Planning a trip or expatriation to Tunisia, near the ancient « Punic City » of Carthage? Here’s where to stay in Tunis!
The economic and commercial capital of Tunisia, Tunis lies at the head of the Gulf of Tunis, stretching along the shores of the eponymous lake. Tunisia’s capital since 1159, the city experienced dazzling growth in the 20th century, reaching 638,845 inhabitants in 2014 within its walls and 2,643,695 in the Greater Tunis urban area. The Tunisian capital – with its rich historical heritage, with human presence attested as far back as the 4th century B.C. – is ranked as the fifth best Arab city in which to live. It also boasts an ideal Mediterranean climate and popular tourist sites such as Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Saïd. Finding accommodation in Tunis won’t be difficult: the city attracts many tourists and expatriates, and there’s an abundance of accommodation on offer.
Carthage, La Marsa, Sidi Bou Saïd, Mutuelleville, Belvédère, Notre-Dame, El Menzah and Gammarth are all pleasant areas to stay in Tunis. Between the souks of the Medina, the Bardo Museum, the National Movement Museum, the National Military Museum, the Cinema Museum, the sandy beaches or the Roman ruins of Carthage, you won’t be bored! Here’s where to stay in Tunis.
The Medina
Photo credit: Flickr – Christopher Rose
The historic heart of Tunis, this 270-hectare commercial and historical center is home to over 100,000 people – or 10% of Tunisia’s population – and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Founded in 698 around the Zitouna mosque, it weaves its way from north to south between the Bab Souika and Bab El Jazira suburbs. Formerly the capital of a powerful kingdom during the Hafsid era, its many monuments are a blend of Ifriqiya, Andalusian, Oriental, Roman and Byzantine styles. There aren’t many hotels in the area, but you’ll really come into contact with the local Tunisians. If you want to know where to stay in the Medina, homestay is the best solution.
Mutuelleville and the lakefront
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Youssefbensaad
Located to the north of the Jardins du Belévdère, these two districts are popular residential areas for expatriates and travelers in search of peace and quiet. Both districts offer a central location for accommodation in Tunis: not far from the city center, yet just a few streetcar stops from the Tunis lake and its banks, or the picturesque port of La Goulette. Situated on a hill, it’s an upscale neighborhood with plenty of green spaces and embassies (historically, it was inhabited by French colonists, and still attracts many foreign expatriates).
Find a hotel in Mutuelleville
Find a hotel near Lakeside
The northern suburbs
Photo credit: Flickr – El Primer Paso Blog
Here are some of the former villages that have been annexed to the Greater Tunis metropolis, and which are getting good press among the best places to stay in Tunis: Gammarth, La Marsa, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd. Beware, however, that these are the most expensive and touristy areas. Every year, hordes of tourists come to visit the famous Roman ruins of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Saïd – full of blue, white and red colors, bougainvillea and palm trees – perched on its corniche, overlooking the city of Carthage and the Gulf of Tunis. In a word: splendid. Within the municipality of Carthage – home to 17,000 inhabitants – there are few hotels, but aim for homestay accommodation, and sleep in comfortable villas just a stone’s throw from the cliffs overlooking the sea and its sublime azure blue. Choose these villages where to sleep in Tunis if you’re not afraid of tourism and the explosion in prices during the summer season (remember to bargain your exchanges!).
Find a hotel in Sidi Bou Saïd
Find a hotel in Carthage
Find ahotel in La Marsa
Main photo credit: Flickr – Christopher Rose
Map of hotels and accommodation – Tunis,tn