Tunis

Hotels in Tunis

As the largest city on the Istria Peninsula – and offering a wealth of Roman ruins to boot – Pula draws its fair share of international visitors. Culture-minded tourists tend to focus their attention on the remarkably well preserved amphitheatre, and the three-star Hotel Galija (Epulonova 3) enjoys a central location in Pula itself, making it a good bet for city-breakers. Meanwhile, sunseekers are drawn by the area’s pleasant climate and coastal scenery, which means the 422-room Park Plaza Verudela Pula (Verudela 11) holds appeal – it’s a large family-friendly resort situated on the seafront. Striking a balance between the two is the charming Oasi Boutique Hotel (Pješčana uvala X-12a), with just nine rooms.

Shopping in Tunis

In Tunis, glittering arts and crafts, including metalwork, jewellery, textiles, perfume and leatherwork, are showcased in the medina (old walled city). The medina is a tangle of narrow streets lined by hole-in-the-wall shops, with whole streets devoted to particular products. Another glorious place to wander is the colourful Central Market (3 rue Charles De Gaulle), which dates from the 19th century and sells fresh fruit and veg, meat, fish, spices and more; it’s a great place to buy dates. To check out goods and prices before heading to the souks, go to Société de Commercialisation des Produits de l'Artisanat (SOCOPA; Avenue Habib Bourguiba).

Food & Drink in Tunis

Tunisia has a long coastline, edged by the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, so naturally the seafood in Tunis is fresh and good. Its years as a French colony have left a legacy of excellent coffee, French-style bread and patisseries. In the medina, you can dine in a beautiful mansion at Dar el Jeld (5 rue Dar El Jeld), on traditional dishes such as couscous à l’agneau (couscous with lamb). But there are also plenty more simple restaurants, such as Chez Nous (5 rue de Marseille), where you can eat Tunisian classic dishes such as salade mechouiya (roasted vegetable salad).

Events in Tunis

Jazz à Carthage

April

With a great array of international stars, this music festival sees bands, soloists and singers from all over the world play gigs at Tunis’ Carthage venues, which include concert halls and an amphitheatre, a short distance from the city centre.

Festival International de Carthage

July-August

This monumental and well-established arts festival takes place in the amphitheatres and performance spaces of Carthage, and features major Tunisian and international singers and musicians.

Festival de la Médina

July-August

Traditionally held during Ramadan, this celebration of music and arts includes Arabic and Sufi music, folklore, religious chants, rock, mambo, salsa, hip hop and flamenco, with concerts taking place at Tunis’ colonial-era Municipal Theatre.

Festival de la Kharja

July/August

Members of Zaouias (religious brotherhoods) dance and sing in a colourful street procession in the picturesque suburb of Sidi Bou Said. The celebration pays homage to the village patron – the Sufi Sidi Bou Saïd.

Carthage Film Festival

November, every two years (even years)

This prestigious festival attracts international names, but mostly concentrates on African and Asian film. Every other year, the festival takes place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.