It has all the North African culture you want, a colorful and vibrant city, but has a much more laidback Mediterranean atmosphere than the bustling and often rather busy Marrakech. Nevertheless, it has long been overwhelmed by its fashionable North African neighbours, but now the new crops of the stylish hotel are running for money to Morocco's best riad, according to the Guardian.
He is talking about Tunis, the capital and largest city of Tunisia. The country may have been associated with past package beach holidays, but Tunisia's capital is just as cool as Marrakech…and cheap! The cost of living in Tunis is 4.9% lower than in Marrakech. Compared to Marrakech, Tunisia has a tendency to spend money, where accommodation and tourist food prices may be potentially lower. The city of Tunis boasts strong historical influences from a variety of civilizations, such as the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. The picturesque height of the Sidibou, known for its historic medina known for its thermal baths, the Alzaituna Mosque is plenty to offer the culture's vultures looking for its unique North African experience.
According to Tripadvisor, “Tunisia has a more Mediterranean vibe, but still very Muslim. If you go to other parts of Morocco, they're not like Marrakech.”
The Guardian says that Tunis is “a 3.5 hour weekend destination from London, small enough to explore in two days and large enough to not be bored.
Tunis metropolitan area, often called Grand Tunis, is the third largest city in the region (after Casablanca and Algiers in Morocco) and the 11th largest city in the Arab world.
Located behind Tunis Bay, the lakes of Tunis and the Port of La Golett (ḥalqil-wād), the city stretches along the coastal plains and the surrounding hills. At its heart is Medina, a World Heritage Site.
The place to place de la Casbah in the heart of Tunis is where you can find a bustling medina that is just as popular as the busy but not busy Marrakech market.
It's a huge maze of food stalls and you might not feel as exotic and edgy as Marrakech, but it's colorful and lively, and the food stalls are just as friendly/forced!
Dozens and dozens of stalls are packed with rugs, sandals, bags, brasswear, plates, silverware and leather goods. Outside the Medina is the more traditional and restrained ancient souks. This is where you can get Tommy Cooper Fes!
East of the Medina, through the Sea Gate (also known as Porte in France), a modern part of the city called Villeneuvelle, known as Grand Avenue Habib Bourgiva (often called the “Tunisian Champion Elyses” by media and travel guides. The east coast is located on the outskirts of Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou said.
Flights from the UK from Tunis take less than 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) and depart from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Tunis Cartage International Airport (TUN). Tunis Air, Nouvea Tunisie and EasyJet offer direct flights from the UK to Tunisia. London Heathrow (LHR), London Stansted (STN) and London City Airport (LCY) also offer flights to Tunis. Prices start at £73.
