A typical first trip here runs about $350 to $475 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Harissa, fiery red chili paste; the heart of Tunisian cuisine on everything
- Brik, crispy pastry filled with egg, tuna, and capers; the national snack
- Couscous with merguez, steamed semolina with spiced sausage
- Mechouia salad, grilled vegetable salad with tuna and olive oil
- Mint tea, sweet, strong, and essential to Tunisian hospitality
- International Festival of Carthage (July–August), open-air performances in ancient ruins
- Sahara Festival (Douz, December), celebrating nomadic heritage near the desert
- Ramadan, deeply observed with special foods and social gatherings
- Carthage, Dougga, and El Jem, three magnificent Roman archaeological sites
Arabic is official; Tunisian Arabic is quite different from standard Arabic. French is widely spoken, Tunisia was a French protectorate.
English is less common but improving in tourist areas. Tunisians are known for being more open and secular than many Arab neighbors.
- Dress modestly in medinas and religious areas
- Bargaining is expected in souks, start at half the asking price
- Remove shoes when entering mosques
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants
Latest for Tunisia
Updates for Tunisia will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.