Kairouan, Tunisia
Museums
If you're in Kairouan and want to visit museums, a must-see place is the Museum of Islamic Art. It's located in the medina and houses a vast collection of Islamic art and artifacts from throughout Tunisia's history.
If you're interested in visiting more museums in the area, you may also want to check out the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, which has an extensive collection of ancient Roman mosaics, or the Carthage National Museum outside of Tunis, which showcases Punic and Roman artifacts from the ancient city of Carthage.
Food
Some of the most popular and typical dishes in Kairouan, Tunisia according to locals are:
1. Couscous: A North African staple made from semolina grains and served with vegetables, meat, and/or sauce.
2. Brik: A fried pastry stuffed with egg, tuna, cheese, or meat that's popular as an appetizer or snack.
3. Lablabi: A popular chickpea soup dish typically eaten for breakfast or lunch, flavored with garlic, cumin, and harissa.
4. Merguez: Spicy lamb sausages often grilled and served with bread or couscous.
5. Ojja: A spicy tomato-based stew made with eggs, peppers, and merguez sausage, often served for breakfast or brunch.
6. Makroudh: A sweet pastry made of semolina dough filled with dates and fried until crispy.
These dishes can be found at local restaurants, markets, and street food vendors throughout Kairouan.
Activities
In Kairouan, there are many fun activities that locals enjoy. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Islamic monuments in North Africa.
2. Explore the medina: Wander through the narrow streets of the historic center of Kairouan and discover its traditional souks, artisan workshops, and beautiful architecture.
3. Try local cuisine: Sample local specialties such as brik, a fried pastry filled with egg and tuna, or couscous, a staple dish made from semolina grains served with meat and vegetables.
4. Attend a cultural event: Check out local music festivals, theatre performances, or other events that take place throughout the year.
5. Visit the Aghlabid Basins: These ancient reservoirs were built in the 9th century to collect and store rainwater and are a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing with friends and family.
