Medina of Tunis, Historic old city in Tunis, Tunisia

The Médina de Tunis is the old city at the center of the Tunisian capital, a dense network of narrow streets lined with old mosques, palaces, and craft markets. The ground is paved with uneven stones, and high walls hide courtyards and workshops that open discreetly onto the lanes.

The medina was founded in the 7th century following the Arab conquest of the region and grew over time into the political and religious center of Tunisia. Under successive dynasties, including the Aghlabids and the Hafsids, most of the mosques and palaces that survive today were built.

Inside the souks, each alley tends to specialize in a particular trade, from goldsmiths to weavers still working with traditional tools. Bargaining is a normal part of buying anything here, and vendors expect it as a natural step in any transaction.

Weekdays, especially from Tuesday to Saturday, are the best time to visit since most shops and workshops are open and active. Coming in the morning before midday gives you the most activity while avoiding the heat that builds up in the narrow lanes later in the day.

The medina contains over 700 listed monuments, including palaces, mausoleums, and fountains that are easy to miss on a single walk. Many of them sit at the end of dead-end alleys or behind plain wooden doors that look no different from those of ordinary houses.

• Location: سوق النحاس
• Address: 17 Rue Saida Ajoula, Tunis, Tunisia
• Phone: [phone]
• GPS coordinates: 36.79860,10.17106
• Latest update: April 3, 2026 14:53