Tunis reveals its scholarly heritage through a collection of beautifully preserved madrasas, each bearing witness to centuries of intellectual pursuit. Over 20 madrasas are spread over the Medina of Tunis, some of them seven centuries old. The role these madrasas played has evolved over time. The Madrasa Slimania, founded by 18th-century ruler Ali Pasha, stands out with its ornate prayer hall and elevated entrance porch. Where student cells once housed scholars, medical professionals now work beneath the same vaulted ceilings. Nearby, the Madrasa El Bachia has transitioned from Quranic school to artisan workshops, its courtyard fountain silent but its creative spirit alive. The Madrasa Palmier (or Madrasa Ennakhla) maintains its original purpose as a centre for Quranic studies, its namesake palm still shading the courtyard behind formidable studded doors. Meanwhile, El Khaldounia represents a bridge between tradition and modernity. Established in 1896 near Souk Al Attarine, this progressive institution now serves as a bilingual library, honouring Ibn Khaldoun’s legacy of critical thought.

With a mission to bring science to all kinds of audiences, Glasgow Science Centre on the south bank of the River Clyde houses numerous events, workshops and exhibitions. Surely they have IMAX, but it has some serious competitors on the entertainment front, such as the bodyworks show and the science theatre.

Dar Lasram, a grand 19th-century mansion that once belonged to the important Lasram family, now houses the offices of the Association for the Protection of the Medina of Tunis. It was among the first historic buildings restored by the association. Inside, you’ll find stately courtyards and rooms adorned with intricate tilework, alongside a small exhibition on the association’s efforts to preserve the Medina’s heritage.