Senior travel: Tunis
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 68 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Avenue Habib BourguibaStep-free: yes · about 45 minFew.
- St Vincent de Paul CathedralStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 20 minA few steps.
- Zitouna MosqueStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 35 minA few steps at the entrance.
- Antonine Baths of CarthageStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minSteps to the lower galleries.
- Bardo National MuseumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 120 minMain staircase and several level changes.
- Carthage archaeological sites (Byrsa Hill)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 120 minSteps to the museum and the Punic quarter.
- Souk el-Attarine (perfume souk)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 45 minSeveral steps.
- Sidi Bou Said villageStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 100 minMany.
Getting around in Tunis
Tunis is hard going for wheels and strollers: medina lanes, Sidi Bou Said and Byrsa Hill are stepped and steep. The Ville Nouvelle and the museums are easier.
- Pavements:
- Wide on the avenue; narrow, cracked or missing elsewhere.
- Getting around:
- Taxis and the TGM; few accessible vehicles: ask your hotel for a van.
- Accommodation:
- Larger hotels have lifts and some accessible rooms; medina houses have steps.
- Toilets:
- Limited outside hotels and larger cafés.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Tunisia guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Heat and sun:
- Shade, water and a hat from May to September; avoid midday walking.
- Food and water:
- Tap water is treated but many visitors prefer bottled; eat hot food and choose busy stalls.
- Stray animals:
- Do not feed or pet stray cats and dogs; seek advice for any bite or scratch (rabies risk).
- Travellers' stomach:
- Carry oral rehydration salts and hand sanitiser.
- Medical care:
- Private clinics in La Marsa and Les Berges du Lac; carry insurance.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.