In which quarter house in Tunis?

Are you planning a stay or an expatriation in Tunisia, near the old "Cité Punique" in Carthage? This is in which area to stay in Tunis!

Economic and commercial capital of Tunisia, Tunis lies at the bottom of the Gulf of Tunis, stretched to the edge of the eponymous lake. The capital of Tunisia since 1159, the city has undergone a booming development in the 20th century, reaching 638,845 inhabitants in 2014 intra-muros and 2,643,695 people in the urban area of Greater Tunis. The Tunisian capital – with a very rich historical heritage, the human presence being attested to there from the 4th century BC – is classified as the fifth Arab city where it makes good living. It enjoys in addition to an ideal Mediterranean climate and very popular tourist sites such as Carthage, La Marsa or Sidi Bou Saïd. Accommodation in Tunis will not be difficult, the city attracts many tourists and expatriates and the offer of accommodation is abundant.

Carthage, La Marsa, Sidi Bou Saïd, Mutuelleville, Le Belvédère, Notre-Dame, El Menzah, Gammarth are pleasant areas to sleep in Tunis. Between the souks of the Medina, the Bardo Museum, the National Movement Museum, the National Military Museum, the Cinema Museum, the fine sandy beaches or the Roman ruins of Carthage, you will not be bored! Here's where to stay in Tunis.

Medina

A true historical heart of Tunis, this shopping and historical centre of 270 hectares, home to more than 100,000 people – or 10% of the Tunisian population – has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Founded in 698 around the Zitouna Mosque, it stands from north to south between the Bab Souika faubourg and Bab El Jazira. Formerly the capital of a powerful kingdom in the Hafside era, many monuments intertwine and mix the styles of Ifriqiya, the Andalusian, Oriental, Roman and Byzantine influences. It is a poor neighborhood in hotels however, but you will truly be in contact with local Tunisians. To find out where to sleep in the Medina, the homestay is the best solution.

Mutuelleville and the shores of the lake

Located north of the Jardins du Belévdère, these two districts are residential areas very popular and highly appreciated by expatriates and travellers in search of tranquility. The two neighbourhoods offer a central location where to stay in Tunis: not far from the city centre while being at some tram stations in the lake of Tunis and its banks, or the picturesque port of la Goulette. Located on a hill, it is a busy neighborhood, however, with many green spaces and embassies (historically, it was a district inhabited by French settlers, which still attracts many foreign expatriates today).

The northern suburbs

Here are ancient villages annexed to the metropolis of Greater Tunis, and which have good press among the best places to sleep in Tunis: Gammarth, La Marsa, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd. Attention, these are the most expensive and touristic areas. Every year, hordes of tourists come to visit the famous Roman ruins of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Saïd – high in blue, white and red colours where the bougainvilliers and palm trees bloom - perched on its cornice, overlooking the city of Carthage and the Gulf of Tunis. In a word: splendid. Within the municipality of Carthage – which houses 17,000 inhabitants -, few hotels, but aim for accommodation in the living room, and sleep in comfortable villas close to the cliffs overlooking the sea and its sublime blue azur. Choose these villages where to sleep in Tunis if you are not afraid of tourism and the price explosion in the summer season (think about trading!).

Main photo credit: Flickr – Christopher Rose