Medina comes from the Arabic word for city, and it refers to the old quarter of Tunis.
Your first entry to the Medina of Tunis will most likely come through the Bab Bahr at Place de la Victoire, the Gate into the medina from Avenue Bourguiba. At once you head into the narrow streets, wherein shopkeepers continue the tradition of selling their most diverse goods. Scratch the surface, and one will encounter little more than the tourist shops, which have hidden jewels of lamps and leather mixed in among tackier stuffed camels and key rings. However, the further you go into the Tunis Medina and its souqs, the more you will realize the range of things it contains, from everything one could possibly need for a wedding to a range of beautifully restored restaurants that serve sumptuous and traditional Tunisian cuisine, to the central mosque, the Zitouna.
The Zitouna is in many ways emblematic of the Tunis Medina — most of what you see today goes back to the 19th century, although its distinctive minaret is a full millennium older. Its name means "olive tree", and comes from the mosque's founder who was said to have taught the Quran whilst sat under an olive tree. Until the 1950s, the Zitouna Mosque also served as a religious university, well renowned and comparable to the Azhar in Cairo as a seat of learning. You are able to enter the courtyard, but non-Muslims may not enter the mosque itself.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Tunisia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Carthage City Tour
One of the best ways to begin a visit to Carthage is to take a view of it from on high. The Byrsa Hill looks out over the whole city and the vista extends to the mountains of the Cap Bon beyond the Gulf of Tunis.
Dougga & Bulla Regia Excursion
While some might argue that Tunisia does not possess a stunning draw, such as the Pyramids of Giza, or the ancient city of Petra, there is little doubt that Dougga is the pinnacle of the Roman presence in Tunisia, and looks out majestically over the hills.
Sidi Bou Said
The strong and consistent colors of the buildings, pure whites and blues complemented by the turquoise sea, are simply beautiful, while the narrow, winding cobbled streets all add to the charm of the village.
The Bardo Museum
Tunisia's most celebrated museum exudes history throughout. The inside of the museum is famous primarily for its vast and unparalleled collection of mosaics, gathered from the floors of Tunisia's Roman sites and carefully arranged in the rooms.
