MileHacker Logo
Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Tunisia

Iconic Landmarks: Carthage

This park contains various sites from ancient Punic and Roman cities.

A combined ticket (12 TND, subject to change) permits access to all major sites. Purchase at your first site, like Byrsa Hill.

Visitor Information

  • Hours: Sites generally open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter, until 6:00 PM in summer. Check local signs for variation.
  • Fees: Combined ticket for all Carthage sites costs 12 TND. Purchase at Byrsa Hill or Antonine Baths.
  • Guided Options: Official local guides are available at major sites or pre-booked. Valuable historical context is possible.
  • Photography Tips: Morning/late afternoon for best light and cooler temperatures. Byrsa Hill for panoramic views. Antonine Baths for dramatic ruins. Punic Ports for reflections.

Major Carthage Sites

Archaeological Highlights

  • Byrsa Hill and Carthage Museum: Spiritual and administrative heart. Panoramic views of modern city and coast. Museum exhibits Punic, Roman, Byzantine artifacts.
  • Punic Ports: Circular military and rectangular commercial ports. A testament to naval power. Near Carthage Salammbô TGM station.
  • Antonine Baths: Largest Roman baths outside Rome (2nd century AD). Impressive scale and coastal location. Roman engineering and luxury are evident.
  • Roman Villas (Parc des Villas Romaines): Remains of wealthy Roman residential complexes. Includes 'House of the Aviary' with mosaics. A glimpse into domestic life.
  • Amphitheatre of Carthage: Large Roman amphitheater. Hosted contests and spectacles. Its size impresses.
  • Odeon: Smaller Roman theater, likely for music and poetry. Near the amphitheater.

Additional Tips

  • Byrsa Hill is good for panoramic views and orientation.
  • Punic Ports' reflective water is good for photos.
  • Avoid midday sun for comfort and photo quality.
  • Drone use: Check local regulations before flying.

Visit early morning or late afternoon, especially on weekdays. Avoid tour bus arrival times, typically mid-morning.

Beyond The Main Sites

  • Paleo-Christian Museum: Small museum near Antonine Baths. Mosaics and artifacts from early Christian Carthage. A quiet glimpse into a later historical period.
  • Carthage Tophet: A Punic sanctuary and burial ground. This intriguing, somber site gives knowledge of ancient Carthaginian religious practices.
  • Aqueduct of Zaghouan: Parts of this massive aqueduct system are further inland (a day trip). The engineering prowess that supplied ancient Carthage with water is evident.
  • Local Streets: Explore residential streets of Carthage. Modern homes among ancient ruins show an unique blend of past and present.

Less Common Experiences

  • Unique Photos:

    Capture sunset over Punic Ports for dramatic lighting. Photograph blue doors and white walls of Sidi Bou Said for iconic, colorful scenes.

  • Local Markets:

    Visit smaller local markets in La Marsa for an authentic experience away from major tourist crowds.

  • Cap Bon Peninsula:

    Smaller towns on the Cap Bon peninsula offer local charm and beaches (Korba, Kelibia) for a different coastal experience.

  • Detailed Insight:

    Consider hiring an official guide for a full understanding of the history.

  • Timing:

    Visit early morning or late afternoon, especially on weekdays. Avoid mid-morning tour bus arrivals.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Museums provide context and artifacts that broaden knowledge of Tunisia's past.

Major Museums

  • National Museum of Carthage (Carthage Museum):

    On Byrsa Hill. Main museum for Carthage archaeological site artifacts. Punic stelae, Roman mosaics, daily life objects.

  • Bardo National Museum (Tunis):

    One of Africa's largest. Former beylical palace. World-class Roman mosaic collection, a global top spot. Punic, early Christian, Islamic artifacts are present.

  • Oceanographic Museum of Salammbô:

    Near Punic Ports, Carthage. Marine life focus of Mediterranean and Tunisian waters. A break from historical sites.

  • Dar Ben Abdallah Museum (Tunis Medina):

    Former palace showing traditional Tunisian life, costumes, crafts. Insight into the country's social history is present.

  • Art galleries:

    Various smaller galleries in Tunis and Sidi Bou Said, showing contemporary Tunisian art, photography, and sculpture. Check local listings.

  • Théâtre Municipal de Tunis:

    A grand theater in the city center. It hosts plays, concerts, and ballets, a taste of local and international performing arts.

Special Exhibits

Check local listings upon arrival for temporary exhibits or performances at museums and cultural centers. Many events occur during summer and festival seasons.

Art Galleries

Various smaller galleries in Tunis and Sidi Bou Said, showing contemporary Tunisian art, photography, and sculpture.

Cultural Centers

Cultural centers in Tunis have various cultural events, including music performances, film screenings, and workshops.

Bardo National Museum

One of Africa's largest museums. Housed in a former beylical palace. Renowned for its world-class collection of Roman mosaics, a global top spot.

  • Location: Tunis, in a former beylical palace.
  • Collections: Punic, early Christian, and Islamic artifacts.
  • Significance: A top destination for anyone interested in Roman history.

Historical Sites Beyond Carthage

Tunisia has more historical sites beyond Carthage.

Day trips reach them easily.

Ancient Cities & Ruins

Archaeological sites and ruins extend beyond Carthage.

Outstanding Ancient Sites

  • Dougga (Thugga): UNESCO World Heritage site. Best-preserved Roman city in North Africa. Spectacular Capitol, well-preserved theater, forum. 1.5-2 hours drive southwest of Tunis/Carthage.
  • Utica: Ancient Punic and Roman city. Older than Carthage, less preserved. A different perspective on early settlements.
  • Medina of Tunis (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Labyrinthine old city with bustling souks, mosques, madrasas, and traditional houses. Plan several hours to wander its alleys.

Local Landmarks & Culture

Historical districts and architecture.

Regional Highlights

  • Sidi Bou Said: Famous blue and white architecture, cobbled streets, charming cafes. Stunning views of Bay of Tunis. A picturesque village.
  • Al-Zaytuna Mosque (Tunis Medina): One of the oldest and most significant mosques in Tunisia and North Africa. Non-Muslims view the courtyard outside prayer times, showing respect for the sacred space.
  • Saint Louis Cathedral (Byrsa Hill, Carthage): Former Roman Catholic cathedral, now a cultural center. It stands on the site of ancient Carthage, a different historical layer.

Parks & Gardens

Natural beauty also surrounds Carthage.

Urban Green Spaces

  • Belvedere Park (Tunis): A large urban park with a zoo. Good views of the city. A place for relaxation.
  • Andalusian Gardens (Sidi Bou Said): Small, charming gardens within the village. A peaceful escape is present.
  • Byrsa Hill (Carthage): Excellent views of the Gulf of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, and the surrounding archaeological sites.
  • Café des Délices (Sidi Bou Said): Famous cafe with panoramic sea and coastline views.

Coastal & Memorials

Beaches, lakes, and waterways. Memorial sites and monuments.

Waterfront & Remembrance

  • Beaches of Carthage: Several public beaches for swimming and relaxation.
  • La Marsa Beach: A popular local beach with cafes and a promenade.
  • American Cemetery and Memorial (Carthage): Honors American service members who died in North Africa during WWII. A sobering historical perspective is here.

Hidden Gems

Off-the-beaten-path

  • Paleo-Christian Museum (Carthage): Small museum near Antonine Baths. Mosaics and artifacts from early Christian Carthage. A quiet glimpse into a later historical period.
  • Carthage Tophet: A Punic sanctuary and burial ground. This intriguing, somber site gives knowledge of ancient Carthaginian religious practices.
  • The Aqueduct of Zaghouan: Parts of the massive aqueduct system further inland (a day trip) are impressive. The engineering prowess that supplied ancient Carthage with water is evident.

Local Favorites & Photography

  • Explore local residential streets of Carthage. Modern homes among ancient ruins show an unique blend of past and present.
  • Visit smaller local markets in La Marsa for an authentic experience away from major tourist crowds.
  • Unique photo opportunities: Capture the sunset over the Punic Ports. Photograph the blue doors and white walls of Sidi Bou Said for iconic, colorful scenes.

Natural Attractions within day-trip reach

While history is prominent, natural beauty also surrounds Carthage.

Parks and Gardens

Belvedere Park (Tunis): A large urban park with a zoo. Good views of the city. A place for relaxation. Andalusian Gardens (Sidi Bou Said): Small, charming gardens within the village. A peaceful escape is present.

Scenic Viewpoints

Byrsa Hill (Carthage): Excellent views of the Gulf of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, and the archaeological sites. Café des Délices (Sidi Bou Said): Famous cafe with panoramic sea and coastline views.

Beaches & Waterways

Beaches of Carthage: Several public beaches for swimming and relaxation. La Marsa Beach: A popular local beach. Gammarth Beaches: More exclusive, often private hotel beaches. Lake of Tunis: A large lagoon, a scenic backdrop.

Wildlife & Geological Features

Wildlife Viewing Areas

None are significant near Carthage itself.

Geological Features

Not a main draw for the immediate Carthage region.

American Cemetery and Memorial

Honors American service members who died in North Africa during WWII.

Industrial and Military Heritage

Less prominent for tourism in this immediate region.

Emerging Destinations

Less "emerging" but often overlooked are smaller towns on the Cap Bon peninsula.

Visit the Bardo Museum

One of the largest museums in Africa. Renowned for its world-class collection of Roman mosaics.

Aspects

  • Considered a global top spot for Roman mosaics.
  • Holds Punic, early Christian, and Islamic artifacts.
  • A top destination for anyone interested in Roman history.

Explore Tunis Medina

A UNESCO World Heritage Site. A labyrinthine old city with bustling souks.

What to Expect

  • Mosques, madrasas, and traditional houses.
  • Plan several hours to wander its alleys.
  • Excellent local food options are available.
  • Central for exploring Tunis attractions.

Good to Know for Sightseeing

Purchasing a combined ticket for Carthage sites is economical and convenient. Remember to hold onto it.

Most sites have signs with information, but a guide offers insights. Wear comfortable shoes, as much walking is here. Sun protection is advisable, especially during summer months.

Museums & Cultural Institutions Continued

Specialized Museums

Beyond the major collections, specialized and niche museums exist.

Examples & Focus

  • Oceanographic Museum of Salammbô (near Punic Ports, Carthage): Marine life of the Mediterranean and Tunisian waters.
  • Dar Ben Abdallah Museum (Tunis Medina): Former palace showing traditional Tunisian life, costumes, and crafts.
  • These sites deepen historical knowledge.

Art & Performance Venues

Art galleries and cultural centers offer a look into contemporary Tunisian creativity and performing arts.

Options for Culture

  • Art galleries: Various smaller galleries in Tunis and Sidi Bou Said, showing contemporary Tunisian art.
  • Théâtre Municipal de Tunis: A grand theater hosting plays, concerts, and ballets.
  • Special exhibits and programming: Check local listings for temporary exhibits or performances.

Dougga Thugga

A UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in North Africa.

Features

  • Spectacular Capitol, well-preserved theater, and a forum.
  • Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive southwest of Tunis/Carthage.
  • A good day trip location.

Utica

An ancient Punic and Roman city.

Historical Significance

  • Older than Carthage.
  • Less preserved but offers a different perspective on early settlements.

Religious & Spiritual Sites

Important places of worship in the region.

Sites to Visit

  • Al-Zaytuna Mosque (Tunis Medina): Oldest, most significant mosque in Tunisia.
  • Saint Louis Cathedral (Byrsa Hill, Carthage): Former Catholic cathedral, now cultural center.
  • Non-Muslims can view mosque courtyard outside prayer times.

Other outstanding Attractions

American Cemetery and Memorial

Honors American service members who died in North Africa during WWII. A sobering historical perspective is here.

Wildlife Viewing Areas

None are significant near Carthage. For wildlife, Friguia Park (further south) has a dedicated experience.

Geological Features

Not a main draw for the immediate Carthage region. More relevant in the Sahara Desert to the south.

General Information

Most historical focus remains on ancient civilizations. Industrial and military heritage is less prominent for tourism in this immediate region.