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Le Bar du Golfe
The cocktail bar of La Marsa's long-running Le Golfe restaurant, with drinks by mixologist Pierre Marquet and a terrace facing the sea.
Théâtre municipal de Tunis
The Art Nouveau municipal theatre on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, opened in 1902, staging opera, ballet, symphonic concerts and drama for 1,350 spectators.
At a glance
- Type
- Theatre and concert hall
- Area
- Ville Nouvelle, Tunis, Tunisia
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- theatremunicipal-tunis.gov.tn
Good to know
- Opera
- Ballet
- Concerts
- Drama
Why we recommend it
An evening at the Théâtre municipal de Tunis combines a performance with a visit to one of the city's finest buildings. The theatre opened on 20 November 1902, when the avenue outside was still called Avenue Jules-Ferry, and it is one of the few theatres in the world built in the Art Nouveau style. Its decorated façade is one of the architectural highlights of Avenue Habib Bourguiba, and it is worth seeing even if you do not attend a show.
The theatre seats around 1,350 people and has a varied programme. Over the years it has hosted opera, ballet and symphonic concerts as well as drama performed by Tunisian, Arab and international actors, and it remains one of the main stages of the capital's cultural life. Programmes are mostly in Arabic and French, and concerts and dance are the easiest choices if you do not speak either language.
Tickets and programmes are published by the theatre, which is run by the city, and many events are also announced through Tunisian media and the theatre's social channels. Popular performances and festival evenings can sell out, so buy tickets in advance where possible and arrive early to pass through the entrance and find your seat. Dress is generally smart casual, a little smarter for opera and gala concerts.
Before or after a performance, the avenue is the natural place to be. Street cafés line both sides, and the shaded central walkway is busy with families and couples in the evening, especially in the warmer months. The Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul and the statue of Ibn Khaldoun are a short walk west, and Bab el Bhar and the medina are just beyond. If you are staying in La Marsa, Gammarth or Sidi Bou Said, allow time for traffic and plan your return by taxi, as late-evening public transport is less convenient.
The theatre suits culture lovers, couples and anyone wanting a classic evening out in central Tunis. Even without tickets, stop in front of the building in the early evening, when the avenue comes alive, as part of a walk from the medina to the Ville Nouvelle.
Théâtre municipal de Tunis FAQs
When did the Théâtre municipal open?
It opened on 20 November 1902.
What style is the building?
Art Nouveau; it is one of the few theatres in the world built in that style.
How many seats does it have?
Around 1,350.
What kinds of performances are staged?
Opera, ballet, symphonic concerts and drama by Tunisian, Arab and international performers.
Are performances in English?
Most theatre is in Arabic or French, so concerts and dance are easiest for visitors who speak neither.
Should I book in advance?
Yes for popular shows and festival evenings, which can sell out.
Where is it?
On Avenue Habib Bourguiba in the city centre, a short walk from the cathedral and the medina gate.