La Marsa draws thousands seeking Tunis's best beach and café culture

At the northern end of the TGM light-rail line, the coastal town of La Marsa is where much of Tunis heads to unwind. Part of Greater Tunis and home to a substantial population, it combines a working town with a long-standing role as the capital's favourite seaside retreat.

The town's defining feature is its seafront. A corniche runs along the coast, giving walkers and cyclists an uninterrupted stretch beside the Mediterranean, while the beach draws families and swimmers through the warmer months. In the evenings the promenade fills with people out for a stroll, and the sea breeze makes it a welcome contrast to the busier centre of Tunis.

La Marsa is also known for its café culture. Historic cafés near the seafront are traditional gathering places, and the town's many terraces make it easy to settle in for a long drink while watching the coast. The mix of local life and relaxed seaside atmosphere is a large part of the town's appeal.

Getting there could hardly be simpler. The TGM connects La Marsa directly to central Tunis, passing through La Goulette, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd along the way, so it is easy to combine a morning of sightseeing with an afternoon by the sea. The line runs frequently for much of the day, making La Marsa a practical outing even without a car.

For visitors, La Marsa offers a change of pace from the monuments and museums of the city centre: a place to walk by the water, eat well and see how residents of the capital spend their leisure time. Pair it with nearby Sidi Bou Saïd for a full day exploring the northern coast of Greater Tunis.