Tunisia 2 Day Itinerary

Tunisia 2-Day Itinerary: Exploring Tunis’ Rich History and Vibrant Culture

(Please note that this itinerary assumes you have already arranged for your flight and accommodation. Check the latest visa requirements with the Tunisian Embassy in your country.)

Day 1: Discovering Ancient Wonders and Tunis Medina

  1. Breakfast (8:00 - 9:30): Start your day with a traditional Tunisian breakfast at a local café. Popular dishes include Msemen, a type of pancake stuffed with cheese or honey, and Brik, a pastry filled with tuna, eggs, and harissa.

  2. Carthage (9:30 - 12:00) - Head to Carthage, the ancient Phoenician city founded by Queen Dido. Visit the Antonine Baths, the Punic Tophet Necropolis, and the Byrsa Hill where you can see the remains of the Royal Palace.

  3. Lunch (12:00 - 1:00) - Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the seafront restaurants in La Marsa, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. Try Tunisian seafood specialties like Grilled Fish (Poisson Grillé) or Sea Snail Stew (Escalope de Coquilles St-Jacques).

  4. Bardo Museum (1:30 - 3:30) - Spend the afternoon exploring the Bardo National Museum, home to an extensive collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts, as well as Tunisian art dating back to prehistory.

  5. Tunis Medina (4:00 - 6:00) - Venture into the heart of Tunis and wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Old City (Medina). Don’t miss the Zitouna Mosque, the Avenue Habib Bourguiba, and the bustling souks selling everything from spices to intricate metalwork.

  6. Dinner (7:00 - 8:30) - For dinner, try a local restaurant in the Medina, such as Dar Salama or Cafe Sidi Ben Arous, offering traditional Tunisian cuisine like Couscous and Maklouba.

Day 2: Exploring Tunis’ Modern Side and Saharan Oasis

  1. Breakfast (8:00 - 9:30) - Continue your exploration of Tunis with a hearty breakfast at another local café.

  2. Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum and Av. Habib Bourguiba (10:00 - 11:00) - Pay tribute to Tunisia’s first President at his mausoleum, located on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the city’s main boulevard.

  3. National Museum of Bizerte (12:00 - 1:30) - Take a short trip to the coastal town of Bizerte to visit the National Museum, which houses exhibits on Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman history in this region.

  4. Lunch (1:30 - 2:30) - Enjoy a seafood lunch in Bizerte before heading back to Tunis.

  5. Belvedere Palace and Les Berges du Lac (3:00 - 4:30) - Return to Tunis and visit the Belvedere Palace, now home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Stroll along Les Berges du Lac for a peaceful afternoon and take in the beautiful lake views.

  6. Dinner (7:00 - 8:30) - For your final dinner in Tunisia, choose from a variety of restaurants offering international cuisine or more upscale Tunisian options like Dar Nejma or Le Marais.

Additional Tips:

  • Currency: The official currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are accepted in most major establishments but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Language: Arabic and French are the official languages, but many people in tourist areas speak English. Learning a few basic phrases in Arabic is appreciated by locals.
  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available, but make sure they use the meter or negotiate the price beforehand. Buses and trams are also an affordable option for getting around Tunis. Renting a car can be another way to explore further afield if you prefer self-guided tours.
  • Safety: While Tunisia is generally safe for tourists, always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep valuable items hidden and avoid displaying excessive amounts of cash or jewelry.

Note: This itinerary offers a brief glimpse into the rich history and culture of Tunisia, but there’s much more to discover beyond these two days! Be sure to research additional destinations such as Sousse, Monastir, Kairouan, and the stunning Saharan oasis of Tozeur for future trips.