Tunis City Guide for Design Lovers
Once the site of the ancient Phoenician and Roman empires, Tunis has plenty of architectural delights for design lovers to explore. In the ancient Carthage region, visitors can trespass through steeped amphitheatres and the timeworn Antoine Baths. The style of the Muradid dynasty can be discovered in the historical Medina, where ornate mashrabiya balconies loom over arched metal doors. Behind these hefty barriers, airy courtyards now play host to diners feasting on traditional Tunisian food.
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Newer additions to the city honour this heritage too; local artisans incorporate Tunisian craftsmanship in their products and upmarket restaurants serve experimental fusion dishes. Follow AD’s Tunis city guide to discover all the best spots in this dynamic city.
The best places to stay in Tunis
Located in the blue and white UNESCO-protected suburb of Sidi Bou Said, Maison Dedine was once the family residence of Eddine Sinai. Sandra Osamni Sinai, Eddine’s daughter-in-law and local architect, renovated the property in 2019. Now equipped with five suites and a luxurious infinity pool, this boutique hotel is the perfect escape for visitors who value peace and quiet; the rooms are furnished with linen sheets, opulent marble bathrooms, and wide sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. maisondedine.com
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Stretched out across two historical properties in Tunis’ chaotic Medina, Dar Ben Gacem merges traditional architectural features with modern design touches. Airy marble courtyards are embellished with cerulean tiles and tastefully painted ironwork. Inside, the rooms are decked out with traditional triangle-emblazoned rugs and quirky contemporary art pieces from Tunisian creatives. darbengacem.com
Best places to eat in Tunis
Nestled in the centre of Gammarth, Tunis' nightlife district, Tangerine is a chic rooftop bar and restaurant popular amongst the younger crowd. When it opened in 2018, co-founder Leah Tallman wanted the bar to stand in stark contrast to the more conservative, male-dominated spots in Tunis. The design of the space reflects this, with a pink colour palette running throughout; soft blush walls are complimented by terracotta couches and rose-tinted tables. @tangerinerooftop
Perched along the shoreline in the bohemian La Marsa district, Le Golfe is an upmarket restaurant sequestered by locals.
The interiors are rustic yet minimalist; beige linen sofas, wicker chairs and terracotta vases tastefully ensure that visitors focus their attention on the kaleidoscopic view of the Mediterranean Sea outside.
A seasonal menu also pays homage to these surroundings, with the summer menu including lightly spiced sea bream tartare and pistachio-dusted daurade served on a bed of fried aubergine. restaurantlegolfe.com
Fondouk El Attarine serves a range of traditional Tunisian dishes, including harissa-laden couscous plates and slow-cooked lamb stews. The unique history of the building – which was once used as a perfume warehouse – also makes for charming surroundings. Visitors are seated in a light-drenched courtyard, with traditional arched doors and marble pillars lining the sides. Inside, boutiques can be found selling creations by local artisans. Fondouk El Attarine.
One of the newer spots on Tunis’ food scene, Les Indécis is tucked away in the historical district of Carthage. Known for their fusion dishes, Les Indécis’ menu is experimental and elaborate; lightly grilled fish is served with finely placed dollops of tapenade and beetroot hummus; traditional Tunisian lablebi is married with parsley yoghurt and whipped ricotta; an unorthodox play on tiramisu combines locally made raspberry compote with heaps of freshly whipped cream. Les Indécis.
Best places to shop in Tunis
After studying at The Parsons School of Design and working at Marc Jacobs Accessories, Anissa Aida moved back to Tunisia to open a brand of her own. Influenced by Japanese fashion, Anissa merges a minimalist aesthetic with traditional Arab silhouettes and locally made fabrics.
The brand's colour palette is centred around the Mediterranean too, with a mix of inky blues and aquamarine peppering her showroom. anissaaida.com
Showcasing a range of locally owned brands, Supersouk perfectly encapsulates the contemporary Tunisian design scene. Downstairs, stained glass homeware is interspersed amongst quirky coffee table books and statement jewellery pieces. Upstairs, rich velvet babouches, airy linen dresses, and stripped fouta towels fill the racks. supersoukshop.com
Located in a small boutique in La Marsa, By Aura offers a range of timeless pieces; striped linen beach sets are sold next to chic midi skirts and ruffled dresses. The focus here is on making high-quality clothing, meaning that no expense is spared when it comes to production and the materials used. Locally woven cotton and light silk features heavily, as does an impressive leather collection. A recent series included striking magenta and silver handbags designed to break up some of the more minimalist outfits. byaurartw.com
Best things to do in Tunis
Home to a range of notable mosaics – including the Virgil mosaic – the Bardo Museum is a must-see for any design lover. Housed in an old Beylic palace, the building itself is a work of art, with towering archways and ornate wooden ceilings creating a magical ambiance.
Contemporary skylights are also strategically placed to illuminate the range of ancient artefacts inside. Visitors should expect glittering punic jewels and Hellenistic marble sculptures.
Originally founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BCE, Carthage quickly became a contested site. After a series of wars, the region was captured by Rome and largely destroyed in 146 BCE.
Looming amphitheatres, historical baths, and even ancient burial grounds were soon rebuilt in the Roman style, with many of these sites still standing.
Visitors to Tunis can spend days discovering the city’s historical Medina. Whilst we encourage those who have the time to follow their whims and explore at their own pace, some of the key spots to check off your list include: the Souk de Chechias, where artisans make Tunisia’s famous red felt caps; the fragrant Souq El Attarine (the Perfume Makers’ Souq); the towering Ez- Zitouna Mosque; the imposing Kheireddine Palace and Museum; and Ed-Dar, a museum displaying historical Tunisian art and selling locally woven rugs.
