Ramadan in Tunis: experience the medina differently

Published : 23-02-2025

Along with the summer months, Ramadan is the liveliest time of the year at night. In Tunis, it's a chance to experience the festive atmosphere of the old quarters and make some great cultural discoveries.

Ramadan coincides this year with the month of March. Throughout Tunisia, and particularly in Tunis, you should take advantage of this period to stroll around at night. The streets are invaded by strollers. On the menu: crowded and cheerful cafés in the medina, stalls selling sweets, music around every corner and original cultural offerings.



Music and ancient palaces


In particular, this is the best time to attend concerts of Tunisian and Oriental music.
As you stroll through the medina of Tunis, you're likely to hear the sounds of music emanating from old palaces and other historic buildings. Cultural cafés and musical institutions offer concerts every night in places steeped in history.
There are the concerts organised by the Rachidia, a venerable institution that has just celebrated 90 years of serving Tunisia's musical heritage. Held in an elegant old palace, these concerts often focus on Arabo-Andalusian music.



The Medina Festival also offers a wide range of concerts. Tunisian music stars and artists from the Middle East perform in historic venues such as the Dar Lasram palace and the Bir Lahjar medersa. Not forgetting the Théâtre Municipal with its magnificent Art Nouveau ceilings.
Not far from Tunis, in Sidi Bou Saïd, the Centre des Musiques Arabes et Méditerranéennes organises the annual Sûfiyet festival of Sufi music. It takes place in the superb setting of the orientalist palace of Baron d'Erlanger.

Cultural strolls


Want to experience the medina in a different way? The month of Ramadan has become an ideal time for guided tours and cultural events in the medina of Tunis. The “Medina of Lights” event features signposted routes, night-time entertainment and illuminations. Why not take part in the “Iftar Experiences” organised by the start-up Dowit? After a themed walking tour, a delicious fast-breaking meal is served in an ancient palace.
The Mdinti association also offers numerous events, workshops and guided tours.
These are all great opportunities to learn more about the city’s traditional heritage, while enjoying the magical atmosphere of the old quarters after sunset


READ MORE: Tunis and the Coasts of Carthage

VIDEO: The medina of Tunis

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