Africa › Tunisia

Tunisia

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Mediterranean charm meets desert adventure

Tunisia showcases a landscape shaped by ancient history and modern culture. The country borders the Mediterranean Sea, where coastal towns feature whitewashed buildings and bustling markets selling spices and handmade crafts. Inland, rolling hills give way to desert expanses dotted with oases that sustain local communities. Berber traditions remain visible in music, clothing and food, while Roman ruins reveal layers of past civilizations. Tunisia’s climate supports olive groves and vineyards, supporting both daily life and tourism across its diverse regions.

Country
Climate zone: Hot desert

Hot desert: Extremely arid climates with very high temperatures, minimal rainfall, strong evaporation and sparse vegetation, typical of subtropical deserts.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury

Note: There can be large regional differences in price levels within a country. Be sure to check the price data of individual cities or regions to get a more detailed view.

See price details
Safety: 5.8
General Safety:6
Health & medical:6
Accessibility:5
Tap water:5
Read details
Tourist English: 2/5
English proficiency varies across Tunisia. In tourist areas, hotels, and major attractions, basic English is common. French is much more widely spoken as a second language, especially in urban areas and by those working in tourism.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Tunisia Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Strong for desert landscapes and historic sites. Explore Sahara dunes, visit Roman ruins, relax on Mediterranean beaches and wander lively markets.
Place score
6.8
Best at:
Ruins
8
Deserts
7
Sea
7
Beaches
7
Local cuisine
7
Personal score
?
Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 7
Families
🧓 6
Seniors
❤️ 8
Couples
🛡️ 7
Travel Beginners
Tunisia – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type E:
Diagram of a Type E power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
£1 ≈ TND 4.011
Cashless info: Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are accepted in most tourist areas and larger businesses, though cash is still widely used, particularly in rural areas.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is expected in Tunisia, with 5-10% in restaurants, rounding up taxi fares, and small tips in hotels. However, it is not mandatory.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in Tunisia, but it is generally consumed in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants. Public consumption of alcohol may be frowned upon in some areas.
Public smoking: Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces and designated indoor areas in Tunisia.
Revolution Day
(17 December)
Marks the 2011 revolution
Independence Day
(20 March)
Celebrates Tunisia’s independence from France
Emergency contact: Emergency Numbers: 197 (Police), 190 (Ambulance), 198 (Fire)
Taxi apps: Yango
Other: Tunisia is known for its Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ruins of Carthage, the Medina of Tunis, and enjoy the diverse landscapes of the country.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Tunisia, Tunisia
☀️
Jan
☀️
Feb
☀️
Mar
☀️
Apr
🔥
May
🔥
Jun
🔥
Jul
🔥
Aug
🔥
Sep
☀️
Oct
☀️
Nov
☀️
Dec
High season: April - Oct.
Shoulder season: March, Nov.
Crowdedness: 6 (Many tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Climate and season vary by region: coast and islands (Hammamet, Djerba, Sousse) best for beaches June to September, cities and ruins (Tunis, Carthage, Kairouan) for sightseeing spring and autumn, Sahara (Douz, Tozeur) for desert trips October to April
Sahara summer heat often exceeds 45°C, desert excursions are not advisable June to August
Ramadan: daytime food options limited outside resort areas, many local restaurants closed until sunset

Why travel to Tunisia?

Tunisia's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity packed into a relatively small country. It boasts stunning Mediterranean beaches, impressive Roman ruins and the exotic allure of the Sahara Desert all within a few hours' drive of each other. The country's rich cultural heritage reflects influences from Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans and French, visible in its architecture, cuisine and traditions. What makes Tunisia particularly special is that these treasures remain relatively affordable compared to similar destinations in Europe or the Middle East. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The climate can be extremely hot, particularly in the south where summer temperatures can reach up to 50°C in desert regions. While coastal areas enjoy milder conditions, they can become crowded during peak European holiday seasons. The country also experiences significant regional differences in infrastructure, with tourist zones being well-developed while some interior regions have more limited facilities.

🏙️Cities & Regions
  • 1 Tunis
    Historic streets echo ancient Roman and Ottoman influences, while modern cafés line bustling boulevards. The Medina’s maze of souks offers spices, textiles and handcrafted ceramics and nearby beaches provide a contrast to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
  • 2 Carthage
    Ancient ruins rise above a Mediterranean coastline, where Roman columns and mosaics reveal Carthage’s storied past. Modern Tunis surrounds the site, offering museums, markets and easy access to nearby beaches for travelers seeking history and leisure.
  • 3 Kairouan
    The historic city of Kairouan in Tunisia features ancient mosques, vibrant souks and a rich Islamic heritage. Its medina is surrounded by fertile plains, dramatic ruins and a legacy that feels timeless and deeply spiritual.
  • 4 Sidi Bou Said
    A Mediterranean resort town on Tunisia’s coast offers white‑sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and a historic medina with narrow streets, Ottoman architecture and vibrant souks selling spices, textiles and local crafts.
🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 El Jem
    A Roman amphitheater in northern Tunisia, El Jem hosts one of the world's largest well‑preserved marble arenas. The structure seats over 35,000 spectators and showcases ancient engineering and artistic detail.
  • 2 Great Mosque
  • 3 Bardo National Museum
  • 4 معتمدية سوسة المدينة
  • 5 Amphithéâtre de Carthage
  • 6 Roman Graves
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Djerba Island
  • 2 Hammamet
  • 3 Tabarka
  • 4 Ichkeul National Park
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Kerkennah Islands
  • 2 Chott el Djerid
  • 3 الحديقة الوطنية جبل زغدود
  • 4 Gulf of Tunis
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Houmt Souk
  • 2 Tunis City
  • 3 Carrefour Market
🎈Events
  • International Festival of Carthage
  • Sahara Festival (Douz)
  • Ulysses Festival (Djerba)
  • Falconry Festival (El Haouaria)
  • International Festival of the Sahara
  • Yasmine Hammamet Festival
  • Tabarka Jazz Festival
  • Festival of the Medina (Tunis)
  • Date Festival (Tozeur)
  • Carthage Film Festival

Knowledge before you go

  • Carry passport always; checkpoints common near tourist sites.
  • Dress modestly at religious sites to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention.
  • Watch for pickpockets in crowded medinas; use money belt and avoid flashing valuables.
  • Join guided tours for safer desert trips, as solo travel in remote areas risks terrorism near borders.

How to travel to Tunisia

Most international visitors arrive in Tunisia through Tunis-Carthage International Airport, with additional international airports serving Monastir, Enfidha and Djerba. Ferry services connect Tunisia to southern Europe, primarily from Italy and France to the ports of Tunis, Bizerte and Sfax. As of March 2025, many nationalities can visit Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days, though it's advisable to check current requirements before traveling.

Access summary

  • Tunis: Fly to TUN from Europe; trains to city center.
  • Hammamet/Sousse: Fly to MIR/NBE; buses from Tunis.
  • Djerba: Fly to DJE direct from Europe charters.

Where to stay in Tunisia

Tunisia offers accommodations ranging from international resort chains along the coast to boutique hotels in historic buildings and basic guesthouses in smaller towns. Coastal areas like Hammamet, Sousse and Djerba feature all-inclusive beach resorts that cater primarily to European package tourists. In cities like Tunis, you'll find business hotels alongside more atmospheric options in restored traditional houses within the medinas. Desert regions offer unique experiences in tented camps or troglodyte (cave) accommodations. Prices are generally affordable compared to European destinations.

How to get around Tunisia

Getting around Tunisia varies by region. In cities like Tunis, public transportation includes trams, buses and affordable taxis. For intercity travel, louages (shared taxis) provide frequent connections between towns and cities at reasonable prices, while trains connect major coastal cities. For exploring desert regions or remote archaeological sites, hiring a car with driver or joining organized tours is often the most practical option. The country's compact size means most destinations are within a few hours' drive of each other.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-73 %
Daily expenses in Tunisia are around 73% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to TND) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£26
£56
£159
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£14
£34
£98
🍝 Food per day
£11
£20
£56
🚕 Transportation per day
£1
£2
£5
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£7.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£3
🍟 Fast food combo
£4.20
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£4
☕ Cappuccino
£0.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£1.25
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.24
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£3.10
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.65
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£4.20
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£14
🤧 Cold medication
£2.40
💇 Basic haircut
£2.30

Safety information overview

General safety
6
Tunisia is generally safe for tourists in established areas. Exercise normal precautions in urban centers where petty theft can occur. Avoid isolated areas after dark and stay informed about current conditions, particularly near border regions with Libya and Algeria.
Health & Medical
6
Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but may be limited in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Pharmacies are widely available in urban centers. Heat-related illnesses are a risk, especially in summer months in southern regions.
Accessi­bility
5
Accessibility varies widely across Tunisia. Major hotels and newer tourist facilities offer some accessibility features, but historical sites, medinas and natural attractions present significant challenges for mobility-impaired travelers with uneven surfaces and limited facilities.
Tap water
5
Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking throughout Tunisia, though it's treated in major cities. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. In remote areas, always stick to bottled water with sealed caps.

Packing recommendations for Tunisia

Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.

📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Light jacket
for evenings
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
for beaches and hotel pools
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for visiting religious sites
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Show more

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