Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette. What to do ? Discover now !😃

Welcome to Mon Tatane Tour (MTT), your guide developed by cruise enthusiasts and specially designed to accompany you during your cruise stopover at La Goulette in Tunis! Follow our recommendations to make the most of your stopover!

Don’t forget to add us to your favorites if you’re planning on going on a cruise again! Our MTT site (yours) is constantly updated with new articles every week, as well as new destinations as we travel.

Happy reading and above all, have a great cruise. Have fun and remember: ONE LIFE 🤩

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette

Visit of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said and Carthage

During your cruise stopover in La Goulette, you are 10 km from the medina of Tunis, the souk (gate of France). And guess what? A little surprise awaits you at the port, at the main entrance: the Harbor village. This charming village offers a beautiful overview of Tunis with its shops, restaurants and entertainment, all accompanied by smiling and warm Tunisians!

Just at the foot of the boat, you can take a picture with camels and also you will see Tunisians playing traditional music! The pictures with the falcons are also adorable, this animal is really majestic in my eyes. You can give a few dinars or even 1 euro, it allows them to live with dignity.

→ Attention!!!

I do not condone animal abuse, the falcons I am talking about were well “maintained” and looked healthy. Personally I never ride a camel, out of respect for it but please if you see a skinny camel, do not ride it, because otherwise you are condoning it. There are people who take great care of their animals, others do not, so if you love animals, take care of their condition before damaging them even more. It is not a moral lesson but animals deserve respect!!!

How to get from the port of La Goulette in Tunis to the city center

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette

Rest assured, dear friends, to reach the cruise port of La Goulette to the center, the medina and the souk, it is very simple. Once again, I advise you against the shuttles of companies that apply exorbitant and unjustified rates! Unless you are ready to pay the high price, but it is up to you to decide…

Tips for taking a taxi in La Goulette
I advise you to leave the port and head towards the village. Pass after the taxi parking lot on your left. There, you will find more “honest” drivers, well “honest” I mean less aggressive… You can also walk 10 minutes to the train station to take a train to Tunis, Sidi Bou Said or Carthage. When you leave the port, you will see the railway lines. You just have to walk 10 minutes to the right.
Tip. Bring dinars for the train
The train ride to Tunis costs less than one dinar. Don’t worry, you can withdraw dinars near the station, at the ATM
Guided tour of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said and Carthage
If you want to take a taxi like us (among others), I’ll explain. There were four of us and we negotiated a guide at the exit of the port (after the aggressive taxi parking lot). At 10am, he took us to the medina of Tunis. After 2 hours, direction Sidi Bou Said then Carthage. We spent the day with our guide and paid €50 for the four of us. That comes to €12.50 per person, excellent value for money.

Precautions when negotiating

→ When negotiating, be vigilant. At the end of the day, some drivers try to ask for tips for their children or relatives. Don’t feel obligated. The rate was negotiated from the start, and bad faith can sometimes be present (or too present).

→ Our driver played the cool guy all day but his attitude in the evening when it was time to pay him was not the most correct. He tried to play the offended guy when we left him 10 euros tip on top of the 50 but it was clearly not enough! Too bad, don’t let yourself be intimidated because that’s really their way of doing things…

What to do in la Goulette, Tunis, during your cruise stopover?

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette

During your cruise stopover in La Goulette, you will be only 10 km from Tunis, with a multitude of sites to discover. The medina, the souks, Sidi Bou Said and Carthage are must-sees. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your day in Tunis.

Fun VIP Tour – Tunis, Sidi Bou Said & Carthage

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 43 reviews

Medina and the souks of Tunis

The medina of Tunis is a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets and lively markets. You will find souks filled with artisanal products: carpets, spices, jewelry, traditional clothing … It is an ideal place to stroll, negotiate and discover Tunisian crafts.

Don’t miss the Porte de France and the historic squares that give a fascinating insight into the history of the city. If you like authentic places and local atmosphere, the medina is a must. On the other hand, dear cruise friends, always NEGOTIATE, the prices are inflated to death, but that’s the sport in Tunisia, it’s fun and friendly.

Sidi Bou Saïd

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette

Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque village, famous for its white and blue houses and its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. You will feel like you are in Greece, with its quiet streets and peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss the famous
Café des Délices for a coffee break with a splendid view. But be careful, don’t expect to meet Patrick Bruel 😉 This place is known for having been a filming spot for his music video, but it is especially popular for its panoramic view.

But beware, there is a “but”: the village is very steep! If you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty walking, be aware that the cobblestone streets and steep slopes can make the visit complicated. It is not impossible, but it is a bit rough. The view, however, is worth the effort. Plan breaks to enjoy the scenery without getting too tired.

Carthage

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette – Ruins and ancient history

A few kilometers from La Goulette, you can visit the ancient ruins of Carthage. It is an impressive site, where history comes to life under your feet. You can discover the Roman Theater, the Antonine baths… A real journey through time!

Don’t miss the Carthage Mosque , a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. It is a quiet and spiritual place where you can learn more about the history of the region. After that if you really want to visit Carthage it is not done in a few hours, the site is huge. When you see the Saint Louis Cathedral, you will find shops with ceramics, jewelry etc.

President Ben Ali’s Palace

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette – La Marsa

Still in the Carthage region, in La Marsa , is the Ben Ali presidential palace, an imposing building that will make you feel like you are in another world. The architecture is breathtaking and the setting, close to the sea, is simply splendid. It is a place to see, even if access is restricted. It is not possible to visit it in depth, but you can admire the exterior and the surroundings. The feeling of being in a place worthy of a film will not leave you.

La Marsa in Tunis – An elegant and popular district

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette

La Marsa is an upscale and exclusive neighborhood in Tunis, located on the Mediterranean Sea, about 15 km north of the city center. It is a popular spot for locals and expats alike, known for its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque scenery. La Marsa combines a seaside resort atmosphere with streets lined with elegant villas, sophisticated cafes, and high-end boutiques.

The area is often described as the “Beverly Hills” of Tunis, due to its bourgeois and sophisticated side. You will find pleasant beaches, trendy restaurants and perfect places to relax, such as the famous Café de la Marsa with a splendid view of the sea.

La Marsa is also a place of culture and history, with sites such as the Ben Ali Presidential Palace and the proximity of Carthage. It is an ideal place for those looking to combine relaxation, luxury and historical discovery, while being just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Tunis.

Activities to do during a cruise stopover

Feel free to explore GetYourGuide’s full catalog below to discover all the activities Tunis has to offer. Book in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on your stopover.

Practical advice for a successful stopover in Tunis

Cruise stopover Tunis Goulette

Planning a stopover in Tunis can be a rewarding experience, especially with a few practical tips to fully enjoy the city. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your stopover in La Goulette, the port of Tunis.

Dress for the climate

Tunis enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. For a pleasant stopover, opt for light and comfortable clothing, especially if you are visiting during the summer season. Don’t forget to take your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. If you are visiting in winter, bring a light sweater, as temperatures can drop in the evenings.

Secure your personal belongings

As in any big city, it is important to stay vigilant. Keep your belongings safe, especially in popular tourist areas like the medina, the souk, or near major attractions. Use a backpack with a secure closure or a discreet pouch for your valuables.

Safe and Avoid Areas

Tourist areas such as the medina, the souk, Sidi Bou Said, and Carthage are safe for visitors. However, as in any large city, be careful in busier areas, and use official transport for your travels.

Cruise friends. Remember your passport and documents

Before going ashore at La Goulette, make sure you have your passport with you, as it is required for entry formalities into Tunisia. When you disembark, there is a quick security check at the port. You will pass in front of the police, where they will stamp your documents. This only takes a few minutes.

Attention . The evening before, in your cabin, you will receive two documents to fill out. Make sure to take them with you when you leave the port of La Goulette. These documents will be checked upon your return to the ship.