Clock Tower – Avenue Habib Bourguiba
📍 Address: R52P+3HV, Av. Habib Bourguiba, Tunis, Tunisia
Standing at the eastern end of Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the main street dissecting Tunis’s new city, is the Clock Tower, a prominent symbol of the city. Often dubbed ‘Tunisia’s Champs-Élysées,’ this grand avenue features a central pedestrian zone lined with European-style cafes and beautiful colonial architecture, remnants of the French protectorate era.
For travelers, this Clock Tower serves as a convenient starting point for exploring Tunis or as a meeting spot. During the day, its dynamic fountain’s splashes offer a refreshing sight, but be careful not to get too close, as you might get quite wet; it’s best viewed from a slight distance. However, the tower’s true charm emerges after sunset. Lit up in orange and blue, it creates a highly photogenic scene, harmonizing with the new city’s skyline as it fades into the twilight.
While local children might playfully tease ‘No photos!’ because of nearby military and police facilities, taking pictures of the Clock Tower itself is generally fine. Nevertheless, since photographing government or military installations is strictly prohibited in Tunisia, please be mindful of where you point your camera as you enjoy your sightseeing.
French Gate
📍 Address: Q5XG+M76, Rue Mongi Slim, Tunis, Tunisia
Experience a dramatic intersection of traditional Arab cityscapes and modern European urban planning at the French Gate (Bab El Bhar). Originally meaning ‘Gate of the Sea’ and once serving as a gateway to the port, it was reconstructed after the French invasion of Tunisia in the late 19th century, transforming into its current triumphal arch-like appearance.
This gate marks the boundary between the orderly, grid-patterned new city and the labyrinthine medina (old city), which has existed since the Middle Ages. The moment you pass through the gate, your view shifts into a maze of intricate alleys, and the aromas of spices and the bustling energy of the souks rush in. This dramatic change of scenery is arguably the highlight of Tunis sightseeing.
The area around the gate is always vibrant, bustling with locals and tourists. However, a bit of caution is advised when visiting the surrounding street cafes and restaurants. There have been reports of unscrupulous establishments targeting tourists, ignoring pointed menu selections, demanding inflated prices for different dishes, or using a phone calculator to charge exorbitant amounts without providing a receipt. To avoid trouble, clearly confirm prices on the menu when ordering, and if concerned, it’s advisable to take firm self-protective measures like photographing the menu and your dish with your smartphone.
Bardo National Museum
📍 Address: Bardo center, RN 7, Tunis, Tunisia
Located slightly outside central Tunis, the Bardo National Museum is a must-see spot, boasting one of the world’s largest collections of Roman mosaics. The building itself, a former palace of an Ottoman bey, is a work of art; the space where intricate Islamic architectural tiles and carved wooden ceilings intertwine with ancient Roman and Carthaginian exhibits is breathtakingly beautiful from every angle.
For practical advice when walking through the museum, avoid heels or hard-soled shoes. This is because valuable ancient mosaics are laid not only on the walls but also directly on the ‘floors,’ and there are areas where you actually walk on them. Sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes are best. Furthermore, there’s a free cloakroom at the entrance that can store large luggage like suitcases, making it extremely convenient for visits before or after heading to the airport.
To preserve the memory of the tragic shooting incident in 2015, memorial plaques for the victims and bullet marks remain within the museum, silently conveying the weight of history. While security is strict, you’ll also catch a glimpse of Tunisia’s laid-back side, with friendly cats leisurely roaming the halls, watched over by staff who don’t shoo them away. Take a break at the beautiful cafe on the ground floor and immerse yourself in ancient romance for 2 to 4 hours.
Kasbah Square
📍 Address: Near Laboratories d Analyses Medicales, Tunis 2045 Tunisia
Exiting the bustling medina to the west, you suddenly encounter a vast open space: Kasbah Square, the political heart of Tunisia. At the center of this square, surrounded by important institutions like the Prime Ministry, City Hall, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Justice, stands a colossal concrete monument erected by a Tunisian sculptor in 1989, proudly displaying the Tunisian flag.
After navigating the labyrinthine alleys of the medina, the sense of openness upon reaching this square is exceptional. The neatly paved cobblestones, linear modern architecture, and the minaret of the 13th-century Kasbah Mosque to the north beautifully depict the contrast between old history and modern Tunis. Sitting on a bench in the square, you can witness peaceful everyday Tunisian scenes, such as local boys happily playing soccer.
This was also a central hub for popular demonstrations during the 2011 Tunisian Revolution, a symbolic place where the nation’s history took a significant turn. It’s a popular spot for photography with good views, but be cautious about pointing your camera towards surrounding government buildings, as security guards may intervene. It’s safer to focus your photography on the monument and the square itself. Visiting in the evening or early morning, when soft light baths the square, offers an even more dramatic atmosphere.
Tips for Enjoying Tunis Sightseeing 100%
Tunis is a uniquely charming city, unlike any other, where a sophisticated new city reminiscent of Europe coexists with an old city that feels straight out of ‘Arabian Nights.’ The biggest secret to enjoying your exploration is ‘making the most of different times of day.’ The medina (old city) is relatively uncrowded in the morning, perfect for photographing quiet alleys and beautiful door decorations. In contrast, the new city, like Avenue Habib Bourguiba, is best enjoyed from dusk into the night, savoring the illuminations and the lively atmosphere of its open-air cafes.
While a minimum level of caution against pickpockets and snatchers targeting tourists is necessary, there’s no need to be overly afraid. It’s important to adopt a ‘firm attitude’: keep your belongings in front of you, and always confirm menu items and prices when dining out. In the easy-to-get-lost medina, utilize your smartphone map, but be very careful not to walk while distracted by your phone.
From the echoes of ancient Carthage to the elegant architecture of the French colonial era and the fervent energy of modern Tunisians, Tunis is a city where different eras and cultures overlap in layers. Be sure to explore and savor every bit of it on foot.
