Tunis, Tunisia

• Tunis has a split personality - the ancient medina with its souks and mosques contrasts sharply with the French colonial downtown and the modern beach suburbs. The coastal areas like La Marsa feel Mediterranean and relaxed, while downtown empties out after dark.
• Most visitors spend mornings exploring the medina or Carthage ruins, then head to the northern suburbs for lunch and evening. French is more useful than English here - colonial history means educated locals speak it fluently, but English is rare outside hotels.
• The culture is more liberal than other North African capitals, with women in offices and universities, though you'll still want to dress conservatively away from beach areas. Street harassment through catcalls happens, especially in crowded areas, but physical harassment is uncommon.
• The medina needs daylight-only visits - it's fascinating but empties out fast after sunset.

Arabic is the main language, with French widely spoken due to colonial history. English is limited to tourist areas and upscale hotels. Emergency services primarily operate in Arabic and French. Learning basic French phrases is recommended.

• Cover shoulders and knees throughout Tunisia - this is standard, especially in the Medina and traditional neighborhoods. Beach areas like La Marsa are more relaxed, but conservative clothing gets you less attention. Headscarves aren't required for tourists.
• French is much more useful than English. Basic phrases like 'bonjour,' 'merci,' and 's'il vous plaît' will get you far. Arabic is the main language, but colonial history means most educated people speak French fluently.
• Tunisia is a Muslim country, so don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan out of respect. Friday is the holy day when many businesses close for prayer. Alcohol is legal and available in hotels, tourist areas, and some restaurants, but not widely consumed in traditional neighborhoods.
• Catcalls and comments happen, particularly in crowded urban areas. Most people are polite and helpful, but verbal attention is common. A firm 'no' or ignoring it usually works. Physical harassment is rare.
• Tunisian culture is cafe-oriented. Mixed cafes (tea salons) welcome both men and women and cost more but are comfortable for solo travelers. Traditional all-male cafes still exist - you'll recognize them by seeing only men sitting outside.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 197. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The Métro léger (light rail) costs about 0.7 TND per ride and connects downtown to northern suburbs. It's modern and efficient but gets packed during rush hours - watch your belongings and consider sitting near families if you want more comfort.
• Yellow taxis are metered, though confirm the driver will use it before getting in. Bolt works well here and is safer than random taxis, especially at night. Share your trip when using taxis after dark.
• Louages (shared taxis) are cheap for neighborhood connections but only leave when full, so timing is unpredictable. They're fine during the day but skip them at night when alone. The TGM coastal train connects Tunis to Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and La Marsa along the Mediterranean.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Tunis with local guides and curated experiences.