Experience Spring in Tunis
Spring is the ideal time to explore Tunis, as the rainy winter months give way to longer, sunny days, bringing the city to life with live music and artisanal showcases. Discover the charm of riding a bike around the city, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and pleasant temperatures.
Moreover, Ramadan falls in spring, creating unique evening experiences in the medina with shared iftars loaded with local traditions. Below are our top picks for enjoying the season in Tunis.
Get into the groove at the Carthage Jazz Festival
Although not solely a jazz festival, the annual Carthage Jazz Festival enchants attendees with 10 days of concerts at affordable prices, with tickets around 30DT (approximately US$10). Hosted in various intimate venues around greater Tunis, the festival welcomes jazz and pop artists from the region, Europe, America, and beyond, featuring renowned acts like British singer-songwriter Tom Odell. The festival’s 14th edition, taking place from April 4 to 14, expands to include ‘street music’ sessions at local bars, L’Acropolium in Carthage, and the majestic palace Ennejma Ezzahra.
Immerse yourself in Tunisia’s long-standing wine history
Despite not being well-known as a top wine producer, Tunisian wine has a rich history dating back to the Phoenician era. Over 2000 years ago, the agronomist Mago shared his extensive knowledge in viticulture, which influenced European practices after the fall of Carthage. Today, the majority of wine production in Tunisia occurs around Grombalia, Mornag, and Cap Bon, all within a couple of hours from Tunis, where vineyards such as Chateau Bacchus offer tours and delightful four-course lunches with ample wine for about US$25. Spring is the perfect time to explore these vineyards under the bright sun, before the summer harvest begins. Additionally, wine-tasting tours are available at Les Vignerons de Carthage in southern suburbs.
Cycle from ancient ruins into a Mediterranean sunset
Bright spring evenings in Tunis are ideal for leisurely bike rides around the suburbs. Admire the traditional white-and-blue houses of Sidi Bou Saïd, then explore the archaeological sites of historical Carthage. Enjoy the mild temperatures while soaking in the stunning pinks and purples of the evening Mediterranean sky. Bikes can be rented from family-friendly Lemon Tour for self-guided adventures or opt for group tours suitable for all ages. For a more energetic ride, ascend the hill from La Marsa to Gammarth to enjoy panoramic sea and city views. Afterward, cool down with a refreshing fruit juice from El Khairat.
Medina nights
Ramadan days in Tunis might be tranquil, but visiting during this time allows you to experience the vibrant night-life that flourishes post-Iftar. Begin with a meal at one of the many traditional restaurants like Fondouk El Attarine or Dar El Jeld, where diners indulge in multi-course feasts featuring local dates, savory brik pastries, frik soup, a variety of salads, meats, fish, fruits, and traditional desserts such as assida zgougou and kaak warqa.
Evening activities kick off around 9pm, extending into the early morning hours, with high-street stores on Habib Bourgiba open for late-night shoppers. The medina comes alive with planned and spontaneous musical events, including the Festival of the Medina and Sufi concerts in Sidi Bou Saïd’s old palaces. Relax with mint tea and shisha on the rooftop terraces of Art Café on Rue du 2 Mars, and let the sounds of nearby music guide you to joyful celebrations filled with enchanting melodies and flower petals cascading from balconies.
Shop artisanal products from every region in Tunisia
A highlight of the year for locals is the Salon de la Création Artisanale at Le Kram Exhibition Centre. From March 22 to 31, artisans from across Tunisia gather to showcase their products. If you’re traveling to Tunis during this time, be sure to bring an empty suitcase to fill with beautifully woven kilim rugs, hand-painted ceramics, and other unique items. Allocate at least a few hours to browse through the amazing selection, as many visitors return for multiple trips. For those who wish to indulge, enterprising teenagers often assist with carrying your purchases for a small fee.
Don’t miss finding Dabboussi Alfa from Kairouan, known for their excellent value woven egg chairs that can be custom-made. Also explore the contemporary designs of Hamila Stoneware from Sousse, or seek traditional pottery produced by the exclusively female artisans of the Sejnane region, recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
