Every article in the government-run Artisanat or handicraft shops has a fixed price and a guarantee of good quality. Carpets bear both a stamp of quality and origin. However, shopping outside these shops require a definite flair. Excellent bargaining skills are a must. While both the souks and the shops recommended by the government sell similar items, items in the controlled shops are sold at fixed rates unlike in the souks. The souks in the old city, or medina, sell traditional articles of unmatched beauty. Tunisian specialities such as clothes, crafts and jewellery, among others, can be purchased in the souks.
The weekly markets are the best places to get an idea about the local tastes and lifestyle. The major cities have several luxurious shopping centres as well.
Shopping in Tunisia is a great experience. Read our Tunisia Shopping Guide below and learn about the best deals and places to shop in Tunisia. If you get hungry whilst shopping, stop for a traditional meal in one of the tasty Tunisia restaurants. For further local shopping information, visit out Hammamet Shopping Guide.
Tunisia Shopping Guide
The shops under the Office of the Artisan have large collections of traditionally dressed dolls. These well-made dolls are attired in genuine replicas of traditional costumes and make for great souvenirs and gifts.
The world famous Sidi Bou Said birdcage is a must buy, it is available in olive or white wood and can be used for birds, for decoration or as planters.
Other than the souks in the medinas, almost every town and village has a weekly market that is a veritable treasure trove of goods. Exploring these crowded markets and joining the general hustle bustle can be a lot of fun. This interesting experience is not to be missed.
Silver Jewellery
The souks in Tunisia sell genuine Berber necklaces and bracelets. Although some of the bracelets bear archaic designs, they are strikingly modern. They are heavy and usually ornate. Prices are fixed according to the craftsmanship and the weight, which depends on the silver content. Copies are found in plenty and are equally striking, they are much lighter and in fact, more convenient to handle. Arches, fish, hands of Fatima and triangles are some of the charms used to insure fertility and to fend off the evil eye.
Pottery and Ceramics
Nabeul in Cap Bon displays a huge array of ceramics and pottery, most of which can be seen in the souks too. Bowls, ceramic tiles and platters of every colour and design imaginable are on display here. The clay used by the potters of Guellala in Jerba has a beautiful natural colour and this clay is used to make practical household items such as bowls, jugs, and water and oil jars that are designed along classical Mediterranean lines.
Brass and Copper
Items such as chased, engraved and embossed ashtrays, brass and copper trays, coffeepots and vases are found all over whilst shopping in Tunisia. Prices depend on the weight and size of the articles, the intricacy of the design and the calligraphy used. A popular souvenir is an ashtray engraved with your name in Arabic. It is cheap and is done on the spot. The shops feature items from small ashtrays to huge fruit bowls that are made of enamelled red copper and are coloured in many different colours.
Leatherwork
Carryalls, hassocks, hats and pocketbooks are popular leather items sold in Tunisia's markets. The hassocks in particular are made of natural leather and painted or embossed with traditional designs. The camel is a very popular design. Skilfully decorated book covers and leather coats and jackets of excellent quality are other popular buys.
Carpets
Tunisian carpets are exquisite works of art. They may be made of camel hair, natural wool or silk. The margoums and alloucha of Kairouan are believed to be Tunisia's finest as are the klim available in many different hues. The artisan offices sell carpets that bear the stamp of quality and inspection. Bargaining is not acceptable and besides, the prices are quite reasonable. They even pack and ship your carpet by air.
Wall Hangings
The hand woven wall hangings of Tunisia are crafted with the same art and skill as the carpets. They may be plain, embroidered or bear intricate patterns; they may be colourful or in natural shades. Un-dyed woollen blankets are appreciated for their natural colours and non-synthetic raw materials. Shawls with traditional designs make for unbelievably artistic and colourful wall hangings.
