Tunis: Three Days Between Spices, Souks, and Mediterranean Flavors
A Sensory Journey into the Beating Heart of the Maghreb, Where Millennia of History and Gastronomy Blend
The destination
Tunis is a crossroads of civilizations where Phoenician, Roman, and French heritage merge into a vibrant and hospitable culture. Its gastronomy reflects this richness, offering a perfect balance between the fire of harissa and the delicacy of Mediterranean products. Exploring this city means getting lost among the scents of the souks and discovering the warmth of its table rituals.
How to get there
Direct flight to Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN) or ferry from the port of Palermo or Genoa to La Goulette.
Climate in the period
October is an ideal month, with mild temperatures between 16°C and 25°C, perfect for long walks.
Itinerary
12 stops
Breakfast at Marché Central
Start your day by immersing yourself in the city's beating heart. Taste fresh seasonal fruit and local pastries in this historic indoor market.
Exploration of the Medina
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Medina is a labyrinth of alleys where you can discover artisan workshops and historic mosques.
Traditional Lunch at Dar Belhadj
Located in a Medina palace, it offers authentic dishes in an elegant and traditional setting.
Visit to the Great Ezzitouna Mosque
The oldest and most important mosque in the city, the spiritual heart of the Medina.
Dinner at Fondouk El Attarine
Dine in a renovated former caravanserai offering refined and carefully prepared Tunisian cuisine.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
Discover the ruins of the ancient Punic and Roman power overlooking the Mediterranean.
Lunch in Sidi Bou Said
Stop in the iconic blue and white village for fish couscous with panoramic sea views.
Tasting at Café des Nattes
A historic café where you can sip mint tea with pine nuts in an atmosphere of yesteryear.
Bardo National Museum
Houses one of the most important and spectacular collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
Afternoon Street Food Tour
Try kafteji or brik from local stalls for a genuine street food experience.
Stroll along Avenue Habib Bourguiba
A main street in Art Deco style, perfect for observing the modern life of the capital.
Farewell Dinner at Restaurant La Falaise
A renowned restaurant for its contemporary cuisine and lively atmosphere, loved by locals.
Where to eat
3 restaurants
Fondouk El Attarine
Typical Tunisian dishes served in a magnificent historic courtyard.
Must see
5 places
Medina of Tunis
A historic labyrinth declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich with fragrant souks.
Great Ezzitouna Mosque
The most sacred religious building in the capital, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
Testimonies of the grandeur of the ancient Punic civilization and the subsequent Roman rule.
Sidi Bou Said
An artistic village overlooking the sea, famous for its blue and white houses.
Bardo National Museum
Home to an invaluable collection of Roman mosaics from the imperial era.
Local markets
1 markets
Marché Central
📍 9 Rue d'Allemagne, Tunis
The main market where you can find spices, fresh fish, and local agricultural products.
🕐 Daily, 08:00 - 19:00
Wines and drinks
3 drinks
Magon
red wine
A full-bodied and complex red wine, named after the Carthaginian agronomist who wrote the first viticultural treatise.
Muscat de Kelibia
white wine
An aromatic and dry white wine, perfect for pairing with local fish dishes.
Mint tea with pine nuts
herbal tea
The iconic drink of Tunisia, served hot with the addition of crunchy pine nuts.
Festivals and fairs in the period
4 festivals
Carthage Film Festival (Journées cinématographiques de Carthage)
Tunis, Tunis
1 Oct – 31 Oct 2026
One of the most important film festivals in the Arab and African world. Although focused on cinema, the event animates the capital with numerous gathering spaces and dining spots that celebrate local culture.
WebsiteDate Harvest Festival
Kebili, Kebili
1 Nov – 30 Nov 2026
A traditional festival dedicated to the date harvest, a symbolic product of the region. Visitors can taste different varieties of fresh dates and participate in celebrations related to local agricultural culture.
International Oases Festival
Tozeur, Tozeur
1 Nov – 30 Nov 2026
An event that celebrates life in the oases of the Tunisian desert, offering an immersion into local gastronomic traditions and handicrafts. It is a unique opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of southern Tunisia.
International Festival of the Sahara
Douz, Kebili
1 Nov – 31 Dec 2026
A celebration of nomadic culture with music, dance, and traditional performances. The festival includes gastronomic markets where you can taste typical desert cuisine dishes.
Curiosities
Tunisian cuisine is surprisingly spicy due to the ubiquitous use of harissa, a paste of red chili peppers, garlic, and spices. A cultural curiosity is the central role of mint tea: in Tunisia, it's not just drunk to quench thirst but is a true ritual of hospitality, often enriched with pine nuts that give an earthy note and a unique texture to the sweetened drink.
Must not miss
Taste a freshly fried egg brik, where the crispy pastry encases a still-runny yolk.