The nightlife scene in Tunis might look pretty limited at first glance, and it’s true that in many venues no alcohol is served – but if you look a little closer, you will find some great bars and cafes to spend the evening dancing, smoking a narguileh or watching the crowds go by. Here we explore 10 of the best cafes and bars Tunis has to offer.
Le Boeuf sur le Toit is a lively venue attracting a trendy crowd, with a supercool dance floor where DJs and live bands perform their best. A great mix of young local folk and expats will make you feel instantly comfortable, and the beautiful garden with fountains and flowers is a perfect hide-out to blow off some steam in between songs. For rockin’ parties or an alternative music scene this is the place to be. Address: 3 Avenue Fatouma Bourguiba, La Soukra, Tunis, Tunisia, +71 76 48 07
For those who love salsa, mojito and a Latin ambiance, the Cubana Cafe is the perfect venue. A restaurant with delicious quesadillas during the day, it changes into a hot and sweaty salsa cafe at night, with regular life performances and latino soirées. With Che Guevara posters on the wall, colorful cushions on the seats and Havana-style painted walls, this bar is a little slice of Cuba. Address: 3 Passage du Lac Edward, Les Berges Du Lac, Tunis, Tunisia, +216 23 26 30 00
On the edge of Tunis’ banlieues, Le Carpe Diem has the feel of a university campus bar and is crowded with students and young professionals every weekend. The garden surrounded with palm trees is a marvelous spot to order finger food and sushi under a bright starry sky, while the venue inside has an industrial decor where DJs and bands perform.
The Brooklyn Cafe has a real New York feel to it, with dark leather couches, atmospheric table lamps and an abundance of wooden elements, and their cheeseburgers are simply the best in town. Address: 2 Rue Abdelaziz, El Saoud, El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia, +71 25 89 63
While strolling around the medina of Tunis you will discover many teahouses and cafes, but the most atmospheric of all is Cafe El M’rabet. Inside it feels like an Arabian palace. Guests sit on carpets and cushions around low tables, under high ceilings supported by beautifully carved pillars, with Moroccan lamps illuminating the halls. Outside, the garden terrace is a blissful place of tranquility in the middle of the buzzing souk and medina labyrinth. You’ll find traditional Tunisian dishes and live music. Address: 27 Souk El Trouk, El Kasba, Medina, Tunis, Tunisia, +21 6 93 42 08 95
For a dazzling view over the city while enjoying a beer or martini you should head out to Bar Jamaica. The small bar on the El-Hana Hotel’s 10th floor is lit with funky blue neon, plays a mix of lounge and pop music and has an outside area from where you can marvel at the intense blue of the ocean. Geared towards tourists and the country’s youngest and wealthiest residents, expect a fancy atmosphere and the associated prices. However, being one of the rowdiest bars in Tunis, this is definitely the place for an evening filled with laughter, drinking and amusement. Address: El Hana International, 49 Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Tunis, Tunisia, +71 33 11 44
The first ever ciné-café in Tunisia, the Kino Club attracts mostly local youngsters with an artsy character. Besides film screenings, it organizes regular comedy shows, karaoke nights and debate evenings, as well as music performances and talent hunts. Enjoy a few drinks and discover what’s going on in Tunisia’s art scene. Address: Le Centre Alyssa, 1 El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia, +21 6 71 88 81 15
Many of the bars in Tunis are located in a hotel, as is the case for Nuba Bar. Situated on the ground floor of the Hotel La Jetée in La Goulette, Nuba Bar has a grungy style, playing electronic music and serving a variety of alcoholic drinks. They also serve some delicious tapas. Address: 2 Rue de la République, Hôtel de la Jetée, La Goulette, Tunis, Tunisia, +21 6 71 84 05 89
Even if you’re not interested in kitesurfing, this beach bar close to Carthage is worth a visit. Chill out in the beach chairs, with your toes buried in the warm sand and a cocktail in hand. Enjoy some drinks and watch the sun set over the pristine white beach. Address : Gammarth, Tunis, Tunisia, +21 6 25 49 33 61
With a rooftop terrace overlooking the Zitouna Mosque, this cafe-resto has it all: a superb location in the heart of the medina, splendid traditional Tunisian food, charming staff serving citronnade and fresh smoothies, and a special iftar-menu during Ramadan. Inside, the library and sofas create a homely atmosphere in which to enjoy a sweet mint tea. On top of that, El Ali hosts weekly musical soirées during which local bands, gnawa musicians and afro-Berber artists perform. Address: 45bis Rue Jamaa Ezzitouna, Tunis, Tunisia, +21 671 32 19 27
