Souk el Attarine of Tunis

The perfumers' souk of the Tunis medina, this covered lane near the Zitouna Mosque has long specialised in scents, essential oils, incense and traditional cosmetics. Shops display bottles of jasmine, orange-blossom and musk essences alongside soaps, henna and grooming preparations rooted in local custom. As one of the oldest specialist markets in the walled city, it belongs to the guild-organised network of souks that clustered by trade around the central mosque. Its fragrant passages open the medina to the senses.