Tunis is the gateway to Tunisia, a country with a history stretching back thousands of years on the Mediterranean, which has always been a bridge between Africa and Europe. If you are planning a trip to the Tunisian capital, one of the first things to look at is where to find accommodation: one of the best districts is the Medina, its oldest part, but you can find other really interesting solutions.
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Tunis.
Useful tips: the best districts to stay in
If this is your first time visiting Tunis, the best option is definitely to stay in the Medina, the historical heart of the capital, which is full of markets and hosts many attractions. It is also a very affordable area in which to stay, so if you are on a tight budget, you won't have to forego this experience.
If you are looking for a quiet area, opt for Mutuelleville and Berges du Lac. The first district is located north of the Medina and is one of the wealthiest residential districts, with large green areas and embassy headquarters. The second is located right on the lake and is particularly suitable for families.
Finally, if you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, opt for Ville Nouvelle. This is the most modern area of the city, crossed by the famous Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the hub of nightlife and meeting place for young people. The medina is also a good option, full of small clubs.
Suggested areas tosave money: Medina
Suggested areas forfamilies with children: Mutuelleville, Berges du Lac
Suggested areas foryoung people: Medina, Ville Nouvelle
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Tunis. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Tunis on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Tunis area guide
Tunis, besides being the capital of Tunisia, is also the country's most populous city. Taking into account the entire governorate, the city has about 1,073,533 inhabitants and covers about 202 square kilometres.
Tunis is divided into 15 municipal districts, which in turn are divided into smaller districts. The central district is the Medina, also the most important in terms of tourism and one of the best areas in which to stay. From here, the remaining districts develop, encompassing the whole of Greater Tunis, i.e. the metropolitan area that also includes the neighbouring villages.
Areas to avoid: advice is to avoid the more peripheral and less touristy areas, especially late at night when it is dark.
Medina
The Medina is the oldest part of Tunis. It is a fascinating place, characterised by narrow alleys, mosques, markets and courtyards, with a truly unique historical value, so much so that the Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find numerous souks and some of Tunis' main attractions, such as the al-Zaytuna Mosque, Place du Governement, Bab el Bahr and the beautiful Rua du Pacha.
Definitely the best area to stay in if you want to immerse yourself in the capital's charm. It is also ideal if this is your first time visiting the city. Here you will find lots of small accommodations with inner courtyards, reminiscent of the Riads in Marrakech. What's more, the costs are really low, ideal even if you are travelling low-cost.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around easily on foot. The Medina, on the other hand, can only be visited on foot and is closed to vehicles, and the main attractions are within easy reach. You can also walk to the Ville Nouvelle area, the centre of the nightlife.
Average prices in the district range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €170.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Wonderful B&B inside an old palace. Each room has air conditioning, private bathroom and kitchen with oven. Ideal for couples and families | |
B&B with 24-hour reception, communal lounge, breakfast and luggage storage. WiFi connection. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Guesthouse in the heart of the Medina. Shared kitchen and lounge, free WiFi, concierge services, ticketing and luggage storage. Ideal for young people | |
5-star hotel in the heart of the Medina. Garden, restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception and evening entertainment. Indoor hammam with spa and wellness centre. Ideal for couples |
Ville Nouvelle
The Ville Nouvelle, as opposed to the Medina, is a modern and energetic area with modern buildings and the long Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the main boulevard connecting the Medina to the port area of Tunis. Along this tree-lined avenue are several attractions, such as the Clock Tower and its fountain in front, the Municipal Theatre, a triumph of Art Deco, and several administrative buildings.
Lively and chaotic during the day, at night it becomes one of the centres of nightlife, which is why it is an ideal area for young people and those looking for a good time. There is a wide choice of accommodation, ranging from hostels to luxury hotels.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot: you will have the Medina really close by and you can also walk to the port and lakeside area. The area is also served by the Ibn Rachiq metro stop and numerous bus lines.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €160.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with family rooms available. 24-hour reception, room service and free WiFi. Buffet breakfast | |
Moroccan-style hotel. Possibility of dinner with typical dishes. Continental breakfast on the terrace. Free WiFi | |
Hostel with the possibility of rooms with private bathroom. Communal kitchen, restaurant, 24h reception and buffet breakfast | |
Hotel with spacious and bright rooms. Wellness centre, outdoor pool, 3 restaurants and night club. Free WiFi |
Mutuelleville
Photos by DrFO.Jr.Tn. Mutuelleville, along with Berges du Lac, is one of the most beautiful residential areas in Tunis. In particular, Mutuelleville is one of the most luxurious areas of the capital, surrounded by greenery and with luxury hotels. On one side, it also borders the beautiful Belvedere Park, the only large park in the capital, a green oasis with beautiful views of the surroundings.
This district is especially ideal for families and those seeking tranquillity. Here you will be far from the hustle and bustle of the Ville Nouvelle, but silence is the main protagonist. Here you will also find some of the most luxurious accommodation in the city, with all the amenities and even spas and indoor swimming pools.
Finally, staying here you will need to get around by transport. To reach the Medina, for example, you will have to take a taxi (6 km, average 15 min depending on traffic), one of the many buses or the metro from the Cité sportive stop to Ibn Rachiq.
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €180.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 50 m from Tunis Zoo. 24-hour reception, airport shuttle service, restaurant, free WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
B&B with free WiFi, air conditioning, restaurant and a bar, terrace and garden. Surrounded by greenery. Ideal for couples and families | |
4-star hotel with shared lounge, private parking, terrace, restaurant, 24-hour reception and room service. Family accommodation available. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel with two swimming pools, spa and wellness centre, bar, room service and numerous restaurants. Free WiFi connection. Ideal for couples and families |
Berges du Lac
Photo by RostomBaccar. Finally, like Mutuelleville, Berges du Lac is a quiet area and, above all, one of the most charming districts of Tunis, because it is situated on the shores of the lake, with a splendid view of all its surroundings. There are no particular attractions here, but you will find the Dah Dah Happy Land Entertainment Park, ideal if you are travelling with the family, and the whole lake promenade.
Given its characteristics, this is a district that is especially suitable for families and those who want peace and quiet. As with Mutuelleville, you will find yourself in one of the most expensive areas of the city: there are numerous 4- and 5-star hotels, luxury flats and wonderful lake-view accommodations.
Finally, by staying here you will necessarily have to use the means of transport. However, this is a good solution, because you will be about halfway between the Medina of Tunis and the resorts of Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd, the latter being one of the most beautiful seaside resorts.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €180.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel a few steps from the lake, with free WiFi, parking, room service and bar. Ideal for couples | |
5-star hotel with swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, room service and bar service. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel overlooking lake. Swimming pool and spa, two restaurants, terrace on the lake, rooms with views and free WiFi. Ideal for couples |
Countries near Tunis where to stay
If you only have a few nights available, the best option is to stay in the centre of Tunis. If, on the other hand, you have five or seven days to dedicate to the capital, then you can consider some alternative solutions, especially near the sea.
Indeed, in addition to the districts already presented, when planning a trip to Tunis many people consider some villages in the vicinity of the capital. These are small villages that have been annexed to the Greater Tunis area. These are Gammarth, La Marsa, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd, but they are also the most expensive and touristy areas, where the charm of Tunisia is perhaps somewhat lost. Let's look at them in detail:
Gammarth (21 km / 26 min): a seaside resort located between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Sebkha Ariana. It is a luxury destination with elegant hotels with all amenities - compare accommodation on booking
La Marsa (18 km / 30 min): seaside resort located between Gammarth and Sidi Bou Saïd. Known for its La Marsa Plage beach, ideal for those who want to enjoy the Tunisian sea and sun - compare accommodations on booking
Carthage (18 km / 25 min): the famous city of Carthage, known for its important archaeological sites. Ideal for those who want to combine history and cultural visits with the sea. Located near Sidi Bou Saïd - compare accommodations on booking
Sidi Bou Saïd (20 km / 30 min): one of the most famous seaside resorts in Tunis, whose white buildings and blue domes are reminiscent of a small Greek village. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the sea - compare accommodation on booking
