Medina of Tunis

Essential for experiencing traditional culture and architecture, with rooftop restaurants and fascinating souks. Safety concerns after dark mean daylight-only visits, leaving before sunset.

The UNESCO-listed old town where 700-year-old mosques sit alongside souks selling spices and traditional textiles. During daylight it buzzes with local families shopping, craftsmen in tiny workshops, and tourists exploring the maze of narrow streets. Tourist Police are visible around major sites like Zitouna Mosque and the central souks. You'll find traditional restaurants on rooftops overlooking the Medina, and cafes where locals sip sweet mint tea while reading newspapers. The architecture is stunning with ornate doorways and historic palaces converted into museums. However, after sunset the transformation is dramatic - locals head home, shops close, and the narrow alleys become poorly lit and empty. Even Tunisians from other neighborhoods avoid the Medina after dark. Vendors and touts can be persistent during the day, though it's usually harmless sales tactics. Plan to explore during peak hours (9am-5pm), eat at a rooftop restaurant for lunch, then leave well before dark.