La Goulette

La Goulette

Tunisia's capital lies at the western end of the shallow Lake Tunis, which opens to the sea at La Goulette. This is the first of a string of beach suburbs that stretches away to the north; it is here that the city's port is located. This coastal area includes the ruins of ancient Carthage and the picturesque suburb of Sidi Bou Said, places that attract more visitors than Tunis itself. As far as capital cities go, Tunis has an easy-going, unhurried air about it. It is a very liberal city by Islamic standards and certainly leading the way in Western trends for the rest of the country.

Attractions

A visit to the Bardo Museum is a must. Housed in an old palace, the museum is renowned as the best in the country. Organized in sections, it features an impressive display of artifacts covering the Carthaginian, Roman, Palaeo-Christian and Arab-Islamic eras. The Roman mosaics are among the finest collections anywhere in the world.

Activities

Kasbah Mosque - On a rise at the western edge of the medina, the 13th-century mosque stands on an enormous open square beautifully paved with local granite. Beaches - One of the best beaches is found at La Marsa. Others are at Amilcar and La Goulette. La Marsa is also one of the most exclusive residential suburbs, with upscale cafés and restaurants.

Shopping

The shops in the medina offer a wide range of souvenir items and local crafts, including carpets, copper and brass ware, gold and silver jewelry, leather articles and the traditional red felt hats, called chechia.

Food

There is no shortage of restaurants, though many feature similar menus with a number of standard dishes, such as the local staple couscous with lamb or grilled fish.

Currency

The local currency is the dinar.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

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