Tunisia

Cost of living

What a month costs

One of the cheapest capitals on the Mediterranean. The dinar is a soft, non-convertible currency, so plan around local banking limits and bring funds you can access easily.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Tunis

1. Medina of TunisUNESCO-listed old city of souks, courtyards and workshops.
2. Zitouna MosqueThe great mosque at the heart of the medina, founded in the eighth century.
3. Bardo National MuseumWorld-class collection of Roman mosaics in a former palace.
4. Avenue Habib BourguibaThe tree-lined main boulevard, often called the Champs-Elysees of Tunis.
5. Carthage archaeological siteAntonine Baths, Byrsa hill and the ruins of the ancient rival to Rome.
6. Sidi Bou SaidWhitewashed hilltop quarter of blue doors and sea views.
7. Cathedral of St Vincent de PaulLandmark Catholic cathedral facing the main avenue.
8. Belvedere ParkThe city's largest green space, with a hilltop view over the lake.
9. Bab el BharThe old sea gate marking the edge between the medina and the new town.
10. Dar Ben AbdallahA restored 18th-century palace museum of Tunis home life.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Sidi Bou SaidThe blue-and-white cliff village above the bay, a short train ride from the centre.
2. CarthageAncient Punic and Roman ruins spread across a leafy suburb on the coast.
3. HammametBeach town and old kasbah about an hour south, popular for weekends.
4. DouggaOne of North Africa's best preserved Roman cities, set in rolling hills inland.
5. BizerteHistoric northern port with an old harbour and quiet beaches nearby.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe des NattesFamous mat-floored cafe at the top of the Sidi Bou Said steps.
2. Cafe Sidi ChabaaneTerraced clifftop cafe in Sidi Bou Said with mint tea and pine nuts over the bay.
3. El AliRooftop cafe and cultural spot in the medina near the Zitouna Mosque.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Dar El JeldLandmark fine-dining Tunisian restaurant in a grand medina mansion.
2. Fondouk El AttarineRestored caravanserai serving traditional dishes in the old town.
3. Dar BelhadjElegant Tunisian cooking in a historic medina courtyard house.
4. Chez SlahLong-running bistro near the centre known for fresh fish and classics.
5. Le GolfeWell-known seafood spot in La Goulette, the port district famed for fish.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Patisserie MasmoudiBeloved Tunisian sweets house for baklava and makroudh with morning coffee.
2. Patisserie Ben YedderHistoric Tunis patisserie for pastries and a quick breakfast stop.