Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tunisia

Tunisia is a tantalizing destination for international travelers and globe trotters. It offers idyllic beaches and picture-perfect coast villages but is also home to some of the world’s finest ancient ruins and museums. The local culture is vibrant and welcoming and foodies will not go home disappointed by Tunisian cuisine.

The Tunisian Government is also showing clear interest in making the country even more attractive for visitors. Later in 2021, a new electronic visa system is expected to be launched, meaning that it will be possible to apply for a Tunisia online visa from the USA and other eligible countries.

You heard that right — no more queues at the airport nor embassy appointments. Tunisia is going paper-free and that means that holidaymakers and business people will be able to obtain their visa online in a few minutes.

With vaccination campaigns rolling out in America and across the globe, we are also finally seeing the light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, meaning fewer travel restrictions and more international commercial flights.

This could easily be the best time to start planning your next trip to Tunisia and get your hands on some early bird offers. This article will allow you to explore the best tourist attractions in Tunisia so you have all you need to come up with your holiday itinerary. Keep reading.

Djerba

Let’s start with some well-deserved time off. The pristine beaches of Djerba may be just the trick you need to forget the pandemic nightmare and start feeling like yourself again.

Imagine picture-perfect sandy strips, palm trees, and a vibrant town. The island of Djerba is waiting for you.

Carthage

If ancient history is more like your jam, then you cannot miss out on the capital city of the Punic empire. The legend goes that legendary Queen Alyssa or Dido founded the city and started building the civilization that would one day rival (and be destroyed by) the Romans.

Located in a strategic position, Carthage became the most important trading hub of the Ancient Mediterranean. It now rests among the suburbs of Tunis and its ruins have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The National Bardo Museum

Speaking of culture and history, the National Bardo Museum is certainly one of Tunisia’s most precious crown jewels. In fact, the National Bardo is one of the most important museums in the whole Mediterranean area and even the second museum in Africa by the richness of its collections (after the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.)

The museum can be found in the suburbs of Le Bardo in Tunis, in an old Beylic palace dating back to the XIXth Century.

Visitors will find marble and terracotta statues from the Roman and Ancient Greek eras but the museum is most famous for its collection of Roman mosaics, one of the largest in the world. These give history lovers a good idea of what everyday life looked like in Roman Africa.

El Djem Amphitheater

If you have not had enough of the Romans yet, you will certainly love El Djem (or El Jem) Amphitheater. Built between 230 and 238 AD, el Djem is North Africa’s largest amphitheater and at its peak, it could accommodate 60 thousand people.

Even though it was hit by cannon fire in the 17th century, it remains well preserved and is now one of Tunisia’s most popular attractions. Once inside the amphitheater, it is not hard to picture gladiator fights right in front of you.

Atlas Mountains

Outdoor and sports lovers must include the Atlas Mountains in their Tunisian itinerary. This mountain range extends for over 2.5 thousand kilometers (1,600 mi) through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The Atlas Mountains act as a natural barrier between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines and the Sahara desert.

It is a fascinating region made of contrasting landscapes. From green fertile valleys and peculiar rock formations to windswept canyons and tiny Berber villages, trekking in the Atlas Mountains is the adventure of a lifetime.

Please note: many of the routes in the Atlas Mountains are challenging and extremely remote. Hikers of all levels are strongly recommended to hire a local guide.

The Medina of Tunis

Before you head off to your most remote Tunisian explorations, though, make sure to soak in the buzzing life of the Medina. The old town district of Tunis is home to some 700 monuments between mosques, palaces, and madrasas, as well as 110 thousand people.

The architectural composition of the Medina may seem intricate and confusing for newcomers, as it does not follow traditional geometrical layouts. However, it is not random — houses were built following clear socio-cultural norms in accordance with human relationships. The public and the private, the commercial and the residential, the sacred and the profane are clearly codified.

Besides gorgeous fountains and places of cultural significance, visitors can also enjoy some of Tunis’ finest eateries and shop in one of the many markets (souk) for souvenirs to take home with them.

Image by Alex Sky from Pixabay 

Contributed posts are advertisements written by third parties who have paid Woman Around Town for publication.