You’ll find La Goulette, Tunis’s cruise port, located 10-13 km from the city centre. The port offers two modern terminals with WiFi, duty-free shopping and a tourist information desk.
You can reach Tunis by taxi for about £8, or use popular rideshare apps for transport. Your ship docks beside Lake Tunis, giving you easy access to key attractions.
You’ll have quick access to three must-see UNESCO sites:
- Carthage ruins
- Bardo National Museum
- Sidi Bou Said village
The port’s strategic position lets you explore both the Mediterranean coast and Tunis’s historic areas with ease.
Map of Tunis (La Goulette) Cruise Ship Port
Location and Port Overview
The Port of Tunis sits 10-13 kilometres from the city centre, at Lake Tunis’s western edge. You reach the port through a 6.4-kilometre dredged channel. The Mediterranean Sea stretches ahead, and the ancient ruins of Carthage lie nearby in this North African Maghreb location.
The port specialises in passenger and vehicle services. You’ll find two modern terminal buildings and berths that extend 657 metres, accommodating large cruise ships.
The facilities include:
- Shopping centres
- Banking services
- Tour operator offices
The port follows ISPS security standards to keep you safe. Its efficient infrastructure helps you move through smoothly during your cruise journey.
Getting Around La Goulette
Getting around La Goulette gives you several straightforward transport choices.
Taxis wait at the port terminal, and you can reach central Tunis for about £8. The area supports rideshare apps, giving you an alternative to traditional taxis.
Local buses connect you to nearby attractions within an hour’s journey. You can also book a private car with a driver for sightseeing. The area has no train station or port shuttle service.
When taking taxis, check that the driver uses the meter to ensure fair pricing. For visiting multiple locations, booking a private tour ahead of time works best.
Quick tips:
- Taxis: Available at port, use meter
- Rideshare: Works throughout area
- Buses: Connect to nearby spots
- Private tours: Best for multiple stops
- No trains or port shuttles
Must-See Tourist Attractions
You’ll find remarkable attractions throughout La Goulette that showcase its cultural heritage. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Carthage features well-preserved Roman and Phoenician ruins you can explore up close.
The Bardo National Museum houses Tunisia’s largest collection of historical artefacts and mosaics. You can visit the Al-Zaytuna Mosque in the medina’s centre and explore the Kasbah Fortress, which reflects both Spanish and Ottoman influences.
La Goulette Beach offers a perfect spot for relaxation, while the waterfront promenade lets you sample fresh seafood at local restaurants.
Just nearby, the village of Sidi Bou Said stands out with its distinctive blue and white buildings.
Take a guided tour to understand these sites better – local experts will share stories and historical details you might otherwise miss. You can cover all main attractions in two to three days, making it an ideal addition to your Tunisian journey.
Local Experiences and Shopping
La Goulette offers you authentic local experiences through its vibrant markets and cultural spots. You can watch local artisans create traditional crafts and try popular street foods like harissa and couscous.
The multicultural neighbourhood of La Petite Sicile lets you explore unique heritage sites, whilst culinary tours teach you local cooking methods.
You’ll find two main shopping areas: the Goulette Village Harbour, with its medina-style shops, and Avenue Habib Bourguiba’s retail district. Local shops stock Tunisian handicrafts, jewellery, and textiles, perfect for unique souvenirs.
You can easily move around by taxi, bus, or guided walking tours. Tourist information centres provide maps and advice to help you plan your visit effectively.
Port Services and Facilities
La Goulette port offers comprehensive facilities for cruise passengers through two modern terminals.
You can access essential services including:
- Free WiFi connectivity
- Duty-free shopping outlets
- Tourist information centre
- ATMs and public telephones
- Comfortable waiting lounges
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities
The port features:
- Three berths for large cruise ships
- 657-metre berthing line
- Taxi rank and bus parking
- ISPS-compliant security measures
- Direct links to the MC33 motorway
- Railway connections
You’ll find everything conveniently located within the terminal buildings, making your arrival and departure smooth.
The port’s layout ensures easy movement between transport options, whilst security measures keep you safe throughout your visit.
For getting around:
- Taxis wait directly outside the terminal
- Buses park in designated areas
- Rail and motorway links connect you to wider transport networks
- Wheelchair users can navigate all areas easily
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit La Goulette?
Spring stands as the optimal time to visit La Goulette, with March to May offering you the best experience. You’ll encounter daily temperatures ranging from 19°C to 24°C, making outdoor exploration comfortable. The clear spring skies provide perfect visibility for sightseeing, and you can avoid the busy summer tourist crowds. You can explore local attractions, beaches, and markets without the intense heat or packed streets of peak season.
Are US Dollars Widely Accepted in Shops Around the Port?
You’ll need Tunisian Dinars for shopping around La Goulette port, as shops don’t typically accept US dollars. You can exchange your money at the cruise terminal. Some shops might accept Euros as an alternative, but local currency works best.
How Safe Is La Goulette for Cruise Ship Passengers?
La Goulette offers good security for cruise ship passengers. You’ll find police officers patrolling regularly and security cameras operating throughout the port area. The port follows international safety standards (ISPS) to protect visitors. For the safest experience, you should join organised tours or explore the main tourist zones near the cruise terminal. You can walk around the port area confidently during daytime hours when cruise ships are docked.
What Traditional Tunisian Dishes Should Visitors Try Near the Port?
Near the port, you should try several classic Tunisian dishes:
Try brik first – it’s a crispy filo pastry filled with tuna and egg. Order the local seafood soup, known for its fresh ingredients. Choose grilled dorade, a Mediterranean fish that’s a port specialty. Add salata mashwiya, a grilled vegetable salad that goes perfectly with seafood dishes.
Is Bottled Water Easily Available in the Port Area?
Bottled water is easy to find in La Goulette Port area. You’ll spot several shops and markets selling water near the port entrance. You can purchase water bottles from local convenience stores, market stalls, and port shops. Check that each bottle has an intact seal when buying.
