Bardo Museum: Tickets and Tours

The Bardo Museum is one of the most significant attractions in Tunis for history buffs and culture lovers alike. With some of the most spectacular collections of Roman artifacts in the world, from sculptures of deities to exquisite mosaics, the museum tells the story of Tunisia through the ages.

Alongside Roman relics, you’ll also find Islamic items showcasing the roots of the religion in Northern Africa, all enclosed within a historic palace. Purchasing Bardo Museum tickets is a must for anyone wishing to learn more about this fascinating destination.

Here's all you need to know about the Bardo Museum, one of the most exciting museums in Tunis.

How much do Bardo Museum tickets cost?

Bardo Museum tickets are budget-friendly, making it an easy attraction to slip into your itinerary.

• Non-residents: DT13 (US$4)
• Residents: DT8 (US$3)

Who is eligible for discounts?

Tunisian seniors aged 60 and over benefit from a discounted Bardo Museum entry fee of just DT4 (US$1.)

Should you book in advance?

While it is not mandatory to purchase your Bardo Museum tickets in advance, it is advisable to do so if you’re planning to book a guided tour or a combination excursion. This will save you valuable vacation time upon arrival in the city, which would otherwise be spent roaming the streets looking for a guide.

You’ll also be able to see the itinerary ahead of time to ensure the tour selected suits your personal interests and you can gain peace of mind by viewing reviews from other travelers. Finally, booking your Bardo Museum tickets takes just a couple of minutes and is simple to do.

What are the best Bardo Museum tours?

Guided Bardo Museum tour

This Bardo Museum guided tour enables you to skip the line upon arrival at the attraction. Then, join your professional guide as you travel back to centuries past through a range of artifacts from several time periods, including the ancient Romans.

Your guide will fill you in on the history of many displays, from intricate coins to ornate carvings, and you’ll explore the largest collection of mosaics in the world together.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Bardo Museum and other attractions?

●       Half-day Bardo Museum and Tunis Medina tour: Dive deep into Tunis’ long-standing history at the Bardot Museum before getting lost in the city’s maze of cobblestone streets as you wander the spectacular mosques and mausoleums of the Medina.

●       Day trip to the Bardo Museum plus Sidi Bou Said and Carthage: Explore the many faces of Tunisia as you delve into priceless artifacts at the Bardo Museum, experience the laid-back vibe of the seaside village of Sidi Bou Said and discover almost 3,000-year-old remains at Carthage.

What will you see inside?

Housed in a 19th-century palace, the Bardo Museum showcases a plethora of exquisite artifacts from the country’s long history. One of its most interesting exhibitions is a vast collection of Roman mosaics, which were collected from excavations of several sites, including Carthage, Utica and Dougga, in the 20th century.

Other relics found at Carthage have also made their way into the Bardo Museum, such as ancient masks and terracotta sculptures. Another fascinating collection on display is a cluster of marble statues.

The majority of these pay homage to the Roman gods and respected emperors that ruled throughout the Roman Empire, which stretched between the 1st century B.C., and the 5th century A.D.

Alongside these artifacts are a number of historic Islamic items, including the Blue Qur'an of Kairouan, which is thought to have been written during the 9th or 10th century.

While the items housed in the Bardo Museum are full of historic charm, the museum itself made the history books for more sinister reasons in 2015 when it came under attack by ISIS, during which time, more than 20 tourists were killed.

However, today, the site has recovered from this heartbreaking terrorist event and you can pay your respects to those who lost their lives by purchasing Bardo Museum tickets, and enjoying its countless jewels.

How to get there?

The Bardo Museum is located just a stone's throw from the city center. The cheapest way to access the site is by using Tunis’ reliable metro service. You can simply jump on Line 4 and depart at the Bardo stop, making for a hassle-free experience.

However, those who would rather travel directly to the museum than journey there via public transport, can use one of the city’s many taxis and allow their driver to navigate the route.

What are the opening times?

From the start of June to the middle of September, the Bardo Museum opening times are 9 AM to 5 PM. Throughout the rest of the year, the venue is open between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

The Bardo Museum is an accessible venue, making it an attraction that everyone can enjoy. However, if you’re selecting a combination Bardo Museum tour that visits other sites, you should consult the booking page to see whether it is suitable for all members of your party.

When is the best time to visit the Bardo Museum?

The best time to visit the Bardo Museum in Tunis is during the early hours of the day or on weekdays, avoiding weekends and public holidays when the museum can get busier.

Travel tips

• Plan to visit the Bardo Museum early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Confirm the museum's opening hours before your visit to check any special exhibitions in advance.
• Adhere to the museum's guidelines on photography to preserve the artifacts and respect fellow visitors.
• Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the museum's extensive collection and history.
• Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly as a sign of respect when visiting this historic museum.