islamic Art. Which specializes in medieval Islamic art and includes works from Kairouan, Raqqada and Al-Mansuriya, a former princely city built in the Fatimid period.

108km

35.59624310.0569

Ribat of Monastir

This fortified monastery is located next to the sea and provides a great visit with most of the ruins open to clamber over. It may be familiar as it has been used in several films as a stand in for Jerusalem, most notably Monty Python's Life of Brian. You can climb the tower and have a nice view over the coastline and city.

116km

35.776110.8329

Mosque of Three Doors

mosque in Tunisia

126km

35.403710.061

Lamta Archaeological Museum

The ancient city of Leptiminus is located about 10 km south of Monastir. It was founded by Phoenician sailors around the 12th century BC. The modern city of Lamta was built on top of this ancient city, thus leaving almost nothing of it. Although some remnants from the times of Leptiminus can still be found in this museum.

126km

35.6769444410.87722222

Great Mosque of Monastir

Built in the 9th century and then enlarged over the centuries. It now includes a prayer room and a minaret, and doesn't have a courtyard inside. Off-limits to non-Muslims.

128km

35.6710.8925

Amphitheatre of El Jem

The amphitheater dominates the modern town, and was also featured in several scenes of the film Gladiator. The amphitheater is best seen at dawn or sunset, and this is also the best time for taking photographs. While the grounds may be closed during sunrise or sunset, photographs of the site from the surrounding streets are certainly possible.

147km

35.2963888910.70694444

El Djem Archaeological Museum

It has a large selection of mosaics and one restored Roman Villa, which has all the mosaics in place and gives a real feel for their style of living. Adjoining this is the rest of this area of Roman Thysdrus, with the streets and floor plans laid out over a large area showing the variations to the house and villa plan.

147km

35.2897222210.70472222
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Someday we will visit Tunis or begin to dream about going there! However, for now its not on our radar. Let us know in the comments if you think that should change!

Tunis

Tunis (تونس) is the capital of Tunisia. With a population of around two million inhabitants. There are quite a few must-see attractions, especially if you include the ruins of Carthage, which are easily accessed from here, and the Punic ports are interesting, too. Tunis is an interesting mix of new and old, including colonial French buildings. The souq and the medina are among the most authentic and hassle-free in North Africa.

Tunis is located in north-eastern Tunisia on the Lake of Tunis, and is connected to the Mediterranean sea's Gulf of Tunis by a canal which terminates at the port of La Goulette/Halq al Wadi. The ancient city of Carthage is located just north of Tunis along the coastal part. The city lies on a similar latitude as the southernmost points of Europe.

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Climate

Average temperatures

Jan

16°C9
Precipitation: 59 mm

Feb

17°C8
Precipitation: 57 mm

Mar

20°C10
Precipitation: 47 mm

Apr

22°C13
Precipitation: 38 mm

May

27°C16
Precipitation: 23 mm

Jun

31°C20
Precipitation: 10 mm

Jul

34°C23
Precipitation: 3.1 mm

Aug

34°C23
Precipitation: 7.1 mm

Sep

30°C21
Precipitation: 33 mm

Oct

27°C18
Precipitation: 66 mm

Nov

22°C13
Precipitation: 56 mm

Dec

18°C10
Precipitation: 67 mm
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