Can I Drink Alcohol in Tunisia During a Tour?

Drinking Alcohol in Tunisia

Although wine making in Tunisia dates back to the Punic era, modern Tunisia is both a Muslim country as well as a popular tourist destination for non-Muslim tourists from Western countries. The purchase and use of alcohol in Tunisia are restricted to a certain degree, but it is not completely forbidden.

Where to Buy Alcohol in Tunisia

Wine and beer as well as other types of alcohol are sold in some upscale restaurants, hotel resorts, bars and nightclubs. There could be a hefty markup on the alcohol in some of these places, so t is wise to check out prices before ordering so you will not be surprised with the bill.

There are also large supermarkets such as Carrefour and Géant that sell wine, beer and possibly some hard liquor imported from abroad. The alcohol is stored in a separate enclosed area within the supermarket. This area may be guarded by a security guard and also have its own opening hours from 12 noon to 6:30pm. Keep in mind that the selling of any type of alcohol in Tunisia is forbidden during official Muslim holidays and on Fridays which is considered a holy day in Islam.

When looking for alcohol in Tunisia, you can consider the following local alcohol drinks:

Beer: Celtic which is the locally brewed beer.

Boukha: Boukha is 100% Tunisian and is a spirit made from figs. Boukha has the taste of regular vodka, but with a subtle citrus flavour. This is rarely consumed in its pure form, but is typically mixed with juice into cocktails. Bokobsa is the preferred brand of Boukha, but there are other more affordable brands.

Wine: Tunisia produces about 40 million bottles of wine each year, and it is possible to visit some of the vineyards for wine sampling.

Where to Consume Alcohol in Tunisia

Firstly, the legal drinking age in Tunisia is 18 years old.

Secondly, consuming alcohol in public is not acceptable. Unlike many parts of Europe, you should not bring your alcoholic beverages to the local beach or local park to consume. If you are looking for a drink with a nice view, the coastal region of Tunisia has many beachside restaurants or beach bars that sell alcohol. Some restaurants may even allow their customers to bring their own wine.

Quick Tip for Female Travellers

Female travellers should be extra cautious when entering bars away from the hotel resorts. Most larger cities will have at least a few bars, but there are a few select bars that can refuse to let women in. Some bars might even ask for your passport to check your nationality. Always check on the bar’s environment before deciding to stay. If you are staying at a resort hotel, they will likely serve alcohol, so drinking at your hotel can be a safe option.

Drinking at the Hotel

Many tourists prefer booking their resort hotel stay in all-inclusive which includes all meals and unlimited drinks. That way, they can enjoy their beverages without having to worry about finding the right amount of change every time you want a drink. 

Respecting the Locals

While the purchase and consumption of alcohol in Tunisia is permissible with some restrictions, it is still a very sensitive topic which Tunisians have a wide range of attitudes towards it. Some will downright condemn it for religious reasons. Others will reject it for personal reasons, while others will find no problem at all with it. Thus, if you plan to drink at all, we highly recommend you do it in a respectful way. This means drinking alcohol privately or in appropriate settings such as the hotel or a restaurant that serves alcohol.

If you are visiting Tunisia on a private tour, then your tour guide is your best source of information on how to navigate the cultural do’s and don’ts in Tunisia. With a private Tunisia tour, you can also explore the country on a customized itinerary with all of our recommendations for hotel accommodations, restaurants, and sightseeing activities. It is the perfect way to have a seamless hassle-free vacation.