With its dazzling ancient Medina, close proximity to Roman ruins and bustling modern attractions, Tunis is an ideal destination for visitors wanting to dive deep into North African culture.

The best way to discover the winding alleys and cobbled streets of the city is through a free walking tour in Tunis. Roam the streets with a guide to see this historical jewel through the eyes of a local, visiting spectacular mosques, grand palaces and archaeological excavations that date back almost 3,000 years.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Tunis.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Tunis have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

Unlike standard walking tours in Tunis, these tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Tunis?

Free walking tour in Tunis Medina

You’ll begin this free walking tour in Tunis at the city’s central market where you’ll find a myriad of stalls offering fragrant local delicacies and fresh produce. Moving on, you’ll make your way to Bab el Bhar — also known as the “Sea Gate” — to enter into the Medina.

Touring this ancient corner of the city, you’ll discover the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, which was originally built at the turn of the 8th century and underwent major reconstruction less than 200 years later. You’ll also see the Salimiyya Madrasa, which was commissioned by the Ottoman sultan, Süleyman, shortly before his death in the 16th century.

Stop for refreshments on the roof of Dar El Bey — used as the main office of the Tunisian government — which offers outstanding views across the city. Other sights you’ll see as you stroll through the Medina include Zaouwiyat Sidi Ben Arous — a 15th-century mausoleum, which honors the Sufi scholar, Ahmed Ben Arous — and Kasbah Square, home to a unusually-shaped memorial monument.

Medina plus city core free walking tour in Tunis

After meeting your guide, you’ll amble along one of the most famed streets in Tunis — Avenue Habib Bourguiba — named after the first Tunisian president. Discover the city’s bustling boutiques and favorite eateries as you make your way along this avenue, often described as the beating heart of Tunis.

You’ll then travel toward the Medina, stopping en route to admire the melting pot of architectural styles in the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, including Moorish Revival and Neo-Byzantine. Explore the Central Market, as well as the Al-Zaytuna Mosque and Dar Lasram — a palace named after the noble family it once belonged to.

See the many wonders of the Museum of Tunis at Hayreddin Palace, as well as Tourbey el Bey — a mausoleum that houses the remains of several leaders of the Husainid dynasty.

The final stop on this free walking tour in Tunis is Dar El Bey, which once served as the official home of the Husseinite rulers.

Carthage free walking tour in Tunis

Alternatively, travel just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city to discover the capital of the Punic Empire, Carthage. Known to have been one of the most significant trading ports in the ancient world, Carthage is now home to a plethora of ruins that help you to discover the city’s roots, which stretch back to the 9th century B.C.

Among these historic monuments are the Punic Necropolis and the pottery kiln. You’ll delve into the history behind the landmarks with your knowledgeable guide who will help you to imagine these structures and relics in their prime, and fill you in on their uses.

Explore the intricate mosaics at the Chapel of Asterius, which are beautifully preserved and feature images of birds. No Carthage walking tour is complete without a visit to the Roman Baths — also known as the Baths of Antoninus in reference to the emperor of the time.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Tunis are offered in a variety of European languages, such as French, Italian and Spanish, as well as English. You’ll also find that most are offered in Arabic, meaning that these excursions are suitable for a broad range of international travelers.

As the popularity of these tours increases, it is likely that an even wider selection of languages will be available.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Tunis meet at many locations across the city, from the archaeological site of Carthage to well-known attractions such as the National Monument of the Kasbah.

You can see the starting point of each excursion before booking so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time. Upon arrival, you’ll find that your guide will usually be wearing or holding an item that makes them easily recognizable.

Tunis is a walkable destination, making any of these locations easy to reach on foot. However, tourists who prefer to save their energy for their excursion can make use of the city’s reliable train and metro systems to navigate the streets.

It’s worth noting that many of these walking tours end in a different part of the city than the starting point.

How long does it last?

Free tours in Tunis generally last between 1 and 2.5 hours, making them an excellent choice of activity for any traveler, especially those with limited time to spare in the city. While you won’t be able to explore the entire destination in this short timeframe, you will see a myriad of attractions and dive into Tunis’ fascinating history.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Free walking tours in Tunis vary in their accessibility. Typically, those that visit the Medina are not wheelchair friendly while those that travel to Carthage, just outside the city center, are suitable for those with reduced mobility. You can consult the booking page of each excursion to see whether it is appropriate for all members of your party.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Tunis?

The best time for a free walking tour in Tunis is the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). During these periods, you'll experience moderate and pleasant weather and few tourist crowds.

It's always a good idea to do your tour in the morning before the peak heat of midday, regardless of the season.

Should you book tickets online?

It is advisable to book your spot on your free walking tour in Tunis online in advance. This will save you precious vacation time once you land in the city, that would otherwise be spent roaming the streets searching for a guide.

You’ll be able to secure your tour at a time and date to suit your itinerary, making this an easy activity to slip into your trip. You can see the itinerary for each excursion to ensure the one you select piques your interest, as well as reviews from real travelers.

Finally, booking your free tour in Tunis takes just a couple of minutes and you won’t need to input any credit card information, meaning you have nothing to lose.

Free Walking Tours in Tunis