Hammamet: The Jewel of Tunisia's Coastline

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aatharana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [ana la aakul al'lhuum]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [idhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itsal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itsal batabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatlau]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bikam hadha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghaali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka takhfid alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة و النصف
  [al'ashirah wa alnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهيرة
  [aldhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thlatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisa'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'unnwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkharytah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhaflah altalyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkirah (ila...)]

Hammamet, initially known as 'Pupput,' was first settled by the Phoenicians around the 5th century BC. The city later came under Roman control, becoming an important commercial and agricultural center. The remains of Roman villas, baths, and aqueducts in and around Hammamet bear testament to this period of prosperity.

With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Hammamet saw significant cultural and architectural changes. The construction of the Great Mosque and the Hammamet Kasbah, both of which date back to this period, marked the city's transformation into a fortified Islamic town. These structures remain key historical landmarks.

In the 16th century, Hammamet fell under Ottoman rule. The Ottomans reinforced the city’s fortifications and further developed its maritime defenses. The influence of Ottoman architecture and culture is evident in the city’s traditional houses and public buildings, many of which feature distinctive arched doorways and ornate tile work.

The French colonization of Tunisia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries left a lasting impact on Hammamet. The city became a popular retreat for French artists, writers, and intellectuals. The establishment of the luxurious George Sebastian Villa in the 1920s, which hosted many prominent figures, exemplifies this influence.

Following Tunisia’s independence in 1956, Hammamet experienced significant growth and modernization. The development of tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and cultural centers, transformed Hammamet into a premier tourist destination. This period also saw the preservation and restoration of historical sites, blending the city’s rich heritage with modern amenities.

Hammamet is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. The International Festival of Hammamet, held annually since 1964, showcases a diverse range of music, theater, and dance performances. The city’s medina, with its narrow streets, bustling souks, and historical landmarks, remains a living museum of Tunisian culture and traditions.

Hammamet is located on the southeast coast of the Cap Bon Peninsula in Tunisia. The nearest international airport is Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, approximately 40 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle to Hammamet. Alternatively, Tunis-Carthage International Airport, around 70 kilometers away, offers more extensive international connections. From Tunis, you can reach Hammamet by taxi, rental car, or train. The train journey from Tunis to Hammamet takes about 1.5 hours.

In Hammamet, taxis and local buses are the primary means of transportation. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Make sure to agree on a fare or ensure the meter is running to avoid misunderstandings. Public buses and minibuses (louages) offer affordable travel options within the city and to nearby towns. For more flexibility, renting a car is a viable option, with several rental agencies available in Hammamet.

The official currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Hammamet. Ensure you have some dinars upon arrival, as foreign currency exchanges might not always be immediately accessible.

Hammamet is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The Medina area, while charming and historic, can attract pickpockets, so remain vigilant. Avoid flashing valuables and be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.

In case of an emergency, dial 197 for police assistance, 190 for medical emergencies, and 198 for fire services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Hammamet has several medical facilities and pharmacies where you can get assistance and purchase over-the-counter medications. The main hospital in the area is the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Tahar Sfar.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight bow. Men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hammamet like a local, visit the bustling Medina, where you can buy local crafts and souvenirs. Take a stroll along the beach promenade at sunset for a picturesque view. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Hammamet Fort and the International Cultural Centre, which offer insights into the region's rich heritage. For a unique experience, try a traditional hammam (bathhouse) to relax and rejuvenate.