CYTravel

Tunis is a wondering city and a necessary stopover for any traveler in North Africa. Tunis is simultaneously Arabic, African and a little French and European.

A picturesque sunset over the city of Tunis

The city itself is not very big, counting 1,5 millions of inhabitants. Nevertheless in the urban agglomeration of Tunis live almost 4 millions people, which is pretty impressive and means almost a half of the country’s population. Tunis has a harbor in the beautiful Bay of Tunis. Not far from Tunis is the lake of Tunis, and nearby flow also the two mainly rivers of the country. Thus, the huge surface of the urban agglomeration is used in some places for agriculture ( you have good opportunities everywhere to taste the local wines and olives). Amazing, but completely amazing for a city of these dimensions which is surrounded by water, Tunis has no beaches! Don’t ask why, it is simply a fact, and if you wanna lie in the sun you can simply go to Djerba, which is not so far.

A souk in Tunis

Tunis has a long trembled history. The antic ruins of Carthage, which was a strong rival for Rome, are simply next to the city of Tunis and a must see for any visitor. In the Middle Age Tunis experienced periods of independence with periods of occupation by Turks. In the modern times Tunis was the capital of a French protectorate. All these civilizations let their traces, making such a seducing mix.

The Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis is a local pride and very similar to the Champs Elysees

Start your own visit in Tunis with the Old Arabian City, or Medina. It hosts many old buildings, mosques, palaces and the picturesque souks. The souks are old narow streets fully with little stores and shops. Every single street is oriented to a certain branch ( e.g. leather & skin; gold; copper etc.). The Medina is the typically Arabian city from the Middle Age, and the Medina from Tunis is an UNESCO heritage site. Further, go to the New City (La Ville Nouvele) and walk along the Habib Bourguiba street, which is a local Champs Elysees with luxury hotels and restaurants and fancy boutiques. For relaxing go to the Belvedere park, the city’s biggest, which lie on the Tunis lake and hosts a rich Zoo.

Medina, or the Old City of Tunis

Don’t miss in Tunis The Bardo National Museum, hosting one of the world’s biggest mosaiques collection, and the old Zidouna mosque build in the VIIIth century. Notice in Tunis the friendlinees of the people, but avoid the too friendly people, as they can become dangerous. Keep in mind that the bars in Tunis are exclusively for men and prostitutes.

The Bardo National museum in Tunis is a must see for any visitor

Tunis has wonderful and picturesque sites to visit next to it. You will be able to find the most spectacular Roman villas in many places. Tunis wants to wish you “Welcome”!

For Cheap Car Hire Worldwide..Click Here

This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 10:28 pm and is filed under Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.