Introducing Tunis
Travel alert: Civil unrest has calmed in Tunisia, but keep in touch with the latest news and travel advisories.
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Tunis is a good introduction to the opposing character of Tunisia’s Western and Eastern influences, though it’s by no means the country’s most interesting city. The tangled streets of the medina are crammed with people selling, buying and carting goods around, enveloped in the scent of spices and sweat. Its chaos is infectious and you may end up bargaining to the last dinar with a shopkeeper, before flopping onto a pavement café, savouring your purchase. The medina’s maze is contrasted by the straight lines of the Ville Nouvelle, centred on Ave Habib Bourguiba, a wide, tree-lined street where locals stroll in the evenings amid cafés that dot the sidewalks. Tunis’ best attractions are outside of town: the wonderful Bardo Museum and mysterious ruins of the ancient Carthage are Tunisia’s most comprehensive and fascinating archaeological and artistic sights. The evening hubbub is all strolling families and shy couples, while the younger and the hipper head out to the gorgeous Mediterranean suburb of Sidi Bou Saïdfor night-time fun. Tunis is best enjoyed in a day, after which you can move on to smaller and better things.
Last updated: Jan 25, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Tunisian Choices (rough intinerary)
by slowwukwai 14 September 2011
It is about 3-3.25 hours drive from Tunis to Dougga. I've never done Dougga to El Jem because that's quite the unusual zigzag through…
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RE: Tunisian Choices (rough intinerary)
by slowwukwai 12 September 2011
Tunis - Dougga - El Jem is quite the itinerary... Do you actually plan to spend decent time at each spot, or just take a few pictures…
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Italy trekking suggestions
by drunkenmaster 11 September 2011
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