Carthage National Museum — Attraction in Tunis

I love history and being outdoors so the many Carthaginian and Roman ruins across the area were a fun blend for me. On the one hand the lack of organization, proper maps and thorough explanations are frustrating... on the other the sites have a wildness to them that make for fun exploring where mosaic floors and structures lay across hillsides making for an experience as if you are an archaeologist finding them for the first time.. highly recommend climbing up hills and looking around every corner as many surprises exist. The museum itself consists of multiple locations that require either a walk or short taxi ride between, I recommend starting at the main museum on Byrsa Hill to see the small museum collection and ruins on the hilltop... I spent a full day walking between them all and it’s very doable for healthy active persons. Your access ticket will be 10d plus 1d to use your camera and grants access to all listed properties for one day. Guides offer their services at each stop for reasonable fees if you wish to have fuller guidance and context. Following the main museum I walked to the Amphitheater (small and can be missed if limited time), next onto the theatre (a much larger space and used today for outdoor concerts etc) am unlisted site on roadside features a great lineup of columns and just across the street another ruins site... then the Roman Villas (magnificent, climb the hill for a stunning overhead view and go through the main building tunnel as filled w mosaics in various stages of prep for transfer or preservation) then onto Antonine Baths by the sea (make sure not to point your camera at the big white hilltop palace at main ruins as this is the Presidents palace and it’s illegal to photograph government buildings like this in Tunisia) that will make for a pretty full day for most people though if you have time a number of other sites in the complex are easily visited for the intrepid. Enjoy and take...

The site is beautiful and generally well-maintained, with a few shaded spots. However, much of it is exposed to direct sunlight, making summer visits quite uncomfortable, something to keep in mind when planning.

Many of the artefacts appeared scattered and poorly arranged, giving the impression of disorganization.

During our visit in July 2025, on an extremely hot morning around 11 AM, we were disappointed to find the main museum closed for renovations. Unfortunately, there was no notice or signage indicating this in advance.

The suggested route (stops 1–9) includes various ruins such as columns, statue fragments, and other remnants, Punic neighborhood, but the presentation lacked coherence and clarity.

A particularly unpleasant aspect of the visit was the presence of several men, apparently unaffiliated with the site, loitering inside and persistently offering guided tours for a fee. Their pushy behavior and tendency to follow visitors made the experience uncomfortable.

That said, the site remains popular and receives a steady flow of visitors, especially through organized tours.

We paid 9 TND per person as Tunisian nationals. Overall, it was worth the visit, and the children especially enjoyed it, aside from the disappointment of the closed museum.

If you're exploring the Roman era in Tunisia, I strongly recommend visiting Uthina (about 30 km from central Tunis) and Thuburbo Majus (around 60 km). Both are stunning, unforgettable...

The Museum of Carthage in Tunisia is a captivating cultural treasure trove that provides a vivid window into the rich history of this ancient city. This museum, nestled in the heart of Carthage, offers a well-curated collection that spans millennia.

The exhibits are a fascinating journey through Carthage's illustrious past, showcasing artifacts from the Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine eras. From intricate pottery and mosaics to sculptures and relics from daily life, the museum's displays bring history to life.

One of the highlights is the section dedicated to the Punic Wars, shedding light on the epic struggles between Carthage and Rome. The museum's expertly designed layout and informative signage make it accessible for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

The panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea from the museum's location add to its charm. While the museum itself isn't overly extensive, it effectively captures the essence of Carthaginian history.

Visitors may find the museum's collection of Roman-era artifacts particularly compelling, as it offers insights into the city's transformation under Roman rule.

Overall, the Museum of Carthage is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history. Its evocative exhibits and scenic location make it a memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the enduring legacy...