Bucket List these UNESCO World Heritage sites in Tunisia

The north African country is one of the most heritage-rich destinations in Africa.

For many travellers, Tunisia captures the imagination with picture-perfect coastal resorts and cave dwellings featured in Star Wars movies - all worth experiencing. However, a trip to the country would be incomplete without discovering its ancient heritage. Move them to the top of your bucket list if you’re fascinated with ancient Rome.

El Jem Amphitheater

Located in El Jem, the Amphitheater is the largest Colosseum built in North Africa. It was erected in the 3rd century, and while it lies in ruins today, it still stands proudly as a testament to the Roman empire’s might. It’s built entirely of stone blocks with no foundations. Its facade comprises three levels of arcades. Inside, most of the supporting infrastructure for the tiered seating has been preserved, making it possible to explore it fully, including the two long underground passageways that used to hold animals and gladiators.

Pro tip: A guide is recommended, although not necessary. You can visit as part of a tour, or independently, in which case, it’s worth knowing that there is a train from Tunis to El Jem and minibuses called louage.

The ruins of Dougga

Sitting on a hill overlooking the valley of Oued Khalled, the ruins of Dougga are all that remains of 17 centuries of Numidian, Punic, Hellenistic, and Roman influence. They’re considered the best-preserved example of an African-Roman town in North Africa. While many public buildings and private houses are in various states of ruin, they still inspire a sense of wonder. Close your eyes, listen to your guide describe the past, and let your mind wander to the past. Sights include the 19-tier that could accommodate 3500 people. It was built in 168 AD. You can also explore the ruins of the 5th century Vandal Church of Victoria, private houses that still feature ceramic tiles and the Temple of Saturn. The 2nd-century mausoleum built to honour a Numidian prince is still intact. The mausoleum has three stories that are crowned by a pyramid.

Pro tip: You can travel solo from Tunis using a louage, but you still need transport to take you from the station on the main road to the ruins - something that can be arranged at the bus station. However, you’ll need to agree with the driver on when to be picked up again. Three to four hours at the site should suffice, especially if you want to stroll instead of stomp around the complex.

The archaeological site of Carthage

Carthage is a marvel. It’s one of Tunis's most beautiful and prestigious neighbourhoods, home to the presidential palace, palatial mosques and white-washed mansions that pop with the luminous pinks, red and purple of Bougainvillea shrubs. Add its prime position on the shores of the Mediterranean sea, and Carthage becomes one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring destinations. It is simply stunning, trendy, cosmopolitan and aspirational. You want to be here and meet Africa at its most cosmopolitan and worldly while also keeping the city’s glorious part front and centre. Established in the 9th century as the Roman empire’s centre, Carthage is by far the most prominent archaeological site in Tunisia. Sites include the Baths of Antoninus, Carthage National Museum, Byrsa Hill, the Punic Ports, Salammbo Tophet, the Acropolium and Roman Villas, for some of my most beautiful views in the city.

Pro tip: Arrive in the morning and wear comfortable walking shoes. The 12DT cover charge gives you access to all sites, and the price is fixed. Guides are on-site if you don’t want to join a tour group, but the remains are not in one area. Alternatively, you can use Bolt to move around. Don’t miss Roman Villas. They come with epic sea views.

The Medinas of Tunis, Kairouan and Sousse

Being in a medina anywhere in North Africa feels like finally connecting with a necessary experience you didn’t know you needed. Medinas take you back to the earliest days of a city with their perfectly preserved architecture, narrow cobbled streets and artisans. In Medina de Tunis, you'll encounter what used to be one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the Islamic world, with 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums and madrasas. It was founded in 698 around mosque Zitouna, which remains a central feature of the medina. Sites include Mosque Sidi Youssef, Tourbet El Bey royal museum and Dar Lasram, one of the city’s finest examples of traditional Tunisian houses. Bab El Bhar, one of four ancient gates still intact, is the place to be on Saturday morning. The aptly-named Panorama cafe has incredible views of the Medina and Tunis’ whitewashed skyline. The Medina of Sousse rose to prominence in the 9th century and is considered the best examples of Islamic military architecture, thanks to the perfectly preserved Ribat, a fort constructed in the 8th century. You can also visit the Archaeological museum, Dar Essid museum and the Great Mosque. Kairouan was founded in 670 by Sīdī ʿUqbah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world, and its 9th-century grand mosque. Sights include the Aghlabid Basins that have been providing water to the town since the 9th century and Mosque Sidi Sahbi, famous for its ornate hand-painted tiles.

Pro tip: Immerse yourself when visiting a medina. Shop for leather crafts and ceramics, haggle hard for everything, and never believe anyone who tells you there’s a traditional weaving and carpentry festival.