Tunisia is a popular destination for those who love the beach; however, the country has a lot more to offer than its golden sandy beaches. It’s a place that’s very rich in culture with a Muslim-majority population, meaning it also provides the opportunity to learn more about a religion outside of our own. From traditions such as Ramadan fasting to Qurbani 2023, Tunisia provides a cultural experience like no other. With crowded streets and alleyways of pastel-washed houses, the country has a lot to offer. To that end, detailed below are some of the top places to visit in Tunisia.
Sidi Bou Said
First up is Sidi Bou Said, which is incredibly photogenic and extremely cute. This is predominantly down to the petite dimensions of the pretty clifftop village. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking that photos of the area are actually an artist’s canvas. Speaking of which, the location has been the muse of many artists for a number of years. Being right at the top of Africa, Tunisia provides a Mediterranean backdrop, which only contributes to the beauty of the space. Meanwhile, the village boasts stunning architecture with bright blue doors and wrought-iron window frames.
The National Bardo Museum
Museums aren’t everyone’s top choice for somewhere to visit on vacation, but even those who aren’t usually keen on them will be impressed by this one. The Bardo boasts a huge range of stunning mosaics, which makes the museum one of North Africa’s best. In fact, within this range of mosaics sits the most important mosaic collections from across the globe, and they’re a sight to behold, too. The collections represent the intricate and dazzling artistry of the Byzantine and Roman eras, making them works of art and pieces of history. The museum is located in Tunisia’s capital, making it a must-visit location.
Carthage
History buffs will know that Carthage was once the rival of Rome, being the city of the seafaring Phoenicians, who have since been memorialized in the Punic Wars. Today, though, all that’s left of the ancient town is atmospheric ruins. These sit next to the sea in Tunis’ suburbs, representing the great city that once stood in their place. The remnants of Carthage are listed as UNESCO World Heritage, making them massively important aspects of history. Therefore, anyone who’s fascinated by ancient history and finds themselves in Tunisia can’t miss the remnants of Carthage.
Djerba
Djerba really falls under what someone would come to expect of Tunisia, as it’s the picture-perfect beach escape. It’s not too far from Houmt Souk, an island town, which is the main point of interest near the beach. This is because it provides tourists with great shopping, including handicraft vendors. Typically speaking, people book a break to Tunisia with a beach vacation in mind, making Djerba a popular spot for almost any visitor to Tunisia. Stunning golden sand, pretty palm trees, sparkling blue seas; what’s not to like about that?
El Djem Ampthitheater
Last but certainly not least is the mighty Roman amphitheater, El Djem. The structure is so huge that it dwarfs the surrounding modern town. This is arguably the largest sightseeing highlight in Tunisia, as the most well-preserved Roman relic in the area. It may not be anywhere near Rome, but it’s still one of the best examples of amphitheater architecture that’s still standing. Today, you can still walk the routes of the gladiators, venturing through corridors under the arena and climbing to the top seating tiers. Just imagine the battles that took place in such a location and how this has influenced history.
