Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square - A city street lined with lush trees.
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Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square

4.4
·450 reviews·Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis's vibrant gateway to the Medina, featuring historic architecture, refreshing fountains, and lively street life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square - A city street lined with lush trees.

Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tunis's vibrant gateway to the Medina, featuring historic architecture, refreshing fountains, and lively street life.

4.4
(450 reviews)

"A beautiful square in Tunis, Tunisia with plenty to see and do."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture stunning shots facing the marketplace for the ultimate tourist experience.

💧 Beat the Heat

Ground fountains offer a cool escape during hot August days. Stay hydrated!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bab El Bhar Gateway

Bab El Bhar Gateway

Entrance to the Medina

The iconic archway marking the entrance to the bustling souks. A true symbol of Tunis!

Ground-Level Fountains

Ground-Level Fountains

Center of the square

Refreshing water jets that cool you down on hot days and add a playful element.

Hotel Royal Victoria

Hotel Royal Victoria

Facing the square

Historic hotel offering a glimpse into colonial-era architecture and charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Gateway to the Medina

Place de la Victoire, also known as Bab Bhar Square, is your vibrant entry point to Tunis's historic Medina. It's a lively hub with shops, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for soaking in the city's pulse before diving into the souks. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak times.

August Heat & Water Features

Visiting in August? The sweltering heat is no joke! Thankfully, the ground-level fountains in the square offer a welcome, albeit temporary, respite. Stay hydrated and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to fully enjoy the atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture stunning shots facing the marketplace for the ultimate tourist experience. Reddit

💧 Beat the Heat

Ground fountains offer a cool escape during hot August days. Stay hydrated!

🚶‍♀️ Medina Entry

Be patient if the Medina entrance is crowded; it often clears quickly. Reddit

☕ Relax and Observe

Plenty of benches to sit, enjoy a coffee, and watch the city life unfold.

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture stunning shots facing the marketplace for the ultimate tourist experience. Reddit

💧 Beat the Heat

Ground fountains offer a cool escape during hot August days. Stay hydrated!

🚶‍♀️ Medina Entry

Be patient if the Medina entrance is crowded; it often clears quickly. Reddit

☕ Relax and Observe

Plenty of benches to sit, enjoy a coffee, and watch the city life unfold.

What Travellers Say

4.4
(450 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square as a beautiful and vibrant gateway to Tunis's historic Medina. Its central location, charming fountains, and proximity to amenities like cafes and the Hotel Royal Victoria are highlights. While crowds can be present, especially at the Medina entrance, the lively atmosphere and photographic opportunities make it a memorable stop.

"A beautiful square in Tunis, Tunisia with plenty to see and do. It is right by the Bab El Bhar (Port de France) with plenty of shops, cafe's and restaurants. It is also located right in front of the famous Hotel Royal Victoria. Nice fountain and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the vibrant life in the city of Tunis. This square is right before you enter the Soul's is located in the Old Medina. I really enjoyed my visit and watching all the exciting activities happening all around. Beautiful area of Tunis."

Michael Mack

"It seems both this map marking and Bab al-Bhar nearby are being called the entryway/gateway to the Medina Square. Not sure if there are others, but this one has a floor fountain/ground sprayer in front which was handy considering the sweltering weather in August.

The day we went, the path to delve deeper into the Medina shops was sardine-can crowded with dozens of people moving at a snail pace to enter/exit. This lasted for about 5 minutes as someone was transporting a large crate. Once we passed them, it was normal crowded, nor sardine crowded."

Dr.T G

"I like this place especially the water fountains around it and the architecture of the buildings"

Mohammed Hossameldin Mosa

What People Like

Vibrant atmosphere
Ground fountains
Medina gateway

What People Dislike

Occasional crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The square is easily accessible by taxi or public transport within Tunis. It's a central landmark, often referred to as the gateway to the Medina, making it a common destination for visitors. Many hotels, like the Hotel Royal Victoria, are located nearby.

Yes, it's a very central location. If you're exploring the Tunis Medina or the areas around the port, you'll likely pass through or be very close to the square. It's a great starting point for exploring the old city.

The square itself is pedestrian-friendly. The main challenge might be navigating the crowds, especially near the Medina entrance. Be mindful of your surroundings and any temporary blockages, like large crates being moved. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

As a public square, it is accessible 24 hours a day. However, shops and cafes surrounding the square will have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening.

The ground-level fountains are part of the public square and are free to enjoy. They are a popular spot, especially for cooling off during warmer months.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy the vibrant city life, relax on benches, admire the architecture, and use the ground fountains to cool off. It's also the primary gateway to the bustling souks of the Medina, offering endless shopping and cultural experiences. Reddit

It can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and times, and particularly at the Medina entrance. However, crowds often move quickly, and the atmosphere is generally lively rather than overwhelming. Reddit

The area is packed with shops selling souvenirs, traditional crafts, and clothing, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants offering local Tunisian cuisine and international options. It's a great place to sample local food.

Yes, the square is generally considered safe, with security present 24 hours. However, like any busy tourist area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

For the ultimate tourist experience and memorable pictures, it's recommended to take photos on the side facing the marketplace rather than the side facing the street. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes serving mint tea and pastries to restaurants offering traditional Tunisian dishes like couscous and tagines. It's a perfect spot to grab a bite before or after exploring the Medina.

Absolutely! Numerous cafes surround the square, offering traditional Tunisian mint tea, coffee, and other beverages. It's a great way to relax and people-watch.

📸 📸 Photography

The square offers great opportunities to photograph the historic Hotel Royal Victoria, the bustling entrance to the Medina, and the unique ground-level fountains. Capturing the vibrant street life and architectural details is highly recommended. Reddit

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the architecture. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light, while evenings offer a lively, illuminated scene. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square is a great spot for families to experience the pulse of Tunis. The ground-level fountains are a huge hit with children, offering a fun way to cool off on warm days. The square is also a safe and central point to begin exploring the Medina, though parents should keep a close eye on children in crowded areas. Reddit

Plenty of cafes offer kid-friendly snacks and drinks, and the general atmosphere is lively and engaging. The proximity to the Hotel Royal Victoria also provides a picturesque backdrop. Just be mindful of the potential for temporary congestion at the Medina entrance and ensure everyone stays hydrated.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square is a treasure trove of visual opportunities. The iconic archway leading into the Medina is a must-capture subject, especially when framed by the vibrant street life. The historic Hotel Royal Victoria offers a striking architectural element, while the ground fountains add a dynamic and playful touch to your shots. Reddit

To get the best results, aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for warm, soft light, or the early morning for fewer crowds and clearer shots. The advice to photograph from the side facing the marketplace is crucial for capturing the essence of the square as a gateway. Don't forget to capture the details of the surrounding buildings and the lively interactions of people.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Medina Gateway Experience

Place de la Victoire, also known as Bab Bhar Square, is more than just a public space; it's the symbolic threshold to Tunis's ancient Medina. As you approach, you'll notice the distinct architecture of buildings like the Hotel Royal Victoria, a nod to the city's colonial past. The square itself is often alive with activity, from locals going about their day to tourists preparing for their Medina adventure. The ground-level fountains are a particularly charming feature, offering a playful and cooling element, especially appreciated during the hot Tunisian summers. Reddit

Navigating the immediate entrance to the Medina can sometimes feel intense due to crowds, particularly if large items are being transported. However, travelers report that these moments are usually brief, and the flow of people quickly returns to normal. This initial bustle is part of the authentic experience, signaling your entry into a world of narrow alleyways, vibrant souks, and hidden courtyards. It's a place where the modern city meets its historic heart, offering a unique sensory experience. Reddit

For photographers, the square presents a dynamic scene. The advice to capture images facing the marketplace rather than the street side is key to framing the most iconic views. This perspective allows you to include the archway, the bustling activity, and the promise of the Medina beyond, creating a compelling narrative in your photographs. Reddit

Navigating Crowds and Heat

Tunis can experience significant heat, especially in August, making Place de la Victoire Bab Bhar Square a welcome spot with its refreshing ground fountains. These water features are not just decorative; they provide a tangible way to cool down amidst the urban heat. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated and consider timing their visit to avoid the peak midday sun. Reddit

The square's role as a major transit point means it can get crowded. One common observation from visitors is that while the entrance to the Medina might experience temporary congestion, often due to logistical movements like transporting goods, this usually subsides quickly. Patience is key, and understanding that this is part of the lively character of the area can enhance the experience. The advice is to be prepared for bustling conditions but not to be deterred, as the energy is part of its charm. Reddit

When planning your visit, aiming for early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more comfortable experience in terms of both temperature and crowd levels. These times also provide excellent lighting for photography, capturing the square's architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere without the harshest sun. The evening brings a different kind of energy, with the square often illuminated and buzzing with activity.

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