Stepping off the boat in Tunis, I was ready to dive into everything this city had to offer. First things first, though—we needed some cash. After a little ATM-hunting mission (and finding one out of service), we switched gears and exchanged some euros for Tunisian dinars. Pro tip: If you’re visiting, download BOLT, the local Uber alternative. It’s a game-changer when you don’t feel like negotiating with pushy taxi drivers.

Starting the Day with a Warm Welcome & Good Food

Once we had our dinars in hand, we headed straight to Les Indécis, a cozy little spot where the owner greeted us like we were old friends. He recommended a few dishes, but since it was still early, we kept it light with hummus and falafel—and let me tell you, it was so fresh and flavorful. The perfect start to the day.

From there, it was time to stretch our legs and soak up some history.

A Step Back in Time: Ruins, Views & Hidden Gems

First stop? An ancient ruin near the restaurant. After taking in the history, we walked over to the Beit al-Hikma Foundation, a building that’s been standing for over 100 years. Now, they don’t officially do tours, but one of the staff members peeped our curiosity and generously showed us around. And when I say this man knew his stuff—he really knew his stuff.

The best part? The patio view. Standing there, looking out over the Mediterranean, I had one of those pause and take it all in moments. Sometimes, travel gives you these little unexpected gems, and this was definitely one of them.

Next up was the Baths of Antoninus, a Roman-era relic that’s over 1,000 years old. Walking through, I could almost hear echoes of the past. Then, on to the Carthage Roman Theater, where we stumbled upon some seriously stunning mosaics—delicate, intricate, and still standing after all these centuries.

Refueling with a Tunisian Feast

After hours of wandering through history, we were hungry. We called a BOLT and headed to Chez Wild Moufida, a cozy spot serving up rich, tomato-based dishes that hit just right. The atmosphere was laid-back and welcoming, making it the perfect place to chill and recharge before our next adventure.

Because next? We were off to Sidi Bou Said, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tunis.

Sidi Bou Said: A Dreamy Blue & White Escape

Pulling up to Sidi Bou Said, it was giving Greek island vibes—but with a North African twist. Think blue and white buildings, cobblestone streets, and a whole lot of charm.

One thing though? Wear comfortable shoes. I saw a few folks struggling in heels, and let’s just say… it wasn’t pretty.

I had one mission while I was here: find bambalounis. Y’all, this treat is like the lovechild of a doughnut, funnel cake, and Trdelník—and yes, it was every bit as amazing as it sounds. Mission accomplished.

As we wandered the winding streets, we stumbled upon the most magical little overlook. Picture this: a lone tree, its branches wrapped in twinkling lights and delicate ornaments, while soft live music played in the background. And below? The ocean, stretching out into the distance. It was one of those ‘I can’t believe I’m really here’ moments.

Mint Tea, Hidden Fees & A Sunset Beach Walk

Before heading back to the city, we stopped at the famous Café des Délices for mint and almond tea. Heads-up: Some snacks might mysteriously appear on your table, but nothing is free here—so if you’re not trying to pay extra, stick to just what you order.

With the sun starting to dip, we ended the day walking along the beach, soaking up that peaceful end-of-day vibe. But before calling it a night, I had one last must-try dish on my list: lablabi.

This chickpea soup is Tunisian comfort food at its finest, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. I was so obsessed that I tried (and semi-failed) to recreate it at home.

Final Thoughts: Tunis is a Whole Vibe

By the time we left, Tunis had officially secured a spot in my top 10 travel destinations. The energy, the history, the food, the people—everything about this place is so full of life and soul. If you’re looking for a destination with a rich mix of culture, beauty, and bomb food, Tunis belongs on your list.

📍 Been to Tunis? What was your favorite part? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your experience! Check out my latest post, here.