3-Day Itinerary in Tunis: Plan for a Long Weekend

Day One: In the Heart of the Medina of Tunis

Your sightseeing itinerary begins in the pulsating heart of the old city, the medina of Tunis. This maze of narrow alleys and hidden squares was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, bearing witness to centuries of history and carefully preserved traditions.

Walking through the streets of the medina means traveling back in time. Medieval walls surround a district where artisans, merchants, and residents keep ancient customs alive. We recommend starting your visit early in the morning, when soft light illuminates the colorful facades and the atmosphere is quieter.

Dedicate at least four hours to exploring this historic area. Among the main points of interest, you will find historic palaces, fonduks (ancient caravanserais) transformed into artisan workshops, and monumental gates that tell stories of conquests and dominations. Get lost aimlessly: every corner hides an architectural or cultural surprise.

The Majestic Zitouna Mosque

The spiritual and architectural hub of the medina is undoubtedly the Great Zitouna Mosque. Built in 732 AD, this imposing structure represents one of the oldest Islamic places of worship in North Africa. Its name means “mosque of the olive tree,” a reference to the tree under which the founder preached.

Although internal access is reserved for Muslim worshippers, visitors can admire the magnificent colonnaded courtyard. The 184 ancient columns, many coming from the ruins of Carthage, create a suggestive play of light and shadow. The architecture combines Byzantine, Roman, and Islamic elements in a fascinating syncretism.

Around the mosque, the city’s liveliest commercial district develops. Fabric shops, jewelry stores, and traditional cafes surround the main square. Stop to enjoy a mint tea while observing the daily hustle and bustle: this authentic experience represents the essence of the perfect travel program.

The Traditional Souks of the Historic Center

The souks of Tunis constitute a total sensory experience. Each commercial quarter specializes in a specific craft, following a centuries-old tradition. You will find Souk el Attarine dedicated to perfumes, Souk des Chéchias for typical red Tunisian hats, and Souk el Berka, historically dedicated to the trade of fine fabrics.

Walking among the stalls, you will be enveloped by scents of spices, incense, and essential oils. Artisans work in front of their shops, creating objects in leather, wrought metal, and hand-painted ceramics. Do not be afraid to bargain: it is part of the local commercial tradition and often turns into a pleasant opportunity for cultural exchange.

For lunch, treat yourself to a break in one of the small restaurants hidden in the alleys. Order a traditional couscous or a brik, the typical crispy pastry filled with tuna and eggs. Prices are generally low and the quality is excellent. Afterward, you can continue your exploration towards the residential neighborhoods of the medina, where mass tourism gives way to daily authenticity.

Day Two: Carthage and Sidi Bou Said

The second day of your 3-day itinerary will take you out of the urban center, towards two unmissable destinations on the Tunisian coast. Carthage and Sidi Bou Said are about 15 kilometers from Tunis and are easily reachable by the TGM train, an economical and practical way to move along the coast.

We recommend leaving early to make the most of the day. The train journey already offers a suggestive first view of the Gulf of Tunis and the residential neighborhoods. Be prepared to walk a lot: both sites require walking on sometimes uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes.

This combination of ancient history and scenic beauty makes the second day particularly memorable. Bring water and sun protection, especially in the summer months when temperatures can be high. The contrast between the millennial ruins of Carthage and the colorful alleys of Sidi Bou Said creates an extraordinary visual experience.

The Roman Ruins of Carthage

Carthage represents one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC, it was a rival to Rome until its destruction in 146 BC. The current ruins belong mainly to the subsequent Roman city, rebuilt as an important center of the Empire.

The main sites to visit include the Antonine Baths, among the largest in the Roman Empire, the Roman theater still used for summer shows, and the Punic villas with their splendid mosaics. The Carthage museum houses extraordinary artifacts that help understand the richness of this ancient civilization.

From the heights of Byrsa, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the gulf. The standing columns testify to the lost grandeur of this city that challenged Rome for control of the Mediterranean. Dedicate at least three hours to a complete visit of the archaeological site, following the marked paths that connect the different areas.

Here are the main sites not to be missed in Carthage:

• Baths of Antoninus – Imposing ruins of one of the largest thermal complexes of Roman antiquity
• Roman Theater – Restored and used for cultural events during the summer season
• Byrsa Hill – Center of the Punic city with an archaeological museum and exceptional panorama
• Roman Villas District – Patrician residences with well-preserved mosaics
• Tophet – Ancient Phoenician sanctuary dedicated to the deities Tanit and Baal

The Blue and White Village of Sidi Bou Said

A few kilometers from Carthage stands Sidi Bou Said, considered one of the most picturesque villages in the Mediterranean. Its characteristic white houses with cobalt blue doors and windows have inspired artists, writers, and musicians for generations. Paul Klee, André Gide, and Gustave Flaubert were among the illustrious visitors fascinated by this village.

Stroll along the main street, Avenue Habib Thameur, lined with art galleries, historic cafes, and craft shops. The famous Café des Nattes and Café Sidi Chabaane offer panoramic terraces where you can enjoy traditional mint tea with pine nuts accompanied by Tunisian sweets, while admiring the intense blue of the Mediterranean.

Walk down towards the marina for a different perspective of the village. From here you can appreciate how the houses climb up the hill creating a unique scenic effect. Many visitors choose to stay until sunset, when the golden light enhances the chromatic contrasts and the atmosphere becomes even more romantic and evocative.

Day Three: Art and Modernity

The last day of your three-day program is dedicated to the cultural and contemporary aspects of the capital. You will start the morning immersed in ancient art at the Bardo Museum, continue by exploring the modern neighborhoods, and conclude with authentic gastronomic experiences that represent the culinary soul of Tunisia.

This day offers a perfect balance between museum culture and contemporary urban life. You will appreciate how Tunis knows how to balance the preservation of historical heritage with the development of a modern and dynamic identity. The contrast between the different souls of the city enriches the understanding of this North African nation.

Plan your movements considering that the Bardo Museum is located slightly outside the center. You can use taxis or public transport to reach it comfortably. In the afternoon, dedicate yourself to more relaxed explorations through modern shopping districts and elegant residential areas.

The National Bardo Museum

The Bardo Museum houses one of the most important collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Housed in an ancient Beylical palace, the museum itself is an architectural masterpiece that deserves attention. The lavish rooms with decorated ceilings and marble floors create a sumptuous setting for the exhibited works.

The collection ranges from the Punic era to the Islamic period, passing through Roman and Byzantine dominations. The mosaics coming from the patrician villas of Carthage, Sousse, and other Tunisian sites depict mythological, marine, hunting, and daily life scenes with extraordinary detail. Works like the mosaic of Ulysses and the Sirens or the Triumph of Neptune are considered true treasures of ancient art.

Dedicate at least three hours to the visit to properly appreciate the different sections. Audio guides in Italian are available at the entrance and facilitate the understanding of the historical-artistic context. The museum also offers a cafeteria in the internal courtyard where you can relax before continuing your exploration of the city.

Exploring the Modern District

Avenue Habib Bourguiba represents the Champs-Élysées of Tunis. This wide tree-lined avenue crosses the heart of the new city, flanked by French colonial buildings, elegant hotels, open-air cafes, and international shops. The Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, with its neoclassical facade, testifies to the capital’s colonial past.

Continuing north, you will reach the Lac de Tunis, a recently redeveloped area with parks, pedestrian promenades, and modern shopping centers. Neighborhoods like La Marsa and Gammarth offer elegant beaches and trendy restaurants frequented by the urban middle class. These spaces show the contemporary and ambitious face of Tunis.

In the afternoon, visit the central market of Tunis near Bab el Bahr. This covered market offers a different perspective compared to traditional souks: here residents do their daily shopping among stalls of very fresh fish, mountains of colorful fruit and vegetables, and spice shops. The atmosphere is lively and genuine, far from conventional tourist circuits.

Authentic Gastronomic Experiences

Tunisian cuisine represents a fascinating synthesis of Berber, Arab, Turkish, Italian, and French influences. For your last evening, treat yourself to a memorable culinary experience in one of the traditional restaurants in the center. Tunisian couscous, prepared with very fine semolina and accompanied by vegetables and stewed meat, constitutes the national dish par excellence.

Other unmissable dishes include brik, crispy fried pastry filled with tuna, capers, parsley, and egg; mechouia, a salad of grilled vegetables with tuna and olives; and keftaji, spiced meatballs in tomato sauce. Accompany the meal with local wine: Tunisia produces wines of surprising quality, a legacy of the French winemaking tradition.

To end on a sweet note, taste the traditional sweets made with almond paste, honey, and orange blossom water. Makroud (semolina sweets filled with dates), Tunisian baklava, and asida (spiced puddings) represent the perfect finale for this three-day itinerary that will have let you discover the multiple souls of Tunis.

Here is a complete menu for your gastronomic experience:

1. Appetizers – Assortment of sauces (harissa, mechouia) with hot bread and marinated olives
2. First Course – Classic brik or chorba (traditional Tunisian soup)
3. Main Course – Couscous with lamb and vegetables or Tunisian tajine
4. Side Dishes – Tunisian salad and mechouia salad
5. Dessert – Selection of traditional sweets with mint tea

Conclusions on Your Weekend in Tunis

This 3-day itinerary will have allowed you to discover the most fascinating facets of the Tunisian capital. From the spirituality of the ancient medina to the magnificence of the ruins of Carthage, from the panoramic terraces of Sidi Bou Said to the artistic treasures of the Bardo, every day offers unforgettable emotions and discoveries.

Tunis reveals itself as a surprisingly rich destination, capable of satisfying travelers with different interests. History buffs will find millennial cultural layers, photographers will find picturesque glimpses at every corner, while foodies can delight their palate with genuine and tasty cuisine. The excellent value for money makes this an ideal destination even for limited budgets.
Leaving means already thinking about returning.

Tunis awaits you to deepen corners left unexplored, savor other culinary specialties, or simply relax in cafes observing the flow of Mediterranean life. This guide represents only the beginning of a lasting relationship with a city that knows how to conquer with its authenticity, the warmth of its people, and the richness of its cultural heritage layered over centuries.