Tunis is a genuinely comfortable destination for Gulf families: short distances, a safe atmosphere in tourist areas, and activities suited to every age. Here's how to plan an enjoyable day or two with children.
Carthage: an open-air museum kids love exploring The ruins of Carthage are broad, open-air spaces, which makes them well-suited to children who prefer running and exploring among old columns and walls to standing for long stretches inside closed halls. Tell your kids the story of Hannibal and the Punic Wars before your visit to make the experience more engaging, and set aside enough time at the Antonine Baths — the largest Roman baths outside Rome — since they're visually striking even for young children. Bring water and hats, as the site has little shade around midday.
Sidi Bou Said: gentle walking and a calm beach The blue-and-white village is enjoyable for the whole family: clean, safe alleyways, shops selling traditional sweets like makroudh, and cafés that welcome children. There's also a small, calm beach at Sidi Bou Said, good for a rest stop or a light swim after the walking tour, especially during summer months. Keep an eye on children near the cliff edges overlooking the sea — the views are beautiful, but some spots are quite high up.
Belvedere Park and Zoo If you want a quieter day away from long walks among ruins, Belvedere Park in central Tunis is a wide green space with a small zoo, good for breaking up the museum-and-monument routine and giving kids time to play outdoors.
The TGM train: an activity in itself Don't just rely on taxis; riding the light-rail TGM train from central Tunis to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said is an enjoyable experience for children in its own right, very cheap, and takes 30 to 40 minutes with lovely views along parts of the coastal stretch.
Eating with kids Tunisian cuisine is rich in bread and pastries, but some dishes are spiced with harissa, so always ask the waiter for milder options for children. Chicken couscous and Tunisian pasta dishes are usually safe bets, and sweets like makroudh and baklava are reliably popular with little ones.
Practical family tips Choose a hotel near the tourist stops to cut down on transit time, and book ahead in summer since family-friendly hotels fill up quickly. Pharmacies are widespread and stock basic children's supplies, though it's best to bring special infant needs from home. Finally, public transport and taxis in tourist areas are relatively safe during the day, but as with any new destination, stay alert in crowded places like markets.
