La Marsa comes with so many definitions: one of Tunis's wealthiest neighborhoods, expat hub, the number-one tourist attraction on Airbnb etc. But, we won't define it as such. La Marsa for us is a miniature of Tunisia. It’s where cultures interact smoothly and history is reflected on every aspect of the city.
The vibes in this city are a bit different from anywhere in Tunisia. It’s a great site to witness locals going about their everyday lives while enjoying your trip while visiting historical and natural attractions.
Whether you’re coming to Tunisia for a few months or just visiting the country as a tourist, this guide will help you imagine what to expect. There is something for everyone in La Marsa: food, beach, interesting places and chill vibes. And, WildyNess team got you covered with this guide.
How to get to La Marsa?
By train:
From the TGM station downtown, you can get the train for 0.5dt and enjoy the landscape from the window. The good news: you cannot be lost when you go to La Marsa as the train has its final stop there. If you’re a solo traveler, or you’re just not comfortable with the idea of navigating the city using public transportation, don’t worry.
By taxi:
From anywhere in Tunis, you can catch a cap and tell the driver you want to go to La Marsa. Prices wouldn't exceed 12 TND. As the country is making baby steps toward digitalization, many taxi apps are available, like InDriver. This can be easier for introverts. All you need is to put the exact address you’re heading to.
Copyright: Wajdi Kochkach
What to do in La Marsa?
Visit Abdelliya Palace
Abdelliya Palace has its own importance in history and architecture. It’s the only palace remaining from the Hafsid era. The architecture of the pool and the tower remind visitors of Moroccan houses. And it’s for a reason: the influence of Andalusian architecture.
Today, the palace welcomes visitors curious to know about the history of Tunisia and its evolution. Some days, the palace holds some cultural events as a way to give room for young artists to show their talents and locals to assist some entertaining events.
Synagogue Keren Yéchoua de La Marsa
A staple for the Tunisian jewish community, this synagogue was launched in 1927 by a jewish association Keren Yéchoua. Both of them got their names from the philanthropist Yéchoua who gave the land for the community to build their religious haven and contributed to help them with whatever they needed.
From the moment the synagogue opened its door, generations of tunisian jewish flooded to pray, learn and celebrate religious and familial events. This is a perfect example of how Tunisians co-exist.
Stroll along Marsa Plage
Marsa Plage is the part of the city where there is a medium-sized mall “Zéphyr” and a corniche giving you a wide sea view. In the summer, you will find musicians all along the corniche and jasmine vendors. Kids are running cheerfully and families are there for the fresh air of the Mediterranean.
Down the stairs, you can enjoy the beach. Here you can get the vibes of this vivid city. People strolling along the beach. Some of them are just sitting there having a picnic or taking a break. Once you reach the beach, you will notice a unique building: Qobbet El Hwa.
Take a Picture in front of Qobbet El Hwa
Built in the late 17th century, Qobbet El Hwa was a house of the Bey. The building served for vacations where ladies could bathe discreetly without catching eyes. Once you’re near Qubbet El Hawa, you will notice openings into the floor. These openings allowed women to go in and out the beach seamlessly.
Copyright: Wajdi Kochkach
Throughout historical eras, the building served many purposes. It was later on transformed into a restaurant and a bar. Then, the building was deserted and little was done to preserve it.
Some months ago, the municipality announced Qobbet El Hwa as a monument in danger of some degree of collapse.
Unfortunately, taking a picture in front Qobbet El Hwa is the only way to immortalize it. So, don’t hesitate to do so!
Take a Tea Break at the Saf-saf Next to El Ahmadi Mosque
To seize the vibes, you don’t want to miss a mint tea break at the Safsaf. We recommend sitting in the open air café next to El Ahmadi Mosque. The café caters for all that you need: a glimpse of everyday life, a view on the Mosque and a delicious cup of tea.
Where to chill in La Marsa?
La Marsa doesn’t quiet down at night especially in summer. Whatever presumption you may have with Tunisia being an Islamic country, you will be surprised by the nightlife in it.
Alcohol is served in bars, restaurants and hotels. If you want to drink at home, you can freely buy your drinks from big supermarkets. Please note that alcohol is forbidden in public.
In La Marsa options are more oriented to quiet places where you can sip a cocktail or a few drinks. An interesting option to start the night is Dar El Marsa which is the rooftop restaurant of the hotel. You can see the beach clearly from there and enjoy the high quality of food.
If you are in a dancing mood, head to Gammarth, the bar/disco hub of Tunis. Yuka offers great vibes for beach bar lovers. Habibi is your go-to bar if your ears are craving for good music. For LGBT+ friendly discos, you want to pay Club Gingembre a visit.
Where to stay in La Marsa?
Airbnb is your go-to app if you’re looking for a rental in La Marsa. The prices are relatively expensive, but the location is worth it.
What to Eat in La Marsa?
La Marsa is brimming with restaurants offering multicultural cuisine. Ranging from sushi, Thai food to Italian and French cuisines and KFC, options here are wide. But we bet you’re craving for local food.
No one can picture a Tunisian eating sushi for lunch or casually ordering pesto pasta for lunch break. But, everyone can picture a Tunisian dumping bread into harissa paste or getting their belly full of Tunisian couscous.
Tunisian Food in La Marsa:
You’ve probably eaten couscous before, but the Tunisian couscous is very different from other versions, like the Moroccan. While in La Marsa, you can head to Couscous Tree where you can find many couscous varieties including a vegetarian option.
Ouled el Bey is another great option for Tunisian cuisine, they offer a fresh menu daily. If you want to eat local couscous made out of fish or meat, it’s the place to be.
You can also give other options on the menu a try. Explore authentic Tunsian cuisine by giving Kamounia, a stew cooked mainly with beef and liver using a small quantity of cumin, or Kabkabu, a fish and tomato stew.
Tunisian fast food in La Marsa:
More into a quick sandwich? You can find many fast food restaurants where you can grab a Kafteji sandwich or a Tunisian Sandwich. We recommend Fattoum in Marsa Plage. There you can be sure of the hygiene and the taste of the food.
As for those of you not wanting to gain many calories stemming from fried veggies, Mlewi can be an option. Mlewi is a popular flatbread made of fine semolina. Consumed as a sandwich, you can choose the ingredients in it. This may give you flexibility to choose something you can eat and enjoy.
For Mlewi options, we recommend Bar Ezzit. Bar Ezzit offers Mlewi with hot pepper and another not spicy version. You can add cooked veggies and cheese. If you are not planning to go to the South of Tunisia, you may want to give their Mtabga a try.
