Markets to visit Tunisia

It is a beautiful fish market with a very typical atmosphere that really deserves a visit. The Sfaxians come here to get fish for the preparation of the marqa, a dish that is eaten with a barley cake. During Ramadan, salted fish is also sold at the auction, it serves as a complement to the charmoula, a sweet sauce with marmalade raisins and onions, the essential dish to celebrate the Eid. The fish market of Sfax will be an interesting step for your understanding of the Tunisian gastronomy!

This is the central market of the city, which is also called "Fondouk al Ghalla", which literally means "fruit inn". This is where you will find everything that can be eaten in a market, in terms of fruits and vegetables, but also fish. The central market is particularly lively in the morning. So, trust your senses, sight and smell in mind, and stroll among the stalls to get an idea of the flavor of the Tunisian capital!

It is in fact a market that spreads over several streets in the center of the city. You can find many spices coming from the region or from farther away. Among the local spices, the dried pepper. Don't miss the henna powder, this coloring and medicinal plant cultivated in the oasis of Gabes. You will also find objects made from palm trees: baskets, hats, etc. Have a coffee on the roadside, close to the souk, or ask for a ride to the "Casse-Croute Fitouri", behind the main square, where you will taste good sandwiches for less than 2 DT!

Don't miss the market of Douz, on Thursday morning, where the city comes alive and vibrates differently. It is one of the most important markets in this region. Here you will meet men straight out of the desert, draped in their colorful chèches. The market occupies the central square and street, it is a vast place of exposure for the salesmen who do not seek to bait the tourist, even if one finds there some stalls of craft industry. Do not hesitate to drink a coffee at the edge of the street, you will take full eyes. You will see nomads coming to sell their fruits and vegetables produced in one of the oasis of the region, as well as merchants of handicraft clothes quite famous. But it is especially for its market with the animals, located below, on a place adjoining the palm plantation, that this day attracts the farmers of all the area. At the foot of the palm trees, sheep, chickens and rabbits are jostling each other in great numbers in an atmosphere full of cries, colors and unexpected smells. Depending on the season, you will also see camels. An incredible crowd of people crowds around the animals. Older men chat or play cross-legged games while waiting for a potential buyer to show up, while younger ones watch the eager animals. The children are busy selling rabbits and chickens, giving them a chance to learn their trade. A market as it is rare to see, and a 100% local experience, because you will cross here few tourists.