Going to Port El Kantaoui in Tunisia next week. Bit apprehensive as it's the first time I have had an holiday in a Muslim Country.
Can anyone tell me what are things like there on Friday the Muslim holy day, is it quiet, are the shops closed? Is it worth while  going to Tunis on a Friday, or on any other excursion  for that matter if things are closed, or do they cater for tourist  seven days a week?
                    
                                    
            
                
                Hi, I don't know about Tunisia (never having been there) but we go to Turkey and we have never had a problem in the tourist areas on a Friday.  It may be different if you are outside the main tourist areas, but I am sure you will be fine.  Have a good holiday.
                
                
                
                                    
            
            
        
                
                Been to Tunisia many times.Friday is no different to any other day,all the shops are open,nothing any different to any other day,not that Ive noticed.
                
                
                
                                    
            
            
        
                
                Only thing different is that locals can't buy alcohol in some shops on a Friday.  I have never found this affected tourists.
                
                
                
                                    
            
            
        
                
                The only difference I'd say to be aware of is that it won't be the best day to do any excursions that include visiting the mosques or holy sights eg Kairrouan.  Non-muslims aren't allowed into the prayer halls at anytime but even the outer precincts are likely to be crowded for Friday prayers.  It's the equivalent of advising visitors to the UK that Sunday isn't the best day to plan a tourist visit to St Paul's or Canterbury Cathedral - no one will refuse you entry but you won't be able to freely wander round either.  
Linked to that, it's worth remembering that Friday is not just a holy day but a holiday in that this will be the one none working day of the week for many people so you will see lots of families doing things together, out and about enjoying themselves, so this is often the day you'll see loads of locals on the beaches etc. And just like here that can mean shopping too - the Friday market at Nabuel is huge and whilst a lot of the stalls are now aimed at tourists you'll see lots of locals doing their 'weekend shop' too. If you're staying in PEK it's probably a bit far to go there but Friday in Tunisia is a combination of both Saturday and Sunday here. Brilliant for people watching and getting an insight into local culture.
SM
            
        Linked to that, it's worth remembering that Friday is not just a holy day but a holiday in that this will be the one none working day of the week for many people so you will see lots of families doing things together, out and about enjoying themselves, so this is often the day you'll see loads of locals on the beaches etc. And just like here that can mean shopping too - the Friday market at Nabuel is huge and whilst a lot of the stalls are now aimed at tourists you'll see lots of locals doing their 'weekend shop' too. If you're staying in PEK it's probably a bit far to go there but Friday in Tunisia is a combination of both Saturday and Sunday here. Brilliant for people watching and getting an insight into local culture.
SM
                
                Never noticed a difference at all, I think countries are different on this one, maldives was even quieter on island on fridays, but tunisia is fine. 
 
                
                
                
                                    
            
            
        
 
                
                
                
                                    
            
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