Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis is the capital and largest city of the republic of Tunisia, situated on the Mediterranean Gulf in the Gulf of Tunis. It is a modern international metropolis with sophisticated hotels, shops and flower-lined avenues, but within it is the medina, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The medina is the historical heart of the city and home to many monuments and palaces. It is a dense agglomeration of alleys and covered passages, full of intense scents and colours, boisterous and active trade, and an abundance of goods on offer ranging from leather to plastic, tin to the finest filigree, tourist souvenirs to the works of tiny crafts shops.

Other attractions in Tunis include its souks, a network of covered streets with shops, traders and artisans ordered by specialty. The “Porte de France” or “Sea Gate” is also of interest.

Things to See & Do

* Old City – Medina
* Souks
* Bardo Museum
* Zitouna Mosque
* Bab Bahr (Porte de France) – the gate to the sea found on the Avenue de France

General Information

Cruise Season – Oct - May
Currency – Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Language – Arabic
Population – 730,000 approx
Land Area – 212.63 km²
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time – GMT plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code – + 216

Port Location - La Goulette is the port of Tunis; it is located approximately 10 km's from Tunis and is linked by the TGM railway.

Transport Links – Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN), 8 km away from the centre, is small and in reasonable shape with all standard facilities. The major western carriers who service Tunis-Carthage are Air France and Lufthansa, from Paris or Frankfurt.

Tunisia has over 70 bus lines, with Tunis at the hub. There are two bus stations in town, with Gare Bab el Fellah serving southern destinations and Gare Bab Saadoun serving those to the north. Buses are run by SNTRI at both stations.

Tunis Central Station is near Place de Barcelone for easy interchange onto the light metro. Trains are generally cheap and comfortable, but if you want to ride first class during peak season, do reserve your seat in advance. Trains are run by SNCFT.