TN
Carthage
Punic and Roman ruins scattered through a seaside suburb of Tunis
Punic and Roman ruins scattered through a seaside suburb of Tunis
Built in the 2nd century AD on the seafront, these were among the largest Roman baths ever built. Only the lower levels survive, but the scale is still impressive.
Do not photograph the presidential palace nearby.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0
The hill at the heart of ancient Carthage has excavated Punic houses, the Carthage National Museum and views over the bay. The large Acropolium, a former cathedral from 1890, stands beside it.
Check which museum galleries are open.
Photo: Verity Cridland, CC BY 2.0
This Punic sanctuary holds hundreds of carved stelae above burial urns of young children. Historians still debate whether it shows child sacrifice.
Photo: IssamBarhoumi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Two lagoons mark the ancient harbours: a rectangular commercial port and a circular military port that once sheltered Carthage’s war fleet.
Photo: Noomen9, CC BY-SA 4.0
Little of the seating survives, but the arena outline is clear. Nearby are Roman cisterns and the restored Roman theatre, used for the summer Carthage festival.
Photo: Noomen9, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try brik (crisp pastry with egg), lablabi (chickpea soup) and grilled fish.
Carthage has few cafés near the ruins; many visitors eat in Sidi Bou Said or La Marsa, a short ride away.
The TGM light railway runs from Tunis Marine to several Carthage stops, including Carthage Byrsa and Carthage Hannibal, in about 25–30 minutes. Tunis-Carthage airport is about 15km away by taxi.
The sites are spread over a few kilometres. Walk between nearby ones, or use the train and taxis.
Tunisia uses the dinar (TND), which cannot legally be taken out of the country.
Check current ticket prices.
Ruins in the morning, Sidi Bou Said in the afternoon.
Start at Byrsa Hill and the museum, then walk down to the Punic ports and the Tophet.
Visit the Antonine Baths by the sea and the Roman villas above them.
Take the train one stop to Sidi Bou Said for coffee and sunset.
A single ticket covers most sites; keep it with you.
There is little shade; bring water and a hat.
No photos near the presidential palace.
Check your government’s travel advice for Tunisia; the UK advises against travel to some border and mountain areas.
Quick answers for planning time in Carthage.
One combined ticket covers most sites; it was around TND 12–15 at recent checks.
By TGM train from Tunis Marine in about 25–30 minutes.
Half a day to a full day.
Yes, since 1979.
April to June and September to October.
Planning a wider trip? Our Tunisia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.