Official Language:
Arabic
Secondary Language:
French
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Currency:
Tunisian Dinars
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Population:
Approximately 699,000 people call Tunis home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Tunis: Tunis offers a mild Mediterranean climate in the north, however in the south the climate becomes hotter and drier. In the north, temperatures average 78°F/26°C in the summer months. There is a rainy season in the North that lasts from October to May with an average annual rainfall of approximately 24 inches. Annual rainfall in the South decreases to only about 8 inches.
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The capital of Tunisia, Tunis is located between Algeria and Libya. Tunis is a well hidden secret that has become a laid-back city, a mix of old and new with helpful and friendly locals. The port in La Goulette is conveniently located 10 km from Tunis. A train service (TGM) is set up to take you right to the center of Tunis. Cruise passengers will find the markets exotic and the city intriguing. Tunis will take you by surprise with its modern conference centers, many hotels and busy modern Mediterranean city. Here you will see a city that combines steel and glass that blend with the baroque. Palm trees shade down on chic boutiques, gardens and cafés. The main attractions in Tunis are the bazaar, the Medina or "souq," and the remains of the ancient city of Carthage. One of the major attracations is the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum, which was a former turkish palace that houses a collection of traditional costumes. Whenin Tunis notice how clean this city is and the lack of beggars. Tunis offers a combination of beautiful beaches and historical treasures. Enojy sunbathing, diving, sailing, and fishing along the many stretches of glistening, white sandy Mediterranean beaches. These beaches cover an 810 mile coast. Visitors who enjoy golf will enjoy the El-Kantaoui's 27-hole golf course.
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Attractions |
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Tunisia's list of attractions would do justice to a country twice its size. From the Roman-era hot springs at Hamman Mellegue to the space-age sets of Star Wars (parts of which were filmed at Matmata), its lush-to-lunar landscapes have seen more action than the New World nations combined. Spend a few days here and you'll agree: daydreaming at the famous Roman ruins of Carthage and El-Jem is almost as good as stepping into Virgil's Aeneid and knocking one back with Dido, while a day's dawdling on the north coast's beaches will leave you wondering why Hannibal ever left.
Tourism remains very low-key throughout most of the country, though if you're looking for resort life you can find that too. Be it Tunis' French-Arab culture collage or the Sahara's unthinkably massive expanse, you're going to be impressed with what you find in Tunisia. After all, they've had 3000 years to prepare for your visit.
Suuq:
Suuq is the Arabic name for market and Medina is the Arabic word for town. Today, the suuq is also called medina. Tunis today is one large shopping centre and handicrafts factory. Just start at the Bab el Bahr, take the left entrance to the suuq, and enjoy. Everything you will find here is available at other tourist centres as well. Though prices tend to be higher at the Suuq's. Gold jewellers' suuq is known as the Souk des Orfèvres, where gold of high carats is sold.
Zitouna - The Great Mosque:
The main mosque of Tunis. The city has is modelled with it as the centre. The name means "olive tree", and comes from the mosque's founder who taught the Koran under an olive tree. Today the mosque serves mainly as a house of worship, however it was at one tiem a house of higher learning from times before the first European universities, and until the 1950's when Tunis' universities began to take over. It has been said that each teacher had his own column.
Café M'Rabet:
An institution in the medina of Tunis. The interior has not changed for more than 100 hundred years. Should you forget to remove your shoes, the waiter will come over and remind you to remove them. The M'rabet is a cool retreat when the summer heat makes walking unbearable. This café is built over the tombs of 3 holy men. The restaurant on top of the café is considered as one of the most exclusive places to dine in all of Tunis. Belly-dancing and/or live music is part of the entertainment with your meal.
Bab el Bahr:
Meaning "Gate to the Sea". In the 19th century, that was exactly what it was. There were only open grounds here, leading down to the lake of Tunis. Once the French arrived the Bab el Bahr became a symbol, as the gate between the Oriental part and the European part of Tunis. This is how the other name came to be "Porte de France".
Bardo Museum:
Representing a tour through Tunisian history, though dominated by Punic, Roman and Christian periods. The best exhibits are the remains of the palace itself. The collection of Roman mosaics in the Bardo museum is considered to be one of the best in the world. Have a look at the magnificent mosaics and marble statues that this museum is known for.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Tunis:
Tourism in Tunisia
Tunis: The modern capital
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