Tunis

Tunis (تونس) is the capital of Tunisia. With a population of around two million inhabitants. There are quite a few must-see attractions, especially if you include the ruins of Carthage, which are easily accessed from here, and the Punic ports are interesting, too. Tunis is an interesting mix of new and old, including colonial French buildings. The souq and the medina are among the most authentic and hassle-free in North Africa.

Tunis Halal Travel Guide

Ave Habib Bourguiba, Tunis - View along Avenue Habib Bourguiba Located on the Mediterranean coast but lacking much in the way of beaches, Tunis has been spared the onslaught of package tourism to the resorts to the north and south. Downtown is located about 10 kilometers from the sea, at the bank of Lake Tunis. Tunis started out as a modest village compared to cities like Carthage, Kairouan and Madhiga. It eventually became the capital of the Almohad Caliphate in 1159, and has been conquered by various Muslim and Christian empires after that. Tunis has been the capital of Tunisia since independence in 1956, and is today the commercial and cultural heart of Tunisia as well as the most important traffic hub.

Orientation

Tunis is divided into the World Heritage Listed old city, known as the medina, and the new city, or ville nouvelle in French. Ave Habib Bourguiba is the large avenue running through the new city from the clock tower to the Gothic Church of Street Vincent de Paul. It then turns into Ave de France, which runs for a few blocks until ending at the Place de la Victoire and the Port de France, a large free-standing gate that used to be the entrance to the medina. This can be a good landmark for taxi drivers, as some of the smaller streets nearby aren't sure to be known by the driver.

The Port de France also serves as a good entry point for adventuring the medina. Rue Jemaa Zaytouna leads past lots of shops to the Zaytouna Mosque and the great mosque of Tunis and the center of the medina. Running obliquely to Rue Jemaa Zaytouna, and also with an outlet near the Port de France, is the Rue de la Kasbah. This runs all the way through the medina to the Place du Gouvernment and the Place de la Kasbah, a huge bleak square subject to heavy security. It is fairly easy to move between the two streets by cutting through in the labyrinthine medina, and it is easy to keep your bearings and find an exit. Rue Jemaa Zaytouna seems to be a better entry point from the Port de France at night, remaining relatively well traveled. Rue de la Kasbah, on the other hand, is active after dark on the Place de la Kasbah side, but is extremely dark and almost scary near the Port de France. It is recommended to get a feel for the medina during the day so that you will feel more confident if you find yourself and alone and need to find a landmark at night.

How is the Climate in Tunis

One of the northernmost cities on the African continent and the climate in Tunis is Mediterranean although a bit warmer than on the European side. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures over +40°C not unheard of, although thanks to the sea and the surrounding mountains, it's not as hot as in the Sahara desert. Most of the rain falls during the winter months, but not even those months see more than 8-9 days of rain each month on average. In the winter Tunis occasionally experiences temperatures under freezing and in very rare cases some snow, though on average even nighttime temperatures don't drop much below +10°C; hence, Tunis is weather-wise a feasible destination year-round.

Travel as a Muslim to Tunis

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Tunis

The major carrier at Tunis-Carthage is Tunisair, serving many destinations. The major western carriers who service Tunis-Carthage are Air France, Alitalia and Lufthansa, from London, Paris, Rome or Frankfurt. Air Malta offers occasional Flights to Tunis from Malta, so you can always puddle-jump through the Mediterranean as well. Also, Flights from other African cities are common ways to access Tunis if you are traveling to Tunisia from another African destination or vice versa.

Tunisian law requires all currency to be exchanged within the nation. It's illegal to take Tunisian currency (DT) outside the nation, though it can be done at most travel desks if you sign a waiver, but this is not advisable as Customs Officers will force you to change the dinars to hard currency before permitting you to travel if they find the currency. You can exchange money at the airport or at your hotel. There are many currency exchange booths with quite OK rates. You should retain the receipt for the transaction; without it and the bank may cause difficulty converting unspent Dinar back into your own currency.

If you are departing and making a connecting flight, do not accept duty-free alcohol that is not in a sealed bag - the intermediate airport may not allow you to board your second flight with it. For the same reason, insist on a printed receipt.

• Tunis-Carthage Airport IATA Code: TUN - GPS: 36.852, 10.228 8 km away from the centre, but well within urban Tunis - Tunis–Carthage International Airport AeroportTunisCarthage Airport is small and in a reasonable shape with all standard facilities. There is a free airport Wi-Fi, as well as in the several restaurants, including Caffe Lindo, but it doesn't work often. International flights will arrive on the ground floor of the airport, where are lots of ATMs and cafes, but there is no luggage storage facilities. Toilets are clean but have attendants that rarely ask for change after use.

Getting to the airport:

• A taxi into the downtown — insist on the meter — should cost around 5-7 DT during the day and around 10 DT at night. Alternatively, buses depart fairly regularly during the day (but not at night) and charge a fraction of the price. Beware of the taxi drivers. At night some will ask up to 40 DT depending on where you are going. In a struggling economy business has become even more competitive. An unspoken rule is the first taxi driver who grabs your luggage and places it in the trunk of his vehicle makes the contract for your transportation. It's not uncommon to be barraged with over ten taxi drivers at once as you walk outside the terminal. They can reach for your bag aggressively—not to steal it, but to make an attempt at winning your business. Some meters may have been tampered with. If you don't trust the taxi's meter and then negotiate a price to where you are going before you leave the front of the terminal. It may be advisable to ask for an average taxi rate from your hotel front desk before leaving.

Some people have suggested taking the escalator up one floor and waving down a taxi that's just dropped someone off for a departing flight at the arrivals platform. This is more difficult to accomplish at night time, but the advantages are finding a more professional driver. In the afternoon it is extremely simple to accomplish this.

• There is a public bus service (bus no. 635) to the downtown outside the Arrivals Hall, at the same place as the bus that goes to Bizerte. The bus stops at a small bus station near the Tunis Marine metro station. A one-way ticket from the airport to Tunis Marine costs 0.470 DT.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Tunis

You can travel to Tunis by train from most major cities in the nation and the main line going from Gabes via Sousse, Sfax and Gafsa.

Trains are run by SNCFT and are generally affordable and comfortable, but if you want to ride first class during peak season, do reserve your seat in advance. Check train timetables on the SNCFT website before traveling as trains run at non-regular intervals throughout the day.

A new rail service from Annaba in Algeria was inaugurated and the first international service in almost 30 years. There is one daily departure, expect on Sundays. Additionally and there are plenty of trains from the main border city of Ghardimaou.

• Gare de Tunis - Central train station | - GPS: 36.795200,10.180594 in front of Place de Barcelone - There is a left luggage office hidden behind police office, 8:00-22:00, 3-5.5 DT per locker. The station has an easy interchange onto the light metro.

By car

Driving is not for the faint-hearted in Tunisia, due to the poor driving habits of many local drivers. However self-hire vehicle is by far the easiest and safest way to travel around Tunisia (north of Gabes). Signage is quite good as it is in French and Arabic script universally. Driving at night is ok, just look out for idiots driving the wrong way on dual carriageways without lights on, and outside of the city. The freeway/motorway A1 from Gabès, Sfax, Sousse and Tunis is in a reasonable shape, and the tolls very cheap.

If you want to rent a vehicle and the airport is the place to go. Local rental companies usually have lower rates than the international ones.

Travel on a Bus in Tunis

Tunisia has over 70 bus lines, with Tunis at the hub. There are two bus stations in town with Gare Routière Tunis Sud (south of Place Barcelone) serving cities and towns in the south and Gare Routière Tunis North (by Bab Saadoun) serving those to the north and west. Buses are run by SNTRI at both stations — see their website for schedules and fares.

By louage

Tunis is a major hub for the nation's louage (shared taxi) network. Louages connect Tunis with many major cities in Tunisia. There are three main louage stations in Tunis. Bab Saadoun Station GPS 36.810358,10.153811|group=getin - This station is by Gare Routière Tunis North (northern bus station) northwest in Tunis by Bab Saadoun. Louages from this station connect cities north and west of Tunis including Bizerte, El Kef, and Beja. Bab Alioua Station GPS 36.787843,10.179820|group=getin - This station is by Gare Routière Tunis Sud (southern bus station) south of the medina by Bab Alioua metro station. Louages from this station connect the Cape Bon area and cities that are nearby to the south of Tunis such as Hammamet. Moncef Bey Station GPS 36.791064,10.187232|group=getin - This station is southeast of the medina. Louages from this station connect Tunis with cities in central and southern Tunisia including Sousse, Sfax, and Gabes.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Tunis

Tunis is the nation's major port and there are ferries from a number of Mediterranean ports including Civitavecchia just outside of Rome, Genoa, Livorno, Naples, Palermo, Trapani and the French port of Marseille. There are plenty of operators: Italians GNV and Grimaldi Lines, French SNCM and Tunisian CTM amongst others. Voyages from southern France or northwestern Italy take about 24 hours. A quicker way to get to Tunis is to (a) charter a boat, (b) hop on a ferry, or (c) travel on a cruise line, all of which can be done from Malta in a few hours.

Most ferries arrive at La Goulette, 15 minutes from Tunis centre. There are plenty of taxis around and suburban trains departs every ten minutes.

How to get around in Tunis

By train

Tunis is well-served by a convenient five-line light metro system run by Transtu. The interchange hubs for all lines are in the centre of town at Place de la République and Place de Barcelone. Ticket prices are dependent on how many sections of network (zones) traveled through. Single way 1-section tickets cost 0.320 DT. Most tourist attractions are within two sections of the downtown and single way 2-section tickets cost 0.470 DT.

The TGM suburban train line, starting at Tunis Marine station on Lines 1-4, connects to La Goulette (ferries), Sidi Bou Saïd, Carthage and the beaches of Marsa. Tickets cost 0.680 DT each way. At Tunis Marine, be aware that there is an extreme dearth of signage. No obvious signs even say TGM, and on the maps on the trains themselves the station is marked as Tunis Nord. If you arrive at the station on the Tunis Metro and the TGM platform will be perpendicular to the metro cars and is easily accessed across the tracks. Tickets are sold at the end farthest from the metro stop.

Signs for station names along the TGM differ slightly from what appears on the onboard map, but if you can see the signs from the train and it is free of graffiti, a not uncommon problem, it is easy to tell where you are. It is not unusual for the trains to stop and wait on the tracks after leaving Tunis North or upon return. This usually does not last an extraordinary amount of time, and you will likely be better off not following the example of the optimistic youths that decide to leap from the vehicle and walk along the tracks into the city.

Many stations along the TGM don't have full-time ticket vendors, so if you are making several trips along the line while visiting Carthage or Sidi Bou Said, you might be forced to risk traveling without a ticket. The guidebooks say that officials will sometimes get on the train and check tickets, so travel without a ticket at your own risk. It might be safest to buy a return to your farthest destination. The price difference should be minimal, and that way you might plausibly just have boarded the train, and your ticket will be valid for wherever you get on. The safest option will be to check with the ticket vendors or buy a ticket if you can find them.

By taxi

Taxis are also an excellent option if you need to go a bit farther than the metro, though cabs picking up in front of nice hotels will charge much higher rates. It's a better idea to hail one on the street; there are a lot of them so you don't need to search for one very long. Flagfall is 0.400 DT. Assuming they are honest and the meter is a good way to go. Only try to negotiate a price if you know what you are doing and are sure of the value of the trip. Taxis are generally safe.

Travel on a Bus in Tunis

Transtu operates a public bus network as well. Bus fares depend on how far (how many zones) you will travel, starting at 0.320 DT for a short ride.

Otherwise, louages (shared taxis) are the most flexible of all options. The minivans with 8 passenger seats take off when they are full and therefore run on no particular schedule. Prices tend to be a little bit higher than buses, but the difference is usually negligible. This is a suitable transport medium for young people, but definitely not recommended if you have children with you as the minivans can be quite oppressive. Driving style tends be the 'flat-out' variety. The North louage station is in the parking lot of the North bus station. The South louage station is across the street from the South bus station.

By car

Driving is a practicable idea for getting around, as long as you are an experienced and confident driver, street signage is good in Arabic and French, but there's a lot of traffic in Tunis and local residents follow traffic rules in an informal style. Driving is more dangerous in the dark as many vehicles have faulty lights. Traffic jams are common in Tunis generally, and around Habib Bourguiba Avenue and Victory Plaza traffic often comes to a total standstill. In Tunis the "Central Parking" multi storey vehicle park just off Clocktower roundabout, is convenient and affordable for parking. Avoid in the streets markings on the kerb as the wardens trucks WILL come and tow you away. Car hire direct at the airport is convenient - local firms usually a bit cheaper than Hertz/Sixt, etc., but vehicle might have some bits missing!

What to see in Tunis

Medina

• Tunis Medina - Médina de Tunis | - GPS: 36.80, 10.17 - Medina of Tunis Terrasses de la médina de Tunis - The world legacy listed old town is a must-see colorful, crowded labyrinth of decorated old houses, vaults and street vendors. You can move around by foot only. You get a feel of medieval life.
• Grande Mosquée Zitouna - Rue Tourbet El Bey GPS: 36.79744, 10.17110 - The largest and oldest mosque in Tunisia and an important landmark, this Aghlabite mosque dates back to the 8th century, although the distinctive square minaret is a much later 19th century addition. It has 160 pillars, that originally come from the ruins of Carthage. Modest dress crucial, but non-Muslims can only enter a viewing platform on the edge of the courtyard (3 DT), not the mosque itself. Still an active mosque, but closed to visitors (i.e. tourists) after the 2011 revolution.
• Sidi Youssef Dey Mosque - Mosquée Sidi Youssef Dey | Souk Trok GPS: 36.79698, 10.16955 - Opened in 1631, this was the first Ottoman mosque to be built in Tunis. It is the largest Hanafi mosque in the city, was extensively restored in the late 19th century and is now a part of the University of Ez-Zitouna. A historical monument and the Youssef Dey mosque has a beautiful octagonal minaret and white marble mausoleum.
• Medersa Bachia - Madrasa El Bachia | Souk El Belat GPS: 36.79718, 10.17154 - Quran school from the 18th century, a monument since 1912. It is notable for its public fountain located outside the entrance. In the 1980s it was converted into an artisan school with students studying leather craft, jewellery and embroidery. Non-Muslims may not enter.
• Bab El Bahr - Porte de France | Place de la Victoire GPS: 36.79917, 10.17561 - The Gate to the sea, which remains unchanged since its erection in 1848. It can be found on the Avenue de France. Before it was built it was an empty space where you could see the Mediterranean on one side and Lake Tunis on the other.
• Bab Saadoun | Rue Bab Sadoune GPS: 36.80861, 10.15899 Another gate, constructed in 1350 with one arch and then rebuilt in 1881 with three arches to facilitate commerce.
• Tourbet el-Bey | Rue Tourbet el-Bey GPS: 36.7937, 10.1731 An impressive 18th century mausoleum and the final resting place for over 160 princes and ministers and their families. The eight-pointed star inside represents the doors to paradise.
• Dar Ben Abdallah Museum - Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel | Rue Sidi Kassem GPS: 36.7942, 10.1741 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09:30AM–4:30PM 5 DT Dar Ben Abdallah PatioDarBenAbdallah A small but interesting folk museum within an 18th-century palace in the medina, covering the everyday life of a rich merchant in the Islamic Ottoman perioid with exhibits including faience, stucco ornament, costumes and furniture.

New town

• Avenue de France - GPS: 36.7993, 10.1772 - One of the busiest streets of Tunis. It is bordered with shops and eateries and several architecturally interesting buildings.
• Place de la Victoire - GPS: 36.79943, 10.17564 A lively square at the entrance to the medina. Bordered with shops, cafés and the ornamented building which houses the High Commission of the United Kingdom.
• Gothic Church of St. Vincent de Paul - Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Paul | Avenue Habib Bourguiba GPS: 36.8, 10.178889 - Gothic Church of St. Vincent de Paul Gothic Church of St. Vincent de Paul Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from Tunis' colonial era, in the neo-Romanesque style. It was named after St. Vincent de Paul, a priest in the region who was sold as a slave and fought slavery after he was liberated. The facade is decorated by a golden mosaic of Jesus and two trumpet-playing angels.
• Théâtre Municipal - Web: nicipal-de-Tunis/206883872665798?nr&nr_page_id=461327487283804 2, Rue de Grèce GPS: 36.79916, 10.18086 avenue Habib Bourguiba ☎ +216 71 259 499 A pretty white Art-Deco building, worth seeing in its own right even if you're not going there to see a play or concert (also see the Do section).
• Tunis Clock Tower - Place du 14 janvier GPS: 36.80021, 10.18620 - The iconic clock tower is one of the city's most visible monuments.
• Al-Fateh Mosque - Mosquée Al-Fateh | Avenue de la Liberté GPS: 36.80796, 10.18065 Métro République A large white mosque north of downtown.

Elsewhere

• Bardo Museum - Le Musée National du Bardo | Le Bardo-2000 GPS: 36.809386, 10.134508 nearest station Bardo on Metro line 4. Then walk toward the fenced compound to the north and walk clockwise around it until you find the unmarked gate. Count the stops, as signs are often missing, or ask someone on board if you are unsure. Coming from Place de Barcelone, it is the first stop after you go briefly underground for the second time ☎ +216 71 513 650 +216 71 513-842 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Su. September 16th - May 30th: 09:30-16:30. June 1st - September 15th: 09:00-17:00 11 DT Bardo National Museum (Tunis) Bardo museum Virgil room - Occupying the 13th century palace of the Islamic Ottoman-era bey (ruler) and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics, although the (huge) collection covers Tunisia's entire existence from the prehistoric perioid until the Islamic Ottoman days. Exhibits from Carthage, Mahdia, Sousse, many from the Roman period in addition to presentations of Arabian culture old and new. It can be mercilessly hot and stifling in the museum, so bring water. The only bathrooms are on the ground floor, and have attendants asking for change. The museum is segregated into old and new, so be sure to walk around a fair amount looking for new passages to be sure you haven't missed any major areas.
• Parc du Belvédère - Avenue Taieb Mehiri GPS: 36.822, 10.172 métro Palestine A large park created during the French rule and featuring palm trees, mimosas and azaleas and a great view of Tunis and the lake. Sadly and the park has seen better days and graffiti is commonplace. Still, it's a popular place for local residents to escape the heat and noise of the city.
• Hôtel de Ville - GPS: 36.7974, 10.1657 - Not a hotel, but the city hall. The building was inaugurated in 1998 and is a combination of traditional and modern architecture with large windows, Middle Eastern patterns and arches. The city hall also features a lot of Tunisian flags, and has a striking flagpole structure on the square in the front of the main entrance.
• Chambre des Conseillers - GPS: 36.81140, 10.12961 - Finished in 2005, this building used to house the upper house of the Parliament of Tunisia. It didn't serve this purpose for very long; after the 2011 revolution the Tunisian parliament was made unicameral and the counselor chamber has been empty ever since.

Further away

• Uthina - GPS: 36.608467, 10.171708 Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00, it closes 2 hrs later in summer 7 DT Uthina Oudhna Capitole 1 - It was an ancient Roman-Berber city. Now it features remains of a fortress, cisterns, an aqueduct, a triumphal arch, a theatre, an amphitheater, a basilica with a circular crypt, and a bridge. Many mosaics are to be found there as well.

What to do in Tunis

Simply wandering around Tunis can be an interesting experience, especially around the medina with its ancient buildings including masjids, gates and market stalls. All types of commodities including slaves used to be traded here, but today's market is mainly that of day-to-day goods, with many local handicrafts. Shopping and haggling at this colorful place is certainly an experience different from what you may be used to at home. Another good place for a walk is Tunis' largest park, Belvedere Park, which houses the Museum of Modern Art and the municipal zoo (closed Mondays), and overlooks Lake Tunis.

The Théâtre municipal de Tunis, mentioned in See above, is more than just a sight. If interested in classical culture you can go and see an opera, ballet, or other production there.

Hammams (traditional public steam baths) are common in the Muslim part of the Mediterranean and also in Tunis. Formerly the only place for all but the upper classes to clean themselves, hammams are still a part of the local culture — so bathing in one of these is a cultural experience in itself. They are often located near masjids as people used to wash themselves before prayer; ask a local where the nearest hammam is (the medina is the easiest place to find one). Remember that a hammam is either men or women only, or open to men in the morning and night and to ladies in the afternoon. Bring spare underwear, flip flops, soap and a towel.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tunis

ATMs are a convenient way of getting money without going to a bureau de change and there are many Visa cashpoints around the city.

• The GPS 36.7994, 10.1707 souq in the Medina makes for a fascinating stroll. Tiny shops overflowing with stuff; people selling, buying, milling about; skeletal cats lurking in the shadows; the smells of crucial oils, spices, frying food and rotting garbage; the sounds of the muezzin, raï, football on the radio, Arabic and French. The Tunis Medina's main routes are labeled "touristique", but even a few steps off the beaten track it's a real, working market. Behind the often scruffy façades hide old palaces, masjids, Islamic schools. Compared to Morocco or even Sousse you will not be hassled here. Bab El Bahr (The large stone-arch "French Gate" at the head of Avenue DeFrance) is a good starting point for the Souk. The goldsmiths are close to Bab Bnet. Haggle if you wish to buy anything. Prices paid for items are given in July 2012, with the caveat that it is not known if they are good prices. They are provided just for reference. The merchant's first offer is in parentheses: 5 DT (12 DT) for a low-end scarf, 20 DT (45 DT, 65 DT for a comparable box at another vendor) for an 8" nacre inlaid hexagonal wooden box, 30 DT (80 DT) for a leather bandolier. If you are unsure, try getting a first estimate from several vendors before you buy. As always, if you give a price and they agree, you will be expected to pay.

• Halfaouine - GPS: 36.7973, 10.1775 - Halfaouine Tunis Place Halfaouine 1 A cheap, traditional food market, located at Place Halfaouine, near the train station.

There are little stores near every hotel in Tunis, where you can buy everything you need, but their prices are high. So it's better to go shopping to other parts of the city. Approximately 90% of goods presented in Tunis are of local origin. There are networks of state supermarkets Monoprix and General in the capital.

Halal Restaurants in Tunis

Most hotels include breakfast, and some include dinner. There are countless coffee shops with bitter Coffee, other drinks and French-style pastries to enjoy, as well as sandwiches shops.

Cafes

• Café M'Rabet - Souk Trok GPS: 36.7981, 10.1714 in the Medina - Cafe and restaurant.
• Café de Paris | Avenue Habib Bourguiba GPS: 36.79944, 10.18161 Opening Hours: 06-24 One of the major cafes along the avenue, very popular and lively.
• Panorama Medina - GPS: west of Zaytuna Mosque in the Medina Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 9PM DT2 for tea, DT5 for shisha - Beautifully decorated café and tea house in the heart of the Medina. A large rooftop offers stunning views over the old buildings and of the many masjids around.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tunis

Tunis - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tunis, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tunis. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tunis and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tunis. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tunis. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTunis: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tunis.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tunis: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tunis, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tunis.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tunis, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tunis, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tunis and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tunis, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tunis, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tunis without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tunis is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tunis.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tunis is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tunis, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tunis Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Most tourists will be interested in accommodation in either the Medina or in Ville Nouvelle. The medina includes the youth hostel and several other good accommodations, and the high end Dar El Jed. The Ville Nouvelle offers a large number of budget and mid-range accommodation, many grouped within a few blocks of each other north of Place Barcelone. Some places expect couples to present some sort of proof of marriage in order to rent a two-person room.

• YHA Tunis Auberge Medina | 25 Rue Saïda Ajoula GPS: 36.7995, 10.1699 8 DT incl. breakfast Also referred to as Auberge de Jeunesse and Tunis Youth Hostel. Buried deep within the Medina and a bit of a challenge to find, although there are intermittent signs along the way. During the day you can just push through the crowd of shoppers straight up the Rue de la Kasbah from the Port de France until you see the signs pointing to your right, just after the restaurant Dar Slah, although this route might be intimidating after dark. This former palace of a sultan is architecturally impressive. Rooms are basic and cooled only by fan. The included evening meal is filling. Breakfast, a simple affair of French bread and Coffee, is a bit ropey and is served in the large open courtyard. The communal bathrooms, however, are not cleaned regularly, and may border on offensive. The shower times are limited to an hour in the morning and at night, though hot water may not be available at these times. Plan on using the local hammams for all hot water and cleaning needs.

Mid-range

• La Maison Doree | 6 bis Rue de Hollande GPS: 36.79783, 10.17995 ☎ +216 71 240 632 +216 71 240 631 32-52 TD This hotel captures a slightly faded, colonial perioid charm. Rooms are basic (the hotel building is old) but clean. Excellent restaurant with bar (2.5 TD Celtia) that provides room service. Breakfast is included in the price, and the croissants are better than average. Rooms come with ensuite sink and shower, but shared toilets - a room with a toilet is an extra 10 TD. Some rooms overlook the local tram, which can be excessively loud - you may want to look out the window to the street below, and possibly listen to the noise of the passing tram. Located half a block north of Place Barcelone.
• Hotel Transatlantique | Rue De Yougoslavie 106 GPS: 36.79826, 10.18145 ☎ +216 71 334 319 - 40 TD - Ground plus four levels and the first three accessible by lift. Nice mosaics. Lots of lounge space near the lobby. A little noisy, but nicely located. There is a roof accessible on the fourth floor (turn left after climbing the stairs, walk to the end, and open the unlocked door to your left): good for fresh air or some sun, though the view is not brilliant. Disinterested management. Poor water pressure observed on level 4.
• Grand Hotel de France | Rue Mustapha M'barek GPS: 36.79839, 10.17632 ☎ +216 71 32 62 44 - noon 43 DT for one person in a double room with aircon, ensuite toilet and shower Located in a neat old building with marble staircases and a friendly staff. They do not speak English, although it was no problem. Free wifi in the lobby and courtyard, two communal computers, but cannot comment on price or quality, although one had a webcam attached. Breakfast was bread, Coffee, and united-kingdom/dried-apricots-5/ Apricots jam. Easily accessed by taxi from the Port de France, where Rue Mustapha M'barek is just a quick left off of the primary street running south past the front of the gate. Reservations were made via email using google translate into French, although you are expected to call and confirm the day before, and it might be easiest to find a French-speaking friend do it for you.
• Hotel Oscars | Rue de Marseille, 14 GPS: 36.80108, 10.18207 Rooms have Wi-Fi, balcon, air conditioning and tv and the staff is multilingual.
• St. Georges Tunis | Rue de Cologne, 16 GPS: 36.8110, 10.1786 Basic rooms, air-conditioned during the summer months.
• Yadis Ibn Khaldoun | Rue du Koweit, 30 GPS: 36.8132, 10.1806 130 modern rooms with with cable TV, telephone, voicemail, hair dryers and Internet access.
• El Bahy Tunis | Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 14 GPS: 36.8002, 10.1897
• Le Pacha | Avenue Kheireddine Pacha, 4 GPS: 36.8186, 10.1836 A kilometers from downtown, this hotel has two great restaurants and a bar, cable tv and Wi-Fi (extra fee) in the rooms.
• Hotel du Parc | Avenue de l'Arabie Saoudite GPS: 36.81510, 10.18575 A modern hotel with 51 rooms. The rooms all have balcony, phone, cable TV, Internet, Minibar with alcohol removed, private bathroom and hair dryer. The staff speaks several languages and can arrange lal-tours/ tours to e.g. the medina or Carthage.
• Dar El-Medina - 64 Rue Sidi ben Arous GPS: 36.7990, 10.1695 It's a few blocks' walk from Place du Government on the West side of the Medina 200-250 DT, 150 DT for a double in off-season A luxury hotel in a century old mansion in the Medina, with beautiful court yards, a roof too terrace offering views over the Medina, and breakfast included. The rooms are decorated in traditional Tunisian style.
• Sheraton Tunis Hotel and Towers | Avenue de la Ligue Arab GPS: 36.8311, 10.1608 ☎ +216 71 782 100 - Modern hotel overlooking the entire city. Located in the Central Business District.
• Hôtel Golden Tulip El Mechtel - Avenue Ouled Haffouz El Omrane GPS: 36.81367, 10.17381 métro Bab Laassal ☎ +216 71 783 200 +216 71 781 735 single room: 160 DT, breakfast (buffet): 23 DT, organic juice in the restaurant: 6 DT Probably a hotel you should watch out you don't end up staying in. The hotel is large and modern, however overpriced. Staff is reportedly unfriendly and repeatedly tries to overcharge you for products and services. If you opt to stay here, don't leave any valuables in the room when you're away, as theft is rampant too.
• La Maison Blanche | Avenue Mohamed V, 45 GPS: 36.81771, 10.18383 Pretty rooms and a nice Art Deco piano café.
• Hôtel Africa | Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 50 GPS: 36.79945, 10.18317 A modern business hotel in downtown with large rooms.
• Hotel Diplomat | @otel-tunis.com Avenue Hedi Chaker, 44 GPS: 36.81346, 10.17722 ☎ +216 71 78 52 33 +216 71 80 12 35 Rooms are equipped with modern TVs, Internet (costs extra) and minibar.

Stay Safe

Vue ville Tunis - View of Tunis from the medina

Agents and unofficial "guides" hang around near tourist spots. Shoo them off if they start to launch into a spiel on the architectural wonders of this or that, or they will expect to some baksheesh (payment) for their unwanted efforts.

One thing that can get really annoying in Tunis is the number of "friends" a tourist will attract. There is a decent number of men who hang out on avenue Bourguiba and the main drag in Tunis. They work individually. They approach tourists and start talking to them. The tourist may think that this person is just being friendly, but don't buy it. Also beware of teens approaching you on or around av. Habib Bourguiba. They often "prey" on male tourists and try to talk you into joining them to the cinema. Later on your new "friend" will ask you for 10 DT or a pack of Marlboros or this or that. It is best to just avoid these people or to shoo them off. They also have different techniques to get your attention. They include: asking for a cigarette, asking for the time, asking for a lighter, bumping into you on the street. The most common one seems to be when they ask you for a cigarette or a lighter. It is wise to get rid of anyone who tries to just bluntly start a conversation with you on the street. Chances are that they have no good intentions involved whatsoever. Tunisian people are nice and curious towards strangers, but avoid the ones who seem too friendly - a good phrase to use could be the French "Monsieur, je connais bien Tunis." (Monsieur, I know Tunis well.)

Non-French speakers might have luck with a simple "non, merci," repeated several times and without giving them any additional acknowledgment. Some, however, are persistent in spite of this and will not leave you alone. If you can manage to not bring a backpack or large back, this seems to make you less of a target and attracted fewer hangers-on.

Be aware of possibilities of fake guides trying to either scam you, or lure you somewhere less safe, and use your common sense.

Sadly, terrorist attacks are also feasible. In March 2015, 24 people, mostly tourists, were killed when ISIS-affiliated terrorists opened fire in the Bardo National Museum. Later that year, a terrorist opened fire against tourists in Port El Kantaoui. The government has tried to give tourist areas higher profile policing to reassure visitors.

Medical Issues in Tunis

As with Tunisia in general, medical staff are skilful and highly educated, but the public hospitals are usually fairly basic. If you get ill, try to get to a private clinic — these are better-equipped and more modern - charges are modest by European/USA standards.

Other information

Barbershops (for men) can be found widely, and there are women's hair salons commonly. Many of the nicer hotels also have spas, and fitness centres (open to visitors)

Embassies & Consulates in Tunis

Egypt | Nahg El Fardous Mont Belzer – Rue de Mohamed El Khames / P.O 191- 1002 ☎ +216 71903223 +216 71904389 Opening Hours: 09:00-15:30

Serbia | 4, Rue de Liberia, Belvedere ☎ +216 71 780624 +216 71 796482

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tunis

Villa romain à Bordj-Djedid, Carthage - Carthage Sidi Bou Said 2 - Sidi Bou Said

Suburbs

Reachable by the metropolitan train service, Métro Léger de Tunis. Tickets are less than one dinar and service is frequent, but busy during rush hour. The station is located a few hundred metres to the east of the clock tower and the raised Trans-African Highway No. 1 directly east from the main drag (Avenue Habib Bourgouiba; the one with the main Medina gate - just keep walking away from the Medina). The station is imfeasible to miss - it's a large building parallel to the road on the south side. Note that if you're heading out this way and there is also a national tourism office on the north-east side of the clock tower (that effectively demarcates the edge of Tunis' larger buildings before the highway), and they provide free maps and advice regarding Tunis and Tunisia.

• Carthage, famously razed by the Romans with the few remnants now safely encased in a museum, easily reached by train. Get the TGM from east of the clock tower
• La Marsa, a beach-side settlement at the end of the TGM train line, just north of Sidi Bou Saïd
• Sidi Bou Saïd, a lovely village of white-and-blue houses and fancy cafés and restaurants, easily reached by train

Further away

• Kerkouane - Phoenician and Punic historical site 80 kilometers west of Tunis
• Dougga - Impressive ruins of an isolated Roman village
• El Jem - With one of the world's best preserved Roman amphitheatres.
• Kairouan - An important pilgrimage destination for Muslims, known for its many masjids. Also worth visiting are the medina and the basins constructed during the Aghlabide dynasty.
• Sousse - A UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its architecture, and one of Tunisia's most popular beach resorts.
• Tabarka - Old Phoenician and Roman port city near the Algerian border. It's also a great diving destination.

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