It has all the North African culture you could wish for, a colourful and vibrant city, but with a much more laid back and Mediterranean feel than the bustling and often rather hectic Marrakech. Nevertheless it has long been outshone by its fashionable North African neighbour, but now new crop of stylish hotels are giving Morocco’s best riads a run for their money, according to the Guardian.
We are talking about Tunis, the capital and largest city in Tunisia. The country might have been associated with package beach holidays in the past, but Tunisia’s capital is every bit as cool as Marrakech… and cheaper! The cost of living in Tunis is 4.9% lower than in Marrakech. Spending money tends to go further in Tunisia, with potentially lower prices for accommodation and food for tourists compared to Marrakech. The city of Tunis boasts a strong historical influence from various civilisations like the Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs. Known for its thermal baths, the historical medina, the picturesque heights of Sidi Bou Said, and the Al-Zaytouna Mosque, the city has plenty to offer culture vultures looking for that unique North African experience.
According to TripAdvisor, “Tunisia has a more Mediterranean feel, but is still very Muslim. If you went to other parts of Morocco, they would be nothing like Marrakech.”
The Guardian describes Tunis as “the perfect weekend destination, only three-and-a-half hours from London, small enough to explore over two days, and just big enough not to grow bored in. Narrow streets snake down to the marina.”
The greater metropolitan area of Tunis, often referred to as Grand Tunis is the third-largest city in the region (after Casablanca and Algiers in Morocco) and the 11th largest in the Arab world.
Situated on the Gulf of Tunis, behind the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette (Ḥalq il-Wād), the city extends along the coastal plain and the hills that surround it. At its core lies the Medina which is a World Heritage site.
Place de la Kasbah in the centre of Tunis is where you will find the bustling Medina with just as much on offer as the Marrakech markets, busy but not as busy.
It is a huge labyrinth of stalls and while it may not feel as exotic or edgy as Marrakech, it is colourful, lively and the stallholders are just as friendly/pushy!
Dozens and dozens of stalls are stuffed with rugs, sandals, bags, brassware, plates, silverware and leather goods. Around the outside of the medina are the more traditional and restrained ancient souks. This is where you pick up a Tommy Cooper fez!
East of the Medina, through the Sea Gate (also known the Porte de France), begins the modern part of the city called “Ville Nouvelle”, traversed by the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba (often referred to by media and travel guides as “the Tunisian Champs-Élysées”), where the colonial-era buildings provide a clear contrast to smaller, older structures. Further east by the sea lie the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said.
Flights from Tunis from the UK are under three hours (two hours and 45 minutes) and leave from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN). Tunis Air, Nouvelair Tunisie and Easyjet offer direct flights from the United Kingdom to Tunisia. London Heathrow (LHR), London Stansted (STN) and London City Airport (LCY) also offer some flights to Tunis. Prices start from £73.
