Marché Central

Under its colonial-era iron roof, the central market sells fish fresh off the boats, pyramids of spices, olives by the dozen varieties and dates from the south.

History

The market was built during the French protectorate, at the edge of the new European quarter beside the medina.

Customs

Come in the morning when the fish hall is full. Vendors will happily let you taste olives.

Food

Buy deglet nour dates, harissa and a jar of "bsissa", a roasted barley and spice flour.

Best time

Before noon, when the stalls are fullest.

Tunisia is one of the largest olive oil exporters in the world, and many families still buy their year's oil in bulk straight after the winter harvest.