Backpackers visiting the Maghreb (the North African region of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) overwhelmingly visit Morocco. But while Algeria is largely closed to international tourism, Tunisia is open and welcomes tourists from around the world. In some respects, Tunisia is a forgotten gem of North Africa - and one only explored by the more intrepid traveler.

Hostels are hard to come by in Tunisia - as of September 2022, there is only one listed on Hostelworld.com called Hostel Auberge El Medina. But that hostel is a special hostel and one that is worth visiting - even if one is not planning to stay there. It could just as easily be a small museum as a hostel - it is a place where one can really feel the history of the city.

Hostel Auberge El Medina - The 700-Year Museum-Like Hostel

As one walks into the hostel, one wonders how it could be a hostel. It looks more like a venue for a traditional restaurant or like a venue for a wedding or something.

Hostel Auberge El Medina is located in the historic Medina (historic Ottoman city center) of the capital, Tunis. It is one of the original buildings of the city with a long and storied history. It was built around 700 years ago and has been used in many ways ranging from an Islamic school for girls (perhaps a bit like a convent) to an Ottoman military garrison.

• Age: 700 Years Old
• Architectural Influences: Tunisian Arab, Spanish, Ottoman

Over its many years, it has seen the influence of different cultures. It was built by Muslim Tunisians; it went on to get Spanish and Ottoman influence in its later renovations and redecorations. The building is richly decorated with patterned tiles, hanging vines, traditional furniture, and more.

The central area of the hostel is a spacious courtyard with columns and ample seating. It is enclosed by a large and impressive dome.

Related: Monastir Is One Of Tunisia's Most Stunning Destinations

The Cultural Vibe Of Hostel Auberge

The historic building that the hostel occupies is owned by the Tunisian government and managed by a non-profit association. The aim of the hostel is not to make money but for cultural exchange. The hope is for people to come from around the world to mingle and exchange cultural values.

The hostel seeks to promote an atmosphere of interaction among guests. One of the activities they do (mostly in the cooler months) is group cooking. Tunisians and foreign backpackers work together to make traditional Tunisian food in its historic kitchen.

The hostel is not like most other hostels one may be familiar with. It is the opposite of a party hostel, and guests are expected to keep quiet after 10.00 am (sound travels and permeates the rooms of those sleeping).

Location And Staff Of Hostel Auberge

Hostel Auberge is located in the heart of the Medina and only a two-minute walk from the traditional souks (bazaar), which buzz with life. Around the hostel are traditional residences, traditional Tunisian cafés on the streets, the grand historic mosque of Tunis (around 1100 years old), and traditional workshops.

• Location: Tunis Medina

The workshops are a hive of activity as people make traditional Tunisian wares by hand (like traditional hats, carpet weaving, and hand-decorated metal crockeries like cups and kettles).

Tunisia is a country where it can be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. After booking the property, guests receive an email with the person phone numbers of the staff. Guests can call them, and they will help with taxis from the airport and find their way through the rabbit warrens of the old Medina to the hostel.

Many of the staff are local volunteers who wish to help international visitors and learn about international travel. They are welcoming and very helpful for anyone trying to plan their stay while in Tunisia.

Related: This Ancient Roman Theater In Tunisia Is Still Used For Traditional Performances

Hostel Auberge El Medina Accommodation

The hostel has a few private rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms, as well as some single rooms. It has four dorms with four beds each. The dorms are separated as male only and female only, although the bathrooms are shared. Two of the dorms are air-conditioned (a big deal during the summer months).

The hostel has a total of around 36 beds (16 of which are in the four dorms).

Accommodation Options:

• Private Rooms: Twin Beds, Shared Bathrooms (Also Single Rooms)
• Dorm Beds: 4-Bed Dorms (Gender Separated)
• Dorm Bed Price: 50 Tunisian Dinar ($15.00)
• Private Room Price: $25.00

For those visiting the small (and incredibly green) country of Slovenia - another unique hostel is Hostel Celica (a former political prison-come hostel that preserves the bars of the prison). It is also owned by the government and used as a means to remember the troubled past and change the future.

Tunisia can be visited any time of the year, but the summer months are very hot. While there is air conditioning in some of the rooms, most of the hostel can be very hot.