Ancient Ruins, Bambalouni, & A Wedding: Tunisia Stole Our Hearts

 

Tunis took us by surprise — in the best way possible.
It wasn’t even on our bucket list, but thanks to our friends getting married there, it quickly became one of the most unforgettable trips we’ve ever taken. From the vibrant energy and stunning views to the rich history around every corner — Tunisia caught us by surprise and left a lasting impression.

How We Got There

We flew in from Rome after a week-long vacation, and the flight was just 45 minutes — so quick that I got in trouble for trying to use the bathroom mid-flight because we were already descending. One of the most unexpected things? After the snack cart rolled by, there was… a cigarette cart. Yes, really. Smoking is much more common there, so if that’s something that bothers you, just be mindful of your seating and surroundings. It’s definitely not a reason to skip the trip, just something to be aware of!

Heads-up for when you land: I was totally overwhelmed at the airport. Several taxi drivers approached us at once, and at one point, my bag and I got separated — and then I got separated from Jeff as we were being pulled in different directions by competing drivers. Learn from us: if possible, organize an airport shuttle in advance through your hotel. It’ll save you a lot of stress! 

Where We Stayed: Regency Tunis Hotel

After a long afternoon of travel, arriving at the Regency Tunis Hotel was such a welcome relief. The hotel was absolutely stunning. As soon as we stepped into the lobby, we were greeted by a view through to the terrace, which overlooked the sparkling pool. Just a short walk beyond that was a peaceful beach lined with cabanas — the perfect spot to relax with a refreshing drink from the bar.

Once our room was ready, we were blown away by the space — especially after living in a tiny NYC apartment. We even had our own private terrace with a table and chairs, ideal for morning coffee or unwinding at the end of the day.

One quirky thing I hadn’t seen before (Jeff had, during his study abroad) was needing to insert our room key into a slot on the wall to activate the lights. I thought the power was out — rookie mistake!

Pro tip: Don’t drink the tap water. Instead, order bottled water through room service. They’ll deliver it… with a spoon. At first, we were confused, but then they showed us how to use the spoon to pop open the bottle. We were amazed — and may or may not have brought that party trick home to impress our friends.

Day One

Our first full day in Tunis was all about getting out and discovering the magic of this vibrant city. Since we were in town for a wedding, Jeff and I ended up spending most of the day apart — which actually gave us a chance to bond with other wedding guests and explore through a more local lens. I teamed up with a group of girls who knew the area well and spoke the language, making the whole experience even more enriching.

Our morning started in Sidi Bou Said, a stunning coastal town that looks like it was plucked straight from a postcard. The whitewashed buildings with bold blue doors and shutters, narrow cobblestone streets, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea made it feel like we were wandering through a dream. Every corner we turned revealed something charming — from street musicians to colorful markets and hidden little cafes.

While wandering, we stopped at a local vendor to try a bambalouni, a traditional Tunisian treat that’s similar to a doughnut but slightly less sweet. Warm, airy, and coated in sugar — it was the perfect mid-morning snack to keep us going.

Since we were visiting in August, the heat quickly became its own character in the story — a loud reminder that we needed shade and a breeze. We found refuge at La Villa Bleue, a serene boutique hotel with a beautiful balcony overlooking the sea. Sitting there with a local coffee, some light bites, and the Mediterranean breeze was one of those moments where time feels like it slows down. Peaceful, picturesque, and just what we needed to recharge.

Later that afternoon, we made our way to the Ruins of Ancient Carthage. This archaeological site is packed with history and dates back to the 1st millennium B.C. Walking through the remains of Roman baths, ancient villas, and crumbling amphitheaters was both humbling and awe-inspiring. It’s hard to wrap your head around just how much history lives in those stones.

From charming seaside towns to centuries-old ruins, this day in Tunis was an unexpected highlight of our trip — and a reminder of how much beauty and culture exists beyond the typical tourist path. 

 While we were out exploring the town, the guys opted for a more laid-back afternoon at the beautiful Africa Jade Thalasso Hotel in Korba. With their toes in the sand and the sea as their backdrop, they enjoyed a long, leisurely lunch — a table full of delicious food, rosé chilling on ice, and plenty of laughter and conversation. It was the perfect contrast to our day of walking and sightseeing — and a reminder that in Tunisia, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

After spending the day apart, I was excited to reunite with Jeff for a fun night out at Zebra Club with the rest of the group. One thing that continued to surprise and delight us throughout our time in Tunis? Their love for sparklers! Whether it was bottles of champagne, platters of food, or even the wedding cake — everything came out with a festive sparkle. It added such an energetic, celebratory vibe to the night (just maybe don’t stand too close… or wear too much hairspray). It’s those little unexpected touches that made every moment feel like a party. 

Day Two

After a packed day of exploring, we welcomed the chance to sleep in and truly enjoy the hotel’s amenities — together this time. We took our time getting ready and by the time we made it downstairs, it was officially lunchtime. We grabbed a table at the hotel’s clamshell-shaped restaurant and sampled a few local dishes, including a pizza topped with almonds (yes, it sounds unexpected, but it was delicious).

The rest of the afternoon was pure relaxation. We soaked up the sun, dipped our toes in the Mediterranean, and even spotted camels casually strolling along the beach — because why not?

That evening’s wedding event was a full-on luau party. Dressed in our best Hawaiian-themed outfits, we made our way to a stunning private mansion tucked inside a neighborhood. The party had everything: a pool, DJ, shawarma cart, endless drinks, dancing, and of course, spontaneous pool dips (voluntary or not). It was one of those nights where time slips away — we laughed and danced until we realized we were heading back to the hotel as the sun was rising.

Tunis knows how to throw a party, and we were so here for it.

Day Three

Running on just two hours of sleep, I dragged myself downstairs to meet the girls for a day at a traditional Turkish bath. I was completely wiped from the night before, but there was no way I was missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The spa was stunning — calm, serene, and welcoming us with a tray of grapes and tea (which, fun fact, turned out to be the only thing I ate all day... not ideal for someone who lives for food).

We began in a steam room, which was the perfect way to unwind — just chatting, letting go, and literally sweating out the stress. Then came the signature treatment: a full-body exfoliation, where a therapist scrapes off layers of dead skin. Sounds rejuvenating, right? Let’s just say, either I did something to offend my therapist... or that’s just how intense the treatment is supposed to be. It felt like she was trying to erase a few layers of my soul — ouch!

By the time we wrapped up, I was absolutely spent — and starving. I headed back to the hotel around 3pm and found Jeff just waking up for the day (must be nice). I convinced him to stay in and order room service so we could recharge, refuel, and relax. Much needed.

Day Four

With the wedding just hours away, Jeff and I had the whole day to ourselves — so we set off to continue our Carthage ruins adventure.

For just a few U.S. dollars, we were able to gain entry to multiple archeological sites, creating our own self-guided tour through one of the most historically rich areas in the world. Walking through the ancient remnants of the Forum of Carthage, the Theatre of Carthage, and other iconic sites felt like stepping back in time. The architecture, the scale, the stories — all of it was both humbling and majestic. It was the perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon exploring together.

That evening, we shifted gears from ancient history to modern celebration — it was wedding time! And what a wedding it was. These are some of our closest friends, and two of the easiest people to celebrate, which made the night even more special.

We walked into a breathtaking event space that felt straight out of a movie — stunning décor, incredible food, a live band, and the biggest dance floor we’ve ever seen. We danced, laughed, cried happy tears, and celebrated love all night long. It was truly unforgettable.

Final Day

Sadly, it was time to head home. After a quick connection through Morocco, we touched back down in the U.S. Our trip was unforgettable—full of new experiences, meaningful lessons, and friendships we’ll always cherish. What a beautiful and memorable way to celebrate our friends’ wedding!