Joanna James
Not the most glamorous of locations, but Tunisia has been keeping many tempting things under wraps. Sitting across from Sicily, Tunisia has a rich mix of culture, history, and natural attractions.
Modern attractions of El Djem fade into the background in the presence of the Roman amphitheatre. One of the biggest sightseeing highlights, this well-preserved Roman relic is among the few examples of amphitheatre architecture. It’s a reminder of the power the Romans once had over the world. Take a moment to walk through the corridors, admiring the beautiful architecture and imagining the gladiator fights and the cheering crowds. This is among the top-tier historical attractions in the country, so expect a lot of people to be around. Early morning and late afternoon are a bit less crowded, though.
Facing Lake Tunis is the UNESCO-listed Carthage, a city that held immense importance in the ancient Mediterranean. It was the Phoenicians who built it, only to be destroyed and rebuilt by the Romans. The new Roman structure of the city included a village, baths, and an amphitheatre, all of which you can see with a day ticket. Find a local guide, as there isn’t much signage to make navigation easier. You’ll find several accommodation options in the area. The Residence Tunis, one of the five-star hotels in Tunisia, is only 19 minutes away.
With origins in the 8th century, the Zitouna Mosque is the oldest mosque in the capital. Sitting centred on the narrow alleyways of the city, the mosque is a must-visit. You can enter through one of the nine gates to admire the stunning interior of the mosque. The spacious courtyard and the rectangular minaret are distinct highlights. Female visitors are expected to cover their hair when visiting.
If you have just enough time to visit one attraction in Tunisia and you want it to be as fun and insightful as possible, the National Bardo Museum is where you’ll find it. The large collection of mosaics found here never fails to impress visitors. The museum was renovated recently, and new items were added to the collection, but it's the mosaics that still steal the spotlight.
Photographers looking for heartwarming scenery and artists seeking inspiration should visit Sidi Bou Said. With its white narrow alleyways and houses with bright blue doors set against a backdrop of gorgeous Mediterranean scenery, this little village is a fine example of Tunisian architecture. This is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon on the beach. For a spot of shopping, head to the small artisan stores. Getting here from the central city is easily done – just get on a direct train to Sidi Bou Said station.
The Sahara Desert takes up much of the country’s interior, so it would be a shame not to add some desert adventure to your list. The Grand Erg Oriental, with its vast fields of sand dunes, is perhaps the most fetching. This corner of the Sahara features poetically beautiful dunes formed by the shifting sands. Many people come here for adventure, but nothing really comes close to the experience of sitting atop a sand mountain and watching the sun paint the vast land in fiery red and gold. Douz is the town closest to the desert. From there, you can organise excursions to the desert.
With alleyways, souks, and white houses, Sousse is among the top tourist experiences. Shops sell a tempting collection of merchandise, including Tunisian metalwork, leatherwork, and ceramics. Venture away from the souks, and you’ll find a charming neighbourhood with narrow, rambling lanes painted in white and blue, where you can sample real local life. For first-timers, Sousse offers a thorough introduction to the country’s cultural riches. Plus, a few restaurants serve delicious Tunisian cuisine.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
