Three days in Tunis is enough to bridge the gap between ancient Roman splendor and modern North African urbanism. This 3 day Tunis itinerary moves you through a city of contrasts: the tangled alleys of the UNESCO-listed Medina, the white-and-blue cliffs of Sidi Bou Said, and the sprawling ruins of Carthage. You will find a capital that is French in its infrastructure but staunchly Arab-Mediterranean in its soul. Focus your energy on the Medina's hidden palaces, the world-class mosaics of the Bardo Museum, and the Mediterranean coastline for a complete picture of the Tunisian experience.
Day 1: The Historic Core
Your first day focuses on the city’s inland center. The Medina and the Ville Nouvelle represent the two sides of Tunis: the traditional Islamic city and the colonial French grid.
Morning: The Medina
Start at Bab el Bhar (The Sea Gate), also known as Porte de France. This marks the transition from the modern city to the ancient one.
- Zitouna Mosque: This is the spiritual heart of the city. While non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, you can access the viewing platforms of nearby shops like the Ed-Dar carpet shop to see the 9th-century courtyard from above.
- Souk el Attarine: Walk through the perfume sellers' market. It dates back to the 13th century.
- Tourbet el Bey: The final resting place of the Husainid monarchs. Look for the intricate stucco work and Italian marble.
Afternoon: Architecture and Art
Walk out of the Medina toward Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the Tunisian "Champs-Élysées."
- The Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul: A Neo-Byzantine landmark that stands directly across from the French Embassy. It is free to enter, provided there isn't a service.
- Municipal Theatre of Tunis: A stunning Art Nouveau building. Even if you don’t catch a show, the facade is the best photo op in the Ville Nouvelle.
- Street Food Crawl: Grab a fricassé (fried savory donut with tuna and harissa) from a street window. They are cheap, fast, and quintessential Tunis.
Evening: Rooftop Views
The Medina transforms at night, though many shops close by sunset.
- Dar el Jeld: Known as one of the best restaurants in the country. It’s set in a traditional mansion. If you want something more casual, head to the rooftop of Dar Ben Gacem.
- The Clock Tower: Walk the length of Avenue Habib Bourguiba at night. It is well-lit, safe, and where the locals congregate to people-watch.
Day 2: History and Mosaics
Day two of this 3 day Tunis itinerary takes you slightly west of the city center to see the world's most significant Roman mosaic collection before heading to the coast.
Morning: The Bardo National Museum
Take the Metro (Line 4) or a 15-minute taxi from the center to the Bardo.
- Mosaics: The collection is housed in a 19th-century beylical palace. Do not miss the "Virgil" mosaic or the massive seafaring scenes. Expect to spend at least 2.5 hours here.
- The Palace Architecture: Take note of the vaulted ceilings and tiled walls of the building itself; it’s as much an exhibit as the artifacts.
Afternoon: The Ruins of Carthage
Take the TGM light rail from the Tunis Marine station toward La Marsa. Get off at the Carthage Hannibal or Carthage Dermech stations.
- Baths of Antoninus: These were the largest thermal baths in the Roman Empire outside of Rome. The site sits right on the water.
- Byrsa Hill: Visit the Carthage National Museum (check for renovation status) and the Punic ruins. The view of the Gulf of Tunis from here is the best in the city.
- The Punic Ports: Walk down the hill to see the circular naval harbor that once made Carthage a superpower.
Evening: La Goulette
The port district of La Goulette is traditionally the "melting pot" of Tunis, historically home to Italian, Maltese, and Jewish communities.
- Fish Dinner: Walk along Franklin Roosevelt Avenue. Choose any restaurant with a fresh fish display outside. You pay by weight; the sea bream (daurade) is the local standard.
- The Promenade: Join the locals for a walk along the sea wall before taking the TGM back to the city center.
Day 3: Blue Whiteness and Modern Tunis
Spend your final day on the coast. This is where the pace slows down, focusing on the aesthetics and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Morning: Sidi Bou Said
Take the TGM to the end of the line. This village is famous for its blue-and-white color palette and studded doors.
- Ennejma Ezzahra: The palace of Baron d'Erlanger. It’s a masterclass in Neo-Moorish architecture and houses the Center for Arab and Mediterranean Music.
- Café des Delices: It’s the most famous (and expensive) café for a reason—the tiered terrace overlooks the entire bay. Get there by 10 AM to beat the crowds.
- Art Galleries: Wander the backstreets away from the main tourist strip to find small local galleries and studios.
Afternoon: La Marsa
Walk or take a 5-minute taxi from Sidi Bou Said to La Marsa. This is the upscale, "cool" neighborhood where the expats and wealthy Tunisians live.
- The Beach: Walk the Corniche. It’s more for walking than swimming, but the air is crisp and the vibe is relaxed.
- Le Saf-Saf: A century-old café centered around a well where a camel still pulls up water. It’s a local institution for mint tea and bambaloni (sugar-dusted donuts).
Evening: Gammarth
For your final night, take a taxi to Gammarth, the nightlife hub of the capital.
- Beach Clubs and Lounges: Gammarth is home to high-end dining and lounges like The Cliff or Golf de Carthage.
- Fusion Dining: Many restaurants here blend Tunisian flavors with French techniques. It’s the perfect spot for a final celebratory meal overlooking the Mediterranean.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Stay in the Medina (Dar Ben Gacem or Dar El Jeld) for an authentic, boutique experience in restored palaces. This puts you within walking distance of Day 1's sites. Alternatively, choose La Marsa if you prefer a modern, seaside vibe with easy access to high-end dining and the TGM train line for city excursions.
Add a day if you have time
If you have a fourth day, book a day trip to Dougga. Located about two hours southwest of Tunis, it is arguably the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa. Unlike Carthage, which is integrated into the modern city, Dougga sits isolated on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves. You will see a remarkably intact Capitol temple, a 3,500-seat theater, and the unique Punic-Libyan Mausoleum. It’s a long day, but essential for history buffs.