The country of Tunisia is a treasure trove of archeology, art, Mediterranean beauty and majestic architecture. Its capital, Tunisia, is the perfect center from which to experience fascinating tourist gems. Popular attractions in the area include the Carthage Archaeological Park, Sidi Bou Said, Tunis Medina (Old Town) and the Bardo Museum. I am so inspired by my time here and love sharing travel tips. So read on with this two-day Tunisia itinerary to find out what to see and do in this unique destination.
About Tunisia
Tunisia It is the northernmost Mediterranean country in Africa. it is named after the capital city Tunisia. It has a diverse landscape, including the eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and the northern reaches of the Sahara Desert. Tunisia is famous for its archaeological sites, Carthagewhich dates back to the Great Mosque of Kairouan in the 9th century BC. Regional power transferred from Carthage to Kairouan, Tunis Medina From the medieval period to the early 20th century. In addition, Tunisia’s medina is also a popular World Heritage Site. Today, the majority of its population is Arab and Muslim, and its currency is the Tunisian dinar.
Tunisia is known for its cross-cultural influences, such as Phoenician-Punic, Roman, ancient Christian and Arabic culture. The Berbers lived in Tunisia and later the Phoenicians arrived in Tunisia in the 12th century.th century BC and founded Carthage. to the 7thth In the first century BC, Carthage became the most powerful commercial empire and a competitor of the Roman Republic. In 146 BC, the Romans defeated Tunisia and occupied it for nearly 800 years. Later, at 7th Arab Muslims conquered Tunisia in the 1st century AD, and the Ottoman Empire controlled it for 300 years until 1546, until the French conquered Tunisia. Finally, Tunisia gained independence in 1956.
My experience began at the port of call in La Goulette, where all attractions are only a 20-minute drive away. One day I visited Carthage in the morning and wandered the streets of Sidi Bou Said in the afternoon. Then, about a year later, I stopped in La Goulette and spent half a day in the medina of Tunisia. Next time I go, I will go to the Bardo Museum.
Carthage Archaeological Site
Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in the Gulf of Tunis in the 9th century BC. It developed into a great trading empire across much of the Mediterranean. During the Punic Wars, Carthage occupied Roman territory. However, Rome eventually destroyed and overran Carthage in 146 BC. This created the ruins of Roman Carthage on top of the original ruins. Since the area where the ruins are located is quite spread out, I recommend taking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding and take a ride to the different entrances.
Overall, the most important parts of Carthage include the Acropolis of Belsa, the Punic ports and Tophet, the Roman theater, the necropolis, the circus, the amphitheatre, the Roman villas, the basilica, the Baths of Antoninus, the Colosseum Laga Cistern and Archaeological Reserve. Other remains of Roman Carthage and Punic Carthage can also be seen in the Carthage Museum.
It would take a full day to fully explore the entire archaeological park. If you have limited time, less than half a day, I highly recommend visiting the Acropolis of Bielsa, the Roman Baths of Antoninus, the Amphitheatre, and the Roman Villas.
Belsa Acropolis: Byrsa Hill, the original seat of ancient Carthage, has many archaeological treasures and great views of the harbour. Furthermore, Byrsa is the original name of the castle on the hill. The legend of Bailsa is that when Queen Dido was exiled from her native country, she and her followers settled on Mount Bailsa. Also on the top of the hill is the Acropolis or Saint Louis Cathedral in Gothic and Byzantine style. Today it is used for events and concerts.
Roman Baths of Antoninus: These were the largest Roman baths built outside Italy during the reign of Antoninus Pius. Separate for men and women, it consists of a cold room, a warm room and a hot room located in different spaces. Only one floor remains and the second floor has collapsed. However, exploring the maze of archaeological remains reveals a magnificent past that is breathtaking.
Roman amphitheater: It was built in the first century AD and later rebuilt by Julius Caesar. It was one of the largest amphitheaters of its time, seating 30,000 spectators. Furthermore, it is built on flat land rather than on a hill.
Roman villa: These are the remains of former upper-class residences in Carthage under the Roman Empire. The Aviary Villa is the only villa on the property. It displays well-preserved mosaics, columns and statues.
Sidi Bou Said Village – Santorini, Tunisia
About 15 kilometers north of Tunisia, next to Carthage, is Sidi Bou Said. If you only do one thing in Tunisia, this is the place you should visit. Even if you only have a few hours here, a stroll through the village will change your life. If you have more time, it’s best to draw all your inspiration from this blue and white sanctuary. The entire village is like a work of art and anyone who walks here can’t help but be inspired.
It is named after the religious figure Abu Said as-Baji who lived here. Rodolphe d-Erlanger started the blue and white theme for the town in the 1920s. Today, his home, Ennejma Ezzahra, is a museum that houses musical instruments and hosts Arabic music concerts. Overall, the town is famous for the artists who lived or visited here, such as Paul Klee, Gustave Henri Chausseau, Louis Moiret, Aleister Crowley and many Tunisian artists.
Special activities in Sidi Bou Said Village
Sidi Bou Said is an open-air museum because of its overall beauty. Many describe this village as the “Santorini of Tunisia” and it’s a photographer’s dream! The cliff top is a great place to enjoy the incredible views, overlooking Amilqa and Sidi Bou Said Port. looking for one McMum vendors (there are many!) and buy yourself a small bouquet or necklace made of jasmine flowers. You can also enjoy delicious food ban balunia Tunisian donut available in many stores.
Interesting sites in Sidi Bou Said
Delicious cafe – Here you can find out why French singer Patrick Bruel sang about this café in his song Gourmet Cafe on his 1999 album Just Avant.
Danejma Ezala Palace – The palace was owned by Baron Rodolphe e’Erlanger and sold to the Tunisian government after his death. Today, it is a museum with numerous historical artifacts. It is also home to the Center for Arabic and Mediterranean Music, which hosts concerts throughout the year.
Dar Annabi Museum – This museum shows how Tunisia lived many years ago. This is a summer house built at the end of the 18th centuryth century. They even offer you a free cup of mint tea while you explore the place.
art gallery – There are many art galleries in this bohemian village. The most popular galleries include Galerie A. Gorgi, Selma Feriani Gallery and Ghaya Gallery. Overall, they mainly showcase the work of local artists.
Ellipsa Spa – For a wellness trip, the spa offers massages, facials and even a swimming pool.
Tunisia two-day itinerary
the next day
Tunis Medina (Old Town) and Bardo Museum
Check out my blog post for more details!
Incredible Tunisian Medina Highlights Tour and Bardo Museum one day
this Tunis Medina (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 700 monuments. at 9th In the 20th century the medina was surrounded by city walls, but now the walls no longer exist. from 12th to 16th century, Tunisia experienced a golden age.
Today, the area is filled with narrow alleys, souks, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains. Also, there are amazing things to do in Tunisia bardo national museumwhich houses the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
Enjoy Tunisia!
Overall, there is a lot to see and do in such a concentrated area around the capital, Tunis. You can delve into the history and be inspired by the beauty. Tunisia has something for everyone. If you have any ideas on how to best enjoy Tunisia, please share your comments below!
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