Plan a CruiseTunis Cruise Port Guide
The port of La Goulette, located about nine miles from the city center of Tunis, serves as your gateway to the rich history and vibrant culture of Tunisia. Cruise ships typically dock at one of two terminals; the main terminal features a few shops and is designed in the style of an old medina, though it's primarily a transit point rather than a destination itself. Upon arrival, expect a warm welcome with a Tunisian band and real camels available for rides. La Goulette itself is notable for its 16th-century fortress.
Tunis offers a blend of broad, modern boulevards and the ancient, unchanged Old Town or Medina. However, recent political unrest has left its mark on parts of the city. Areas like Avenue Habib Bourguiba, a main thoroughfare, show signs of neglect with many closed businesses, barbed wire, and general disrepair, which may detract from the overall experience in the city center.
Getting Around from the Port
Given the nine-mile distance, walking from the port to Tunis city center is not practical. Taxis are the primary recommended mode of transport for independent exploration. A fleet of 350 taxis operates from the port, offering displayed price lists and guaranteed service quality. However, be prepared to negotiate your itinerary and price directly with the driver, not the dispatcher, as cabbies often try to sell additional tours.
Approximate taxi tour prices (maximum 5 hours; an additional €20 per taxi applies for tours exceeding 5 hours):
- Port - Medina - Port: €40 for a 4-seater, €60 for a 6-seater, €80 for an 8-seater.
- Port - Carthage - Sidi Bou Said - Port: €40 for a 4-seater, €60 for a 6-seater, €80 for an 8-seater.
- Port - Medina - Carthage - Sidi Bou Said - Port: €60 for a 4-seater, €80 for a 6-seater, €100 for an 8-seater.
It's highly advisable to negotiate combining destinations. For example, Sidi Bou Said and the Medina can often be combined for the price of a single destination tour. Spending 5 hours in either Sidi Bou Said or Tunis alone is generally considered too long, so combining two or three towns is recommended. While a small train station is close to the terminal, it's difficult to reach on foot, and the station in Tunis itself is not conveniently located for visitors. Comparing cruise line excursions with these independent taxi options is also a good idea.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, you have time to explore a few key highlights, often best done via a negotiated taxi tour:
- The Medina of Tunis: Delve into the old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its maze of alleys, vibrant souks, and unique architectural blend of palaces and mosques. Be aware that parts of the new city leading to the Medina, like Avenue Habib Bourguiba, show signs of disrepair and many closed businesses. Shops in the Medina are typically closed on Sunday afternoons, though some larger stores may remain open.
- The Bardo Museum: Housed in a former Bey of Tunis residence, this renowned museum features one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics. Admission is 11 Tunisian Dinar (TND), approximately €5, with an additional 1 TND fee for taking photos. A currency exchange is available within the museum.
- Carthage: For history enthusiasts, the ancient capital of Carthage, once a rival to Rome, offers fascinating ruins. A single ticket for 10 TND (approx. €5) grants access to eight key sites, including the Amphitheater, Roman Villas, Roman Theater, Museum of Carthage, Tophet de Salambo, and the Thermes d’Antonin. A 1 TND photo fee applies. Currency exchange is available at the Museum of Carthage and Thermes of Antonin.
- Sidi Bou Said: This picturesque village, perched above the Gulf of Tunis, is famous for its narrow streets, distinctive blue and white houses, and beautiful flower gardens. Take time to admire the intricately decorated house doors and enjoy a refreshing mint tea on a café terrace overlooking the sea. Most shops in Sidi Bou Said are open seven days a week.
Dining & Shopping
Within the main cruise terminal, you'll find a few shops, but the terminal itself is not a major shopping destination. Duty-free shopping is available in port, but prices may not be as competitive as those found onboard your ship.
For local cuisine, explore the port village where cafés and restaurants offer traditional dishes like brick, couscous, tajines, pastries, and refreshing mint tea. Some establishments also feature 'malouf' music, a unique blend of lute, violin, and tambourine. These local cafés and restaurants often provide free WiFi with an order, but be aware that they tend to close early, often before ships depart, which could leave you without internet access.
In the Medina of Tunis, you'll discover a wide array of souvenir items and local crafts, including carpets, copper and brass ware, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and traditional red felt hats called chechia. Bargaining is a common and expected practice here, and vendors can be quite persistent.
Safety
While many Tunisian people are genuinely friendly and curious, tourists should be wary of individuals who seem "too friendly" as this can sometimes be a prelude to scams or persistent sales tactics. As noted, parts of Tunis city center, particularly Avenue Habib Bourguiba, have been affected by political turmoil, leading to closed businesses, visible barbed wire, and general disrepair, which can make exploring less pleasant. When negotiating taxi fares and tours, be firm and insistent on your desired itinerary and price.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). However, Euros are widely accepted almost everywhere. Currency exchange facilities are available at major attractions like the Bardo Museum and the Carthage sites (Museum of Carthage and Thermes of Antonin).