Practical tips
Best time
Spring and autumn are ideal for combining beach and historical sites. Summer is hot but popular for beach resorts.
Languages
Tunisian Arabic is the national language, but French is spoken fluently by the vast majority and is the language of business. There is some English in tourism.
Etiquette
A Muslim-majority country, relatively liberal on the coast. Beach areas are relaxed about dress, but modesty is expected in the rural interior and at religious sites.
What to see & culture
Places
The Phoenician and Roman ruins of Carthage, the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, the Tunis medina, the holy city of Kairouan and the Sahara landscapes (Douz, Tataouine).
Culture
A tapestry of Carthaginian, Roman, Arab and French heritage, visible in the architecture. Malouf music and ceramic crafts are strong, timeless markers.
Food
Brik (a crisp fried pastry, usually with egg and tuna), well-spiced couscous, Tunisian tagines and fresh coastal seafood — all accompanied by the ever-present harissa, the spicy chilli paste.