Tunis – explore the Charm of the Orient
A trip to the spectacular Gulf of Tunis. History, culture, design hotels, hipsters and oriental flairs. Highlight: the artist village Sidi Bou Said.
*Promotion*
Off to Tunis with Tunisair
„Tunisia – isn´t that dangerous?“ I heard this comment a few times when I mentioned my travel destination over New Year´s Eve to my friends. This question surprised me a bit. Is Tunis more unsafe than Paris, London or Berlin? I don´t think so, will get back to that later.
My trip started with Tunisair. This airline offers the best connections to Tunisia. A friendly service but no business class … oops! But no problem, the flight only took two hours from Germany. Since I already had been to Tunisia a few times (I worked there for a German tour operator in the 80s), I had a fixed plan for my week – medina (old city) in Tunis, history in Karthago, culture in Sidi Bou Said and relax in Gammarth.
The stunning Palais Bayram in the medina of Tunis
Quite frankly, the top hotels have mostly seen better times. However, I have a very cool recommendation for all looking for comfort and a typical accommodation at the same time: the stunning Palais Bayram is located right in the middle of the medina, hidden behind beautiful gates. This wonderful place seduces with its historic architecture. Cabs cannot take the guests right to the entrance, the alleys in the old city are just too small. So plan a few minutes for a walk with your luggage – or call the hotel in advance and they will get someone to help you.
Walk through the medina of Tunis
I enjoy a warm welcome and have a short walk around. Then I just leave my suitcase in my suite and off I go to explore the medina! All these narrow alleys look the same and unfortunately, I have neither GPS nor a good old map. Not very smart! After a few minutes, I am completely lost, gosh! I ask a group of young girls, one of them almost gets a heart attack because of my unexpected question … and then all of them are giggling (and me too). Unfortunately, they cannot help at all, despite my explanations in French. With a little help from above (possibly), I manage to find my little palace – more coincidence than anything else. Never stroll through the medina without a map in the evening – lesson learned!
A true "hôtel de charme"
My hotel suite is just a dream. Blue walls, awesome old furniture, and a gorgeous chandelier.The bathroom tub is another highlight – it is a really old piece with golden fixtures. I really don´t need the TV, but the free WiFi is a must, of course. I don´t feel like having another walk in the dead medina at this time, so I have dinner in the restaurant of Palais Bayram. Very elegant and matching the historic style of this place – however, no alcohol is served here! So I have to do without wine while enjoying my vegetarian couscous. No problem! Tunisia is a rather moderate country, but here and there you notice of course the influence of the Islam. I realize this again in the very early morning when the muezzin calls for the first prayer. All good, but does it have to be so loud? Fortunately, I always have earplugs with me – that´s the solution.
Exploring the medina of Tunis
Breakfast is served in a little „salon de thé“ – very typical Tunisian. I get a fruit salad, cheese, assorted bread and I order a tasty omelet – just wonderful. The espresso is excellent, what a great start into the day. And the sun is shining – woohoo! So now it is time to explore the medina of Tunis in daylight. During the day, it´s quite a different story. One little shop after the other, filled with junk but also with beautiful things such as jewelry, pottery, and leather goods. Where to look first? The merchants are friendly, not too intrusive. Even at this time of the year, the little alleys are full of people. And – oh my gosh – I discover an old long play with German hit songs („Schlager“) of the 70s, including a song of my dear friend Katja Ebstein - one of Germany`s most popular singers in those days. I take a picture for her. She will love it!
Have a look at a short video made in the medina:
Beautiful cafés in Tunis
Time for a very needed second coffee. But where? There are so many nice cafés. I have a look at the awesome Café Mnouchi with its retro-style but move on to the Café Panorama. As the name suggests, the view over Tunis is just stunning – and my espresso and the fresh orange juice are fantastic. I watch all the young couples holding hands and even exchanging kisses. Well, it seems like Allah is not watching – it´s good the way it is. A few days later, I taste some of the lovely sweets at Café El Ali – what a sin! You can also eat very well in this place, where they serve vegetarian dishes. Don´t miss the famous coffeeshop M`Rabet, which is mentioned in every guidebook – very Tunisian and likewise with an awesome view.
After my caffeine infusion, I explore with its impressive Catholic church, lots of cafés, shops … and many people. After all, it´s Saturday and the sun is shining. Tunisian hipsters and beautiful young girls in tight jeans (some of them with a headscarf) are all over the place. Tunisia´s next top model might be among them ;-).
Berges du Lac - hip and edgy
What a contrast in the afternoon; I want to know where the „jeunesse dorée“ of Tunis goes for coffee or dinner. Off we go to Berges du Lac, a relatively new neighborhood, approximately 20 minutes by cab from downtown. Before I forget – taxis are ridiculously cheap in Tunis and good even for limited travel budgets! At the „716“ I get a giant fruit platter, more healthy than all those sweet cakes looking at me. Cool people all over the place. However, if you are looking for authenticity, just forget about this place. Here you rather get an impression of the modern face of Tunis, including a breathtaking lake view and a wonderful sunset. Bad news again for wine (and beer) lovers – no alcohol is served. However, you can smoke your cigarette or even a shisha indoor – hard to believe but true. I feel like I´m in a German bar in the 80s, very funny. For dinner, I go to one of the fancy places just next door – again, no alcohol but wonderful food. I get used to having a fruit cocktail with my dinner instead of wine.
Symphony in blue and white - Sidi Bou Said
The next day it´s time for an excursion to the legendary artist village Sidi Bou Said. The train takes you there from downtown Tunis in approximately 25 minutes. The trip does not even cost a dollar – but you have to accept local standards in return. But who cares? The train leaves, even if not all doors are closed and sometimes it stops again when someone comes running after the departure of the train. How cool is that? From the station, you only walk a few minutes to the center of this lovely village. A symphony in blue and white. The famous painters Macke, Klee, and Moillet were fascinated by Sidi Bou Said when they visited this enchanting place in the early 20th century. I totally understand them. White houses with blue doors and balconies, the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of the Gulf of Tunis in the background, it is simply magic.
Breathtaking views in Sidi Bou Said
Don´t miss the sunset at Café des Délices with its decks and the colorful Tunisian blankets all over the place. Take photos, then put your smartphone away and just enjoy the breathtaking view – life can hardly be any better. After sunset, you may want to explore a few galleries – I recommend „Rock the Kasbah“ with awesome furniture and the house of Achraf Baccouch, a very edgy artist who lives alternately in Dubai, New York, and Tunis. Achraf´s art represents excellent Tunisian creativity and combines tradition with modern aspects. His pictures of international celebrities such as George Michael and Meryl Streep in front of Tunisian landmarks are simply stunning. Ah – should you wish to stay overnight in Sidi Bou Said, I have two recommendations for you. The chic Villa Bleue is a bit expensive but offering excellent quality and marvelous views. If you want to treat your travel budget with care, you may consider to staying at the charming Hotel Bou Fares – very small, friendly staff and a lovely patio where breakfast is served if the weather allows.
Historic Carthage
Carthage (Karthago) is another highlight in the Tunis region. If you missed part of the history lessons at school, you get a great opportunity to learn about the Romans and famous Hannibal who crossed the Alps in the 2nd century BC and fought the Romans. Carthage is a true open-air museum with many columns and artifacts and a wonderful view over the Gulf of Tunis. The old Cathedral on Byrsa Hill is a great landmark and the interesting museum is just next door, not to miss!
Time for the Beach
The Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth is the perfect place for luxury beach vacations. Located only 10 minutes by car from La Marsa with cafés, shops and restaurants, this elegant and modern five-star hotel is offering an excellent service, a fantastic spa with gym, indoor pool and hammam and a wonderful cuisine which is typical for Mövenpick. I loved the panna cotta with fresh berries for breakfast! On my second day, my beloved espresso came automatically, what a lovely service. The five stars are well deserved and the location of this hotel right on the beach is hard to beat. I could stay here for a few weeks!
More info about the location of the hotel
HOW TO GET TO TUNIS
Tunis´airport Carthage International is the premier airport in Tunisia, located only four miles from Tunis, the capital city. Major international airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa and Tunisair are serving this airport. The best is to take a cab from the taxi rank. A trip to downtown Tunis will only cost you approximately 2 USD. And the rather cheap taxis are also the best way to move around in the city.
My Summary
I had a wonderful time in Tunisia. January may be a bit cold but I enjoyed my stay. I would never travel during high season, it gets too hot. However, spring in Tunisia is a fantastic time to travel. Beaches, culture and lots of sites to visit, in particular close to Tunis.