Travel during Ramadan: Ask the Experts
Q. We want to go to Tunisia in September during Ramadan. Will the shops, markets and bazaars be closed? We’re not the types just to sit around the pool all day.
A. In 2010, Ramadan runs from August 11 to September 9. It’s a fascinating time to visit a Muslim country such as Tunisia.
You’ll find the shops, bazaars and cafes open as usual during the morning, but many will close at lunchtime and most will remain shut all afternoon. Almost everywhere reopens in the evening, once people have eaten.
Taxis can be hard to find in the afternoon, and no alcohol is served outside of the hotel bars and restaurants, where business continues as normal throughout Ramadan.
Our advice is to spend your mornings out and about, then relax back at your hotel in the afternoon before heading back into town for the evening. It will give you a real insight into local Tunisian customs at this important time of year.
Find holiday ideas in Tunisia.
Other interesting destinations during Ramadan include Oman, Dubai and Egypt.
- David and Mark