Guide to Tunisia

Return to main article

When to Go

Tunisia has warm, sunny weather most of the year. Fall is an ideal time to visit; July and August can be very hot away from the coast, and winter brings occasional rain to the northern part of the country.

Getting There

There are currently no direct flights to Tunis from the United States, but it is easy to connect from London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Casablanca.

When to Stay

Great Value: Dar Dhiafa Erriadh, Jerba; 216-75/671-166; hoteldar dhiafa.com; doubles from $130.

Great Value: Dar El Medina 64 Rue Sidi Ben Arous, Tunis; 216-71/563-022; darelmedina.com; doubles from $150.

Dar Saïd Rue Toumi, Sidi Bou Saïd; 216-71/729-666; darsaid.com; doubles from $212.

Pansea Ksar Ghilane Ksar Ghilane; 216-5/621-870; pansea.com; suites from $264.

Villa Didon Rue Mendès-France, Carthage Byrsa; 216-71/733-433; villadidon.com; doubles from $300.

When to Eat

Au Bon Vieux Temps A Sidi Bou Saïd institution. French and Tunisian dishes—with a view of the Mediterranean. 56 Rue Hedi Zarrouk, Sidi Bou Saïd; 216-71/744-788; dinner for two $68.

Café des Nattes Main Square, Sidi Bou Saïd; no phone.

Café Sidi Chebaane A popular hangout for mint tea and pastries. Rue Sidi Chebaane, Sidi Bou Saïd; no phone.

Dar El Jeld Tunisian cuisine, using old family recipes, in a stunning medina palace. 5–10 Rue Dar El Jeld, Tunis; 216-71/560-916; dareljeld.tourism.tn; dinner for two $20.

Dar Zarrouk Rue Hedi Zarrouk, Sidi Bou Saïd; 216-71/740-591; dinner for two $70.

What to See

Ed-Dar A treasure trove of antiques and contemporary North African art, pottery, jewelry, and carpets—housed in a 15th-century medina mansion. 8 Rue Sidi Ben Arous, Tunis; 216-71/561-732; ed-dar.com.

Bardo National Museum Bardo, Tunis; 216-71/513-650.

T+L Tip

Historian Mme. Jamila Binous gives walking tours of the Tunis medina most Saturday mornings. 216-71/715-765.

Copyright © 2009, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.

Visit our other American Express Publishing Web sites:
Food & Wine | Departures | T+L GOLF | T+L Family | SkyGuide | Executive Travel

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Manage Your Subscription | International | Billing | Change Your Address or E-mail

Advertise | Contact Us | Site Map | RSS Feeds

View Website Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement of American Express Publishing Corporation. Users of this site agree to be bound by the terms of the American Express Publishing Corporation Website Terms and Conditions. Copyright © 1997 - 2008 American Express Publishing Corporation. All Rights Reserved.