Best Things to Do in La Goulette. Tunisia
From the Ship, you have the freedom to choose your adventure. Whether it is a half-day trip, typically a visit to Carthage or Sidi Bou Said, or a full-day trip, where you can explore both destinations in more detail, the decision is yours.
We visited Carthage and Sidi Bou Said for a historical and cultural experience.
Our guide was a lovely man and played a crucial role in making our trip enjoyable, thanks to their wealth of knowledge.
He was instrumental in ensuring we made authentic purchases and avoided fakes, giving us security and confidence.
La Goulette: Explore Tunisia’s Historic Charm
La Goulette, located near Tunis in Tunisia, is a picturesque coastal town known for its historical significance, vibrant culture, and delicious seafood. Its delightful mix of history, culture, and seaside relaxation makes it ideal for day trips and extended stays.
The town is also known for its delicious seafood, with numerous restaurants serving fresh catches and local dishes.
You will enjoy the colourful white and blue buildings and traditional designs.
Our Visit for the Day
-Sanctvaire
Le Tophet de Carthage, est un enclos sacré dans lequel les Puniques procédaient à des sacrifices en l’honneur des divinités protectrices de Carthage, Baâl Hammon et Tanit.
Longtemps a prévalu l’idée, aujourd’hui contestée par certains spécialistes, que les sacrifiés étaient des enfants immolés en actes d’achat ou de grâces. Et le site a effectivement livré, dans ses strates les plus profondes, les plus anciennes, des urnes contenant des cendres d’enfants.
Dans les couches supérieures de ce « funerarium », les récipients (urnes ou mini-sarcophages en pierre), contiennent des ossements d’animaux.
Le site se compose d’un tunnel abritant les offrandes encore enfouies dans le sol, d’un jardin où sont exposés cippes et stèles en grés ou en calcaire qui surmontaient ces offrandes, ainsi que d’un autel où était censé se dérouler le rituel du sacrifice.
Horaire d’ouverture:
– Du 16/09 au 31/05 : 08.30 – 17.00
– Du 01/06 au 15/09 : 08:00 – 18:00
Horaire Ramadan:
08.00 – 17.00
Droits d’entrée:
12 dinars
Observations:
Billet Groupé. Ouvert toute la semaine.
Commodités:
– Toilettes
– Boutique
– Cafétéria
-Mosque
La Goulette is home to a beautiful mosque built in the 19th century. It is a
Great place to learn about Tunisia’s culture and religion.
-Sidi Bousaid
The town is about twenty kilometres northeast of Tunis. It is perched on a cliff overlooking Carthage and the Gulf of Tunis.
Sidi Bou is a tranquil village haven of peace and relaxation. Its unique charm emanates from the blue-and-white architecture that graces its streets.
The stunning views of the Mediterranean, the vibrant bougainvillea-lined streets, and the beauty of its traditional architecture, which has been jealously preserved, make it a must-visit. This preservation allows visitors to connect with the village’s rich history.
-The Blue House Street
Blue House Street is a living storybook in a delightful city nook. Drenched in striking shades of blue, each house weaves a narrative of time, heritage, and uniqueness. The juxtaposition of vivid doors, flourishing flower pots, and aged cobblestones turns every stride into a passage through an artist’s tale.
As you stroll down this enchanting street, your senses are treated to a symphony of colours and light. Blue House Street will remain in your memory long after you bid it farewell.
Carthage
Carthage, a city founded around 814 BC by Princess Elissa, sister of the king of Tyre, Pygmalion, had a destiny that was as great as it was tragic.
The archaeological site of Carthage, a testament to its rich history, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. This prestigious status ensures that it is drastically protected by a national classification law, underscoring its global significance and the need for its preservation.
Also, we explore Roman ruins, including the Antonine Baths and the Carthage Museum.
-The Antonin Baths:
This archaeological park owes its name to Africa’s most famous public baths.
The baths remain the most spectacular of Roman Carthage. Built between 145 and 162 AD, they are the third largest in the world after the baths of Caracalla and Diocletian.
The park includes several monuments dating back to the Punic Epoque, ruins of roads, houses, and tombs, and a mesmerizing view of the ocean. It is a place that will captivate your senses.
After the Vandals destroyed them, they remained buried until excavation work began after 1945. All that remains of the building is the basement, where the facilities for the complex operation were housed.
Must Do
Shop at the Markets:
The village is a must-visit with its countless shops and displays, each piece reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage: jewelry, ornaments, carpets, pottery, crockery, perfumes, and incense.
La Goulette is home to various markets, from the bustling Souk el-Goulette to the smaller markets in the old town. These are great places to pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Explore the Old Town: La Goulette’s old town is a great place to learn about the town’s rich history. It contains a variety of architectural styles, from Ottoman-era buildings to French-style villas. Stroll through the narrow streets to take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant area.
Explore the Ruins: La Goulette is home to various ancient ruins, from the remains of a Roman fort to the ruins of an ancient Phoenician settlement. These ruins are a great place to explore and learn about the town’s past.
Tips
Accessibility: Sidewalks may be uneven; wear comfortable shoes and watch your step.
Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during summer visits, as it can get warm.
Timing: For pleasant weather, visit in spring (April–June) or fall (September–November).
Transportation: Taxis are the most convenient and inexpensive transportation for short distances.
Try the Local Cuisine: La Goulette is known for its delicious cuisine. Try the local dishes, such as couscous and shakshouka, or sample some fresh seafood.
Money
You don’t have to exchange money, as most places will take Euros. However, asking first to avoid any potential misunderstandings or extra charges is always a good idea.
**Bring a small sweater or jacket. Although the weather can be sunny, the wind can be frigid, especially in the evenings. Warm weather does not always persist, so it’s best to be prepared for sudden changes.
On our return, when you get off the bus at the entrance, you walk into a casbah with about 50 shops selling tacky T-shirts, leather goods, and other food products. The shops also sell handicrafts from all regions of Tunisia.
Depending on which store, the dates are perfect to eat. You can ask for a taste before buying them.
Conclusion:
Visiting La Goulette and Carthage offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. La Goulette, with its vibrant port, seafood restaurants, and Mediterranean ambiance, provides a relaxing and flavorful experience.
Meanwhile, with its UNESCO-listed ruins, Carthage offers a deep dive into Tunisia’s rich past, from the Punic era to the Roman Empire. These destinations showcase Tunisia’s unique fusion of ancient heritage and modern-day coastal life, making them essential stops for travellers seeking history, beauty, and local flavours.
