Tunis

From Eco Friendly Travels

Eco-friendly travel guide to Tunis advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Tunis, Tunisia.

Tunis' Avenue Habib Bourguiba looking north towards the port of Tunis (La Goulette) and the Mediterranean Sea


  • Air quality: 3 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 4 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5
  • Public transportation: 3.5 / 5
  • Parks: 2 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 3 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 1 / 5
  • Safety: 3 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$ 10 - $ 180
  • Budget per day: US$ 3 - $ 300

Responsible Travel

Tunis is the capital city of Tunisia, the largest city in Tunisia and the sixteenth-largest in the Arab world. The city is on an enormous Mediterranean Sea gulf (the Gulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette and extends along the coastal plain and the hills that surround it. The city is a popular tourist destination, especially with ‘sunseekers’ and is worth a visit. Some of the ways to ensure responsible travel in Tunis include:

  • Choose an eco-friendly hotel
  • Don't eat at tourist restaurants
  • Try to avoid packaged things, ideally eat your snacks on the spot
  • Support local businesses by buying local goods
  • Use public transport


Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Tunis is moderate as there is a significant amount of pollutants in it. The impurities are mainly from mining, refining, and processing, the agricultural industry, and vehicle emissions. The levels of pollution tend to vary by the season, with the highest levels during the month of July.

The issue of water pollution in Tunis has been a long-standing problem as most water resources are polluted, and the majority of these pollutants stem from wastewater discharge, industrial effluents and agricultural activities. There are efforts that have been made by the city within the last decade to create wastewater facilities, but the quality of the water remains poor. It could continue to worsen if more is not done to reverse the increasing pollution.


Respect the Culture

Tunis has a rich and diverse culture. They have a lot of beliefs that are very important to them. Shaking hands is considered normal, and Tunisians often shake hands at the start and end of a conversation. Tunisia is an Arab city, so women wear conservative clothes that cover the body, such as long skirts, trousers or dresses, and t-shirts or long sleeve shirts. However, the dressing of Tunis women has become more ‘Westernized’, especially in tourist hubs, but if you wish to draw minimal attention to yourself, it’s best to dress like the other women.


Top 10 Places to Visit

Tunis is a beautiful city and an excellent place to visit, as there are several places to visit to experience the city's beauty and culture as an international traveller. The city is known for its majestic waterfall, the largest in the world among many other things. The city is brimming with a variety of activities for every type of tourist. Below is a list of the top ten places to visit:

  • The Bardo National Museum is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region and the second museum of the African continent after the Egyptian Museum of Cairo by the richness of its collections. The museum traces the history of Tunisia over several millennia and across several civilizations. It has been the setting for the exhibition of many significant works discovered since the beginning of archaeological research in the country. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world, which were gathered from the excavations at the beginning of 20th century in various archaeological sites in the country; and are still all in perfect condition. Entry is free for international students. There are not so many tourists visiting the museum so you can take your time and enjoy the exhibition. The only downside is that some of the master pieces are not adequately explained.
  • Al-Zaytuna Mosque, also known as Ez-Zitouna Mosque, is a major mosque at the centre of the Medina of Tunis. The Mosque is the oldest in the city, is vast and has nine entrances. The Mosque is home to one of the first and most excellent Islam universities. It was actually the first Islamic university in the world. They still pray in the traditional way like hundreds of year ago. The Mosque is very impressive, and a significant part in Tunisian history. It is the second Mosque built in Tunisia. Men and women have a different entrance. The architecture blends in with that of the other buildings in the area.
  • Byrsa was a walled citadel above the Phoenician harbour in ancient Carthage. There is a route that goes through a shepherd’s path through the grass and trees that eventually leads to the top of the hill. The top of the mountain has access to ruins that are outside of the tourist area and have much better views of the surrounding area. There are several guides available to walk you through and explain the whole history of the area.
  • Avenue Habib Bourguiba is the central street of Tunis, and the historical political and economic heart of Tunisia. It is named after Habib Bourguiba, the first President of Tunisia and the national leader of the Tunisian independence movement. Today, the street is aligned in an east-west direction, lined with trees and facades of shops, with street cafes on both sides. Many of the city’s important monuments are located along this avenue, including Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, French Embassy in Tunisia and Théâtre municipal de Tunis.
  • The Lake of Tunis is a natural lagoon located between the city of Tunis and the Gulf of Tunis. The lake is vast as it covers a total of 37 square kilometres, but its depth is very shallow. This lake was once the natural harbour of Tunis. The lake has become a hub of the Tunisian economy as it is a chic and very busy place where there is everything. It is in a beautiful location; with qualities that are up to international standards, with many hotels and restaurants and cafes. There is also a circus, and a carousel with other spaces to have fun is also there. The lake is also a lovely place for hiking as it is clean and has a sea breeze that inspires optimism. It is important to note that the prices are very high that do not correspond to the living standards of most Tunisians.
  • National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies is a marine-life education centre and aquarium. The building is gorgeous, and the contents are very interesting. One of the most important sites at the museum is the skeleton of a whale, which resembles that of a mini dinosaur. Entry is actually almost for free. The museum looks relatively small, but it houses some very interesting relics that a visitor will remember for a long time.
  • Madrasa Slimania is a former madrasa and one of the monuments of the Ottoman era in the Medina of Tunis. It is an old school that was refurbished to become an art gallery. The area is relatively busy, but it is a very peaceful and serene atmosphere. The Old Madrasa has kept its ancient architecture with different rooms and classrooms. It serves as a cultural place in the city of Tunis. There are a large number of exhibitions, vernissages, literary evenings or even hikayet (storytellers) happen in this place.
  • The Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul is a Roman Catholic Church that is dedicated to Saint Vincent de Paul, patron saint of charity. The church design is a mixture of styles, including Moorish revival, Gothic revival, and Neo-Byzantine architectural traditions. The architecture is gorgeous, making it a wonderful gem of a church with a rich history alongside the beautiful interior. They have great pictures and stunning views. The church is a special place to visit, as it has excellent stature and elegance. The lights are amazing, especially if you see them at night. The indications give you a great idea about the history of the church. This place is very peaceful, absolutely not to miss if you're visiting Tunis especially noting that it's really close to the Medina and at the very centre of the downtown Tunis.
  • Carthage Land Les Berges du Lac is an outdoor water park with slides and rides. This entertainment centre is in an excellent location in the capital Tunis that can be visited by all ages, young and old. There are incredible water games in the morning and electronic games in the evening. There are also some activities on the stage. People are not allowed to enter with any type of food and beverages as there are many restaurants and cafes and a variety of stalls. The price of tickets varies depending on the part of the park that you want to enter and play. This place is a must visit if you are looking for a place to have fun with friends on a hot day of summer. The park has a wide parking area, and all is very clean, safe and lovely.
  • Les Ports Puniques de Carthage are ruins that represent ancient history. This is an extremely interesting location that served as the port for Carthage, and you can see how they used to operate the two ports and how the ship ramp system worked. The area is also home to good wildlife varieties. The Marquette’s are very interesting, and the guy at the door is very knowledgeable.


Explore

Tunis is the sprawling capital of Tunisia, with is core in ancient Medina, a World Heritage Site. The city sits along Lake Tunis, just inland from the Mediterranean Sea’s Gulf of Tunis. The city is home to a centuries-old Medina and an archaeology museum where famous Roman mosaics are displayed in a 15th-century palace complex. These are just some of the beautiful and significant parts of the city that are worth exploring. Keep reading to be able to find out more about this fantastic tourist destination.


City Parks

KatKout is an amusement park in the city. This is one of the oldest Amusement Parks in the city. The park has many games for children, a coffee shop and a place to eat. Some of the games found in the park include Billiards, air hockey even a classic punch machine. This is a great place to take your children to spend a relaxing day.


National Parks

There are no national parks within the city. There are, however, two major national parks in the nearby region, a few hours from Tunis. Namely:

  • Boukornine National Park
  • Jebel Chitana-Cap Négro National Park
Boukornine National Park


Beaches

There are no beaches in the city of Tunis itself, although there is a number in a few nearby cities. These beaches are close enough to Tunis to ensure that visiting them is just a one-day trip, meaning that there is no need to book additional accommodation. Instead, tourists can take a quick drive to experience the relaxing environment far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Below are some of the mentioned beaches:

  • Hammamet is a small beach city that is a one-hour drive from Tunis. The superb beach stretches of fine white sands, which are among the best-known beaches in Tunisia. The water is beautiful, clear and warm, and also houses a lot of marine life. The beautiful underwater world makes the beach an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkelling.
  • La Marsa is a coastal town, which is about 18 km north of Tunis. It was called the “summer capital” of pre-colonial Tunisia because of its beautiful beaches and spectacular views of the sea. Today, the town offers relatively expensive relaxing and luxurious vacations. There are top-class resorts in the city that suit an affluent lifestyle.
  • Gammarth is a coastal town 22kms north of Tunis that has spectacular views of and excellent access to the Mediterranean Sea. This is a high-end resort town with expensive hotels, restaurants, and shops. It offers an extravagant beach vacation and a taste of the culture and history of Tunis while you’re in town. There are several stores that sell souvenirs.
Hammamet


Landmarks

  • Bab el Bhar, also known as Porte De France (the gate of France), is a city gate in Tunis, that marks the separation between the Medina of Tunis and the European city. The gate is made up of a lowered archway and topped by a crenellated parapet. It marks the separation between the Medina of Tunis and the European city.
  • Bab Saadoun is one of the gates of the Medina of Tunis that is on the edge of the suburb of Bab Souika. The gate originally had only one narrow arch, and it was replaced in 1881 by a gate with three arches, which was better adapted to the volume of traffic. This gate a lot of Historical value to the Tunis city. There is a minibus that can go to the historic site DOUGAA, which is very convenient. Initially, the gate was in another area, and it was moved to the current location in the 60s during the demolition of the wall of Tunis.


Museums

  • National Military Museum is a small museum in what used to be one of the Bey of Tunisia's ex-palaces. This museum is maintained and looked after by the military. The museum is home to some of the first few Gatling guns ever made. The officers who guard it have a broader general knowledge about the history of the museum. There are many weapons, machines and clothes presented.
  • National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies is a marine-life education centre and aquarium. The building is gorgeous, and the contents are very interesting. One of the most important sites at the museum is the skeleton of a whale, which resembles that of a mini dinosaur. Entry is actually almost for free. The museum looks relatively small, but it houses some very interesting relics that a visitor will remember for a long time.
  • The Bardo National Museum is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region and the second museum of the African continent after the Egyptian Museum of Cairo by the richness of its collections. The museum traces the history of Tunisia over several millennia and across several civilizations. It has been the setting for the exhibition of many significant works discovered since the beginning of archaeological research in the country. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world, which were gathered from the excavations at the beginning of 20th century in various archaeological sites in the country; and are still all in perfect condition. Entry is free for international students. There are not so many tourists visiting the museum so you can take your time and enjoy the exhibition. The only downside is that some of the master pieces are not adequately explained.


Eat

The Tunisian diet is heavy in carbs and sugary delights. Almost every meal is accompanied by bread, and most menus almost always include potatoes, couscous, and sandwiches with French fries. Traditional local restaurants tend to have lower or more affordable prices compared to the International ones.


Traditional Local Restaurants

One of the best things about travelling worldwide is trying the various local cuisines available in that area. In most cases, traditional restaurants are the best place to experience local foods' taste, and maybe even a bit of the culture behind said dishes. Numerous conventional restaurants around the city serve excellent varieties of Tunisian dishes. Below is a list of the most famous traditional restaurants in the city.

  • Restaurant El-Walima is a Tunisian restaurant that is only open for lunch during the weekdays. Their food is delicious but a little expensive. The décor includes old paintings of the Tunisian Royal Family before the fall of the monarchy, which most guests find interesting. The restaurant is warm, and there is always a spectacular welcome from the owners. The menu is set up in a way that allows guests to taste several typical dishes. The restaurant is very clean and well kept.
  • Restaurant Dar Slah is a casual restaurant with good food and beautiful interior in busy Medina. The is simple, and the menu has many good choices for reasonable prices. Some of their most popular dishes include the couscous with fish (sea bream) and the stuffed artichoke (with veal mince). The service is attentive and professional. The manager is also very entertaining and will tell some traditional food origins and background.
  • Restaurant Ghassen is a restaurant that specializes in traditional starters plates and fish and seafood. They serve a nice salad and an excellent grilled steak. Their food is delicious, but their portions are relatively small. The restaurant is excellent when it comes to their seafood selection.
  • Dar Mima is a simple restaurant that serves tasty and fresh food. Their soups and salads are to die for, and all their other dishes are excellent. Their food is of high quality and comes at very reasonable prices. The restaurant is a bit small and outdated, which gives it a rustic home feeling.


Vegetarian and Vegan

  • Badra is a vegetarian restaurant that specializes in fast food and breakfast. They sell exclusively lablabi for breakfast, which is all-vegan. The restaurant gets rather crowded, especially in winter, so you need to make sure to go there before 10:00 am. They serve a bowl of chickpea soup (vegan) with spices as a basis. You can also get olive oil and eggs for an extra cost.
  • Azur is a restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel. They have a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, on a four-page vegan menu. The restaurant has International cuisines, and you are able to order what tickles your fancy.


Street Food

The city of Tunis has many fine dining options, but the heart and soul of Tunisian cuisine can only be experienced at roadside stalls. These stalls are characterized with enormous containers of frying oil, and mom-and-pop restaurants tucked deep in the medinas. There are countless varieties of traditional Tunisian street food, but there are a handful of classics you'll find almost everywhere. Below are a few examples that you should consider trying:

  • Lablabi is a traditional Tunisian dish made of shredded baguette topped with broth, chickpeas, egg and harissa.
  • Brik is made either with a runny egg, mrowba, or cooked egg, tayba.
  • Bambalouni is a ring of sugar-coated fried doughnut.
  • Fricasse is like a mini-sandwich filled with tuna, boiled egg and potato:


Drink

Tunis is a rather hot city, although there are times when it is cold as is expected. As is expected, there is a high need to stay hydrated during summer due to the high temperatures. The high temperatures dictate the beverage of choice as people prefer to drink something that would cool them down. There are numerous cold non-alcoholic drinks to choose from in the city, excluding water. Beverages of choice on a hot day include but are not limited to soft drinks, lemonade, milkshake, vegan shakes, and even iced tea or coffee. Tea is relatively widespread, regardless of the temperatures outside; however, tea consumption increases significantly when it's cold. Other choice beverages on cold days include coffee and warm milk.

In as much as Tunis is a Muslim country with a strong Muslim presence, alcohol is legal and publicly consumed. The city has many bars and nightclubs where people meet up after a long day at work or on weekends for a relaxed evening of drinks with friends. Other people enjoy the occasional drink at home, mostly whiskey or wine. There are both local and international brews available for purchase in both bars and supermarkets. The various types of alcoholic beverages include wine, gin, vodka, and cocktails, to name a few. The most popular local drink is Celtia.


Tap-water

The tap water in Tunis is generally safe for drinking.


Organic Cafés

Organic foods are foods that are grown without artificial nutrients, pesticides, or other chemicals. Eating organic has become a widespread trend where people are very selective about what they put in their bodies. Several organic cafes attract patrons of all ages who are careful about nutrition. There are many cafes in the city that cater specifically to this group of people. Below is a list of some of the organic cafes that one could try in the city

  • Oh Em Gee
  • El Ali Restaurant & Cafe
  • Moka Café Restaurant
  • Café Theatre


Breweries

Beer is a significant part of the Tunis society, and local brands hold a strong sense of national pride among the population. The local beer brewing industry in the city is relatively strong, as they make various types of local beer to meet the demand, which is relatively high as the locals are very proud and fond of their local beer. There are several breweries around the city, such as:

  • Heineken Sonobra Group Tunisia Tunis
  • Brauhaus Yasmine Hammamet Sud
  • Golfbräu Port el Kantaoui


Activities

Numerous activities can be done as you explore the city. The city is visited by numerous local and international tourists. There are many historical sites that show the rich history of the city and also its rich culture. People can go through the various sites and learn about how everything in the city came to be. The activities are designed to ensure that no one is left out, and people of different interests can still enjoy and have a great time. Some of the most popular activities include hikes, bike riding, relaxing at the beach, and leisurely tourist walks, to name a few. Some of the activities are in the city centre while others are just on the outskirts. It is essential to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that you get the best out of what the city offers.


Yoga and Retreats

Yoga is traditionally a Hindu discipline that focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. It has become quite famous globally, including Tunis, and some of the most visited yoga studios include:

  • Wellness Yoga Space
  • Fityogaprof
  • Yoga Home


Accommodation

There are many different accommodation types across Tunis. As an individual, you get to decide which one you prefer based on your needs, tastes, and budget. This section will look into some of the accommodation options that are available for tourists to select from


Green Hotels

Eco tourism is growing throughout the world, and there are several spectacular eco-hotels located in Tunis. These hotels are dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, and they offer lovely accommodation in some of the most beautiful settings in the city. These hotels tend to provide safe, non-toxic, and energy-efficient housing. Other characteristics include using renewable energy, organic soaps, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycling programs. A few of the most popular ones are:

  • Dar Hi Eco Lodge and Spa
  • Park Inn Ulysse Resort and Thalasso
  • Le Kasbah


Hostels and Guest Houses

  • Auberge El Medina is a beautiful and peaceful hostel that is very close to the historical centre of Tunis, the colourful souks, the Medina and shopping centres. There boast of a fresh, beautiful ceramic patio and nicely furnished rooms with elegant Tunisian decoration. They offer food from their refined and inventive cuisine, which includes both Tunisian and International dishes. Additional services include airport transfers, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and bicycle parking.
  • La Chambre Bleue is a guest house that is just a quick walk from Palais Khereddine. The guest house features include free Wi-Fi in public areas, plus breakfast daily for an additional fee, and a library. They have three rooms on one floor, and each room has a separate balcony. All rooms offer balconies, premium bedding and coffee or tea makers. Extra amenities include multilingual staff and a water dispenser.


Apartments

Those who intend to stay in Tunis for a long time will be very expensive as they charge per day. Some several flats and apartments are available for rent for at least a month. These are more affordable as they charge a flat rate and buy your food, which lowers costs. Those travelling as a group will find these most convenient as it is possible to share the flat rate cost instead of paying per head or room in hotels and motels.


Couchsurfing

Some families rent out a part of their home to tourists, known as couch surfing. This trend is still growing in Tunis. It offers the host family an opportunity to make extra money and the tourist a chance to experience Tunisian culture through family life. Several websites connect tourists with people who are willing to open up their homes. It is important to note that couch surfing was not designed to provide long term housing, and most people tend to stay between three and four days; a week maximum. Also, when couch surfing, you need to take responsibility for your own safety.


Camping

There are numerous campsites for those tourists who want to rough it, which offers a sense of adventure by giving people the full outdoor experience, including the fresh night air and the magnificent night skies. Below are some of the more popular campsites:

  • Camping Ain Soltane
  • Camping Rtiba


How to Get There

Several modes of transport can be used to travel to Tunis. The most convenient way of transportation for you depends on where you are travelling from as well as your budget. In most cases, local modes of transport are different from those you would use when you are coming from outside the country. People from surrounding cities usually travel to the city by bus or train. While those coming from further away commonly use aeroplanes. It is also important to research visa information before you travel to your required destination.


Air

Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN) is 8 km away from the city centre. The airport is small and in reasonable shape with all standard facilities. International flights will arrive on the ground floor of the airport. The major western carriers who service Tunis-Carthage airport are Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa, from Paris, London and Frankfurt.

There is a taxi rank immediately outside the terminal building. The taxi ride is a 10 minute trip to the Medina without traffic, and no more than 25 minutes even with traffic. The taxis to use are the small yellow ones which are designated for trips to the Tunis area. Alternatively, there are buses which depart from the airport areas reasonably regularly during the day; but not at night and charge less money than taxis. These buses, however, take much longer to get to the city. It is important to note that most drivers might not speak English; instead, they speak either French or Arabic. Lastly, most hotels and lodges have an airport transfer service that you need to pay extra for, and this is worth it, though, as they will take you straight to your accommodation.

Tunis-Carthage Airport


Bus

Long-distance buses are also a standard mode of transport with the locals. Tunisia has over 70 bus lines, with Tunis at the hub. There are two bus stations in Tunis, with Gare Bab el Fellah serving southern destinations and Gare Bab Saadoun serving those to the north. You can reach the bus stations either by bus or by taxis. Buses are convenient and affordable, and in most cases, they stick with strict timetables.


Train

The trains in Tunisia are in general punctual, clean, reliable and efficient. Tunis Central Station is near Place de Barcelone for easy interchange onto the light metro. Trains are generally cheap and comfortable. However, if you want to ride first class during peak season, you need to reserve your seat in advance. Tunis is a central hub of Tunisia railway system. The Tunis Railway Train Station is unique because different platforms have different track gauges.


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Tunisia is easy, especially in remote areas. You may not need to spend too much time at the roadside looking for transport; instead, the maximum expected waiting time is usually around 10-15 minutes. The rides are not free, so you need to make it clear to the driver how much you can afford before boarding the car. It is also possible to hitch with tourists who are driving rental cars. There are also many private taxis and shared minibuses called louage. In most cases, the drivers are very helpful, and they usually drive extra to take you to a good sport or a sightseeing place.

In bigger cities like Tataouine or Medenine hitchhiking is slightly more complicated and you might have to walk long distances before you find a right spot to wait for cars. Most people only speak French, so speaking French is a huge asset when trying to hitchhike. Also, single women need to think of extra measures to ensure their safety.


Others

Boats and ferries are another way of travelling to the city. Tunis is the country's principal port, and there are ferries that connect the city to many international destinations including Trapani, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Genoa and Marseille. The main ferry terminal is at La Goulette.


Moving Around

Tunis is a rather large city with a lot of moving around and exploring to do. Moving around the city can be complicated as the city's public transport system is not efficient. In most cases, walking or hiring a taxi is the best way to move around. Below are several other ways you can move around the city.


Walk

Walking is the best way to get around the city, especially once you are in the city centre. Walking is safe, although at midday in the summer it can get unbearably hot. The public transport system of Tunis tends to be somewhat unreliable during peak hours, and walking is your best bet during these times. Tunis is a very walkable city, and the distance between landmarks is relatively easy to cover by foot. It is important to exercise caution as you walk around the city, as there are many reckless drivers.


Bicycle

Hiring bikes is straightforward in Tunis. There are many hotels, guesthouses, and private bike hires companies that operate in the city, especially around the touristic areas. Though most of the bikes are not in perfect condition, they are suitable enough for short trips of a day or two. Bike riding in the city should only be done by those who are good at riding bikes as driving in the city is a bit reckless, so, it might be dangerous.


Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles have not yet been introduced in the city, although the process is in the works.


Public Bus

Yellow buses operate all over the capital, but they are more popular with locals than tourists, mainly because most of the information on the buses is only displayed in Arabic.


Tram, Train and Subway

There are trains that run regularly from 5 am to midnight in the city. These trains are fast, cheap, and convenient, although they can become very crowded. Tunis has a suitable five-line light metro system that has hubs for all lines in the centre of town. The prices of the train tickets depending on how many sections of the network that you intend to travel through. Most tourist attractions are within two sections of the city centre, so it is best to buy a ticket that caters for both.

There is also a tram system in Tunis with very cheap tickets. The tram system tends to get overloaded during the rush hours. It is best to avoid the tram during rush hours, as it can be difficult to board or to disembark. Rush hour tends to extend between 8 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm.


Sustainable Shopping

There are many shopping centres in the city whereby tourists and locals alike can go shopping. It is more sustainable to shop in local shops and ensure that you stick to one shop and try to spread the wealth by visiting different shops.


Food Markets

There are several markets across the city that are dedicated to selling fresh food. They sell both local and international food, processed or unprocessed. Some of these markets include

  • Monoprix Bab Souika
  • Municipal Market
  • Menzah 9 Carrefour Market Tunisia


Flea Markets

Several flea markets across the city offer both an exciting shopping experience and a chance to mingle with the locals. Most of them sell various things, mostly souvenirs at reasonable prices. However, they tend to double the price when selling to tourists.

  • Souk Ejdid Halfaouine
  • Flohmarkt Ez-zahra
  • Sidi Boumendil Market


Second Hand Stores

The trend of second-hand stores has caught the world by storm; numerous stores have opened where people can buy things they wouldn't usually afford for less than half the price. There are many second-hand stores across Tunis, some selling clothes, other furniture, etc. Below is a list of some of these stores:

  • Affaires À Suivre.
  • Lechflouss Boutique
  • Tounsi Store: Marketplace Vente en ligne en Tunisie


Eco-Fashion

The world is taking large directed steps towards sustaining the environment. Fashion designers have also taken it upon themselves to jump on board with this initiative. Other designers have turned to the eco-friendly practice of “upcycling”, which involves taking old or unwanted materials and turning them into something new and modern by incorporating high-quality fabrics. Mechri, the top eco-friendly designer in Tunis mixes old fabrics with the craftwork of artisans across Tunisia. The name of his label is known as Née fashions.


Recycling

Tunisie Recyclage is a recycling company that was set up by a small group of people in the city. These people are just residents that were tired of the garbage problem and with pollution in general in their city. The Tunisie Recyclage employees collect bags of garbage in an old van, while others work in the recycling building to sort out the piles of waste.


Waste

The waste management sector of Tunis has significantly improved over the past few years. Most of the solid wastes are collected and discharged into controlled landfills or are recycled. Since the majority is organic, recycling or energy and biogas production was promoted; the rest of waste is chiefly composed of paper and plastic materials that pose an environmental concern.


Work and Study Abroad

Foreigners wishing to work in Tunisia have to sign a labour contract and have a residence permit, which shows that they are authorized to work in the country. To get a permit, foreign nationals should visit the local police department near their place of residence in Tunisia. Tunisian officials will issue a Residence Card, which is valid for one to two years and can be renewed. Employees will need to renew their residence permit every time their work contract is renewed. The best and fastest way to find vacancies is by checking for vacancies on websites within Tunis, as they often post job vacancies online.

There are many primary and secondary schools in the city, and the main language of instruction is French. There are many universities in the city that encourage international students to apply. There are a different set of requirements for each nationality, and international students need to secure a student visa before studying in Tunisia. It is essential to check with your local Tunisian embassy to ensure that you have enough information.


Exchange Student

There are several exchange student programs in Tunis. The U.S. embassy runs the most prominent of these exchange programs in Tunisia, which sponsors a wide array of exchange programs for students, professionals, artists, and others. These exchanges strengthen the U.S.-Tunisian relationship by building the skills of participants and fostering positive engagement between Tunisians and Americans.


Au Pair

An au pair is a young foreign person who helps with housework or childcare in exchange for food, a room, and pocket money. The concept of Au pairs is relatively popular in Tunis. There are several requirements needed to qualify as an au pair, and some of them are listed below:

  • You should be aged between 18-30 years old.
  • You should have a minimum of 200 hours of non-family childcare experience.
  • You should have a clean criminal record.
  • You should not have a spouse or dependents.
  • You should be able to communicate in French.


Volunteering

Volunteering has become a popular way of relocating to another country. Some people might do it out of the goodness of their hearts, and others simply as a way of quick relocating. Whatever the reason behind it, several organizations in Tunis are open to the assistance of volunteers. The city has many community volunteer opportunities that are always looking for more people. Some of the community development volunteering programs in the city include public health, marine, teaching and sports or volunteering with children. Also if you are in the city and want to donate a few of your vacation hours or money, it will be an appreciated gesture.


See Also