Many people often dismiss Tunisia as a backpacking site because of its size, but the country is literally packed full of different cultural experiences and rich heritage sites.
Beginning right in the capital city of Tunis, backpackers can travel through the country and visit one historical monument after another.
Because travelers will most likely arrive in Tunisia from the airport in Tunis, this is a great starting point for a backpacking adventure.
In Tunis, backpackers can visit the iconic Zitouna Mosque, and although non-Muslims are not allowed inside, the exterior of the mosque is still a sight to see. Backpackers can then travel to the Tourbet el-Bey, a huge mausoleum that houses the remains of most of the Husseinite court. From here, it’s a short walk to the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul.
Afterwards, backpackers can visit the most popular tourist destination in all of Tunisia, Carthage. Although most of the ruins here have been scavenged to build other structures, those that remain are still wonderful pieces that speak of a time long forgotten.
There is a huge Roman amphitheatre here, as well as the Sanctuary of Tophet, an old Carthaginian sacrificial site. This area is rife with folklore and legends, and backpackers who enjoy their own share of history will be thrilled to be in one of the richest historical sites in the world.
For those who want to get out of the crowded cities, the North-Western and Southern areas of Tunisia are a great destination, with oases, the dry salt lake, and beautiful ghorfas. Traveling to these places is sure to give you a great idea of what Tunisian life is like, and how locals go by their day-to-day tasks.
