Travel Guide 02 02 04 04 Quick view Travel etiquette Health 05 05 07 07 Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants 08 09 10 Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels istock LH.com/travelguide 01/11
02 Quick view a brief overview Since the Arab Spring (which started in in 2011), the capital of has made remarkable progress. This has always been an inclusive, relatively progressive country, and the road to democracy has largely been a resounding success. The tourists haven t quite returned in healthy numbers yet, but there is much to see, and not just in the resort-heavy seafront a few kilometres away. The city boasts one of the oldest, most compelling medinas in the Arab world, jostling for attention with busy and more modern Ville Nouvelle (New Town). Then there are the incredible ruins of ancient Carthage on the outskirts. Get there before the inevitable tourist boom. General Information Country overview From broad sweeps of beach, overlooked by a tumble of sugar cube houses, to grand ancient ruins, and the vast, rolling dunes of the Sahara; is a fusion of everything that makes North Africa enticing. Geography The Republic of lies on the North African coast, 130km (80 miles) southwest of Sicily and 160km (100 miles) due south of Sardinia. Dwarfed by its neighbours, sandwiched between Algeria to the west and Libya to the east, is just over 163 000 sq km in size. It may be small but has a landscape which varies from the cliffs of the north coast, to the woodland of the interior, from desert to rich, arable land, and from mountains to salt pans below sea level. The 1,148 km (713 miles) Mediterranean coastline is dotted with small islands, notably Djerba in the south and Kerkennah in the east. The coastline is backed by lush pasture, orchards, vineyards and olive groves and is the most populous area of the country. The north of the country is increasingly mountainous with rolling pine-clad hills a large feature of the landscape. South of Gafsa and Gabès the central region's countryside becomes starker with semi-arid plains as the Sahara begins to exert its influence. The desert region of the Sahara is one of 's most famous features. Its diverse environment of mammoth salt pans, vast sand plains and towering dunes, interspersed with lush oases forms the landscape of the south. General knowledge Key facts Population: 10835873 Population Density (per sq km): 66 Capital:. LH.com/travelguide 02/11
03 Language The official language is Arabic. French is the second language, English, German and Italian are spoken mainly in tourist resorts. Currency n Dinar (TND; the symbol DT is also used commonly within ) = 1,000 millimes. Notes are in denominations of TND30, 20, 10 and 5. TND5 bank notes are now rare. Coins are in denominations of TND5 and 1, and 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 millimes. The 10 and 5 millimes coins are not commonly used but are still legal tender. Electricity 230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used. General business opening hours Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1500-1745 (winter); Mon-Sat 0830-1300 (summer). Government office opening hours may vary by half an hour. Shops open later, while many business and offices close on Friday lunchtime, and the whole country works at half-efficiency during the month of Ramadan. Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 - December 2019 period. Note Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Aid Es Seghir, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Aid Es Seghir itself. Aid Es Seghir and Aid El Kebir may last up to several days, depending on the region. 2018 Jour de l An (New Year s Day): 1 January 2018 Anniversaire de la Révolution (Revolution Day): 14 January 2018 Fête de l Indépendance (Independence Day): 20 March 2018 Jour des Martyrs (Martyrs Day): 9 April 2018 Fête du Travail (Labour Day): 1 May 2018 Aid Es Seghir (End of Ramadan): 15 June 2018 Fête de la Proclamation de la République (Republic Day): 25 July 2018 Journée de la Femme (Women s Day): 13 August 2018 Aid El Kebir (Feast of Sacrifice): 22 August 2018 Ras el-a n (Islamic New Year): 12 September 2018 Jour de la Nouvelle Ère (Day of the New Era): 7 November 2018 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 21 November 2018 2019 Jour de l An (New Year s Day): 1 January 2019 Anniversaire de la Révolution (Revolution Day): 14 January 2019 Fête de l Indépendance (Independence Day): 20 March 2019 Jour des Martyrs (Martyrs Day): 9 April 2019 Fête du Travail (Labour Day): 1 May 2019 Aid Es Seghir (End of Ramadan): 5 June 2019 Fête de la Proclamation de la République (Republic Day): 25 July 2019 Aid El Kebir (Feast of Sacrifice): 12 August 2019 Journée de la Femme (Women s Day): 13 August 2019 Ras el-a n (Islamic New Year): 1 September 2019 Jour de la Nouvelle Ère (Day of the New Era): 7 November 2019 LH.com/travelguide 03/11
04 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 November 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions Arabic in culture and tradition, is a liberal and tolerant Muslim society with many equality laws enshrined in the n Constitution brought in by the country's first president Habib Bourguiba. Polygamy is outlawed, women are free to choose whether to wear the headscarf, and have the right to ask for divorce, work, run their own businesses, and have access to abortion and birth control. Although cities like, Sfax and Sousse can seem extremely liberal and modern, it is important to remember that in more rural areas local life is much more traditional. Outside of resort areas visitors should dress modestly out of respect for this. Most n men would not be caught dead wearing shorts once off the beach and in the countryside it is practically unheard of. Likewise, once away from touristy areas, women should avoid wearing skimpy, revealing clothing. When visiting mosques and other religious buildings, both sexes should make sure their clothing covers their upper arms and knees, and women should wear a headscarf. On a separate note, ns take a lot of pride in their dress and although informal clothing is now very acceptable among younger ns, visitors will garner more respect if they don t dress scruffily. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. Women greeting other women and men greeting other men will often also kiss each other the cheek. It is common to place your right hand across your heart after shaking hands. This is also a polite way of showing your thanks. Occasionally, among more religious people greeting people of the opposite sex, this is used as a greeting instead of shaking hands. Hospitality is important in and a small gift in appreciation of hospitality or as a token of friendship is always well-received. Health Health Food & Drink Mains water is normally chlorinated in urban areas, and whilst safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. It is advisable to only drink bottled water during your stay, which is widely available everywhere. It's worth also noting that ice is rarely made from bottled water (even in resort areas) and should be avoided altogether. Milk should be boiled when unpasteurised. UHT milk is available and is advised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled before eating. When choosing where to eat, look for popular places which have a high turnover of food meaning food will be fresher and will not have been sitting around for a long time. Avoid ice cream being sold on the street, which might have melted and been refrozen. LH.com/travelguide 04/11
05 Other Risks Vaccinations against Hepatitis B are recommended. Contractual physician of Lufthansa Dr. Schleith-Amara, Susanne 110 Avenue de le Liberté 1002 Tel. +216-71784470 Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone/Mobile Telephone Dialing code: +216 Telephone Public phones are found widely, with some shops also offering the service. Using Skype in an internet café though, is usually the more cost-effective option. Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements with international mobile phone companies exist. You can buy a local SIM card at ie Telecom offices if you provide appropriate identification. Internet has a high number of internet users, so email can be easily and cheaply accessed from Internet cafés in most towns and all resorts. Many hotels now also offer Wi-Fi for guest use. Connection is usually of a good standard. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Medina A UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient medina is an incredible warren of Islamic monuments and mosques, little shops and cafés. Medina Zitouna Mosque Dating back to AD732, this soaring mosque in the heart of the medina is one of the most important in the world. Reclaimed Roman and Byzantine pillars and lintels are included in the interior decoration. Rue Jamaa Ez-Zitouna Opening times: Sat-Mon 0800-1500 LH.com/travelguide 05/11
06 Tel: +216 71 909 264 www.patrimoinedetunisie.com.tn/eng/m onuments/... The National Bardo Museum This recently restored museum is full of archaeological treasures, with one of the world s most outstanding collections of Romans mosaics. Rue Mongi Slim 2000 Tel: +216 71 513 650 Opening times: Daily 0900-1700 (May- Sep)Daily 0930-1630 (Oct-Apr) www.bardomuseum.tn Carthage The ancient ruins of Carthage are s top tourist attraction. Highlights include the Roman theatre, Antonine Baths and the National Museum of Carthage, converted from a grand old cathedral. Carthage Sidi Bou Sai d Named after a 13th-century holy man from mystical strand of Islam known as Sufism, this cobblestoned, labyrinthine town on the coast has long been an artists haven. Carthage Dar Ben Abdallah Museum Set in a grand 18th-century mansion, this fascinating museum contains arts, furniture and textiles that shed light on s traditional crafts still alive in the medina. Impasse Ben Abdallah, Medina Tel: +216 71 909 264 Opening times: Mon-Sat 0930-1630 www.patrimoinedetunisie.com.tn/fr/mus ees/dab.php Avenue Habib Bourguiba It s essential to walk the main tree-lined boulevard running from the imperious clock tower, past many busy café terraces and important monuments, until you reach the ancient medina gateway. Avenue Habib Bourguiba Municipal Theatre of LH.com/travelguide 06/11
07 The impressive white municipal theatre was built in 1902. It s worth a look as much for its high-profile performances as for its gorgeous art nouveau architecture. 11 rue de Grèce Opening times: Various www.theatremunicipal-tunis.gov.tn Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul The 19th-century church is an oddity not just for being Catholic, but for its unusual design, which mixes Byzantine, Moorish and even Gothic elements. 4 rue d'alger 1000 Tel: +216 71 335 831 Opening times: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800Sat 0800-1200 (until 1400 in Jul-Aug) www.diocesetunisie.org Belvedere Park Established during colonial French rule, this green oasis in the city s New Town used to be for the affluent only. Now it features a small lake, a zoo and a handsome 18th-century pavilion. Avenue Taieb Mehiri Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas The medina is full of shops and stalls selling cheap souvenirs, traditional crafts and clothing. Be sure to bag yourself a pair of babouche slippers, but get ready to haggle Maghreb-style! For a wider range of shopping options, head to Ville Nouvelle, the New Town, which is full of shops and boutiques. Markets The souks in the medina of are some of the oldest in North Africa, particularly the spice market. The Souk El-Trouk is great for antiques and tailored clothing. Shopping Centres With more than 60 boutiques, Le Centre Commercial City (Ariana) claims to be the biggest mall in and will serve most practical shopping needs. Restaurants Restaurants in Blending Mediterranean, Arab and Berber influences, n cuisine is a delight with plentiful couscous, thick chickpea soups and saucy lamb dishes.given its colonial past, there s a classy French element alongside the traditional local eateries. LH.com/travelguide 07/11
08 Dar El Jeld finest restaurant, Dar El Jeld is set in a lavish 18th-century palace. 5 rue Dar El Jeld Price: Expensive Chez Slah For French colonial fare in the city centre, head to Chez Slah. 14 rue Pierre de Coubertin Price: Expensive La Spigola With Sicily just across the Med, it s nice to find an Italian-style fish restaurant in. 52 Avenue Franklin Rosvelt Price: Moderate Café M'Rabet In the middle of the ancient souks lies this lively local restaurant serving traditional dishes. 27 Souk El Trouk El Kasba Price: Cheap Le Chargui Enjoy spicy merguez (traditional sausage) or fresh fish overlooking the sea. 39 Rue Habib Thameur Tunesien Price: Cheap Nightlife Nightlife in Though more tolerant about drinking than elsewhere in the region, night scene still revolves more around iced coffees and mint teas on café terraces than boozing.there are bars serving alcohol, though, especially in the New Town, as well as plenty of live music. Le Plug Rock Bar LH.com/travelguide 08/11
09 This lively bar overlooking the sea in La Marsa is popular with the burgeoning hipster crowd. 1 Rue Mongi Slim 2070 La Marsa Centre des Musiques Arabes et Méditerranéennes The Ennejma Ezzahra Palace hosts traditional and progressive artists, such as Arab electronica. Rue du 2 mars 1934 2026 Sidi Bou Saïd Villa Didon With amazing views in the heart of Carthage, Villa Didon turns into a hedonistic club at night. Rue Mendès France 2016 Grand Café Du Theatre Of the trendy café terraces on Habib Bourguiba, this is the classiest, with impeccable service. 50 Avenue Habib Bourguiba 1001 Le Boeuf sur le Toit This buzzy bar has live music and DJs, as well as excellent food. El Kram Calendar of events Calendar of events Medina Festival Running since the early 1980s, the Medina Festival takes place in the capital during evening over Ramadan, featuring musical acts and film screenings LH.com/travelguide 09/11
10 from a wide range of different countries. May - June 2018 Venue: Various venues Festival d'epervier (Falconry Festival) Four days of falconry demonstrations, live music and a big market. Sparrow hawks are captured during their spring migration, trained and released again after the festival. July 2017 El-Haouaria, Cap Bon (two hours by bus from ) Hammamet International Festival A wide variety of international performances of music and theatre. July - August 2018 www.festivaldehammamet.com/ Venue: Hammamet (one hour by train from ) Carthage International Festival 's largest cultural festival with music, dance, theatre and art amid the ancient ruins of Carthage. July - August 2018 Venue: Roman amphitheatre of Carthage Kharja Festival Sufi brotherhoods gather for a procession up to the shrine of the local Muslim saint after whom the village is named. August 2018 Venue: Sidi Bou Said Carthage International Film Festival A prestigious film festival that attracts a few Hollywood names, but the focus is on African and Arab films. In alternate years, the festival is hosted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. November 2018 Website Venue: Various venues Hotels Hotels in Many tourists come to stay at the beach resorts on the coast near, but LH.com/travelguide 10/11
11 lodging options are improving in the city itself as it becomes a destination in its own right.while there are some guesthouse-type options in the medina, the New Town is always a safe bet. Regency Based on the coast in La Marsa, this opulent hotel boasts a hammam, pools and a Thai restaurant. 2078 La Marsa Les Côtes de Carthage Category: Expensive Novotel Mohamed V For glitzy modernity, try Novotel s offering, with good international food. Avenue Mohamed V 1002 Category: Moderate Concorde Les Berges Du Lac The Concorde is a handsome city hotel, with a great restaurant and spa. Rue du Lac Turkana 1053 Category: Moderate St Georges Built in 1970, St George is basic and a little faded, but cheap and cheerful. 16 Rue De La Cologne 4001 Category: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 11/11