best places to visit tunisia

Home » Travel Guides » Tunisia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Tunisia

15 Best Places to Visit in Tunisia

Trodden by the Berbers of old and raided by Barbary pirates, settled by the Phoenician Greeks, and then home to the mighty city of Carthage, Tunisia has a grand place in the annals of both the North African and European story. (After all, it was host to the only major rival to Rome across the entire Mediterranean basin for those formative centuries between the 800s BC and year zero.)

Add to that the mythical figures of Aeneas and Dido, along with tales of Arabic sultans and even Norman seafarers from the north, and it’s easy to see why this cut-out on the Maghreb is such a fascinating, culturally-rich place. Unfortunately, the great power struggles played out here have continued on into the modern age, giving rise to revolutions and counter-revolutions. Today, the government vies for control with hardline Islamists, there have been attacks on tourists, and FCO advice flits between cautious and uber-cautious. But when the dust settles and Tunisia stabilizes, it’s sure to take the breath away!

Lets explore the best places to visit in Tunisia :

It doesn’t get much better than this for fans of the ancients.

Colossal arches and elliptical amphitheaters to rival even the Colosseum in Rome are what mark the horizon of famous El Djem.

Tagged by UNESCO, the city is a modern one built right atop an old one, with the occasional ruin of Roman homes and arcades popping up on the corners.

Many sights have been preserved thanks to the billowing dust storms of the surrounding Sahara, but a lack of large-scale archaeology means that the main attraction remains the huge Amphitheatre of Thysdrus.

Delve in and stroll the changing rooms of gladiators, or stand where ancient governors once did atop the fighting pits.

2. Houmt Souk

The undisputed jewel of Djerba island comes topped with the adobe domes of the Bordj el Kabir fort, which was raised in the 1400s and 1500s to protect the harbor on the Gulf of Gabes below.

Over the centuries, everyone from the Numidians to the Arabs to the Spaniards to the Ottomans have made their home in this tactical position on the edge of the Med.

Accordingly, history oozes from every dust-caked pore.

There are the traditional fondouks quarters of medieval merchants left in the Old Town.

There colorful pottery bazaars, whitewashed synagogues, Turkic mosques, and lively marketplaces selling olive oils and chickpea broths.

Still reeling from the horrific terror attacks of 2015, the seaside city of Sousse is now much less loud about its beauties.

But the beauties are there nonetheless.

They lurk between the tight-knit alleyways of the town’s historic medina; they ooze from the simple and elegant rises of the Aghlabite Great Mosque; they beckon from the formidable bulwarks of the old Ribat citadel above the place.

And away from the steaming Ottoman hammams and colorful Maghreb souks of the town proper, there are gorgeous beaches that sparkle turquoise blue, all fringed with luxurious hotels and palm-lined promenades.

4. Sidi Bou Said

You could be forgiven for thinking that you’d made the hop across the Med to the islands of the Greek Aegean as you enter the vibrant interior of Sidi Bou Said town, sat just 20 kilometers from bustling Tunis.

Yep, the sky-blue and whitewashed color scheme here is more than reminiscent of towns in Santorini and Mykonos.

However, this one’s interesting hues were actually started by the French musicologist Rodolphe d’Erlanger.

He first plastered the stucco walls of his home with the endearing tones in the 20s, and his palatial mansion at the Ennejma Ezzahra is a now a museum to his legacy.

Every trip to Tunisia should include a jaunt to the great desert of the Sahara, whose shifting sands and dry escarpments begin here in earnest.

And where better for a taste of the dry life than the adobe mud town of Tozeur? This oases settlement in the extreme south-west of the nation is a veritable masterpiece of Berber tradition.

For starters, it’s surrounded by swathes of verdant date palm blooms that rise straight from the ochre-hued earth.

And then there’s its medina city, with filigrees and carvings and brick artistry straight from the old arabesque world.

Pass under the great arches of the Bab el Bhar (the Port de France) and you’ll see both sides to this fascinating capital: the French side and the Maghreb side.

In the former, the so-called Ville Nouvelle, the traces of rule from Paris are all too evident.

There are wide, tree-peppered avenues.

There are coffee shops spilling onto the sidewalks.

There are grand cathedrals with Gothic elements.

And on the latter side of town; the African side, things take a turn for the arabesque.

Lively souks packed with kaleidoscopic fabrics crawl and sprawl over one another.

The shouts of hawkers touting spice echo, and the scents of tagines and mint teas mix with camel skin lamps and shisha pipes.

7. Kairouan

Nearly 1,500 years of history meets between the dust-caked desert hills around Kairouan.

A city famed for its long connection to the Islamic world, it’s been a center of Sunni teachings since at least the 7th century.

Cue the mighty rises of the Great Mosque of Kairouan: a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws thousands of pilgrims to its prayer rooms and enclosures each year.

Once you’ve wondered at that amazing Aghlabid relic, be sure to wander the old medina and its whitewashed cottages, taste sweet Tunisian pastries in the bakeries there, and seek out the interesting Mosque of the Three Gates.

8. Monastir

Most people will know Monastir for the great citadel fortress that bears its moniker.

And it’s true that the Monastir Ribat, topped with its crenulated parapets and red stone bulwarks, is unquestionably the major attraction in town.

(After all, it was one of the filming locations in the hit film Monty Python’s The Life of Brian). However, there are other things to see and do here, like trace the Muslim influence at sites like the Mausoleum of Bourguiba, or wonder up at the colossal city mosque (dating from the 1000s no less!).

UNESCO World Heritage fame marks the crumbling peristyles and age-cracked temples of Dougga out from many of North Africa’s other mighty ancient sites.

Once Roman, the remains of the entire city here are considered some of the best-preserved in the region.

Travelers come to gawp at the looming Doric columns of the Dougga Theatre, standing tall over the green fields of the Beja Governorate.

They come to walk the old cobbled Roman roads, or to see the relics of shrines to Jupiter and the Imperial Cult.

There are also bathhouses, soaring mausoleums, and in-tact sewer systems to encounter.

10. Carthage

The very name of Carthage evokes romantic tales of Greek seafarers, figures like Aeneas and Dido from the heroic age, and stories of mighty battles on the Alps and Mediterranean Seas.

That all makes it easy to see why this sprawling ruined site just outside of Tunis is one of the most-visited attractions in all of Tunisia.

However, the centuries of Punic wars and Muslim invasions have left it abandoned more than once, and the remains of Carthage are not as awe-inspiring as some of the country’s other Roman treats.

It’s worth coming though, if only to stand where great generals in the ilk of Hannibal once did!

It’s hard not to be taken by the elegance of Sfax.

Old and eclectic, it bears all the hallmarks you’d expect of a city trodden by Sicilian kings and Spanish invaders, Barbary pirates and Ottoman imperialists.

Moorish traits pockmark the old Kasbah, mingling with Rococo and colonial elements, while the great city walls look like something plucked straight out of Aladdin.

Meanwhile, the gorgeous Place de la Republique is trotted by horses and carts, and the Sfax War Cemetery is a sobering reminder of the great struggles that occurred in North Africa between Allied and Axis forces during the 20th century.

It’s just a stone’s throw from Douz to the sweeping sand plains of the Jebil National Park – one of the great natural treasures of southern Tunisia.

So, it’s not for nothing that this far-flung town in the south is considered the gateway to the Sahara.

It’s home to purring camels, and weathered Berber tour guides who are eager to lead expeditions on humpback into the scorched wilds.

It’s worth getting in the saddle and following them, because wonders like the salt flats of Chott al-Jerid and the shifting Grand Erg await there!

13. Hammamet

Hammamet sits on the southern bends of the Cap Bon, enjoying the lapping waves and soothing salt-packed breezes of the Mediterranean Sea.

The town magnetizes visitors with its enchanting appearance, which comes as a curious mélange of Spanish, Sicilian and Castilian architecture, all balanced out by the ubiquitous Maghreb medina town of whitewashed adobe homes and palm-sprouting streets.

However, it’s the beaches here that really take the biscuit.

Head down to sun-kissed Hammamet Sud, where loungers meet jet skis meet sunbathers meet SCUBA outfitters.

Palm-peppered Zarzis (also spelled Jarjis) is a place that proudly touts its fringing of shimmering beaches and resorts.

Lined up all along the Mediterranean to the north and south of town, they are amongst the most popular of destinations for package holidayers in search of Tunisia’s medley of sun, sand, sea, and unrelenting desert heat.

The town itself is a modern, built-up place that hides the centuries of Roman and Arabic history beneath.

You’ll see grand mosques looming above the street corners, the occasional olive oil seller, and whitewashed villas shrouded by oases.

15. Matmata

Matmata entered the field of public attention when it became the home of a certain Luke Skywalker in the stories of Star Wars way back in 1976. In fact, the spot is one of many in a long line of filming locations found throughout Tunisia, but might just be the most famous.

The backdrop for the iconic lands of Tatooine were the interesting troglodyte houses of the locals here, which are carved straight into the dusty earth and painted white to reflect the sun.

You can still see them, along with other cool examples of cave dwellings in the dusty surrounds of Gabes.

15 Best Places to Visit in Tunisia:

• Sidi Bou Said

20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tunisia

Although it’s famous for its warm winter sun, dunes and elegant spas, the smallest country in North Africa is not always synonymous with beauty. Still, of course, beauty is subjective and I think it’s vastly underrated and is home to many places easily worthy of the word!

From magical mountain oases and atmospheric holy cities to some of the most sought-after beach resorts and from my time spent exploring this unique country, here are my favourite spots…

1. Hammamet

Once a humble fishing village surrounded by lemon groves, Hammamet is now a thriving beach resort town with numerous hotels.

Sharing the same Mediterranean coastline as Egypt , this is one of Tunisia’s first tourist destinations due to its fine beaches and warm waters, perfect for water sports. The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and I’m a huge fan of this place! 

It’s not all about all-inclusive hotels and sunbathing. Hammamet has a beautiful historic centre crisscrossed with narrow alleyways. Here, you’ll find an attractive medina and a 12th-century Kasbah, which I highly recommend exploring.

Location: – Hammamet is in Nabeul Governorate east of Tunisia, less than an hour’s drive from Tunis airport.

Book A Trip!

We can book your trip hopping around Tunisia’s beautiful places through our free, top-rated travel planning service !

2. Sidi Bou Said

Tunisia’s prettiest town is perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. Its gorgeous traditional houses have been whitewashed to perfection and beautifully accented with flashes of brilliant blue.

It’s long been a bohemian enclave, but with a few trendy boutique hotels popping up, it now attracts a more well-heeled crowd.

I suggest exploring the narrow, cobbled streets with cafes, art shops, and souvenir stalls framed by abundant fragrant, cascading flowers. The town also makes a great base to explore the nearby Roman ruins of Carthage.

Location: Sidi Bou Said is a town located in northern Tunisia, about 25 minutes drive from Tunis airport.

Located right on the coast, this former military port is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and UNESCO World Heritage site status. It’s both a bustling tourist resort and a beautifully preserved place. In my opinion, it is a fine example of a town dating from the first centuries of Islam.

Visit for outstanding Arabo-Muslim and Mediterranean architecture, including ramparts, a Ftata Mosque, a typical ribat and a medina, also home to the city’s Great Mosque.

Location: Sousse is located on the Tunisian Sahel coast in the centre of the country, a 2-hour drive from Tunis airport

4. Port El Kantaoui 

Luxury is everywhere in Port El Kantaoui. Beach resorts throughout the area cater to every waking need of their high-end visitors, but rest assured; you do not have to be a part of the luxury sect to enjoy the sheer beauty of Port El Kantaoui.

This Tunisian destination is ideal for tourists from every walk of life, whether you want to relax along the coastline and soak up some sun or dive beneath the surface of the water for some supreme snorkelling.

I personally think it’s everything you could want from a luxury coastal destination is all in one location here! 

Location: Port El Kantaoui is located 10 kilometres north of Sousse city in central Tunisia, around an hour and 40 minutes drive from Tunis Airport

With a population of around 170,000, Djerba is not considered a small village.

It is also among the more popular tourist areas in the country, but people do not simply come to Djerba for access to the spectacular beach or even for its handmade crafts throughout the city.

People enjoy a more diverse religious culture in Djerba that is not accentuated as much in any other part of Tunisia. Here, you can learn about a new religion and culture while enjoying a picturesque coastal destination. I love this place! 

Location: Djerba is a large island in southeastern Tunisia. Many people drive from Tunis airport, stopping on the way, as it’s a 6-hour trip. Once near, you can get a ferry to the island.

Nabeul is not just a fine place for locals to enjoy but also Tunisia’s first seaside resort! On both sides of this easy-on-the-eye resort, you are engulfed by illustrious Mediterranean Sea views.

Nabeul has been charming locals and visitors alike since the 5th century BC and has also charmed me! There are also many hotels and guest houses to stay in to take advantage of the beautiful beaches here.

Today, artisans throughout Nabeul are known for making some of the most beautiful mosaics, painted dishes, potteries, and wall tiles, so I highly recommend visiting one of the many shops dotted along this remarkably beautiful coastal city.

Location: Nabeul is a coastal town located in northeastern Tunisia, just over an hour’s drive from Tunis airport

7. Cap Bon Area 

The peninsula lying at the country’s Northeastern tip is so alluring that it’s often referred to as the “garden of Tunisia.” It’s also a popular resort area, but it’s popular for a reason.

Filled with sun-drenched beaches with a clear blue sea, thermal springs, fragrant eucalyptus trees, lush palms and sweet-smelling flora this area I personally think this place deserves a place on this list!

Location: is a peninsula in far northeastern Tunisia located around an hour and 20 minutes from Tunis airport

A charming and authentic resort in northern Tunisia is one of those places where you can stay and live like a local for a while, far from the tourist crowds. 

Aside from a beautiful long sandy beach, other reasons to visit here include the picturesque old port with gently bobbing boats, a pretty coastline, and an incredible road cut into the coast. I would highly recommend trying out some of the excellent restaurants also located here!

Location: Bizerte is the northernmost city in Africa, an hour’s drive from Tunis Airport.

9. Tunis Medina, Tunis 

In my opinion, the most striking part of the country’s capital city is the old Arab-walled town, otherwise known as the Medina. Expect fine examples of Arab architecture and lively souqs where everything from household goods to gold can be bartered for.

The atmosphere is intoxicating, and it gives you a taste of what life was like in the Arabian opulence era, which reigned from the 12th to the 16th centuries. I would highly recommend a visit!

Location: Located in the capital of Tunis on the northeastern coast, about a 20-minute drive from Tunis airport.

10. Monastir Ribat 

A visit to Monastir Ribat is essential to get the most out of your Tunisian adventure. Today, Monastir Ribat is considered a holy site as it maintains two mosques servicing the city of Monastir, but it was not always so calm there.

In 796, Monastir Riba was built as a military structure to ward off invaders. Throughout its many-century history, rooms and additions have been added to ensure the building is always relevant.

I recommend enjoying walking around Monastir Riba and taking pictures of various architectural feats throughout its history! 

11. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax

Strolling around Sfax will allow you to see many beautiful locations, such as the Museum of Architecture. Still, if you are looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy Tunisia’s natural beauty, Plage de Caffar is the place to be.

This beach destination has a mild climate and white, sandy beaches. It is where locals bring their families to enjoy fun in the sun in Tunisia.

Although it is a popular place for tourists and locals alike, this beach remains a calm, relaxing area to enjoy any time of the year.

12. Chebika

Of course, it’s all a matter of opinion, but arguably, the most beautiful places in Tunisia are far from the cities. Chebika, which lies at the foot of the mountains of the Djebel el Negueb, is a perfect example.

Here, an Eden-like oasis of beautiful waterfalls, curious caverns, and date palms surviving in rocky clefts is a dramatic sight – unsurprisingly, a popular tourist haunt.

It’s also popular with film directors, as scenes from Star Wars Episode IV and The English Patient were shot in this area.

13. The Sahara

Visitors should include the world’s largest desert on their itinerary, and tours arranged by most resort towns can reach the Sahara.

The Eastern Sand Sea (Grand Erg Oriental) covers a large part of Southern Tunisia. It’s a magical place where scenes from Star Wars and The English Patient were once filmed.

The area is best explored by jeep, but to really up the romance stakes, include an overnight stay in a traditional tent. Ensure you don’t miss Nefta, the most beautiful dunes in Tunisia and Chott el Jerid, a vast salt lake.

14. Matmata & the Ksour 

Movie fans would instantly recognise the intriguing troglodytic houses of Matmata. When director George Lucas visited here, he was so taken with the area that he used it as a set in his famous Star Wars films.

I love that it’s a uniquely beautiful place, home to attractive honeycomb-esque granaries known as ghorfas. The curious architecture style stems from fortified Berber settlements and is so unusual that it almost looks other-worldly.

15. Chott el Djerid

Unique is a word thrown around by visitors to Chott el Djerid. When visiting, you might believe you have seen it before. If you are a Star Wars fan, you probably have as many Tatooine scenes shot in this location.

Chott el Djerid is a saltwater lake, and throughout the year, geological changes change the water’s colour—it turns all kinds of crazy hues: purple, pink, and red.

I would suggest walking along the water’s edge and seeing its natural salt deposits. A popular activity for Chott el Djerid visitors is to fly over the lake in a paraglider to get a bird’s eye view of its amazing beauty.

16. Tamerza

The largest mountain oasis in the country is also a popular beauty spot and has an abandoned old town. Located in the mountains north of the salt lakes, it’s an intriguing place with two waterfalls, an oasis, and deep gorges.

The town was abandoned after the 1962 river floods, and today, it’s eerily quiet. I suggest making sure you include a visit to nearby Mides, another mountain oasis home to a spectacular canyon.

17. Kairouan

This important holy city has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Founded in 670, it has a rich architectural heritage, an attractive medina, and lively souqs.

My favorite highlights include the Great Mosque of Okba – one of Tunisia’s largest and oldest mosques and the 9th-century Mosque of the Three Gates.

18. Ichkeul Lake 

Beaches and coastal destinations have their allure, but Ichkeul Lake has an attraction of its own. If your destination is northern Tunisia, I personally think Ichkeul Lake is the place to go.

For those who enjoy bird watching, this lake boasts intricate wetlands that attract thousands of migrant birds each year, including the stunning flamingo.

Although construction on the dam for the lake has changed its ecological standpoint somewhat, birds and wildlife such as ducks, storks, flamingos and geese are still prevalent in the area.

19. Bou-Hedma National Park

National parks are treasures to behold, and in 1980, Bou-Hedma National Park was founded in Tunisia. Today, it is on the list of UNESCO heritage sites for its ecological significance and illustrious history. It is home to ancient Roman structures beautifully preserved within the park.

Animals such as Gazelles can be seen throughout the park, but endangered creatures such as the Addax Antelope also call Bou-Hedma National Park home.

A museum was recently built within the park’s borders to help you learn more about the park and its ongoing conservation efforts. I suggest visiting if you can to learn about this interesting area.

Please always check the latest government advice before deciding on any travel destination.

Scott Balaam - writer and photographer Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Australia, Ireland, UK and the USA but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting thirst for culture, good food and great football. In his spare time Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, the rest of Italy, Amsterdam, USA, Athens, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Find Scott on Linkedin , Instagram , or Twitter . Hotel Reviewing Experience –Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Sweden ,  OET (Spanish Tourism Office) , Sultanate of Oman and  Travel Alberta . Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . Also mentioned as a top UK travel journalist .

21 thoughts on “20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tunisia”

thanks for posting these pictures but i have so much pictures and they are better btw

Thanks for sharing such mind blowing pictures from Tunisia. So money saving starts for my next year’s vacation 🙂

Tunisia is amazing indeed! You can take a look at my post about Tunisian part of Sahara (linked below.

Such stunning pictures! It seems like there are so many different variety of places to visit in Tunisia with so many different cultural and environmental experiences. Definitely adding this place to my bucket list.

I’ve been recently and all these choices are good, I’d have to give a special mention to the Roman ruins and the spa hotels are pretty incredible too!

The spa hotels are gorgeous!

Well it definitely looks beautiful in these photos! I’ve never really considered it before as a travel destination to be honest, but it looks as though I’m missing out!

I love this list, I have never considered traveling in Tunisia, always somehow connected it with all inclusive cheap holidays deals until now, you have change my mind! Bravo!

Thanks Marysia, I’m glad we did! 🙂

So many beautiful places, Sidi Bou Said looks gorgeous!

OMG that shot in the Sahara!!!!! All those places look nice. But my last trip was Morocco so for the next few I will try something radically different. But I will keep in mind this post for the future! Thanks

These places in Tunisa looks amazing! Sidi Bou Said reminds me of Greece. Beautiful photos too!

I have never been to Tunisia, and dream about Sahara for years… Great list! Beautiful photos. Now I wanna go even more [smile]

Wow, I’m impressed. I’ve never thought about visit Tunisia, I even don’t know why, this place just haven’t have been on my mind, never. But looking at these photos it would be a shame if I wouldn’t go there.

Hope you get to go one day, it’s a very underrated place!

I would absolutely have to go to Tunisia just to visit the old Star Wars set! A lifelong dream come true for me and before the sand engulfs it permanently. I would love to sit and people watch in the Medina, Becky! That looks like so much fun. Btw…the pictures are amazing. Especially that one of the Sahara…wow 🙂

Not a place I had ever really though of visiting before until now. The moon pic is amazing! Adding this to the list..

Great list! Hammamet actually reminds me of a fish market in Bali, Indonesia!

Thanks Agness!

I like your list. I have to say I liked a few other places better and was really kind of disappointed in Sidi Bou Said,let alone where Star Wars was filmed, however I loved Tunisia. My favorite place by far was El Kef! Great post.

I have never been there, looks like some really nice places to visit .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The Tunisian Way

Learn about Tunisian life

Tunisia bucket list – 40 things to do and see in Tunisia

Are you looking for the ultimate Tunisia bucket list? Keep reading for 40 suggestions. I have spent months in Tunisia. But still, I haven’t seen all this country has to offer! I have seen and experienced a lot in Tunisia, and that’s why I wanted to share these things with you too. I have put together this Tunisia bucket list – 40 things to do and see in Tunisia. So, now you don’t need to spend ages researching things to do. From the charming Sidi Bou Said to camping in the Sahara Desert, this list includes all the must-do activities in Tunisia. I hope you find this Tunisia bucket list handy on your trip.

Tunisia bucket list - 40 things to do and see in Tunisia

1. wander around la medina, tunis.

La medina literally means city or town, which are known for narrow and maze-like streets. From La medina, you will find hundreds of little boutiques (=souks) that sell products from handcrafted jewelry to colorful carpets and vases. It’s easy to spend hours or even days wandering around La Medina. Visiting charming boutiques, stop at one of the many restaurants and cafes, admire brightly painted doorways, hammams, mosques, and madrassas. Visiting La medina is a mandatory place to visit. That’s why it is on this Tunisia bucket list – 40 things to do and see in Tunisia.

2. Tunisia bucket list: Have a day trip to Sidi Bou Said

Your trip to Tunisia won’t be complete without seeing Sidi Bou Said. It is one of the most famous and beautiful places in Tunisia. It’s known for blue and white houses and cobblestoned streets. This charming seaside town is located about 20km north of Tunis. This popular tourist attraction is definitely worth visiting. Stroll through the old town and explore art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and small boutiques. And do not forget to eat a well-known Bambalouni, a delicious Tunisian doughnut. At the end of the day have dinner in the restaurant La Villa Bleue : stunning view, beautiful milieu, and delightful food.

3. Tunisia bucket list: Visit Ez-Zitouna Mosque

I didn’t know much about Tunisia when I had my first trip there. But I had one thing in my mind: To visit the famous Zitouna mosque. This absolutely gorgeous mosque is located in the heart of Tunis Medina. If you are a non-Muslim then you have a right to visit just the courtyard, but it is definitely worth visiting. This place has an amazingly peaceful atmosphere, which makes it a great escape from the hectic Medina. Remember to dress correctly for the Mosque visit. Tip: women need to cover their hair. At the entrance, there are boutiques where you can borrow a scarf if you don’t have one with you.

4. Discover the Bardo National Museum

If you love culture and you are interested in the history of Tunisia, you should visit the Bardo National Museum . It happens to be one of the most important museums on the African continent. Additionally, they have a stunning collection of mosaics and sculptures. You can easily spend one day there and a lot of people say that it is a must thing to do in Tunisia.

5.Tunisia bucket list: Drink Tunisian coffee in one of the thousands of cafes

Tunisia has a really strong café culture. The atmosphere is really unique, which I have never experienced in any other country. It is a perfect opportunity to experience how Tunisian people live their everyday life. The cafes are the meeting points for Tunisian people and it’s really common to visit your local café many times per day. You will see cafes full of all kinds of people: a young, old, group of friends, foreigners, females, and males. On your visit try Tunisian espresso, capucin, direct, and qahwa Arbi (Arabic coffee). Here you find more information about Tunisian drinks.

6. Eat Bambalouni in Sidi Bou Said or La Goulette

Bambalouni is one of the traditional Tunisian sweets that you have try to on your trip. Famous Tunisian doughnut Bambalouni is usually served with sugar or chocolate sauce. You can buy this mouthwatering pastry from street vendors in Sidi Bou Said or La Goulette. If you have a big sweet tooth here you find a list of Tunisian sweets you should try on your trip .

7. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea

When I asked my husband what are the must things to do in Tunisia. The first thing he said is to swim. Tunisia has a long coastline with some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches. That is why Tunisia is a perfect destination for beach-lovers! Some of the best beaches are located in Hammamet, Monastir, Djerba, El Haouaria, Cap Angela and Sfax.

8. Go to see Flamingo Island (Ras R’mal)

Djerba is an island that is also a very popular tourist destination. It’s known for stunning beaches and picturesque villages with whitewashed houses. There is also a very magical place that you should visit without question. The exotic Flamingo Island is a mandatory place to visit when on Djerba. If you are willing to see thousands of beautiful flamingos then go to this island in the winter months October-February. During the summer the flamingos are not there. But with flamingos or not, this beautiful island is still worth visiting and a boat ride to this island is also a great experience.

9. Tunisia bucket list: Pay a visit to the Sahara Desert

If you are looking for an adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experience, visiting the Sahara Desert is one of the best things to do in Tunisia. I would say that to have a full experience you should stay overnight in Sahara. There is nothing more magical than eating dinner around a campfire, under the sky full of stars. If you are planning to have a day trip you can discover the dunes and oasis with camel ride, quad bikes, or 4W ride.

There are many great clubs, bars, and lounges to party in Tunisia. I am sure that you will find one that fits your wishes and expectations. If you are looking for a place to have fun, there is a great app called Ija, that you should download on your phone. You will see a list of clubs, bars, restaurants…Then you pick the place that suits you and you can do a reservation and hopefully, you got it accepted. Then when you enter the place, you simply show the accepted reservation.

One of the greatest things about traveling is to discover new food cultures. I love Tunisian food and I don’t mind that eating out is very affordable also. Tunisian cuisine is full of magical dishes, so you can easily try a new delicious meal every day. Here I have written guides for Tunisian dishes , sweets , and drinks . Those will help you at the beginning if you don’t know where to start. Tunisia is a perfect destination for foodies and people who love to eat.

12. 40 things to do and see in Tunisia: Go to Hammam

Hammam known also as the Turkish bath is a communal bathhouse. Hammams are an important part of Tunisian culture. I really recommend visiting a local Hammam during your trip as it is an experience that you don’t want to miss. So how does it work? Shortly answered, first you will sit in a steam room that will soften your skin. After that, the professional washers will give your full body scrub and wash your body. You will be shocked how much dead skin will get off. Men wear boxers or towels around their hips and women wear panties but you can also put a towel around your chest if you don’t feel comfortable. After the Hammam drink something refreshing like lemonade or Fanta.

13. Ride the camel

In Tunisia, you will see camels a little bit everywhere: at the beach, the Sahara Desert, or even in front of the café. There are many tour operators offering camel rides in the Sahara Desert, which will be a great experience for sure. Often, you will see people selling camel rides at the beach, which is a more affordable option than heading to the Sahara. If riding a camel is not a thing for you at least you can take a picture of this majestic animal.

14. Enjoy the live music

Now is your perfect opportunity to discover traditional and newer Tunisian music. Music is very important for Tunisian people, and it plays a big role in their lives. The Tunisian weddings and other celebrations are filled with traditional Tunisian music. So, if you have an opportunity to go to a live music concert, you really should go! In the concerts, the atmosphere is always very good and listening to traditional music is a great way to understand Tunisian culture. In addition, Tunisian people love to dance and have fun.

15. Tunisia bucket list: Go to the Arabic disco

If you are fed up with westerns style nightclubs, I recommend going to the Arabic disco. I remember my first time in the Arabic disco, and it makes me laugh. In the Arabic disco, they play traditional Arabic music, and Tunisian people have their own kind of way to dance these songs. The evening was also filled with oriental dancers and fire performances. So, it’s totally a new experience if you are not familiar with Arabic culture beforehand.

16. Buy a handcrafted Tunisian product

On your stay in Tunisia, you will explore unique markets and souks in medinas with a wide variety of beautiful products. Tunisia has a long history with handcrafts, and there are numerous amounts of local specialties. Leave some space in your suitcase as you are surely heading home with a suitcase full of beautiful Tunisian souvenirs. In this article , I have listed 13 things to buy from Tunisia.

17. Visit Tunisian bakery, and buy a box full of goodies

Tunisia has a strong love for sweets. Tunisia offers a great range of handmade sweets, crunchy cookies, and delightful pastries. Visit one of the many Tunisian bakeries, and start testing all the delicious Tunisian sweets. Try at least: Samsa, Zouza, Baklava and Makroudh. I wrote a blog post about 10 popular Tunisian sweets you need to try . If you are looking for high-quality and Instagram-worthy sweets then go to Patisserie Masmoudi .

18. Drink refreshing Tunisian lemonade

During hot summer days, there is nothing more refreshing than a glass of cold citronnade/lemonade served with an almond biscuit. The Tunisian lemonade is made of fresh lemons, water, white sugar, and vanilla sugar, this creates juice that is super sweet, fruity, cloudy, and less bitter if compared to the American lemonade. It can be seasoned with mint. It is super delicious, and kids will love it also. This thing is really at the top of my Tunisian bucket list! This drink is so yummy!

19. Go to see amphitheater El Djem

El Djem is a must-place to see in Tunisia. Especially, for a history lover. Every year thousands of tourists visit the biggest historical tourist attraction in Tunisia. A very well-preserved Roman amphitheater is one of the biggest in the world. It’s located in a small village called El Djem. If you are in Tunisia mainly to enjoy swimming and sunbathing, this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site is something that you should not miss.

20. Take pictures of the colorful doors of La Medina, Tunis

 If you are looking for free things to do in Tunisia, this is a great tip for you! Might be that you have seen pictures of beautiful colored wooden doors in Instagram or Pinterest feeds. One of the greatest spots to see these beautiful wooden doors is in La Medina, Tunis. Now, fill up your social media feed with stunning pictures also.

21. Go to the market square and buy plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables

I am not sure if it’s only me but I truly enjoy visiting the market squares. I love the fresh and organic products, talking with the sellers, and the atmosphere in general. I understand that you don’t necessarily want to fill your hotel room with tomatoes and cucumbers. But you should go and buy fresh dates instead. 

22. Visit Tunisian spice store. Tunisia is a great place to buy spices

Here, I wrote a guide about the most traditional and popular Tunisian spices . So, check it out! It will help you to decide what spice you should buy. The spice stores filled with piles of colorful spices are very beautiful, so you can also spend a day simply window shopping without buying anything.

23. Try harissa, Tunisian hot chili pepper paste (must thing on your Tunisia bucket list)

This Tunisian bucket list- things to do and see in Tunisia wouldn’t be complete without harissa.  On your stay in Tunisia, very fast you get to know this hot chili paste as it’s served everywhere and all the time. It’s an important ingredient in many Tunisian traditional dishes. If you a fan of spicy food, buy a couple of cans of this hot goodness. Harissa is a very useful product in your pantry as there are multiple ways to use it. How could I write the Tunisia bucket list without including harissa?

24. Tunisia bucket list - 40 things to do and see in Tunisia: Eat Tunisian dates

Tunisia is one of the world’s biggest producers and exporters of dates. There are hundreds of date types that are divided into groups: soft, semi-dry, and dry depending on how moist is the date. The most produced date in Tunisia is Deglet Nour “finger of light” other typical dates are Allig, Khouat Allig, and Kenta. Buy a packet of dates as a souvenir or maybe one of the many date products like honey, vinegar, oil, or powder. Fascinating fact: maybe you have heard about a belief among Muslims, that dates should be eaten in odd numbers to gain the maximum amount of health benefits.

25. Go for a long beach walk

Having long beach walks is one of my favorite things to do in Tunisia. It’s an amazing way to start a morning, and it’s so relaxing. If you are a sporty person, the long coastline is a perfect place for running. During the summer it’s better to go for a run, in the early morning or late evening when the weather isn’t too hot yet. This thing is a great addition to your Tunisia Bucket list.

26. Have a coffee at Panorama Medina Café, Tunis

Next on this Tunisian bucket list- 40 things to do and see in Tunisia..Panorama Medina cafe! If you are looking for a café with a stunning view visit the Panorama Medina Café. The rooftop café itself is also amazingly beautiful with all the mosaic details. The place might be a little bit tricky to find, so my advice is to take a screenshot of the place and show it to the people and they will kindly show you the way.

27. Tunisia bucket list wouldn't be complete without this: Get to know Tunisian people

One of the most beautiful things in Tunisia is the Tunisian people and their hospitality. There are so many amazing people who are incredibly generous and warm-hearted. So, my advice is to get to know Tunisian people. There might be a little language barrier with some of the people but it does not matter. With Tunisians, you will learn about the Tunisian culture and lifestyle. This is the best way to discover the real Tunisia.

28. Eat Mezza and plenty of seafood

Is there anything better than fresh seafood with a very affordable price? In Tunisia, you will have a great opportunity to eat seafood that has been caught in the morning. So delicious! Other, great tip is to eat Mezza: a selection of grilled meats and seafood. If you are in Tunis, go to the restaurant Omek Sanafa and eat mouthwatering Mezza at a good price. They also offer a good selection of traditional Tunisian meals if the Mezza isn’t for you.

29. Places to see in Tunisia: Visit Star Wars filming spot

You need to head towards southern Tunisia to see the original sets where the famous Star Wars were filmed. Some of the filming spots are destroyed by time but there are still many places worth visiting. Some of the well-preserved places are located in Matmata, Tozeur, Tataouine, and Djerba Island. Most of the filming spots are located in the desert and might be hard to find. So, contact one of the many tour operators and make the most out of this experience. It is a must place to visit, and a very popular attraction among tourists, especially if you are into Star Wars. So of course this place found its’ place on my Tunisia bucket list.

Tunisia’s beautiful and long coastline has many wonderful diving spots. People say that going under the sea is one of the best things to do in Tunisia. Clearwater, colorful coral reefs, shipwrecks, and lively sea life make Tunisia a perfect destination for a diving holiday. There are many great places to start discovering life under the sea in Tunisia. So, here is just a couple of options to get you started: Tabarka, Hammamet, Bizerte, Port El Kantaoui, Mahdia and Djerba.

31. Discover Matmata caves

Matmata is a small town located in southern Tunisia. It’s famous for being one of the few Berber villages and their special way of housing. Its unique architecture makes it a popular destination among tourists. Matmata was one of the locations where the legendary Star Wars movies were filmed. You need to have Matmata caves on your Tunisian bucket list.

32. Go for a road trip

One of the greatest ways to explore a new country is to rent a car and go for a road trip. Tunisia is a really versatile destination: mountains, the Sahara Desert, long coastline, small villages, and big cities. It’s also an amazing way to find hidden beaches and try the area’s food specialties! If you are planning to have a road trip during the summer, I highly recommend renting a car with an AC. Tunisian traffic is also a bit chaotic, so pay attention when driving.

33. Tunisia bucket list: Experience Ramadan

If your visit to Tunisia takes a place during the holy month of Ramadan, you should make the most out of the experience. During the daytime, the country is really calm and very lively during the night. Cafes, patisseries, and restaurants are open during the night and all kinds of music are played on the streets. To get the real experience, I advise you to visit a Tunisian home: cook many beautiful meals with them and when the time comes to break the fasting with the meals you cooked before.

34. Places to see in Tunisia: Visit the pottery capital Nabeul

Nabeul is a town located 65 km from Tunis. It’s famous for pottery and handcrafted ceramics. You can find all kinds of ceramic items: glazed, unglazed, colored, neutral. Walk around the streets and you won’t find only pottery boutiques but also other handcrafts: stone, gold, silver, fabric, perfumes. It’s a great place to fill up your luggage with Tunisian products.

35. Visit Tunisian family place

The best way to get a full Tunisia experience is to visit a Tunisian home. It’s a great way to see their everyday life. Especially old Tunisian homes are very stunning: high room heights, vivid tilework, and colorful window frames. And get ready for Tunisian hospitality. You will eat and drink a lot!

36. Barbeque

In Tunisia, you will find special barbeque restaurants. In the restaurant, they have a selection of fresh meat and you will choose the pieces you want. They will barbeque those for you in a charcoal grill. Fresh meat combined with smokey flavor is so delicious! At Tunisian homes or boutiques, you might see small clay pots filled with charcoal. A metal rack is placed over the pot and then we grill! You will wave a hand fan and keep fire in charcoals. This way of grilling is very popular on Eid-al-Adha when sheep and goats are slaughtered as a sacrificial gift.

37. Try Henna

Henna has a big role in Tunisian culture. It’s said that it brings good fortune to a bride. Henna party is one of the most important days for Tunisian women. Henna is a natural dye that is used to decorate hands and feet with beautiful patterns. On the steers, you will see women painting beautiful patterns for their customers. Often, they use Harkous instead of Henna. The easiest way to tell the difference between Henna and Harkous: Harkous smells good and it’s much thicker compared to Henna.

38. If you get the chance visit the Tunisian wedding

 If you ever get invited to a Tunisian wedding, you should definitely go. It’s an amazing combination of culture, hundreds of people, beautiful outfits, traditional music and a lot of food. Before the wedding was week-long celebrations, so you can imagine that Tunisian people take wedding very seriously.

39. Things to do in Tunisia: Hiking

Might be that the first thing that comes to your mind about Tunisia is not hiking. But actually, Tunisia has many breathtakingly stunning hiking spots to offer. You can also rent a bike or go for a horse ride. A couple of beautiful spots to mention: Lake Ichkeul, El-Haouaria, Zaghouan and Kairouan.

40. Have a beauty treatment

On Monday manicure, Tuesday pedicure, Wednesday facial, Thursday hairdresser, Friday massage… During your holiday you have a great opportunity to have many beauty treatments at very affordable prices. Maybe Tunisia will be your next destination for a girls’ trip.

I hope you enjoyed this Tunisian bucket list – things to do and see in Tunisia. I am sure that from these 40 things you will find something new for yourself! There are so many great things do and places to see in Tunisia. Is there something else that you would add to your Tunisian bucket list?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Must-see attractions in Tunisia

This sprawling maze of ancient streets and alleyways is one of the most impressive medieval medinas in North Africa and one of Tunisia's great treasures…

El Jem Amphitheatre

This Unesco World Heritage–listed colosseum was the second-largest in the Roman world (after Rome's); it was 149m long by 124m wide, with three tiers of…

Kairouan’s medina feels like it ebbs and flows to a different rhythm to modern Tunisia. Long protected by its monumental walls and babs (gates), most of…

Sousse Archaeological Museum

Located inside the 11th-century kasbah, this museum showcases an extraordinary collection of 2nd- and 3rd-century Roman mosaics, one of the best in the…

Archaeological Museum

A 1km walk from the El Jem Amphitheatre (follow the signs), this museum showcases an exceptional collection of Roman mosaics. All are richly coloured, in…

Bardo Museum

The main draw at the Tunisia's top museum is its magnificent collection of Roman mosaics. These provide a vibrant and fascinating portrait of ancient…

Arguably the most magnificent Roman site in Africa, Dougga’s ancient remains – a Unesco World Heritage site since 1997 – are startlingly complete, giving…

On the cultivated amber slopes of Mt Mekrima, the fascinating but little-visited ruins of ancient Uthina are the remains of one of the Roman Empire's…

There's hardly a souvenir shop in sight within the monumental medieval walls of Sfax's Unesco-listed medina. The narrow thoroughfares are crowded with…

Souq des Chechias

A medina highlight, this hugely atmospheric souq is filled with exquisitely decorated shops producing and selling chechias, Tunisia's traditional blood…

Ksar Oued Soltane

Southern Tunisia

The ghorfas (long, barrel-vaulted rooms built to store grain) of Ksar Ouled Soltane rise a dizzying four storeys around two courtyards and are one of…

Marché Centrale

Tunisian food markets offer a great introduction to local culture, and Tunis' Marché Centrale is particularly atmospheric. The original market building…

Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum

Good things often come in small packages, and that is certainly the case at this modestly sized but extremely impressive museum. Occupying a curvaceous…

In 2014, 150 artists from 30 countries descended on Erriadh to collaborate on an ambitious street-art project. The result was 250 vividly coloured…

One of North Africa's best-preserved ancient Roman cities, Sufetula is awash with temples, monumental arches and bath complexes that speak of an ancient…

Port Aux Prince

This appealing golden curve of beach is anchored by a rock-hewn castle-like villa, said to have belonged to Wassila Bourguiba, the wife of the former…

This enormous green space has more than 200,000 date palms, as well as fig and pomegranate trees and canopied garden holdings. It's best explored by foot,…

Bulla Regia

Northern Tunisia

Famed for its extraordinary underground villas, the Roman city of Bulla Regia, 7km northwest of Jendouba, offers a rare opportunity to walk into complete,…

The largest marble quarry in ancient North Africa, Chemtou was the source of an unusual, pink-veined yellow marble that was prized throughout the Roman…

Ksar Ezzahra

This is a relatively little visited ksar (Berber fortified granary), which is a shame because it almost rivals Oued Soltane as the best in the region. It…

Thuburbo Majus

Surrounded by shimmering wheat fields and olive groves like those that made its fortune, Thuburbo Majus has a prosperous air even in its ruinous state. In…

The remote border village of Haidra is the site of ancient Ammaedara, once a Roman legionary outpost. It’s a wonderfully evocative place, and the…

Antonine Baths

The Romans chose a sublime seaside setting for this monumental terme (bath complex), a short walk downhill from the Roman villas. Begun under Hadrian and…

Great Mosque

Also known as Sidi Okba Mosque, after the founder of Kairouan who built the first mosque on this site in AD 670, this is North Africa’s holiest Islamic…

Jugurtha's Table

This spectacular flat-topped mountain (1271m) rises almost vertically from the surrounding plains. Its sheer, impregnable walls make it a superb natural…

The most important synagogue on Djerba and the oldest in Tunisia, this 19th-century building is in a white compound 1km south of the medina. Pass through…

Djebel Sidi Abiod

This 390m peak is the northeastern tip of the Tunisian Dorsale – and feels like the edge of the world. A paved road winds to the top, where you can revel…

A fine example of Islamic military architecture, Monastir’s immaculately preserved ribat (coastal fort housing religious military volunteers called…

Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

The colourful cupolas and marble minarets of this mausoleum, final resting place of Monastir-born Habib Bourguiba, the first president of independent…

Plage de Sidi Mansour

The road to get here from Kelibia is rough, narrow and militantly guarded by herds of goats, but if you have your own set of wheels, this is one of Cap…

Zitouna Mosque

Located in the heart of Tunis' medina, this important mosque was founded in 734 and built on a site once occupied by a church. It was totally rebuilt in…

Once home to the Lasram family, who provided the beys with scribes, this magnificent building dates from the early 19th century and was one of the first…

Ichkeul National Park

Lake Ichkeul has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1980, but it's been managed as a hunting reserve at least as far back as the 13th century. The…

La Marsa Beach

Join the local crowds flocking to this urban beach to escape the summer heat with a dip in the clear waters of the Med. In colder months, the sand becomes…

Plage de la Mansoura

Plage de la Mansoura's soft white sand tapers gently into blissfully clear-as-glass sea. This is Kelibia's favourite beach, and it gets packed at the…

Added to Unesco's World Heritage List in 1988, Sousse's 9th-century medina is an unusual and important example of Aghlabid military coastal architecture…

Zaouia of Sidi Ali Azouz

Zaghouan's architectural highlight is this tomb complex dedicated to the city patron of Tunis, which has a green fish-scale dome and, inside, superb tiled…

La Malga Cisterns

The restored and extremely impressive remnants of the huge 2nd-century-AD cisterns that housed Roman Carthage’s water supply are located at the foot of…

Galeri El Marsa

Occupying a beautiful vaulted space behind a grand wooden door in the heart of La Marsa, this is one of Tunisia’s most respected and internationally…

Souq El Attarine

Souq El Attarine (the Perfume Makers’ Souq) dates from the 13th century and is still home to shops selling fragrant oils and waters. Its location on one…

More destinations you need to see

Best Things To Do In Tunisia – Your Ultimate Bucket List

Tunisia is without a doubt a very popular holiday destination – it is well known for its relatively short flight time from most of Europe, year-round warm temperatures, sunshine, culture, history, and value for money. The surrounding Mediterranean Sea offers something spectacular for those who are in search of beautiful beaches soaked with warm sunlight all year as well as boasting ancient Roman Ruins, Sahara Desert adventures and a rich culture of vibrant food and drink traditions. Whilst its popularity for package holidays is second to none, there are many areas of Tunisia, and experiences on offer in this fantastic part of North Africa, that are often overlooked. Whether you’re interested in cities, exploring ancient ruins, 4×4’ing in the desert or learning to make harissa from scratch, this guide outlines some of the best things to do in Tunisia for all tastes, interests, and budgets. 

Best Things to do in Tunisia

There is so much to explore in Tunisia, and some of the most popular resorts offer a great springboard to see what the country has to offer. Even if you just pick one of two of the suggestions below, you’re sure to get an introduction and immersion to Tunisia, from culture and history to food and drink and so much more. Here are some of the highlights to consider when visiting Tunisia. 

Escape to the Coast of Tunisia

Well known for its coastline, visiting beautiful beaches is one of the best things to do in Tunisia. Depending on where you fly into Tunisia and where you decide to stay, you can find incredible coastline dotted along most of the Eastern side of the country. Just one hour South of Tunis, the capital city, you’ll find Hammamet, the original beach resort of Tunisia. White sands stretch for miles with turquoise waters which are perfect for snorkelling. Hammamet itself is surrounded by 13 th century walls with a Mediterranean feel that is incredibly picturesque.

Sousse, a little further down the coast (roughly an hour from Hammamet and just under two from Tunis) is a very popular resort area which boasts a UNESCO listed medina in its midst, a ribat and wonderful harbour amongst other attractions. This is a real working city, but its beaches are fantastic for a break that’ll have you drifting off to pure relaxation. What’s also great about Sousse is that it is easily served by Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport with daily international flights to and from Europe a short 30-minute drive away.

Monastir, a further 30 minute drive down the coast from Sousse is well known for its slightly quieter feel with extremely clear waters and it’s impeccable golden sands. You won’t go without your historical sites here either – much like Sousse, it has it’s own ribat, as well as the Great Mosque, which is well worth visiting when you can find the will power to prize yourself from the beach. Monastir itself has a nearby airport (Monastir Habib Bourguiba International) which makes this a great base for a relaxed holiday, with regular flights to most of Europe.

Visit Tunisia’s Historical Monuments and Roman Ruins

Tunisia has a lot to offer in terms of historical monuments, ruins and other areas rich in history. In fact, various areas of Tunisia are UNESCO recognised, such as the ribat of Sousse. So, you’re never far away from exploring more about this incredibly interesting country, wherever you’re staying. In history, Tunisia was significant to Roman and Phoenician civilisations, with an important area being Carthage; a large archaeological site set in the Gulf of Tunis. Aside from this, there are plenty of areas to explore if you want to learn more about the imprint of history Tunisia has to offer – and exploring the historical remnants is a great activity.

If visiting Sousse for example, you can visit the ribat, located in the central medina which offers an insight in the form of a Roman fortress. There are extensive information signs all around to learn as you visit. You can climb up the steps to see the views out (which are also fantastic) and get a real sense of time gone by. Afterwards, a short walk away is the Sousse Archaeological Museum, which is well worth visiting too.

Another popular place to visit is the Amphitheatre of El Gem which is staggering to see. It’s very possible to take tours from Tunis, Sousse and Monastir and you can also take a private taxi inexpensively. Walking around this amphitheatre, built around 238 AD, presents one of the most well preserved Roman stone ruins in the world. It’s also extremely unique in Africa. You may also recognise it from such films as Monty Python’s Life of Brian and its also featured in countless commercials by brands like Nike and various TV shows. There are of course a whole host of other historical monuments to explore – and this gives you some indication of the vast and rich history that Tunisia has to offer.

Head to the Capital, Tunis

The bustling capital city of Tunis is one of the best places to visit in Tunisia. If you want to see history still visible today, then head to the medina. From here, you can take a walk around the narrow streets which are lined with sellers, or souks, some of which date back to the 13 th century, offering everything from clothes and leather goods, rugs, food and fresh herbs, spices, and traditional Tunisian fair. Souks of note are Ech-Chaouachine, El Attarine and El Berka.

What’s also great about Tunis is it offers the best of both worlds – with the historical medina meeting newer shopping, city streets and other attractions. There is a rich array of restaurants, café culture and a host of shopping to be had in the newer city streets. A couple of days will allow you to explore what Tunis has to offer before moving on, but if you are shorter on time, even just a day visit will give you a great taster. If you’re staying in somewhere like Sousse, or Hammamet, for example, you can easily take a relatively inexpensive taxi that’ll take just under 2 hours from Sousse, and 1 hour from Hammamet.

See the Sahara Desert

To the South of Tunisia, reaching for 370 miles into Algeria with dunes that dominate up to 300 metres high in places, the Sahara Desert is one of the best things to do in Tunisia and offers a less visited, more unique experience than some other areas of the Sahara.

There are so many tours of the Sahara on offer, and spend any time looking at the marketing emails for your airline or in your hotel, you are sure to be offered a tour that takes this area in. Depending on where you’re staying, experiences of the Sahara Desert are usually offered as between 2-4 days. You can also book experiences directly with the likes of Get Your Guide, Trip Advisor and many airlines will offer these directly too. Overnight tours will take you far into the dunes for a true wilderness experience and you can also explore Jebil National Park from here too. This provides a gateway to the Ksar Ghilane Oasis where you can experience traditional Berber tents and hospitality. In fact, visiting the Sahara is one of the best ways to experience Berber culture and way of life.

Alternatively, if you need to organise your own transport to the Sahara, most tours will start from the town of Douz, which is just under 6 hours/539km by car from Tunis.

Explore Tunisia’s Traditional Markets and Souks

The Souks in Tunisia are one of the best ways to get immersed in the culture of the country. Visit any city or large enough town and you’ll find a vast network of maze-like streets, usually with high walls of the surrounding buildings where you can dive into all that is on offer. You’ll find spices, fresh foods, lotions, teas, perfume, leather goods, textiles, clothing and so much more. They’re completely unique, and each city or town has a different feel. In Sousse, for example, the souks located in the medina are very different to the souks in Tunis. Tunis, understandably has more that stretch greater distances through the medina and old quarter, with notable ones being Ech-Chaouachine, El Attarine and El Berka.

Be prepared to haggle, as this is part of the culture and remember that you are likely to get bustled into shops before you know it – the sellers are very persistent! The souks are also a great place for street photography, and you’ll find some wonderful scenes and vignettes all around you. If you want an experience where you can just get lost in the sights, sounds and smells of the city, visiting the souks is one of the best things you can do in Tunisia.

Take in the Interesting Mix of North African and Mediterranean Buildings

Spend any time in Tunisia and you’ll see there is a unique mix of buildings, some of which take nods from the dominant cultures in the area. One such interesting mix is the marriage of North African and Mediterranean style buildings. Think of the kind of buildings you may more expect to see in somewhere like Santorini, and you won’t be far off the mark. This is largely down to the strong influence of immigration of Berber, Turkish and Arabic people as well as Spanish and French people. The French occupation of 1881 caused great unrest and Tunisia has only technically been independent since 1956. So, when taking in the influence you’ll see on the buildings, particularly in coastal resorts, it gives an opportunity to reflect on this.

Try Traditional Tunisian Food

Food is a big part of life in Tunisia, and you’ll be amazed very quickly at the complexity of flavours you can expect to experience in Tunisian food. Tunisian food is bold and hearty, and you will certainly not go hungry! Whilst there is a big emphasis on meat and fish, it is entirely possible to eat naturally vegetarian and vegan in Tunisia too. Some of the most popular dishes in Tunisia are Couscous, usually cooked in a big tagine topped with vegetables, and/or meat and fish but is also offered as entirely vegetarian. Pasta, which is usually nouacers (squares), noodles or m’hasmsa is quite differently to the sort of dishes you’ll find in Italy, for example, and is served with soups, chickpeas, meats and spices that add an individual flavour.

Of course, there is a lot more to explore in Tunisian cooking, and we’d recommend indulging in a cookery course (there are various offered in some of the biggest cities, and you can find these kinds of experiences on sites like Get Your Guide and Trip Advisor). Food is generally a family thing, and these courses will usually collect you, take you shopping and then cook as a family.

Harissa originates from Tunisia, coming from the region of Cape Bon and learning to make this unique, spicy, fragrant paste that is used as the basis for many dishes in a whole range of Arabic countries is one of the best things to do in Tunisia. As with other dishes, there are many courses on offer that allow you to learn how to make this paste that you’ll want to take back with you and never get store bought again!

Explore Sidi Bou Said

20 minutes away from Tunis is Sidi Bou Said, a beautiful coastal town well worth visiting. It’s great for a day trip from the capital, or a lovely place to visit as you are heading South down the country. Here you’ll find some of the most obvious Mediterranean style buildings which are whitewashed with dome like structures – you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve transported to a Greek Island like Santorini.

Sidi Bou Said is popular for its beaches and clear waters, and from the hills you’ll get to see the Gulf of Tunis, making it one of the best things to do in Tunisia. Sidi Bou Said has a lot to offer in terms of culture too, there are some great cafes and restaurants here, as well as art galleries, museums and much more.

Best Travel Tips for Tunisia

Tunisia is a warm and friendly country, with a lot to offer. Regardless of what interests you, you’ll likely find it here, from adventure to history. Here are some of our top tips to consider when visiting Tunisia to have the best experience possible.

How to Get to Tunisia

Tunisia has quite a few airports, but the three that are most useful to enjoy the best things to do in Tunisia are Tunis-Carthage International Airport close to Tunis, Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, close to Sousse and Hammamet and Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport for Monastir and the South.

You can fly to and from a good variety of European and UK airports daily, or mostly daily, pretty much all year round from these with many airlines offering reasonably priced flights and packages.

Best Time to Visit Tunisia

Tunisia is best to visit outside of the main summer months as it can become extremely hot. July and August can become unbearable, especially if you’re looking to explore more (though it’s still very popular for beach holidays). Therefore, the best time to visit Tunisia is between April and June and September to November. That said, December and January present cooler temperatures (between 15-20 degrees Celsius) which is great for exploring and still with plenty of sunshine.

How to Travel Around Tunisia

It’s usually pretty easy to get around Tunisian cities and resorts by taxi. You will usually find these along the streets – but be sure to agree a price (and make sure it’s for your whole group) before getting in. The traffic can also be chaotic, so make sure to wear your seatbelt. You can generally catch buses too, but these can be hard to navigate, so taxis are usually your best mode of transport, and they are not expensive. In terms of tours, be sure to book with a reputable company who have good reviews. These will generally pick you up from your hotel or at a pre agreed location.

Be Street Smart  

Like with any destination, you need to have your wits about you. However, Tunisia does have quite a high amount of petty crime and theft, so we’d recommend having a padlock on a backpack, or keeping your bag small and on your front so you can see it with you. There are also a few old tourist tricks that some local sellers may try to lure you into a shop and tell you that they’re from your hotel. Just ignore them and walk past. You will get accosted, and people will try to sell you things, but just be firm and say no, unless of course you want to buy. In souks and smaller areas, be sure to keep your wallet and phone as close as possible. Preferably in a zipped up pocket you can see at all times.

How Long Do You Need for a Trip to Tunisia?

You could spend a long time travelling around Tunisia as there is quite a lot to see and do, but the optimal time would be 10-14 days to allow you to fully explore and make the most of travelling a little bit slower. This would also give you time to visit the Sahara as well as some of the older cities and monuments as well as relaxing on the beach. However, it is possible to explore Tunisia within a week too.

What to Pack for a Trip to Tunisia

Layers: What you pack will be dependent on when you visit Tunisia, what you plan on doing and where you go. It’s generally warm, so bring cool layers for the daytime. In the evening, especially in the desert, it can become cold, and especially in winter so bring warmer layers. Whilst Tunisia is pretty progressive, and doesn’t require modest dress as such from travellers, if you’re going to be visiting traditional buildings, be as respectful as possible and cover shoulders etc and avoid scant clothing.

Sunscreen: The sun pretty much always shines in Tunisia, so a good quality sunscreen will make all the difference. Be sure to bring a hat too.

Money: You will generally want to have some cash – the local currency is Tunisian Dinar, and it is best to get this when you arrive. Many places will not accept anything other than cash. Be sure to spend it before you leave though as you most likely won’t be able to spend cash at the airport.

Insurance: Like with any destination, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate travel insurance, and if you already have a policy in place, such as a yearlong polity, make sure it covers Tunisia.

Enjoy Tunisia

As you can see, Tunisia presents a great opportunity to get the best of both worlds – it has so much to offer in terms of adventure, in places like the Sahara Desert through to ancient Roman ruins in cities like Sousse. When you add in the pretty much year round good weather alongside the rich culture of food, bursting with flavour, you have a pretty much perfect destination. This list just scratches the surface of what Tunisia has to offer, and it’s a country that invites you to explore. We hope our guide to some of the best things to do in Tunisia gives you some inspiration and gets you planning a trip you won’t forget in a hurry.

• South Africa
• El Salvador
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Czech Republic
• Transnistria
• Liechtenstein
• North Cyprus
• New Zealand
• Map with posts
• Alternative Guides
• Architecture Guides
• Cafe Guides
• Itineraries
• Neighborhood Guides
• Travel Guides
• Travel Tips
• Photo Galleries
• Photo Locations
• Solo female travel
• Train Travels
• Work with me
• Privacy Policy

Tunisia Itinerary – What to See in Tunisia in 10 Days

I just returned from my 10 days in Tunisia trip and I can wholeheartedly say this country exceeded my expectations. And they were high!

Spectacular Roman ruins, incredible vibrant medinas, long sandy beaches, charming towns and so much more – Tunisia has it all! And I was really glad I could include all the highlights in my Tunisia itinerary.

What surprised me the most when visiting Tunisia was how few tourists were around, especially independent ones. After the terrorist attacks in 2015, Tunisia tourism really nosedived and it’s only slowly rebuilding.

Even when there are more and more people who decide to visit Tunisia, they mostly opt for the resort holidays, not often venturing further into the country. As a result, you don’t need to prepare yourself for crowds in the most popular attractions in Tunisia, if you are lucky you might even have some really exceptional sights just for yourself!

The most common question I got when visiting Tunisia was if I felt safe there, especially traveling solo. I really did. There was maybe one annoying situation during my 10 days in Tunisia so it’s nothing really. Wherever I went I felt welcomed, locals were friendly and hospitable and I didn’t feel uneasy for a second.

Of course, like everywhere else, you need to follow common sense and check the safety warnings issued by your Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but in general, I can assure you there is nothing really to worry about when visiting Tunisia.

If you decide to visit Tunisia (I can’t recommend it enough) below you can find my Tunisia itinerary that will help you plan your own trip. I spent 10 days in Tunisia (although I wouldn’t really count days 1 and 10 as these were spent on getting there and departing) and that was the optimal time to see all the best places to visit in Tunisia.

But of course, the more time you have, the better – not only you can see even more amazing attractions in Tunisia but you can also spend some time enjoying the relaxing time at the beach.

Planning a trip to Tunisia?

Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I use either Viator or Get Your Guide .
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Tunisia check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Get insured for your trip to Tunisia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

How to get around Tunisia

During my trip to Tunisia, I used a combination of different modes of transportation: suburban train, fast train, louages (a local version of minibus), domestic flights, taxis, and Bolt. You will find details of what I took where in the detailed itinerary below. I also went for two tours as it was almost impossible to get to a few places by public transport.

For long-distance trains in Tunisia check the official website of Tunisia railways here . (However, you need to buy the tickets at the train station, they are not available online).

For domestic flights (I used them between Tunis and Djerba) check the website of the local airline Tunisair Express here .

Best places to visit in Tunisia

I think I’ve managed to see all the absolutely best places to visit in Tunisia during my trip and you will find them covered in my itinerary below:

• Tunis – the capital of the country, with beautiful, UNESCO-listed medina and interesting architecture from the French colonial period
• Carthage – impressive ruins of the Phoenician city from the 6th century BCE and the biggest trade metropolis of the antique world, another UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Sidi Bou Said – a charming town on the coast just outside of Tunis, famous for its traditional white-blue houses and winding lanes
• Bulla Regia – impressive archeological site, known for their Hadrianic-era semi-subterranean housing and numerous mosaics still left in place
• Dougga – one of the best and most well-preserved Roman ruins I’ve ever seen, a massive site packed with original buildings from ancient times, another UNESCO site
• Testour – a 16th-century shelter for the Muslim and Jewish refugees from Andalusia who gave a distinctive look to the town
• El Jem – home to one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, dating back to the 3rd century, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List
• Sousse – the third largest city in Tunisia, with UNESCO-listed medina and a great Archeological Museum, popular also for its long and sandy beach
• Kairouan – another UNESCO place, the town is known as a holy city in Islam, with amazing medina and stunning Great Mosque, among other attractions
• Djerba – the island is popular as a holiday destination for its long and sandy beaches, but you can also find there some alternative sites such as the town with over 200 murals or numerous abandoned hotels
• Ksar Ghilane – an Oasis on the edge of the Sahara desert
• Chenini – an old Berber village built into the mountains, partly abandoned
• Tataouine – the city is known mostly thanks to the Star Wars movies, you will find in and around the place numerous inspiration and filming locations for the great films

If you have more time, there are other places that are worth considering when planning a trip to Tunisia. Some of them are numerous seaside towns perfect for relaxing holidays (Hammamet, Nabeul, or Monastir), Chott el Djerid (the vast salt lake), Sbeitla (another ancient town), Matmata (the Berber village and the Star Wars filming location), or Tozeur and nearby mountain oasis villages.

Tunisia itinerary

And finally, here is my Tunisia itinerary. Hopefully, it will be a good example and inspiration when planning your trip to Tunisia!

Day 1: arriving to Tunis

I was flying from Poland to Tunis via Paris and arrived late in the afternoon. Since it was winter time (December 31st, exactly) when I got from the airport to the center and eventually to my hotel it was already dark outside, I was super tired after the journey and I just decided to stay inside.

If I had some extra time (or if it wasn’t getting dark so early) I would spend the time getting to know the central part of Tunis.

Where I stayed in Tunis : Golf Royal Hotel

Day 2: day trip from Tunis to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said

Carthage and Sidi Bou Said are probably the easiest day trip you can take from Tunis. Both seaside towns are located next to each other, on the local train line, and served by frequent trains departing from Tunis Marine station, located right in the center. You need to buy the ticket in the ticket office before entering the platform, the cost is less than 1 TND.

The first station is Carthage, there are actually a few stops in the town but the closest one to the main Roman ruins – Antonine Baths – is Carthage Hannibal. I, however, left the train a stop before and walked around 1 km along the sea to the main Carthage attractions.

There is so much to see in Carthage that you can easily spend the whole day only exploring the ancient remnants in this town. My highlights were Antonine Baths and Roman Villas.

Once you are done with visiting Carthage (which can take you a few hours, depending on how many sights you want to see and how in-depth you want to explore them), catch the train to Sidi Bou Said which is the next town. From the train station, it’s around 10 minute’s walk to the most beautiful and picturesque part of the town, with white-blue houses, charming corners, and numerous souvenir shops.

The best thing to do here is simply wandering around and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the place. Don’t stick only to the main street, go to the back lanes too as there are hardly any people there and you can fall for the place even more.

When you feel like you’ve seen enough and are ready to go back to the capital, catch the train to Tunis from the same stations you arrived at.

It was Sunday (and New Year’s Day) when I visited Carthage and Sidi Bou Said, the weather was warm and sunny and while Carthage was blissfully empty, Sidi Bou Said was packed. There were moments when it was almost impossible to go through on the main street (that’s why the backstreets were so good!). When planning your day trip from Tunis to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said consider the day of the week as my guess is weekends can get really busy in Sidi Bou Said.

If you don’t feel comfortable enough taking the train and wandering around on your own, there are some highly-rated tours (like this one ) you can get from Tunis to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

Day 3: Day trip to Bulla Regia, Dougga, and Testour

Tunisia has some exceptional Roman remnants and you can visit some of the best ones on a day trip from Tunis. Unfortunately, it’s not really possible to get there by public transport (or it’s time-consuming and still you would need to find a taxi at some point) so I’ve decided to join the tour and save the hassle.

I chose this one for Bulla Regia, Dougga, and Testour and it was a really good one. In each place, we had enough time to wander around, explore the sites and learn more about them. And all the places were incredible and so well worth visiting! Dougga might be the most amazing Roman ruins site I’ve ever visited, it was mind-blowing really!

Day 4: Tunis – El Jem – Sousse

I took the early morning train (departing from Tunis at 6:15) to El Jem. The journey took almost 4 hours so around 10 a.m. I was already at my destination, ready to see the spectacular El Jem Amphitheatre , located less than 10 minutes walk from the train station.

Since the Colosseum is in fact the only attraction in El Jem, after thoroughly exploring the place and checking every possible corner of it I caught the train back to Sousse at noon, arriving at the second-largest city in Tunisia a bit over the hour later. I spent the rest of the day hanging out at the seaside and enjoying the relaxing and laid-back vibe of the place.

Day 5: Kairouan

Being based in Sousse, I went for a day trip to Kairouan which is located only one hour away and well-connected with the seaside city by louages – minivans that can fit up to 10 passengers and depart whenever they are full (which usually takes just a few minutes on popular routes, such as Sousse – Kairouan).

The louages station in Sousse is located a few kilometers outside of the center so you need to take a taxi to get there. Fortunately, Bolt works in Sousse and it was very easy to find a ride. In both directions, I paid around 5 TND for the taxi.

At the louages station, someone will point you right away in the direction of the correct car – even if everything is really well organized, it still can be overwhelming but locals are very friendly and happy to help. Once you get a ticket (it was 6,200 TND when I went) you are pointed to the right car to take your sit and you are good to go.

In Kairouan, the louages station is located some 15 minutes walk from the edge of the medina.

When I returned to Sousse it was still bright outside so I went to the seaside again to spend the rest of the day there.

Day 6: Sousse – Tunis

I started the day by exploring Sousse medina and oh my, what an incredible place it was!

Too bad one of the museums I wanted to visit – Museum Dar Essid – was closed, I was really looking forward to seeing it. But at least I could go to the Archaeological Museum and it was incredible, especially all the Roman mosaics from the beginning of the BC times

After having a delicious lunch in the restaurant at the edge of medina (Restaurant du Peuple) I took the 4 p.m. train back to Tunis and arrived in the capital 2,5 hours later, ready to rest for the day.

Day 7: Tunis – Djerba

I could have gone from Sousse to Djerba, either by louages or by train+bus but that would take most of the day really since it’s almost 400 km and I still wanted to see a bit of Djerba so the time was crucial for me. That’s why after heavy considering I’ve decided to take the early morning flight from Tunis to Djerba and arrived on the island shortly after 8 in the morning.

The main reason why I decided to go to Djerba was to actually go for a tour to Tatouine and Chenini and these were departing only from the island. But the more I started reading about the island, the more fascinating I found it, and one full day I had there was enough to see my highlights there only. I would gladly have stayed there a bit longer and if actually had more extra days in my Tunisia itinerary, I probably would have spent them in Djerba.

Directly from the airport, I took a taxi to Djerbahood and quickly fell in love with the place and all the street art around.

After a few hours of exploring this artistic community, I took the taxi to the hotel and after checking in I went to explore the area a bit.

I found on Google Maps that there are a few abandoned hotels nearby and obviously that’s where I went. I’ve been to three of them and even if they were not the best-abandoned hotels Djerba has to offer, they were still cool enough to get a feel of the place. There was no one around but I somehow felt more self-conscious than ever so I didn’t explore the abandoned places as thoroughly as I could but still I enjoyed it.

The rest of my day was spent walking down the beach and eventually reading a book by the pool. Too bad that was the only day with poor weather I had in Tunisia (at least it wasn’t raining), otherwise I could have made it even more out of it!

Day 8: Djerba – Sahara – Chenini – Tataouine – Djerba

The reason why I went to Djerba was to go for the Chenini and Tataouine tour. But since there were only a few tourists around the tour I booked was combined with the other one, to the oasis in the Sahara desert. This couldn’t have turned out any better. I was able to see even more places and I enjoyed the desert so much!

It wasn’t my first time in Sahara (visited Morocco before) but I tried going on quads for the first time in my life and it was so much fun! I might not have spent as much time as planned in Chenini and Tataouine but still saw both places. Again, I could have visited those two without a tour but it’s time-consuming by public transport so the tour was a great choice really!

The tour I booked: Tataouine Cheneni 1 day visit

Day 9: Djerba – Tunis

I took the 8:45 a.m. flight back to Tunis and was in the center of the capital already at 10:30. After leaving my backpack in the hotel I went to explore Tunis medina.

You can easily spend the whole day there, wandering the narrow winding lanes, checking local shops or historical houses, and simply enjoying the vibe of the place. Too bad it was Sunday as many places I wanted to see were closed but I still liked the medina so much! I spent way too much time in Panorama Cafe, sipping a (not-so-good) coffee and admiring the stunning panorama of the medina and beyond.

Normally I would plan on visiting Bardo Museum on that day too but during my visit, it’s been temporarily closed (according to Google reviews it’s not so temporary) so I simply focused on the medina and spent hours there.

Day 10: departing from Tunis

My flight back home was leaving at 10:50 a.m. so I didn’t really have time to do anything on that day. But if I had a few extra hours I would either go to the Bardo Museum (if it’s open) or take the train to La Goulette – the seaside town known for its port and seafood.

Final thoughts on visiting Tunisia

My Tunisia itinerary might have been packed but I managed to see all the highlights in the 10 days I had in the country. At the same time, I didn’t feel very rushed and even managed to relax a bit on the beach every now and then. I honestly don’t think I could have planned this itinerary any better.

As you can see, Tunisia really has a lot to offer and the attractions are so diverse everyone should find something interesting there. If you consider a trip to Tunisia don’t think too long, just go there! I bet you will be as surprised and satisfied with your trip as I was.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Tunisia
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Tunisia here.
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Tunisia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin !

10 Comments

I was waiting for this post. Thank you!

I’m glad to hear that. Hope you found it useful!

Hi, amazing post, made me wanna go to Tunisia! I have a question, where did you take the rooftop view of Sousse medina? The one with the castle behind. thank you!

Thank you! Tunisia is really amazing, you definitely should go. The picture was taken from the Ribat of Sousse.

Thanks alot kami for the information it really helps for my next trip.

I’m glad to hear that. All the best and happy travels!

Great itinerary and tips! Seems the weather is nice in Dec/Jan! I assume you mean the price for the ticket was 6,20 TND, and not 6,200? That seems a bit expensive… Would you say it’s worth going to Tunesia for only 5 days?

I wrote the price the way they do it in Tunisia, so 6,200 is correct even if in fact it is 6,20 TND (I was confused at first too!). I think it’s definitely worth going there even for 5 days, you can see some great place in and around Tunis and Sousse in that time.

Hello, Kami!

Thank you so much for Tunisia itinerary! I had no idea how beautiful this country was until recently, and my family and I are planning to go there Dec. 25 – Dec. 31. Could you please tell me what the weather’s like in late December? I read that it’s mild during the day but chilly at night. Was Djerba chilly? Thank you!

Hi Sam. When I was in Tunisia (Dec.31-Jan.8 this year) it was like you described, mild during the day and a bit chilly at night (but not too cold). It was the perfect weather for sightseeing really. I was unlucky with the weather in Djerba as it was cloudy and a bit rainy but it wasn’t very cold. You can google some archive forecast to see how exactly it was in previous years. Tunisia really is amazing and worth visiting, I loved it there!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Let’s become friends!

Join me on Facebook for even more travel updates!

Kami and the rest of the world

Tunisia Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip

Written by Jess Lee Updated Sep 24, 2021

Tunisia may be mainly known as a summer sun and sea travel destination, but off the beach there is much more to discover. In the south, the Sahara's swath of desert sand scattered with lonely oases offers landscapes of rolling dunes that are ripe for adventure tourism activities, while in the north, the ruins of ancient towns sit snug within fertile hill country and are easy historic day trips from Tunis.

Tunisia's geographical situation laid it open from time immemorial to empire builders. The Roman amphitheater at El Djem is only the most famous of the country's historical sights, which take in Phoenician and Roman ruins, Roman and Byzantine mosaics, and Arab and Ottoman forts.

For those who want to explore beyond its feted beaches, Tunisia's small size makes it simple to experience a mix of culture, history, and landscapes even on a short trip.

On This Page:

Inspirational ideas for planning your trip to tunisia, best time to visit tunisia, visitors guide to tunis, best towns in tunisia, historic highlights of tunisia, essential stats & facts, first-time traveler tips for tunisia.

For beach vacations, head straight to the Mediterranean shore. Away from the coast, Tunisia provides plenty of adventure activities amid the vast desert landscapes of the Sahara, famous film locations for fans of movies such as the Star Wars franchise, and some of the grandest Roman ruins in north Africa.

Plan what not to miss in your holiday itinerary by checking out our overview articles on the country's highlights.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tunisia
• Tunisia in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph

Summer: If you're traveling to Tunisia solely for the Mediterranean beaches, summer is high season, with sun and blue skies from June through August. Beach resort prices are highest during July and August. Desert trips are best avoided during this season due to rocketing temperatures.

Fall (September & October): As well as spring, fall is the best time to visit Tunisia if you want to travel around the country rather than simply bask on the beach. The weather is still mostly sunny and warm, but the high temperatures of July and August have tempered down in the south, so desert trips are back on the cards. Expect some rain in October in the north.

Winter: Tunisia's northern region and the Mediterranean coast receive most of their rain from around late October to May. It can get very chilly (including in the desert after dark), so bring warm clothing. The coastal beach resorts may be quiet, but this is a great time if you're traveling specifically for the desert.

Spring: Lots of blue skies (though expect rain along the coast and in the north) and moderate temperatures make this an excellent season for visitors who want to travel around the entire country.

Tunisia's capital, Tunis, is a laid-back introduction to the country. Many tourists spend little time here, often only visiting as a day trip from the beach, but Tunis is the contemporary heartbeat of Tunisia and has plenty to keep visitors busy for a few days.

Spend some time exploring the wriggling alleys of the historic medina (old town), soaking up the ambience of Sidi Bou Said, admiring the world-famous mosaic collection inside the Bardo Museum, and visiting the rambling ruins of once-mighty Carthage before setting off on farther travels.

• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tunis
• Exploring the Ruins of Ancient Carthage: A Visitor's Guide
• Exploring Sidi Bou Said: Tunis' Picturesque Seaside Suburb

Many visitors here to soak up the sun on the beach head directly to the Mediterranean coastal towns of Hammamet and Sousse, and the island of Djerba, which are particular favorites with overseas tourists. If you're interested in history and culture, don't miss the town of Kairouan, with its labyrinthine medina, and the desert oasis town of Tozeur with its preserved brick architecture.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hammamet
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sousse
• Top-Rated Tourist Attraction in Djerba
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kairouan
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tozeur
• Exploring Tozeur's Oasis: A Visitor's Guide
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Monastir
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sfax
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mahdia
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bizerte

Tunisia's star historical attraction is El Djem, a massive and wonderfully preserved Roman amphitheater that was the fourth largest ever built during the Roman era. Tunisia, though, has a long and rich history, and there are plenty more historic remnants for travelers who want to delve further.

The two most impressive Roman city ruins, Dougga and Bulla Regia, are in the country's north and can be easily visited as day trips from either Tunis or Tabarka.

• Exploring El Djem: A Visitor's Guide
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tabarka

• Population of Tunisia: The population of Tunisia is 11.8 million. Nearly the entire population lives in the country's northern half and along the coast. Around 70 percent of Tunisia's population live in urban areas.
• Capital of Tunisia: The capital of Tunisia is Tunis, which has a population of two million.
• Geography of Tunisia: Tunisia is a thin country rimming the Mediterranean Sea to the north and sharing borders with Algeria to the west and Libya to the east. The northern half of the country is mountainous, while the Sahara desert covers much of Tunisia's southern half. In total, Tunisia covers an area of 163,610 square kilometers.
• Languages of Tunisia: The official language of Tunisia is Arabic. French is widely spoken in Tunisia despite having no official language status. Tamazight is also spoken by the Amazigh (Berber).
• Currency of Tunisia: The currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar.
• Time Zone of Tunisia: The time zone of Tunisia is UTC + 1.

Tourist Visas for Tunisia: Passport holders of 97 countries can enter Tunisia visa-free for stays of between 30 and 90 days (depending on the country). Nationalities that require a tourist visa need to apply pre-travel at the Tunisian Embassy. An online e-visa system is currently in the works to make the tourist visa application process easier and more streamlined.

Clothing: Tunisia is an easygoing society, but off the beach and away from the tourist resorts and Tunis, travelers should err on the conservative side in their clothing, covering shoulders and knees, particularly if traveling in rural areas.

Electricity: Tunisia uses two-prong European-style plugs.

Money: Apart from large hotels, big tourist-orientated shops, and a few fine-dining restaurants, credit cards aren't widely accepted in Tunisia, so expect to pay in cash. ATMs are widely available. It is very useful to have small change for public transport, small restaurants, and shops that may not be able to break larger bills.

Mosquitos: If you are traveling to the desert oases such as Tozeur, pack some insect repellent. The mosquitos can be ferocious.

Photography: Be aware that it is illegal to photograph government and military facilities in Tunisia, and don't bring along your drone for taking spectacular aerial shots of the desert. All drone photography is illegal in Tunisia without an official permit. Always ask permission before taking photos of people.

10 of the Top Things to Do in Tunisia, North Africa

Tunisia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Africa , and for good reason. It offers spectacular beaches for those in need of relaxation, and several diverse cities with ample opportunities for shopping and dining. Most importantly, though, Tunisia is a country steeped in history. Its UNESCO-protected archaeological sites provide an insight into periods of Roman, Arab and European rule and the treasures left behind by each civilization. Here are 10 of the top things to do in Tunisia. 

Note: At the time of writing, travel warnings had been issued for parts of Tunisia affected by terrorism and political instability. Make sure to check for the latest updates before booking your vacation. 

Soak Up the Atmosphere in Tunis

The capital of Tunis is the natural place to start your Tunisian adventure. Its origins pre-date the Romans, and over the centuries the city has developed its own unique blend of Arabic, African and European culture. In the French Ville Nouveau area, colonial buildings flank palm-lined avenues and sidewalk cafés serve artisan coffee and pastries. In the medina, authentic souks provide the chance to barter for Arabic crafts and fabrics. As the second-largest museum on the African continent, the Bardo Museum is a particular highlight. Housed in a 19th-century palace, it is a veritable treasure trove of Tunisian history populated by mosaics, sarcophagi and sculptures unearthed from ancient sites located across the country. 

Live Like a Gladiator in El Djem

Further south, the town of El Djem gives visitors the opportunity to relive the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Today’s settlement grew up around the ruins of the Roman city of Thysdrus, once one of the most prosperous settlements in North Africa. Much of the original architecture is now lost—with the exception of the city’s mighty amphitheater . Built to house gladiator shows and chariot races, the amphitheater held 35,000 spectators and was one of the largest in the Empire. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the amphitheater is more intact than the Coliseum in Rome, with two thirds of its triple-arcaded outer walls still standing. Visitors can also see the underground passages and cells that once held the arena’s human and animal combatants.

Discover the Grand Erg Oriental Dunes

Tunisia’s natural beauty is just as impressive as its storied past. Those wishing to experience the rugged splendor of the Sahara Desert should head for Grand Erg Oriental , a vast dune sea that stretches for approximately 370 miles/600 kilometers between Algeria and Tunisia. The region can be explored on camelback or via a 4x4 safari, with trips lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days. Camping trips are especially rewarding, giving visitors the chance to marvel at unspoiled starscapes and to witness the magnificent colors of sunrise and sunset in the desert. Grand Erg Oriental is famous for its rolling dunes, but in between the endless peaks and valleys of sand one can also find verdant oases, rocky mountains and unexpected wildlife.

Explore Islamic History in Kairouan

The centre of Islamic history in Tunisia is Kairouan , a city in the country’s northern inland region. Founded in 670 AD, Kairouan became the principal holy city of the Maghreb region under the Aghlabid dynasty in the 9th century. Today, it is the fourth holiest city of the Muslim faith, and recognized by UNESCO as a crucial stronghold of Arabo-Muslim culture. For visitors, the most rewarding area of Kairouan is the medina. Here, ancient ramparts protect a veritable maze of narrow, winding streets lined with painted houses and bustling souks. Every now and then, the alleyways lead to incredible Islamic monuments ranging from stucco and mosaic-adorned tombs to ornate mosques, the most famous of which is the 7th-century Great Mosque .

Relax by the Sea in Sidi Bou Said

Located just 12 miles/20 kilometers north of Tunis, the seaside town of Sidi Bou Said was founded to accommodate pilgrims paying homage to the nearby tomb of a Muslim saint. Today, the town is a popular getaway destination for visitors to the capital, offering the chance to unwind overlooking beautiful views of the Gulf of Tunis. Sidi Bou Said is famous for its Greek-style white buildings and distinctive blue-painted doors and trellises. This out-of-place architecture was inspired by Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger, a French painter and musicologist who settled in Sidi Bou Said in the early 1900s and decorated his palace in the trendsetting white-and-blue style. Visitors can explore the Baron’s magnificent residence before exploring the quaint old town. 

Visit the Ancient City of Carthage

Now a suburb of Tunis, the ancient city of Carthage was founded in the 9th century BC. It was the capital of the Carthaginian civilization, which posed the only real threat to the early Roman Empire, launching a series of offensives against Rome itself between 264 BC and 146 BC. The last of the Punic Wars saw the destruction of Carthage, which was later rebuilt by the Romans. Although it is not Tunisia’s most impressive archaeological site, it is certainly the most famous. A wander through the suburb reveals the remains of Carthage’s amphitheater, circus, cemeteries and Punic ports, as well as the foundations of the city’s ancient residential quarter. The Baths of Antoninus Pius are particularly famous as the largest public baths outside of Rome.

Admire Mosaics in Bulla Regia

For a more intact insight into Roman life in North Africa, make your way to Bulla Regia , an archaeological site located near the city of Jendouba in the northwest of the country. Under Roman rule, the region flourished because of its ability to produce grain, grapes and olives. This prosperity is evident in the villas at Bulla Regia, which were built underground as a defense against the heat. As a result, their interiors are so well preserved that visitors can walk through the rooms as their owners might once have done and see original artifacts in situ. These include elaborate floor mosaics, which are thought to be amongst the most impressive in North Africa. The haloed sea goddess depicted in the House of Amphitrite is a particular highlight of this incredible site.

Enjoy Djerba's Island Vibes

For a completely different atmosphere, exchange the history of the mainland for the laid-back vibes of Djerba Island . Surrounded by the Gulf of Gabès, Djerba is the largest island in North Africa. Its multicultural residents are famously friendly, and the island itself is a kaleidoscope of whitewashed buildings, sandy beaches and colorful seafood restaurants. Some visitors spend their time relaxing in luxury hotels along the Zone Touristique beachfront, while others venture into the Houmt Souk medina in search of authentic souvenirs. Guellala village is famous for its pottery, an industry that dates back to Roman times. Animal lovers can come face-to-face with over 400 Nile crocodiles at Djerba Explore , or admire wild flamingos on the Ras Rmel peninsula.

Go Birdwatching in Ichkeul National Park

Tunisia’s most rewarding wildlife experience, however, is to be found at Ichkeul National Park in the far north of the country. Comprising mountains, wetlands and the vast expanse of Lake Ichkeul, the park is UNESCO-protected and renowned for its hiking and birdwatching opportunities. The lake is the last great freshwater lake in a chain that once stretched across North Africa, and as such provides a vital stopping off point for migratory birds en route from Europe and Asia to sub-Saharan Africa. In season, more than 300,000 ducks, geese and coots can be spotted on the lake during a single day, and great flocks of storks and flamingo are common. In addition, the national park also provides a sanctuary for more than 200 animal species and 500 plant species.

Feel the Force in Matmata

Despite its allegedly ancient origins, the troglodyte settlement of Matmata was virtually unknown to the outside world until 1967, when extreme floods forced its people to surface from their underground homes. Now, the settlement is a famous destination for Star Wars fans , as the village and its surrounds were used to film scenes from the planet Tatooine. In particular, underground Hotel Sidi Driss acted as Luke Skywalker’s home in the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope ; and appeared again in the 2002 sequel Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones . Like all troglodyte homes, it comprises a series of artificial caves cut into the earth around a central pit and connected by subterranean tunnels. It has 20 rooms and a restaurant on-site.

Tunisia Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

The Top 15 Things to See and Do in Morocco

Top 10 Destinations in North Africa

Your Trip to Morocco: The Complete Guide

The 12 Best Day Trips From Cairo

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Marrakesh, Morocco

The 18 Top Things to Do in Meknes, Morocco

Roman Amphitheaters in Italy

Medina of Tunis

The Top 12 Things to Do in Ethiopia

Visiting the Star Wars Sets of Southern Tunisia

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Morocco

The 12 Best Things to Do in Casablanca

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia: The Complete Guide

The 25 Top Attractions in Rome, Italy

10 Destinations to Top Your Africa Bucket List

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Exploring The 10 Best Places To Visit In Tunisia In 2024

28 Sep 2023

Travelling to Tunisia is a journey into a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the northernmost tip of Africa, this North African gem offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern aspirations. Its historical significance is palpable in its well-preserved archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Carthage and the Roman ruins of Dougga. The medinas of cities like Tunis and Sousse transport visitors back in time with their narrow alleys, ornate doorways, and bustling souks filled with exotic treasures. If you are planning a holiday to this region, continue reading to know the best places to visit in Tunisia and set an itinerary that includes all the experiences.

10 Best Places To Visit In Tunisia

Whether you’re exploring historical sites, enjoying nature’s wonders, or indulging in local delicacies, Tunisia promises a rich and unforgettable travel experience. Here, are the best places in Tunisia worth exploring on your next visit:

1. Carthage

Image Source: Shutterstock

Explore the ancient ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its fascinating history as a powerful Phoenician city. Don’t miss the Carthage National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts. Carthage, once a mighty Phoenician city located in modern-day Tunisia, is steeped in history and intrigue. Founded in the 9th century BC, it grew to become a powerful maritime empire, rivaling Rome for dominance in the Mediterranean.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carthage offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover the captivating history of this once-mighty civilization, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and archaeology buffs. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Tunisia.

Famous Tourist Attractions: Saint Louis Cathedral, Baths of Antoninus, Carthage National Museum, Punic Ports of Carthage, Salammbo Tophet

Must Read: Zambezi River Guide: All About Your Next Soothing Trip In Africa

Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Its historic heart lies in the labyrinthine streets of the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways and discover centuries-old architecture.

Beyond Medina, Tunis offers a range of attractions. The Bardo Museum is renowned for its exceptional collection of Roman mosaics, providing a glimpse into Tunisia’s rich historical heritage. Just a short drive away, Carthage beckons with its ancient ruins and historical significance, dating back to the Phoenician era.

Famous Tourist Attractions: Medina, Ez-Zitouna Mosque, Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul, Ben Bhar, Avenue Habib Bourguiba

3. Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said, often referred to as the “Blue and White Village,” is a picturesque coastal town located just a short drive from Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. What immediately catches the eye in Sidi Bou Said is its enchanting blue-and-white architecture.

The town’s buildings, adorned with cobalt blue doors, window frames, and wrought-iron railings against a backdrop of brilliant white facades, create a visually stunning and unique ambiance. This iconic color scheme has earned Sidi Bou Said its distinctive nickname and draws visitors from around the world.

Famous Tourist Attractions: Dar El Anna, Ennejma Ezzahra, D’Art Des Metiers De Lella Salta, Café Des Delices

Suggested Read: 10 Flea Markets In Nairobi That’ll Satiate All Shopping-Freaks

El Djem itself is a charming town that exudes a laid-back atmosphere, surrounded by olive groves and the picturesque Tunisian countryside. Visitors can not only delve into the rich history of the amphitheater but also immerse themselves in the local culture and hospitality.

Exploring this ancient Roman marvel, visitors can envision the roars of the crowds, the bravery of gladiators, and the spectacle of ancient contests that once filled this arena. El Djem’s Roman amphitheater stands as a testament to Tunisia’s historical heritage and offers an unforgettable journey back in time, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Famous Tourist Attractions: Amphitheatre of El Jem , Archaeological Museum of El-Djem, Ribat of Sousse, Great Mosque of Kairouan

Dougga, also known as Thugga, is an ancient Roman archaeological site in Tunisia that holds a prominent place among the country’s historical treasures. Situated in the northwestern region of Tunisia, Dougga is often hailed as the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical significance.

Dating back to the 2nd century BC, Dougga thrived as a prosperous city during the Roman era, and its ruins are a testament to the architectural sophistication of that time. The town’s layout includes a well-preserved forum, temples, theaters, baths, and a variety of residential and administrative buildings, all set against a backdrop of picturesque rolling hills.

Famous Tourist Attractions: Great Mosque, Great Mosque, Commonwealth War Cemetery, Bulla Regia, Ksour Toual Zammel, Kbor Klib

Suggested Read: 10 Cafes In Nairobi To Relish African Cuisines In The Capital City Of Kenya

6. Kairouan

Kairouan, often referred to as the “City of One Thousand and One Mosques,” is a city of immense historical and cultural significance in Tunisia. Situated in the northeastern part of the country, Kairouan stands as one of the Islamic world’s holiest cities, a place of pilgrimage and learning.

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which dates back to the 9th century and is considered one of the oldest and most important mosques in the Islamic world. Its stunning architectural details, including graceful columns and intricately designed prayer halls, showcase the grandeur of Islamic architecture.

Famous Tourist Attractions: Kairouan Medina, Great Mosque, Mosque of the Barber, Mosque of the Three Doors, Aghlabid Basins

Matmata, a small desert town located in southern Tunisia, is renowned for its unique and fascinating underground dwellings known as “troglodyte houses.” These remarkable structures have been hewn into the soft, sandstone cliffs of the region, creating an otherworldly landscape that has captured the imagination of travelers and filmmakers alike.

The troglodyte houses of Matmata are not just architectural curiosities; they also have a practical purpose. The underground design helps regulate indoor temperatures, providing natural insulation against the scorching heat of the desert during the day and the cold nights.

Famous Tourist Attractions: Casas Trogloditas de Matmata, Mosquée, Escale de Toujane, Ata elhani

Suggested Read: 10 Restaurants In Kenya That’ll Make You Fall In Love With African Food

8. Ichkeul Lake

Ichkeul Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in northern Tunisia. The lake and its associated wetlands boast strong ecological importance as they offer natural habitat to a wide range of bird species, especially during the winter migration season..

Enjoying the vicinity of wetlands, the lake is primarily known for its natural landscape and rich biodiversity. Some of the best species found here include flamingos, herons, storks, and various types of ducks. If you wish to bask in the charm of nature, plan a visit to Ichkeul Lake and spend some soulful moments.

Tamerza is a small village located in southwestern Tunisia, near the border with Algeria. The destination is renowned for its lush palm groves and oasis, which provide a stark contrast to the surrounding arid desert landscape. One of the main attractions in Tamerza is the Tamerza Waterfall which flows from the mountains, creating a refreshing pool at its base.

One of the best places to visit in Tunisia, it also makes a popular spot for visitors to relax and soak in the natural bliss. Apart from this, Tamerza offers breathtaking panoramic views of the desert, mountains, and oasis. For travellers wanting to ditch the crowd, Tamerza is a true heaven

Suggested Read: Top 10 African Islands For A Tropical Vacation In 2023 On This Astonishing Continent

10. Monastir Ribat

Monastir Ribat is famed for its historical and architectural supremacy. Positioned in the city of Monastir, the Ribat is a well-preserved example of a medieval Islamic fortress and monastery. Constructed in the 8th century AD, this striking spot served as a defensive structure during the early Islamic period.

It played a crucial role in defending the city against various threats, including pirates and invaders. Besides this, it also impresses visitors with its Islamic military architecture, characterized by its sturdy walls, towers, and a central courtyard.

Further Read: Don’t Miss These Food Festivals In South Africa If You Call Yourself A Foodie

Tunisia’s historical sites, coastal beauty, and cultural diversity make it a captivating destination for travelers looking to explore a land where ancient history meets the vibrant present. You can plan your future holiday to Africa with TravelTriangle and have an itinerary drafted exclusively according to your preferences. Don’t forget to unravel the mentioned places to visit in Tunisia for an wholesome experience.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click here .

Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Tunisia

What is the most visited place in Tunisia?

One of the most visited places in Tunisia is the ancient city of Carthage. Carthage, located near the modern-day capital, Tunis, is renowned for its historical significance and archaeological treasures. It was once a powerful Phoenician and later Roman city, and its ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into Tunisia’s rich past. Visitors come to explore its ancient sites, including the Roman amphitheater, Antonine Baths, and the Carthage National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts. The combination of historical importance and accessible location makes Carthage a top tourist destination in Tunisia.

Is Tunisia a cheap destination?

Tunisia is often considered an affordable destination for travelers, especially when compared to many Western European countries and North American destinations. However, the cost of your trip can vary depending on factors like your travel style, choice of accommodations, dining preferences, and activities.

Do you need a visa for Tunisia?

A tourist visa of Tunisia is issued for a maximum of 90 days but can also be issued for lesser period, depending on the purpose of visit. If a traveller wants to stay for more than 90 days or, then you must apply for a Tunisia long-stay visa.

People Also Read:

Places To Visit In Maldives Places To Visit In Mauritius Places To Visit In Sri Lanka

Recent Posts

Pay A Visit To Kanaka Durga Temple On Your Next Trip

Exploring Mookambika Temple In Kollur And Unveil Its Mystical Charm

Journey To Subramanya Swamy Temple – A Spiritual Odyssey

Umananda Temple: An Ultimate Spiritual Retreat

10 Astonishing Facts About Buckingham Palace

Best Campsites In Kent: Find Tranquillity In Nature With Thrill

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• International
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Maldives Tour Packages
• Bali Tour Packages
• Dubai Tour Packages
• Singapore Tour Packages
• Thailand Tour Packages
• Europe Tour Packages
• Sri Lanka Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Thailand Tourism
• Bali Tourism
• Singapore Tourism
• Maldives Tourism
• Mauritius Tourism
• Dubai Tourism
• Europe Tourism
• Hotels in Thailand
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Mauritius
• Hotels in Bali
• Hotels in Dubai
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Sri Lanka

How to Spend 10 Days in Tunisia: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Compared to other North African destinations like Egypt and Morocco, Tunisia just isn’t on many people’s radars. Admittedly, it doesn’t have the incredible wealth of ancient wonders that Egypt does, nor does it boast the unique labyrinthine medinas of Morocco. What Tunisia does have, however, is more of a road-less-traveled vibe. 

Particularly in the capital of Tunis, the relative lack of tourism means you tend to get hassled less than you do in Cairo or Marrakesh. The lack of energy devoted to fending off wheeler-dealers means you have more time to just take in the sights and sounds around you, chomping down on a street snack while musing over the mix of medieval Islamic and French colonial architecture.

Of course, this underdeveloped tourism industry has its downsides, too. While I managed to pack a lot into my Tunisia itinerary, there were several things I wanted to do but ended up skipping just because the logistics were so complicated. I’ve heard amazing things, for example, about overnight tours into the desert from Douz , a tiny town known as Tunisia’s gateway to the Sahara. There are also the fascinating former Berber habitations in Ksar Ouled Soltane and Chenini, now best known as Star Wars filming locations. Due to the limitations of public transport, you risk wasting whole days getting from A to B – which I just wasn’t willing to do!

Even without these stop-offs, I still found plenty to entertain myself over 10 days in Tunisia.

A Quick Word on Language

Tunisian Arabic is spoken throughout the country, but there’s also a strong undercurrent of French in the major cities. Tunisia was a protectorate of France for 75 years, up until 1956, and the after-effects are still evident today. As a result, you’ll find that many locals will resort to French if they can’t get their point across in Arabic. English, on the other hand, is very rarely spoken.

If you’re like me and long ago forgot any Francais beyond ‘Bonjour,’ ‘Merci’ and ‘Du vin, s’il vous plait,’ you’ll probably find yourself mostly employing hand gestures – or, of course, the unreliable joys of Google Translate. Even if you find this slightly embarrassing, let me set your mind at ease: I don’t think I had a single interaction where a taxi driver, market stall proprietor, or street food vendor wasn’t up for a game of charades. In other words, the people are generally pretty chill!

Local Customs

Despite being one of the more progressive countries in the Arab sphere, Tunisia still has a few conservative rules. One of the most frustrating (if understandable) for a tourist is that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter any of the prayer rooms of mosques – and in some cases even the courtyards are off-limits. This means you’ll often have to resign yourself to gazing at the exterior beauty of these buildings while wondering what further wonders are hidden inside, behind the beautifully decorated walls. 

Like in Egypt, it is not illegal for visitors or locals to buy or consume alcohol, but it isn’t something you find on every street corner or at every restaurant. Mostly, the sale is limited to luxury hotels and supermarkets like Monoprix. Remember that Friday is the Islamic holy day, which means it’s the day when all the alcohol ‘caves’ roll down the shutters. If you were planning on trying some of the local vino, bear that in mind. 

Despite Friday being the holy day, it is still Sunday that acts as the day of rest. Souks are half shuttered, restaurants take the day off and generally, everything has reduced hours or doesn’t open at all. Plan accordingly!

Day One: Ruins of Empire

Most international flights to Tunisia arrive in the country’s capital, Tunis. This modern-day city is built atop the same land that once held the center of one of the ancient world’s greatest powers, the Carthaginian Empire. Thousands of years ago, Carthage flourished here, spreading its civilization and commerce along the North African coast, across Mediterranean islands, and into southern Spain.

Following a bitter war with the Romans for control of the Mediterranean, Carthage was eventually decimated. Legend has it that the victorious Roman general, Scipio Africanus, sowed salt into the earth so the city would never again provide fertile soil.

This fascinating history provides the background to one of Tunisia’s most famous attractions, the ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area includes not just partial remnants of the Carthaginian past, but also the Roman city that flourished a bit later. 

I’m going to be brutally honest up front: these ruins are far from the most impressive reminders of the ancient world you’ll ever see. Having said that, I would still recommend visiting if, one, you are a history nerd like me, and two, if you quite enjoy absorbing the atmosphere of a city by traversing its streets.

A ticket for the Carthage ruins gives you access to a variety of locations, including the Sanctuary of Tophet, covered with stelae and thought to have been the site of ritual sacrifice, and the District of Roman Villas, which provides some idea of ancient town structure. The Roman Theater of Carthage is largely a reconstruction, and really a minor entity if you compare it to the many existing, incredibly preserved Roman theaters elsewhere. 

Easily the most impressive of all the ruins in Tunis is the Baths on Antoninus, a sprawling complex that once housed palaestras (gyms), frigidariums (cold rooms), caldariums (hot rooms), and tepidariums (warm rooms). There’s nothing complete here, but there’s enough left to create much more of an atmosphere and a sense of the past.

The ruins of Carthage are fairly randomly ticketed. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the fact that a patch of stone foundations in a bit of dried-out earth (some sort of craftsmen’s quarter, according to a plaque) was behind a barrier, while the half pillars, fallen walls, and rather well-preserved underground rotunda of the Basilica of Damus El Karita were completely free to enter, just off the highway.

Modern Carthage itself is a rather pretty suburb, containing not only the presidential palace but also a few residences that clearly belong to some of the country’s most important folks – at least judging from the military presence. Just wandering through the area, you’ll come across little patches of ancient stonework, stuck between costly villas and modern roads.

End your day with a little schlep up to Byrsa Hill for some lovely views over the city.

Where to Stay in Tunis

I stayed in a five-star gem. The Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa is located in the Tunis Medina, inside a wonderfully renovated residence. Waking up to gorgeous views of the city from the rooftop terrace was one of the highlights of my trip – and the in-house hammam didn’t hurt either! There really isn’t a better place in the city to stay for comfort, convenience, and buckets of Tunisian charm.

Day Two: Sea, Sand, and Sidi Bou Said

White buildings with bright-blue doors and shutters, perched over coastal views. No, this isn’t the Greek isle of Santorini, it’s Sidi Bou Said, at once one of the prettiest and most touristy areas of Tunis. Expect to pay top dollar for almost everything here, from beverages to trinkets. 

The only exception is perhaps bambalouni, one of the most recognizable local foodie specialties. This giant donut is first deep friend, then not so much sprinkled as thoroughly dunked in sugary goodness. It’s not the healthiest snack, but it’s absolutely delicious and costs just a single dinar.

The start of the Sidi Bou Said area has a couple of stalls with people selling tat and trying to thrust unwanted ‘gifts’ upon you that they will then want money for. Politely wave them off and begin wandering the streets. 

Sidi Bou Said is a fairly small area, but charming, with characterful double doors and mashrabiya (projecting windows enclosed by carved wood latticework, allowing people to look out while preventing others from looking in). 

There are a couple of cafes here, too, expensive by local standards, but boasting some lovely views if you care to venture up to the terraces. The local tea, heavily sweetened with French-style mint sirop and often served with a handful of pine nuts (pignons) or almonds (amandes), is from my observation pricier than the coffee, not just here but everywhere in Tunisia.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss Ennejma Ezzahra Palace. Built by French painter and musicologist Rodolphe d’Erlanger as an homage to Arab-Islamic architecture. Of course, it’s nowhere near as historic or amazing as Granada’s Alhambra Palace, but it’s still an impressive work of art.

From the terrace in front of the main door, you can look down through blooming bougainvillea at a small harbor and compact beach. If you’re looking for some sun, sand, and possibly a bit of surfing, this was the cleanest of the beaches I visited in the Tunis metropolitan area. You will have to brave the 350 steps, however, which aren’t so bad on the way down, but on the way up… 

By way of comparison, the longest stretch of sandy seaside at La Marsa, which could be lovely, is rather sadly spoiled by lots of pieces of plastic trash, washing up with every wave. If you like a bit of property spotting, the area just a bit further inland from the coast contains some of the most ostentatious modern villas I saw in Tunis.

There are two other beachfronts to just quickly mention. Further west of La Marsa, Gammarth is the heart of the seaside resort town. During high season, the bars are buzzing and hawkers offer camel rides across the sands. 

Along the eastern side of Tunis, La Goulette is where cruise ships visiting the area dock. While it’s not a particularly attractive or interesting area, it does feature ramshackle seafood restaurants with sea views that are much frequented by locals, as well as an impressively domineering fort, built during the very brief stint Spain controlled the coast – if only it was open to the public!

If you want to experience the local metro service, the TGM (Tunis’ oldest line) runs all the way from La Marsa, past Sidi Bou Said and the Carthaginian Ruins, through La Goulette, and finishes up at the end of the downtown area. The section along La Goulette is particularly scenic where it crosses the Lake of Tunis.

It is perfectly possible to combine the Carthaginian ruins and Sidi Bou Said into one day, but it will be a lot to cover, especially if you walk between the sites rather than hiring a driver or taking a series of taxis. On the other hand, if your capacity for ruins is fairly small, it’s not unrealistic to cram it all in.

Day Three: Downtown Tunis

Right in the center of town is where you’ll find more of the real flavor of the Tunisian capital. 

I started off in the medina, whose enticing winding streets are filled with numerous cafes, souks, and stalls selling, well, pretty much everything. This hive of activity all grew up around the anchor of the Ez-Zitouna Mosque (literally Mosque of the Olive), originally built in the 7th century but completely reconstructed in the 9th. Today, its (much newer) minaret looms over the medina, calling folk to prayer. Entry, however, is forbidden to non-Muslims, so you’ll have to head to the terrace of the Cafe Panorama if you want a glimpse inside.

Make sure you don’t forget to try some Tunisian specialties while you’re in the medina. A few alleyways house small eateries where you can grab one of the most popular foods with locals: baguette farcie, a half-French, half-Arabic invention that consists of flatbread stuffed with cheese, mixed veg, and either chicken or jambon, before being baked. It’s heaven!

The Tunisians seem to love their filled breads, because two of the other most common foods I found everywhere were variations on a similar theme. The makloub is essentially folded-over flatbread cradling similar fillings to the baguette farcie (you can ask for it to be spiced up with some harissa), while fricassee is a deep-fried roll containing olives, boiled eggs, canned tuna, and potatoes. Given the penchant for baked bread and ubiquity of stone ovens, it’s not surprising to also see pizza being sold at many stands.

Once a gate to the medina and now a monument marking the meeting place of Islamic and French Tunis, Bab Al Bahr is set in a square lined by a couple of cafes where you can stop for a coffee boost and a bit of people watching. 

That done, it’s time to enter the former French quarter. Buildings here bear the hallmark of European architecture, with grand mansion blocks adorned with Belle Epoque excess. The most notable structure is the Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul. Completed in 1897, it’s a hodgepodge of architectural styles – the designer clearly just picked his favorite ideas and smushed them together – with a sculptured figure jutting prominently out from the façade to embrace the sky.

South of this, the Municipal Market is a paradise of fresh produce. The main hall features all manner of fruit and vegetables, while smaller sections branching off contain areas dedicated to fresh seafood (including fish and octopus), meat and chicken, and local cheeses and pickles. This area is complemented by the spice market, just a few steps away, filled with sacks of colorful powders. 

This will probably put you in the mood for some dinner. Finish your day with a meal at Fondouk Al Attarine, which serves up all the classics of Tunisian dining inside a former caravanserai. The setting is absolutely gorgeous: a glass-enclosed courtyard ensconced in foliage. Try the brik (a savory pastry filled with a runny boiled egg, meat, potatoes, and veg), followed by the fish couscous.

Disappointingly, the Bardo Museum, said to contain one of the best collections of ancient mosaics anywhere in the world, was closed when I visited – and has been closed ever since the onset of Covid. Although the Tunisian government has said it’s undergoing renovation, there’s also no word on when it will reopen. If you are luckier than me and visit Tunisia when it has finally begun welcoming people back, the Tunisians we spoke to were full of praise.

Day Four: Westward, Ho!

Now, you’ve explored what Tunis has to offer, it’s time to venture out of the capital and into other territories.

To the west are a pair of former Roman settlements that are located not far from one another. By public transport, they’re not the easiest places to reach, so it might be worth investing in a tour as I did. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on a combo of bus and taxi.

Dougga is another of Tunisia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For those of a romantic temperament, there’s plenty of scope for gazing misty-eyed at the extensive ruins and imagining the buzzing metropolis that once would have existed. Amidst the remnants of temples, bathhouses, and public latrines are a couple of standouts: the 19-tier restored theater, which could once hold 3,500 people, and the Capitol, which retains its grand portico intact.

While Dougga was a settlement long before the Romans elbowed their way in, there are precious few buildings to attest to that fact. An exception is the Libyco-Punic Mausoleum, a solid block of tiered stone adorned with griffins. It is one of just a handful of examples of Royal Numidian architecture that can still be seen today anywhere in the world.

Just over an hour’s drive from Dougga is Bulla Regia. Just like Dougga, Bulla Regia has a history of Berber, Punic, Numidian, and Roman habitation. While the ruins of the Memmian Baths are impressive, what makes this site unique is its belowground halls, built around open courtyards. These subterranean sections of Roman villas were where the rich retreated during the hot summer months. Thanks to their location, they have been fantastically preserved. 

The most amazing features are the almost perfect mosaics, many of which have been left in place (others have been removed from the Bardo Museum). These artworks give their name to most of the houses here, including the House of Amphitrite, which contains an imperious-looking nude woman (perhaps Amphitrite, the wife of Neptune) attended by crab-like centaurs and dolphin-bestriding cupids.

Return to Tunis for a hearty helping of ojja, a hearty tomato-based stew with eggs, peppers, and harissa that can be leveled up with some slices of merguez (a kind of spicy sausage). 

Day Five: Second-Best Sousse 

While Tunis is by far the most modern of Tunisia’s cities, you wouldn’t be doing the country full justice by just staying in the capital for your whole trip. Hop on one of the two morning trains heading to Sousse and expand your horizons southward. The trip takes just under 2.5 hours.

It is possible to do a day trip tour from Tunis that manages to squeeze in Sousse alongside nearby El Jem and Kairouan all at once. However, it’s a lot of driving for very little time in the towns. Instead, I recommend spreading out your trip so you don’t have to feel like you’re rushing the entire time.

Tunisia’s third-largest city, Sousse is a good place to base yourself for exploring the surrounding region. It was actually an earlier Phoenician colony than Carthage known as Hadrumetum, though it was later superseded in influence and power. Today, Sousse shares the distinction with Tunis of having its medina awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

There are some really interesting comparisons to be made between the medinas of Tunis and Sousse. While both have a similar array of stalls, Sousse’s sellers are much more insistent, perhaps because the medina is smaller and more wholly geared towards tourism – in Tunis, the medina seems to have more alleyways that are just for locals shopping for socks, underwear and tea kettles.

On the other hand, Sousse’s medina still has most of its encircling defensive structures intact, with the sandy-colored walls firmly delineating the area from the rest of the city. The imposing kasbah (fortress) now plays host to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, the best place to see recovered Roman mosaics (at least until the Bardo reopens).

The oldest remaining part of Sousse’s medina is the ribat, a compact, square fortification. I puffed my way to the top of the tower via a narrow spiral staircase and was rewarded with panoramic views over the rest of the medina. 

Opposite the ribat is the city’s preeminent religious edifice, the Great Mosque of Sousse, which looks more like another defensive structure than a mosque, particularly as it lacks a minaret and the beautiful decorative geometric patterns you would usually associate with an Islamic place of worship. Non-Muslims can go no further than the courtyard, but you can peep into the prayer hall from the doorway. 

The medina can be chaotic, but if you want some rest and relaxation, Sousse is home to a strip of coastline that features the soft, sandy Bou Jaafar Beach. Grab a beer or some wine from the nearby MG Magasin General and kick your feet up for an hour or two. 

Where to Stay in Sousse

Dar Lekbira Boutique Hotel was only opened at the tail end of last year. As you would expect from a brand-new property, everything is shiny and clean. The building itself has been nicely renovated, though the furnishings tend towards the louder side of the spectrum. But hey, I’m not opposed to a little bling-bling! 

Day Six: Kairouan

Just to the west of Sousse, Kairouan was founded in 670 CE as a military post by a general of the Rashidun Caliphate. The Great Mosque, which is the city’s jewel, was first constructed at this time, before being rebuilt in 836 by the Aghlabid dynasty, the same powerful family who gave Sousse its Great Mosque.

While the exterior of Kairouan’s mosque appears just as forbidding and unadorned as Sousse’s, the inside is another story. Marble and porphyry columns line the hypostyle that leads to the prayer hall, which has two beautiful wooden doors barring entry to non-believers (like other mosques in Tunisia, no non-Muslims allowed). The boxy minaret, on the other hand, definitely looks like something out of a fortress.

A short walk away and just a few decades younger, the Mosque of the Three Doors may not look like much, but it is thought to be the oldest example of a mosque with a sculpted façade still in existence anywhere in the world. An interesting historical tidbit maybe, but it’s not as impressive as the Mosque Sidi Sahbi (Mosque of the Barber), which exhibits some beautiful tilework and stucco design in the publicly accessible courtyard. 

Kairouan is pretty easy to reach from Sousse if you don’t mind an adventure on a lounge . These minivan taxis are a cheap way to traverse the country where train and bus lines fail. It’s not an easy system to work out alone, but if you ask your hotel to help you, you shouldn’t have any problems getting an idea of the schedule.

Day Seven: A Jem of a City

El Jem is mainly famous for one thing: its enormous amphitheatre, which was possibly only rivalled by Rome’s Colosseum when it was whole. Built in the 3rd century CE, it was able to hold 35,000 people.

Part of the building has since crumbled away, but there’s still most of this impressive ruin left to explore. Clamber up through the tiered seating to feel the full size of the space, then head down to the underground to see where the behind-the-scenes action happened.

The ticket to the amphitheater also includes access to the nearby museum, which has its own collection of beautiful mosaics, salvaged from various Roman sites. 

Getting to the city is pretty easy from Sousse. Just hop on one of the trains heading towards Sfax. The trip takes just over an hour. Since there’s not much else to see in El Jem and the train schedules are heavily skewed towards pre-noon travel, I recommend visiting the amphitheater in the morning, before returning to Sousse for lunch.

After lunch, you can explore the area around Monastir. While technically a separate city, Monastir is connected to Sousse by the Sahel Metro, which means it takes just half an hour to get from one downtown to the other.

Monastir is a beach resort area with several narrow strips of sandy stretches abutting Mediterranean waters. Despite being a little too closely hemmed in by the nearby road, Qaraiya Beach is still a very scenic location to kick off your shoes and go for a paddle, particularly because it’s overlooked by the impressive remains of the city’s ribat. This fortress is more striking than the one in Sousse and boasts a watchtower that you can climb for great views over the surrounding area.

If you’ve got a little spare time on your hands, pay a 20-minute visit to the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba. Just a short walk from the ribat, it’s a dazzling monument to the father of Tunisian independence. When the sky is cloudless, the golden central dome and gold-tipped minarets glitter cheerfully in the sun. Habib Bourguiba is a beloved figure in Tunisia not just because he was a tireless agitator against colonial rule or because he was elected as the country’s first president, but also because of his many social reforms, promoting universal education and women’s rights. It’s worth going just to pay homage to the man and his ideals!

Return to Sousse for your final night.

Day Eight: Lazy Days

After several madcap days of touring a country, it’s always nice to take a day or two just to kick back and relax.

Hammamet is Tunisia’s original resort town. A former fishing village, it transformed over the course of the 20th century to become a destination for glamorous holidays, with film star Sophie Loren and fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli both once owning houses here.

Today, there are a number of five-star resorts lining the sandy shores, including many with private beaches that are adults only. The waters lapping the coast are deliciously warm, though some parts of the beach are definitely better tended than others. Pick your spot wisely and while away the day with a bit of sun worship.

Where to Stay in Hammamet

If you’re going to stay in a hive of beach resorts, you may as well throw yourself fully into the experience. The Royal Azur Thalasso has several outdoor swimming pools, easy access to a private beach, and lots of dining options, from al fresco terraces to the ridiculously overdone indoor restaurant. I rarely go for 5-star excess over characterful boutiques, but when I do, this is the kind of over-the-top-ness I enjoy.

Day Nine: Beside the Beach

If you want to break up your beach time with some cultural curiosities, Hammamet is home to a small medina that is filled with bright-white houses and dominated by the sandy-colored 13th-century kasbah. To be honest though, the vibe is very much a Disneyland version of Tunisia, especially after having visited much more interesting medinas elsewhere in the country.

Which reminds me, you can actually go to what is purported to be North Africa’s oldest amusement park along this slice of coast, dubbed Carthage Land (of course). If you’re traveling with kids, bumper cars, log flumes and roller coasters might be a welcome addition to your trip. 

Day Ten: Tunis Revisited

Catch the train from Hammamet back to Tunis. There are infrequent direct trains into the city center, but you may also have to change at the suburban railway town of Borj Cedria. Either way, the journey should take you between 1.5 and 2 hours.

If you’ve got a little time before your flight, head back into the medina for any of the local specialties you didn’t manage to try the first time around. One for the vegetarians, kafteji is essentially a mix of fried vegetables (eggplants, bell peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchinis) that are often served as a side, though I prefer it stuffed in whatever flatbread the seller has got handy!

And That’s How to Spend 10 Days in Tunisia!

Tunisia may not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of North Africa, but it makes for an interesting alternative to the more commonly visited countries of Egypt and Morocco . With Roman ruins, sandy beaches, and lots and lots of stuffed-bread specialties, Tunisia has plenty to recommend itself to visitors looking to take the road less traveled.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

Related Posts

The Cost of Travel in Mauritius: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

How to Spend One Week in Mauritius: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Why You Need to Take a Game Drive in Swaziland/eSwatini

Exploring Kolmanskop: Namibia’s Ghost Town in the Desert

In-Depth Namibia Travel Guide: What’s it Like to Travel in Namibia?

Introducing Tofo: My African Beach Paradise

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet Lauren Juliff

Travel to Tunisia in 2024: Tips + Itinerary

By Joan Torres 20 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

From the most epic Roman ruins in Africa to crystal Mediterranean beaches, the Sahara and a great Berber culture, Tunisia is a small piece of land with a lot to offer and is a great alternative to Morocco as, basically, you get a similar Maghrebi culture with the difference that many parts of Tunisia remain unvisited and the country is mostly free of the classic scams.

The golden era in which Tunisia used to be a prime tourist destination came to an end with the 2015 terrorist attacks   – unfortunately – but, even during those times, the vast majority of visitors were resort-like tourists, the most adventurous ones visiting the most typical tourist attractions on an organized tour.

Even my parents visited Tunisia for a few days many years ago, but went there with everything organized.

This means that Tunisia hasn’t really witnessed the arrival of independent travelers and I believe this is one of the things that make any trip to Tunisia a great travel experience, as you will be continuously meeting curious, kind-hearted locals everywhere you go.

No more than a few hours from any European city by air, this is perhaps, the closest and easiest exotic, offbeat destination to visit during your 1 or 2-week holiday.

This guide contains everything you need to know to travel to Tunisia , including travel tips and a compelling 2-week itinerary.

I also recommend you read: How to visit Tunis in 3 days

In this Tunisia travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Getting there
• Travel insurance
• Best time to visit
• Tour or not?
• The people, the country
• Moving around
• Is it safe?
• Day 1, 2 – Tunis
• Day 3 – Sousse
• Day 4 – Monastir
• Day 5 – Kairouan
• Day 6 – El Jem
• Day 7 – Sfax
• Day 8, 9 – Tataouine & around
• Day 10, 11 – Tozeur & around
• Day 12 – El Kef
• Day 13 – Jugurtha Tableland
• Day 14 – Dougga
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Tunisia

IATI Insurance is the most versatile insurance for any destination, including Tunisia.

🪪 How to get a tourist visa for Tunisia

Pretty much any nationality can get a 3-month visa-free on arrival.

🛫 How to get to Tunisia

How to travel to tunisia by air.

Tunis International Airport has connections with several European cities and other major cities in Africa. I recommend you check on Tunisair and Skyscanner. I personally flew from Barcelona with Tunisair.

How to travel to Tunisia by land

Tunisia has a border with Algeria and Libya .

• Algeria – You can travel to Tunisia from Algeria and use the entry point near Tabarka – not sure if foreigners can use the other borders.
• Libya – You can’t really cross from Libya, not because the border is closed but because, currently, Libya is not issuing tourist visas and the only way to get in is via an agency who will fake a business visa for you, and they don’t recommend you enter or exit via Tunisia, as it would not be credible that you came to Libya for business purposes.

🚑 Travel Insurance for Tunisia

For Tunisia, get IATI Insurance :

• All types of plans: from families to budget backpackers
• Covers both short-term trips and up to 1-year long trips.
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

⛅ Best time to visit Tunisia

The best thing about Tunisia is that this is really a year-round destination.

The northern part of the country is purely Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers so, if you fancy the beach, July and August should prove best, and towns and cities are great to visit any time of the year. The arid south, however, is best visited in winter, otherwise, the heat might not let you enjoy it that much.

I visited Tunisia for 3 weeks from mid-April to the beginning of May and it was the perfect time. The weather in the northern part was absolutely pleasant, with a little rain sometimes, and the heat in the southern part was still quite bearable.

Should you travel in Tunisia independently or on an organized tour?

I visited Tunisia 100% independently, and I recommend you do the same.

However, if you are short of time and want to visit specific places on organized tours, I recommend you use GetYourGuide , a website where you can book any type of tour, from half-day trips to several-day tours with just one click.

🕌 The people and the culture

They are too African to be considered European, but they are too European to be considered African.

These are the words from an expat American woman living in the city of Tunis who I had the chance to meet during my trip to Tunisia.

Along with Beirut , Tunis might be the most secular and open-minded Arab city and you just need to go to the city center and see how people dress.

You find traditional, religious people too, of course, but the beauty of Tunis, and Tunisia in general, is that everybody is free to practice Islam the way they please and, on most occasions, you won’t be judged.

This is why in Tunis you are likely to see a young girl with a short skirt walking in a local market among other women wearing the full hijab, a mix you will rarely see in other Arab countries.

Sousse, Monastir and Sfax are other modern cities with a significant number of liberal people, especially among the young generation.

However, religion still plays an important role in Tunisia’s society. Even Tunis has its traditional districts and the rural areas are very conservative.

But what is true is that in Tunisia there isn’t much fundamentalism compared to other Arab nations and countries in the Middle East.

Arabic is the official language in the country, and I believe it is quite similar to the Arabic spoken in Morocco and Algeria.

However, it is very different from other Middle Eastern countries, from Egypt to Oman .

In fact, they don’t even understand each other. When I was living in Dubai, in my office there were Arabs from all the Arab countries and Tunisians would always address Middle Easterners in English.

French & English – Given this used to be a French colony, except for uneducated people from rural areas, pretty much everybody in the country speaks impeccable French, and the best educated Tunisians also have good English, so traveling in Tunisia doesn’t imply any language barrier.

🍲 Food: What can you eat when you visit Tunisia?

Just before my trip to Tunisia, I had spent around 5 weeks in Morocco, so I wasn’t really expecting to taste many different flavors, but I was very wrong.

First of all, Tunisian food is extremely spicy. Like a lot spicy, sometimes Indian-level spicy.

I don’t know why, but Tunisia must be the only Mediterranean country that uses chilis in their cuisine. They love it and also a chilli sauce named harissa , which they put everywhere.

One Tunisian lady told me that every time she travels to Europe, even if it is just for a few days, she always brings some harissa .

Moreover, due to its proximity to Italy, Italian food is a thing here, and the truth is that spaghetti with tomato sauce is a staple, something you can order in any local eatery for less than $1 sometimes, but it isn’t very good pasta to be honest.

Overall, Tunisian food is good, however, whereas in the city of Tunis (and Sousse as well) I had quite a few feasts, in the rest of the country most places would only serve very basic stuff, especially in the south, Tozeur and El Kef.

Must-try dishes in during your trip in Tunisia

• Brik – The most popular snack in Tunisia consists of a filled fried pastry, usually with egg or tuna. By the way, Tunisians love tuna.
• Ojja – Sort of a tomato stew that comes in different versions, from local sausage ( mergez ) to seafood. Ojja is available in pretty much any local eatery.
• Cous-cous – Maghrebi star-dish, and the Tunisian version is very spicy.
• Seafood – In the coastal towns of Tunisia you can find some really great seafood, the most remarkable I ate being some stewed octopus in a tomato gravy, absolutely tender and delicious. I ate it in Sousse, in a restaurant called Cafe Bellar.

🛺 How to move around: transportation

Typically, there are 2 ways to travel around Tunisia:

Traveling around Tunisia by train

The Tunisian train is great. It is reliable, relatively fast and just soooo good. There is a train line that goes along the coast all the way to Gabés and, as far as I am concerned, the whole line is fully operational.

During my visit, however, the line that connects Tunis with Gabés through Tozeur, in the west of the country, had been closed for several years, but it seems they have already resumed all trains. In any case, you can check timings on the official railway website .

Traveling around Tunisia by louage

Louages are the local mini-vans which basically, you will ride for traveling to places you can’t reach by train. I used them to travel to Kairouan, El Kef and Tozeur and some places in the south. They are very cheap.

💰 Money, budget and costs

In Tunisia, they use the Tunisian Dinar (TND) and approximately:

1 USD = 3.15 TND

Most cities will have ATMs and changing either € or USD should be very easy.

How much does it cost to travel to Tunisia?

Tunisia is cheap, much more than Morocco, mainly because of the currency’s devaluation after the massive drop in tourism. Cost of the most typical things:

• Street sandwich (falafel) – 1-2 dinar
• Local meal  (1 ojja) – 5 dinars
• Meal in a good restaurant – 20 dinars
• Entrance fees to places like Dougga ruins, ribats, fortresses, museums – 8 to 12 dinars
• Budget hotel – 20-30 dinars
• Mid-range hotel – From 40-50 dinars
• Transportation – I paid around 4-7 dinars for most train journeys, same for louage.

On a tight budget, I seriously think you can go backpacking in Tunisia for $ a day 20.

Please note that the below table is just an approximation.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Tunisia?

Tunisia has had some safety concerns in the past, especially throughout 2015, and that was the main reason why tourism dropped dramatically.

However, the situation has improved drastically and for a better understanding, I recommend you read my analysis:

Is Tunisia a safe country to visit?

Tunisia Itinerary – Places to visit in 2 weeks

How long should you go backpacking in Tunisia for?

I personally spent almost 3 weeks, went a bit slower than the suggested itinerary and visited one or two additional places not included here such as Djerba Island.

Tunisia 2-week travel itinerary map

Day 1, 2 – Visit the capital of Tunis

A third Mediterranean, a third European and a third North African, Tunis is a city with many cultural contrasts and most likely, the starting point of your Tunisia travel itinerary.

On the one hand, the old city is composed of an African, Maghrebi medina, not very different from the ones you would find in Morocco, but without the feeling of being in a tourist trap.

And, on the other hand, you also have the European part of town, which is filled with French-style facades, boulangeries and a relatively Westernized atmosphere.

In addition, think about all the nightlife, nice restaurants, the Roman ruins of Carthage and the Mediterranean-like district of Sidi Bou Said, and I seriously believe that traveling to Tunisia just for visiting Tunis is truly worthwhile.

Things to do in Tunis

I spent whole 5 days in Tunis, and managed to squeeze the things I visited in a 3-day travel guide

Where to stay in Tunis

Backpacker Hostel – Medina Youth Hostel   – Located in the heart of the medina, this is the most backpacking-friendly hostel in Tunis.

Mid-range hotel – Dar La Leila – Super nice, traditionally decorated lovely hotel, the top-rated hotel in Tunis, and super charming staff.

Top-end hotel – Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa – A 5-star but traditional hotel that offers all the luxuries.

Best tours in Tunis

I recommend you look for tours via GetYourGuide .

Carthage and Sidi Bou Said – Roman ruins of Carthage and the Santorini-like city of Sidi Bou Said.

Bardo Museum & Medina – The classic medina + the museum containing one of the largest collections in the world of Roman mosaics.

Day 3 – The resort-like town of Sousse

This is the prime tourist destination in the country, for foreigneirs and Tunisians alike, but for independent travelers, it feels a bit odd.

It feels weird because the coastal front line of the new part of town is composed of ugly, mass tourism-like buildings, restaurants with over-priced menus and just the kind of trashy tourism I would try to run away from.

However, Sousse is the city that witnessed all those unfortunate terrorist events from 2015 , so during my visit in the month of May, it felt like a real ghost town and, in any case, the old part of Sousse is a great place to get lost in, among its narrow alleys.

Moreover, Sousse is a good base to explore a few places around such as Kairouan, Monastir or El Jem. I mean, you can find accommodation in those cities but Sousse has the largest offer of hotels, restaurants, and cafés so, for me, it made sense to hang out there for a while.

Looking for visiting Sousse on a tour? CLICK HERE TO CHECK ALL AVAILABLE TOURS IN SOUSSE

Things to do in Sousse

• Medina – Like all medinas in Africa, the medina of Sousse is a maze of streets where the highlight is getting lost and escaping from the main souvenir area.
• Great Mosque – From the 8th century. They make you pay an entrance fee, a bit unusual for being a regular mosque, but Tunisia is mostly like that.
• Ribat – Old Islamic fortress from the 8th century. It contains one of the oldest praying halls in Africa.
• Sousse Archaeological Museum – I am the least museum-friendly person but I loved the museum of Sousse because it contains some of the largest collections of Roman mosaics, including a massive one of Medusa . Check the official website for timings.

Ribat – A ribat is a small Arabic fortress typically found along the northern African coast, and built during the first years of the Muslim conquest. Most coastal towns in Tunisia have their own ribat and they tend to be pretty well-preserved. The word ”ribat” means ”defense of Islam”.

Where to stay in Sousse

Budget/backpacker – Hotel Paris – Basic hotel with relatively good Wi-Fi inside the medina. I stayed here.

Mid-range – Dar Antonia – Traditional, fancy dar in the medina.

How to get to Sousse from Tunis

There are several trains a day running to Sousse from Tunis central station.

A ticket would typically cost 10,000 dinars and it takes a bit more than 2 hours.

Day 4 – Day trip to Monastir

If you have the time, Monastir is a pleasant town that was founded as a Phoenician trading settlement more than 2,000 years ago.

Monastir is a peaceful, free-of-crowds town, as the touristic area is quite far away from the center, so it has managed to keep a certain charm, plus in my opinion, Monastir has the most well-preserved ribat in the country, a set of labyrinthic passages and stairways that seem taken from a movie.

Moreover, Monastir is the birthplace of Habib Bourguiba , the man who lead the country to independence from France and ruled the country from 1956 to 1987.

Other than that, Monastir is an all-right place to hang around for a while.

My visit here was a peculiar one. After visiting the ribat , I met with one local lady who had contacted me through Instagram and she took me to the local radio station’s offices – she was working there – and I kind of kept staring at what they were doing for a while.

Then, we went to Habib Bourguiba’s mausoleum.

You can also visit Monastir on an organized tour (along with Sousse) from Tunis. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

How to get Monastir from Sousse

Monastir is a 20km train ride from Sousse and trains run continuously throughout the day for $1 or less.

The Great Roman Civil War Do you know about the famous Roman Civil War between Julius Caesar and Pompey ? It was the war that led Rome from a Republic to an Empire, and the last stage that guided Julius Caesar to victory occurred on the battlefield between Sousse and Monastir. The coolest thing about it is that today’s Monastir was Caesar’s base, and Sousse was Pompey’s. They even made a TV series on Netflix.

Day 5 – Day trip to Kairouan, the holiest city in Tunisia

Some sources claim Kairouan is the holiest Islamic city in Africa, and the fourth in the world after Mecca, Medina and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

I am not sure about that, however, because I have been to other places in the Middle East and Africa with the same claim but it is a fact that this is the holiest place to visit in Tunisia and the atmosphere is so different from anywhere along the coast, so low-key, so traditional and overwhelmingly welcoming.

Interested in visiting Kairouan on a guided tour? CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL AVAILABLE TOURS IN KAIROUAN

Things to do in Kairouan

At the Great Mosque, you can purchase one ticket that allows you to visit several sites and these are the ones I visited:

• Great Mosque – From the 7th century, one of the holiest Islamic places in Africa.
• Bir Barouta – An Ottoman-era building that was built around a well which apparently, connects to another well in Mecca. Sadly, they enslaved a poor camel that spends his day turning the well’s wheel.
• Zaouia of Sidi Sahab – Very beautiful Muslim complex with Andalusian-style tiles.

How to get to Kairouan from Sousse

There isn’t a train line passing through Kairouan, so you need to take a louage , which takes a bit more than 1 hour.

Sousse bus station is outside of town, here: 35.809717, 10.636374.

Mullah stories In Kairouan (in Zaouia of Sidi Sahab) I was approached by a kind Tunisian who gave me a 30-minute Islamic lesson in an attempt to persuade me to consider converting to Islam, and it was only 30 minutes because very kindly, I told him I had to leave. A very intense man, but I have bumped into many of those in my travels, and they always tell you the story of a British or an American who found God, hence inner-peace and happiness, after listening to his words.

Day 6 – Day trip to El Jem, an impressive Roman amphitheater

El Jem was one of my favorite places in my Tunisia itinerary.

This is home to one of the most epic Roman amphitheaters in the world, in fact, the 3rd largest one, built in the 2nd century, but for obvious reasons, it is much less crowded than the one in Rome.

Around 1km from the amphitheater, there is an archaeological museum also containing plenty of Roman mosaics, many of whom feature the scene when wild animals were released into the arena to eat convicts.

You must get the ticket at the amphitheater’s office, and it also includes the museum entrance.

Since it is on the way to Sfax, I took a train from Sousse early in the morning, visited El Jem for a few hours, and then I could easily get a train to Sfax.

Next to El Jem’s train station, there is a fancy hotel whose staff were kind enough to keep my backpack while I visited the city.

How to get to El Jem from Sousse

It’s a 1-hour train journey from Sousse central train station

Looking for guided visits to El Jem? CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL AVAILABLE TOURS TO EL JEM

Day 7 – Sfax, the coolest medina in Tunisia

Before traveling to Tunisia, I had read in a guidebook that the locals of Sfax were believed to be very thrifty hard-workers.

In my experience, most guidebooks are always filled with unlikely quotes but upon my arrival in Tunis, I spent some time discussing my Tunisian itinerary with a local guy who told me the exact same thing.

And, perhaps, this is the reason why, despite being untouched by tourism, Sfax has some sort of cosmopolitan feel by African standards, and many people there seem to be very open-minded.

Additionally, Sfax is also home to the best medina in the whole Tunisia, very big and authentic which hasn’t been spoiled yet by the arrival of tourists.

Things to do in Sfax

• Getting lost in the medina – As I said, this purely African medina is very traditional and authentic.
• Abandoned Synagogue – Tunisia used to be home to a large Jewish community and, in Sfax, there is an abandoned synagogue.
• Place de la Republique – French-style buildings at the entrance to the medina.

Where to stay in Sfax

There are 2 budget auberges (one next to other) 2km north west outside of the Medina.

For more hotel options in Sfax,

Jews in Tunisia Tunisia today has one of the largest Jewish communities in the Arab world, mainly living in Tunis city and Djerba Island. Of course, most of them migrated to Israel after the Israel-Palestinian war but many of them remain and a few synagogues are still functional, another fact that proves overall the tolerance in Tunisia.

Day 8, 9 – Tataouine & around: southern Berber lands

The lesser-visited southern part of Tunisia is an arid territory that extends all the way to the Libyan border.

Berber villages, camels, ancient ksars (fortified Berber villages), and just remoteness and inhospitality, no wonder why George Lucas decided to shoot Star Wars in these lands.

This is just so different from any place you visited in Tunisia, way more conservative and home to the Berbers, the indigenous people of North Africa before the Arabs came.

How to visit Tataouine The area is vast, touristic sites are scattered, and there is no public transportation. I mean, there are a few buses but it is not a convenient way to move around, not even for backpackers. The best way to explore this area is by either renting a car or going on a tour. I rented a car for a day in a rental car office in Medenine and paid less than $25.

Things to do in Tataouine & around

On a normal path, you will need an entire day to visit these places, and still, you may have to rush a bit. If you want to leave early in the morning, I suggest you rent the car on the day before, as rental car shops didn’t open until 9-10am.

The ”green pins” from the previous interactive map mark the following places:

• Ksar Ouled Soltane – The most well-preserved ghorfas in the area. Ghorfas are ancient 4-story buildings that Berbers used to store the grain.
• Chenini – For me, this was the best place to visit in Tataouine. A massive ancient ksar from the 12th century sitting on a hilltop. Gorgeous.
• Guermassa – Another great ksar, not as epic as Chenini’s but still great. I only saw it from the bottom because it takes almost 1 hour to go up and I didn’t have time. The top, however, can be reached by 4WD.
• Ghomrassen – Off the beaten track modern town with pretty cool local architecture, and the ideal place to stop for lunch.
• Ksar Hadada – This ksar used to be a movie set for Star Wars. I am not a big Star Wars fan, so for me, it was not that interesting, as it was nothing more than some commercial, over-restored ghorfas .

Where to stay in the area

I recommend you stay in Tataouine.

Budget – Auberge Alferdaus – An all right auberge/pension for budget travelers and backpackers.

Apartment – Dar Essadeg – Full traditional apartment.

Mid-range – Sangho Privilege Tataouine – For a comfortable stay, this oasis hotel has great facilities, including a pool, and it is not expensive at all for what you get.

Day 10, 11 – The oasis-town of Tozeur & around

Tozeur is a pleasant oasis town with a very unique old quarter whose buildings are made of bricks (hand-made apparently) and a base from which to explore other mountain oases and check out potential camel caravans.

They claim that those oases have been inhabited for 10,000 years.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I like to be honest, and the truth is that this was my least favorite part of my trip to Tunisia.

First of all, because all those landscapes are in my opinion, a small version of the ones you find in north Oman , a country I visited multiple times. And second of all, because this was the only place where the main sites were just packed with tourists, many of them being the irresponsible type. But to be fair, it also didn’t help that the weather was awful (loads of wind and sand).

But anyways, traveling is extremely subjective and you might have a different experience.

Like Tataouine, the area around Tozeur is best explored by car or on an organized excursion. Most hotels can arrange it for you. I personally explored all places with a local friend I had met on Instagram.

Things to do in Tozeur

Please see the ”orange pins” from the previous interactive map.

• Chebika – A small village home to a massive palmeraie.
• Tamerza – Another small village with a palmeraie, a small canyon, and a waterfall.
• Midès – And another small oasis village but the highlight is the stunning views you get to see from the road that leads to it. 
• Ong Jemal – A desert famous for its sunsets and the location of a Star Wars movie set, where the original decoration still remains. Tour agencies will tell you need a 4×4 to reach the place but it is not true.

Where to stay in Tozeur

Budget – Residence Warda – A budget pension good for backpackers.

Mid-range – Residence Loued – A very pleasant traditional hotel at the heart of the Old City.

How to get to Tozeur from Tataouine

The journey is rather more than 300km.

From Tataouine, you need to take a louage to Medenine and from Medenine, another one to Gabés (not sure if you can find a direct one from Tataouine).

If you are lucky and trains are functional, you should be able to take a train from Gabés to Tozeur. Otherwise, take a louage from Gabés to Gafsa and from Gafsa to Tozeur.

Day 12 – El Kef, traditional off the beaten track town

El Kef and the area around was my favorite part of my Tunisia itinerary.

It is a barely visited town and the top of the medina features a kasbah from where you get stunning views of the city and the green meadows surrounding it.

It has a very authentic, traditional atmosphere as well. I spent 3 nights here – as I used it as a base to explore some places around – and didn’t bump into a single tourist.

Where to stay in Le Kef

There aren’t many options, but I stayed in a hotel close to the Medina named Hotel Sicca Veneria , where I paid $15 a night. It was good!

How to get to Le Kef from Tozeur

It’s a long way, around 330km.

From Tozeur, you need to first get a louage to Gafsa. From Gafsa, a second louage to Kasserine and from Kasserine to Le Kef. It takes the entire day.

Day 13 – Day trip to Jugurtha Tableland

This off the beaten track gem was the top attraction I visited in Tunisia.

A natural military fortress, Jugurtha Tableland is a massive flat-topped mountain that rises above 1270 meters, and that has been used as a fortress for centuries, from the Romans to today’s Tunisian Army.

That’s why this is kind of a sensitive place, especially because this is a border area from where you see Algeria – stunning views of Algeria, by the way – so having a guard with you all the time is a must (free of charge).

How to get to Jugurtha Tableland from El Kef

From El Kef bus station, you can take a louage to the border town with Algeria named Qalat as Sanan.

Most likely, the driver will already know about your intentions, so he will drop you at the police station, where they will make you answer a few questions and register for visiting Jugurtha.

I was extremely stupid to forget my passport in El Kef but, luckily, my Spanish ID was enough for them.

Then, the police helped me looking for a taxi to take me to the bottom of Jughurta (4km), and I paid the equivalent of around $10.

Once you arrive, an official guide will welcome you and take you to the top.

It also possible to camp at the top, but you will have to get permission at the police office, and a guard will be with you all night – I mean, they have their own huts. However, be aware that it is extremely windy.

Day 14 – Day trip to Dougga Roman ruins

When I traveled to Tunisia, I also got the chance to check out this amazing place, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997 named Dougga,

Dougga has some of the most impressive Roman ruins I have ever seen outside of Rome, probably more stunning than the ruins of Baalbek in Lebanon , or Jerash in Jordan , not only for the ruins themselves, which are in great conditions but also because Dougga was set up in a prime, fertile location, today surrounded by beautiful olive trees and wheat plantations.

Absolutely gorgeous.

Dougga is dominated by the perfectly well-preserved Capitol, dedicated to Jupiter, but you can also find many other temples in good conditions and an amphitheater.

Allow yourself a few hours to visit the area and try to come by the end of the day, when little crowds are gone and, if possible, on a weekday.

How to get to Dougga from El Keff

It was a bit complicated.

From El Kef, I took a louage to a village named Al Karib. Once in Al Karib, I asked for a louage going to Dougga town, which is 4km from the ruins, but everybody kept me saying there weren’t any, so I decided to hitchhike the remaining 20km, but it was a bit hard, as nobody would stop, don’t know why.

Then, on my way walking from Dougga town to the ruins, a kind man – a worker – picked me up.

Coming back to El Kef was fairly easy, as I just got in the first louage that passed by. By the way, from Dougga, you could easily go back to Tunis.

❗ More information for backpacking in Tunisia

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Get the Tunisia Travel Guide by Lonely Planet – A bit outdated but so far, the only one available.

All guides and articles for traveling in Tunisia destination

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Is Tunisia Safe?

Travel guides to other countries in Africa

• Ethiopia Travel Guide
• Eritrea Travel Guide
• Somaliland Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Sudan
• Travel Guide to Egypt
• Libya Travel Guide
• Mali Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Mauritania

PIN IT FOR LATER

20 comments

Great blog and info as always:)Am supposed to go to Tunisia in october for 2,5 weeks ,still plan on going if……

Love reading your post, as it brings so many great memories. We have done 2 weeks roadtrip around the country too, but left the northern part for next time – I sure hope to be able to return soon and that these crazy times will be just a bad memory. All the best!

Has anyone rented a car and drove around Tunisia independently?

I did, in the south. Very easy

Man, let me tell you something and you can take it as a fact: any Arabic speaker can speak freely with another Arabic speaker from anywhere in the world. Yes, there are diferences and they can tell roughly from where the other dude is. Like I can tell a Texan from an Australian.

Hey Joan: Another great trip report. Currently planning my itinerary for my summer trip to Tunisia. This will largely be a RnR/beach vacay but looking to include some side excursions. Will likely position ourselves in Sousse and wondering if Dougga is doable as a day trip via public transportation? Also how does it compare to the amphitheatre in Busra, Syria?

Just want to make sure, the train to Sousse from Tunis is 10,000 Dinars or more than 3,000 USD for a 2 hour train ride?

Hi Joan, Thank you for a great introduction to Tunesia. Being European I typically spend my vacations at tourist hotspots in Spain, Greece, or Italy. It’s nice – but far from the adventure you’re describing. Need to convince the rest of my family to become a bit more adventourous 🙂

Mega helpful. Thank you.

Is there anyway to get from Sousse to Dougga?

Thank you for the information. Planning on a 2-week trip end of April 2023. Trying to source information about the Northern part especially traveling from/to Tunis – Bizerte – Cap Engela – Tabarka – Tunis

I’d love to visit Dougga. You said it’s possible to get back to Tunis from Dougga, is there a louage going between the two?

Hi Sarah, not from Dougga, since that is an archaeological site, but from nearby villages or towns.

Good evening, Hope everything is fine. I am planning to go to Tunisia and I wonder if there is a way to go from Medénin to Djerba Island by public transportation. If you know if there is a way I would like you to confirm it to me. Thank you in advance

Hey, I don’t remember exactly but I did go there by bus. It should be easy, just go to the bus station and ask for it

hello joan . i am planning to visit tunisia in august and move around with louages. in your article you mentioned that you visited tozeur with a louage. do you remember if it was direct ( tunis – tozeur ) or i have to change a bus in another city ? also , the station in which louage leave ( from tunis ) is called moncef bey , right ? any information will be helpful . thanks in advance and also thank you for sharing all these travel informations for countries that are not so visited . greetings from greece 🙂

Hi Konstantina! I traveled slowly from Tunis to Tozeur, stopping in many places in between, so I can’t really tell!

Hola Joan, qué tal?

A ver si hay suerte y ves el mensaje a tiempo. Estoy en Túnez y en unos tengo pensado visitar la zona alrededor de Medenine/Tataouine y estoy buscando un sitio para alquilar coche un día. Me podrías pasar el nombre, la ubicación o algún contacto aún mejor del sitio dónde alquilaste tú?

Muchas gracias, saludos!

Hola Jack, lamentablemente jamás me apunté la dirección, pero todo lo que hice fue buscar en Google Rent a Car

hello , thank you for writing about Tunisia but I think you should update your prices for the food , those prices must be from 10 years ago !

They are from 2019 but if you have any updated prices, they are most welcome 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

• How to Travel to Libya in 2024
• Backpacking Venezuela Travel Guide (2024)
• How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2024)
• How to visit Los Llanos in Venezuela
• How to visit Angel Falls and Canaima National Park

• The 10 Most Beautiful Towns...

The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Tunisia

Tunisia is famous for its beautiful towns built around an ancient Medina quarter, towered over by minarets and looking out over the Mediterranean. You’ll find some of the best preserved architecture of the early Islamic era in Tunisia , in mosques and palaces that incorporate intricate Arabic calligraphy and Koranic verses on their patterned façades. Places like Dougga and Ghar al Milh hold picturesque crumbling ruins from earlier and later periods to be explored. Here is our guide to 10 of the most beautiful places in Tunisia.

Founded by the Arabs in the year 670, Kairouan in Arabic means ‘military camp’. It was a staging post for the Arabs during the conquests of northern Africa and Spain. During the 9th century, it became home to rulers of North Africa, the Aghlabid dynasty, and under them, Kairouan became a great center of learning and prosperity. Magnificent palaces, libraries, gardens and mosques were built, along with vast water basins that still exist today. The centerpiece of modern Kairouan is the Great Mosque of Sidi-Uqba with its beautiful columns made from porphyry and marble taken from the ruins of Carthage. There are smaller mosques too, including the Mosque of the Three Gates with its façade incorporating decorative calligraphy. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded by many Muslims as the fourth holiest site in Islam.

Hammamet lies on the Mediterranean coast in north Tunisia, a popular tourist resort famed for its endless beaches and wonderfully preserved medina. The town has passed through many different hands – Punic, Roman, Islamic, Spanish, Turkish and French, each leaving their own architectural legacy. The seawalls date back to the 13th century, the medina to the 15th and many of the elegant whitewashed houses were built in the era of French rule. Hammamet has attracted plenty of discerning visitors over the years, including Sophia Loren, Winston Churchill and Andre Gide. Most famously it was painted by the great Paul Klee, whose ‘ Hammamet with Its Mosque ’ of 1914 hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

Sfax was built on the ruins of two Roman towns on the east coast, as a port from which olive oil grown inland could be transported all over the Mediterranean. It was fought over for centuries by the Normans from Sicily, the Spanish and later became a base for Barbary pirates. Today there is a real French feel to parts of Sfax with wide boulevards and avenues, though the medina is regarded as the best preserved in Tunisia. You’ll find labyrinthine alleys winding their way through souks, past the Great Mosque modeled on that at Kairouan, the Borj Ennar or ‘Tower of the Fires’, and the ancient Kasbah. Despite feeling somewhat haphazard the medina is in fact intricately planned, with souks selling religious incense closest to the mosque and those selling mundane items like leather on the outside for passing caravans.

You won’t find anyone living in Dougga; it’s a town of ruins, and the best preserved Roman town in North Africa according to UNESCO . Unlike Carthage which has largely been built over, Dougga lies far from encroaching urbanism in north Tunisia, allowing it to decay naturally to form ruins every bit as picturesque as Paestum or Delphi across the Mediterranean. There are remains of pre-Roman monuments, triumphal arches still standing, and much of a theater that could once have seated most of the inhabitants of the town. The remains of 11 temples have been found, including the excellently preserved Capitol with its portico and pediment still erect. Many of the mosaics that once adorned the villas of Dougga can be seen in the Bardo Museum in Tunis.

On the Gulf of Hammamet, Sousse looks out on the Mediterranean and is enclosed on the landward side by swathes of olive groves. The ancient medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite site for filmmakers, having featured in the Indiana Jones movies as a substitute for Cairo. Long coastal defenses nestle next to indolently swaying palm trees, and towers and battlements, mosques and souks combine in one of finest examples of North African military coastal architecture. The minarets of the Great and Bou Ftata Mosques soar over courtyards and face the watch towers of the Kasbah and the Ribat, a unique military fortress once manned by holy men.

Houmt Souk is the main town on the island of Djerba , just off the south-eastern coast and believed to have been the island of the Lotus-Eaters on which Odysseus and his sailors were stranded. The town and island are rare centers of Berber culture rather than being French or Arabic speaking, and have been home to large Jewish and Islamic sect communities for milennia. Along with successive occupations by Romans, Sicilian Normans, Ottoman Turks and Barbary corsairs, this has left a wonderful legacy of religious and military buildings. The fortress of Borj el Kebir looms over the town, whilst the splendid El Ghriba synagogue with its white and blue arches and porticoes, just outside the main town to the south-west, is believed to date back 1,900 years.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is the classic blue and white sun-soaked Tunisian coastal town, sitting on the north coast and facing out over the Mediterranean towards Sicily. Whitewashed walls are paired with blue doorways embossed with crescent and star motifs. The town was once a religious sanctuary, before it became a pleasure resort for the Ottoman governors of Tunis and in the era of French rule, a magnet for artists and writers. The likes of Simone de Beauvoir and Andre Gide traveled to Sidi Bou Said, along with painters Paul Klee, Auguste Macke and Henri Matisse, all drawn by the brilliant light and vibrancy of the town.

It might seem a cliche to include Matmata, as it is common knowledge that the early parts of the first Star Wars films were shot there. But the underground houses cut into the rocky Hamada desert are one of the most extraordinary and unique sites in Tunisia. The troglodytes of Matmata were barely known until 1967, when the town, not far from Gabes in southern Tunisia, became a major attraction for visitors. Some of the cave houses go down as far as 30 feet and are said to date as far back as the 4th century BC . The Berber inhabitants use earthen steps and rope ladders to make their way between the levels of the caves and use passageways to wend their way between rooms.

Ghar Al Milh

Sometimes also known as Porto Farina, Ghar al Milh lies on the north coast at the head of a lagoon. It’s a well-kept secret that gets few visitors but was once one of the main ports of Tunisia along with Tunis and Bizerte. Back in the 17th century, it was home to a fleet of Barbary pirates until a British fleet destroyed the town in 1655. Since then it has been used by Maltese merchants, manned by an Ottoman garrison and used as a base by French and Italian bootleggers. The harbor silted up over time, preserving Ghar Al Milh as a picturesque town surrounded by relics and ruins of Ottoman fortresses and coastal defenses built by corsairs.

The medina, or old town, of Tunis can’t be left off this list. There’s plenty of modern architecture to see in the capital, including the French colonial buildings of the Avenue Habib Bourguiba, but the old medina is the clear highlight. Spread over 280 hectares, the old town is home to over 700 monuments largely dating to the period between the 12th and 16th centuries when Tunis was one of the leading centers of learning and wealth in the Islamic world. It’s an anthology of Islamic design in the form of mosques, souks, fountains, madrassas, military defenses, palaces and the great medina gates – the Bar Bhab and Bar Jedid.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Bars & Cafes

The best beach bars to visit in tunisia.

Food & Drink

The 10 best brunches in hammamet, tunisia.

The Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Tunis, Tunisia

Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier, A Style Guide to Tunisia's Influential Designer

Tunisian Club Shut Down After DJ Plays Muslim Call to Prayer

The 10 Best Contemporary Tunisian Artists

Restaurants

The 10 best restaurants in djerba.

12 North African Dishes You Need To Try

The 10 Best Bars in Sfax, Tunisia

See & Do

Why you need to explore tunisia.

The 10 Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots In Sfax, Tunisia

Guides & Tips

Tunisia travel ban lifted two years after tragedy, culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 365147
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Best attractions in Tunisia: Top 25

Mysterious country of warm sun, desert heat and cool oases, date palms and spicy jasmine is a magical Tunisia. For many vacationers this is a country of pure sandy beaches, serene vacation in an atmosphere of warmth and peace, but of course there is something to see in Tunisia and beyond the beach, traveling to places of interest - such as the holy temples, the magnificent Carthage, the Colosseum, the sultry Sahara and other memorable attractions of Tunisia. The country has a high level of service: Hotels in Tunisia meet high international standards, as evidenced by numerous reviews, and guides in Tunisia organize informative tours in Tunisia, full of vivid impressions.

What to see first of all in Tunisia

Overview of the main attractions with a brief description will be your mini assistant in planning your upcoming trip. By studying this rating, everyone will find what to see in Tunisia for 1 day and for any other period of time, where to go in Tunisia, depending on opportunities and preferences.

1. The ancient city of Carthage

Today Carthage is the most famous suburb of Tunisia, and once there, you will really have something to see in Tunisia: the ruins of the ancient city still stand on the shore of the Gulf of Tunis, impressing with its grandeur and rich history. Until now, unfortunately, historians have not managed to find enough information about the origins of Carthage, but large-scale excavations in the surrounding areas continue. Thus, the ruins of several ancient cities, once existed on this beautiful seaside land, have already been discovered during excavations under the auspices of UNESCO.

Tunisia | Save on hotel reservations

2. the amphitheater at el djem.

The amphitheater is often compared to the Roman Colosseum - this grandiose structure is already 2,000 years old and although today its arena is well below the level of the modern streets of El Djem, its walls still rise above the modern constructions of the city and are visible from afar. Inside the amphitheater one can raid the many underground passages, or climb the spectator rows to imagine the spectacles that unfolded before the eyes of the public.

3. Sidi Bou Said

The beautiful Sidi Bou Said is the most beautiful attraction of Tunisia, a town in white and blue colors, standing on a cliff at the foot of which stretches the Mediterranean Sea, in the distance you can see the Atlas Mountains and the ancient Carthage. The town is unusual in that all of its buildings are painted white and its windows, fences, and grills are sky blue. According to the stories of guides, once in this quiet picturesque place a noble French baron bought a house and he suggested the residents to paint their houses in white and blue colors, so that they were less heated in the rays of the bright African sun.

4. Bardo National Museum

The Bardo Museum of Tunisia is the premier museum of antiquity, where unique and valuable finds from archaeological excavations throughout the country have been brought in for more than a hundred years. The museum’s exhibition is the richest collection of Roman mosaics and other artifacts, reflecting the history of civilizations in Tunisia over 3 thousand years. Now there are more than 3 hundred mosaics, an extensive collection of marble statues, ancient ceramics, tombstones of priests, terracotta statues and much more.

5. The Ancient City of Dugga

Dugga is one of the first places to see in Tunisia worth seeing among the ancient ruined cities. Dugga was once a large prosperous city of over 25,000 people, and today it is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in North Africa. Many Roman temples, fountains, water tanks, as well as theaters, markets, aqueducts, necropolises and mausoleums are still preserved in their original state, and even in some places chariot tracks are preserved in the paved streets.

Official site: http://whc.unesco.org/en/

6. The Ancient City of Kerquan

In the northeast of Tunisia, on the Cap Bon Peninsula, lies one of the most important landmarks of Tunisia, the ruins of the ancient city of Kerkouan. Since 1952, excavations at this site have continued unabated. The Punic city, founded between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC, was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC. What is left of it has been reliably preserved under a thick layer of sand and has come down to this day, giving our contemporaries the chance to see the ancient sites with their own eyes. The city itself was protected from outside attacks by a double wall, and inside was a perfectly organized system of drainage with a multitude of water channels.

7. The Sahara Desert of Tunisia

The Sahara is one of the most mysterious and at the same time most attractive places in Tunisia. The vast area of the Sahara is desert, but there are nationalities that inhabit these lands in places of oases. Vegetation and fauna in the desert is extremely scarce, but there is something else in the Sahara, which beckons to this region. This is a kind of beauty and charm, which is endowed with sandy plains, dunes, salt lakes, rare oases and unusual local sunsets. Tours of the Sahara, including camel or jeep rides, are most frequent in the early morning hours.

8. Matmata Cave City

Berber tribes have lived in man-made chalk caves dug into the slopes of the local mountains for more than a millennium and a half. These unusual 1-2-story dwellings are of great interest to visitors, but this way of life in the desert is not a whim, but the only way to escape from the scorching heat of the African sun and the unprecedented differences in temperature during the day. So, in the heat of 40-50 degrees inside the caves there is a comfortable temperature of 20-23 degrees.

9. Gellala Village

On the Tunisian island of Djerba is another interesting attraction in Tunisia, the village of Gellala, also known as the village of potters. The name speaks for itself - this area has been famous since time immemorial for its pottery, clay products and ceramics. This is where you can see how beautiful clay jugs, large dishes and small charming vessels for spices are born. All in all, there are about 450 pottery workshops in the village that have their own secrets for making strong and quality pottery.

10. Medina of Tunis

In general terms, the medina is a city enclosed by a protective fortress wall. The Tunisian medina is distinguished by the fact that the wall was torn down about 200 years ago as being of no use, and all that was left was a gate. Other distinctive features of the medina of Tunisia - a rounded shape rather than rectangular, as in the classical view, and a mixture of styles - Spanish, Arabic, Turkish and Persian, associated with the construction of different quarters at different times. Tourists are also interested in this area abundance of traditional oriental bazaars.

11. Saint Vincent de Paul Cathedral

This classical-style Catholic church was erected in honor of the famous priest Vincent de Paul, who was redeemed from Arab slavery. The majestic building, located on Independence Square in the city of Tunis, is admirable for its exterior decoration and rich interior. The size of the temple is no less astonishing: it is about 80 meters long and almost 30 meters high. A number of artists and sculptors worked on the decoration of the shrine. A special pride of the temple is the organ hall, which houses two powerful instruments, ordered in its time from the great organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

12. The Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

This is an important Tunisian landmark in the city of Monastir, a very picturesque building, outwardly imitating a mosque, finished with white marble and stone carvings. Here rests the body of the Tunisian political figure, the famous builder of independence Habib Bourguiba. Not only the exterior decoration but also the interior of the mausoleum is noteworthy: for example, some personal belongings of the president - a desk, a chair and clothes - are kept in the exposition of the museum located here. And the sarcophagus preserving the body of the deceased is installed in a special room on a pedestal.

13. El Grib Synagogue

What to see in Tunisia on the island of Djerba? The Tunisian island is famous for its famous landmark, the El Greib Synagogue in the settlement of Riyadh. There are a great many versions of the founding of the shrine: according to one of them, the priests who escaped from Jerusalem from slavery, took the stone from Solomon’s Temple and put it in the foundation of the future synagogue. Another legend says that on the hill where the synagogue now stands, a beautiful girl used to live in a hut, and some unknown power prevented the inhabitants from approaching her. One night her dwelling caught fire and the girl was killed. The inhabitants realized that the girl was a saint and built a synagogue in her honor. These are not all the legends about the origin of the synagogue, and it is difficult to distinguish between truth and fiction.

14. Uqba Mosque

Sidi Uqba, 670, is one of the few Muslim mosques where adherents of other faiths are allowed inside. Today it is one of the largest shrines in Tunisia, created through a process of continuous construction over several centuries. In general, each leader in power brought something different to the construction of the mosque. Today, the large space of the mosque includes a large prayer hall, a huge courtyard paved with marble, and a large minaret. The decoration of the mosque and the surrounding areas is characterized by unique methods of decorative work, different from the traditional Byzantine technique.

Official website: http://www.patrimoinedetunisie.

15. Al-Zaytun Mosque (Olive Mosque)

The Olive Mosque, or al-Zaytouna, is the largest mosque of the capital of antiquity. According to belief, on the site where this Tunisian landmark now stands, there grew an olive tree, under which the very first preacher of the future mosque performed his prayer vows. It is believed that construction began in 698 and since then the mosque has undergone many changes. The area occupied by the mosque is about 5 thousand square meters. A library was also founded in the building in 1450 and is located on the left side of the courtyard. In general, the courtyard is the only place in the mosque accessible to people of other faiths.

Official website: http://www.patrimoinedetunisie

16. Ribat Fortress in Sousse

In the medina of Sousse on a hill rises the Ribat fortress of 859. It’s square in shape, with a side of 38 meters, and its strong 4-meter-thick defensive walls are 12 meters high. Ribat has a rather complicated history: originally it was a Byzantine fortress, which was later razed to the ground. Later, in the 9th century, was erected a 77-meter tower Khalef al-Fat, which due to its height has served as a lighthouse. It was not until 1063 that the citadel itself was built and its walls were completed by 1205. Today you can visit the archaeological museum in the fortress, which exhibits a large collection of artifacts.

17. Ribat Fortress in Monastir

Monastir also has its own fortress, Ribat Hartem of 767, and it didn’t get its final look either. Originally it occupied an area of only about 33 sq.m., but over time it grew and strengthened, and by the 19th century its area was already about 4200 sq.m. Ribat has 3 levels, there are many passages and spiral staircases. At one time Ribat was a religious center and place of pilgrimage, and played a defensive role only a few times. Today inside the fortress you can visit the museum of Islamic art.

18. Kelibiya Fortress

On the summit of Cape Bon, about 100 kilometers from Tunis, the Kelibia Fortress, the oldest fortress founded in the 3rd century BC, towers high. The Carthaginians were the first to build the fortress. Today it is the largest surviving fortification in the country. At the base of the fortress there are large stones laid by the Carthaginians, and the upper part is a masonry of natural stone. In the courtyard we can see the remains of a small mosque and a Byzantine fortress, and at the northern extremity of the fortress is a restored chapel.

19: Phrygia Zoo

What to see in Tunisia among the natural monuments? For example, the magnificent Zoo Frigia, located on a large area of 36 hectares between the cities of Sousse and Hammamet. It was founded in 2000 and is executed in the national style - its inhabitants live in large open spaces, not confined in cages. But despite the fact that, in fact, animals live here in the wild, their freedom is only partial: visitors can observe predators only from specially designed decks, and with herbivores - communicate at a palm’s distance.

20. Ishkol National Park

25 kilometers from Bizerte is a natural nesting place for waterfowl and migratory birds. Because of its location near the densely populated areas of Tunisia this place needed special protection. Thus the Ishköl National Park was created. As early as the 13th century, hunting was forbidden in the local lakes. Today, the park has a large lake of 50 sq km and mountains and hills of limestone on which grow olive and pistachio trees. The hills are home to approximately 180 species of migratory and resident birds, including swans, ducks, flamingos and some rarer species.

This concludes the main list of the best sights, but it’s not all that’s worth visiting in Tunisia.

Sightseeing in Tunisia: what else to visit in Tunisia

The list of what to visit in Tunisia can go on endlessly - its sights are more than enough for several trips. After the first vivid acquaintance with the country comes the time of other, no less interesting sights of Tunisia - here are recommendations for their visit.

21. The Atlas Mountains

A huge ridge of the Atlas Mountains stretches along the coast of the African mainland.

For many, a trip to the Atlas Mountains is a chance to enjoy their majestic scenery, take pictures, and see unique species of flora and fauna, some of which live only here. Once upon a time, these mountains were even home to the continent’s only bear species, the Atlas bear, but it is now extinct. The name of the Atlas Mountains comes from Greece, after Atlas, one of the mighty titans. Legend tells us that Atlas was sentenced to the punishment of holding the sky on his shoulders. For this purpose Perseus turned the titan into stone - thus, according to the legend, the mountains of Atlas were formed.

22. The island of Djerba

The hospitable island of Djerba has everything you need for a serene holiday on the Mediterranean coast: a great climate that allows you to enjoy the sun and swim most of the year, comfortable hotels, a lot of entertainment options and unique attractions. The island is steeped in olive groves and there are many farms growing dates. The population of Djerba is original - it is just as on the mainland, the Berbers lived here, and the Arab conquerors did not manage to expel these tribes. The Berbers of Djerba are now part of the Ibadite religious community.

23. Schott El Jerid Lake

In fact, this Tunisian landmark is a saltwater depression in the Sahara Desert. The lake dries up and fills up again throughout the year, and it becomes a body of water in the classical sense only in winter, during the rainy season. In the summer, when the air temperature reaches 50 degrees, it dries up, leaving a thick crust of salt on the surface, which is then covered by dry sand.

A surprising phenomenon in the vicinity of this lake are the “desert roses,” formed from minerals in the soils surrounding the salt marshes. These stone sculptures are really shaped like intricate flowers of various shades.

24. Souk el-Juma Market

In addition to a variety of historical sites, Tunisia is known for its colorful markets. One of them is the Souk el-Jouma market, whose main focus is the sale of locally produced ceramics. Tunisian ceramics are sold here at most affordable prices, so many visitors to the country, if they find themselves here, tend to buy something beautiful as a keepsake for yourself or as a gift - a vase, dish, set. In addition to ceramics, you can buy here other local attributes - Berber jewelry, incense, scarves spices and other useful things.

25. Remains of the “Star Wars” set

Once upon a time in 1976, it was Tunisia, with its unusual landscapes, that was chosen to film episodes of Star Wars. The country has more than two dozen locations where the famous saga was filmed. The most famous of these places is the town of Matmata, famous for its underground Berber dwellings. In one of these houses and was filming the 4 episodes of the saga, where a lot of sets have been built. In 1995 a fan of the famous movie restored the abandoned scenery and now everyone can see the legendary filming place as it was 40 years ago.

Tunisia, fragrant with aromas of Mediterranean greenery and spicy oriental spices, combines the millennial tradition of Africa and the culture of new Europe. Seaside resorts, amazing natural and man-made attractions of Tunisia will surprise any fan of exotic vacation on the African mainland. Read also about the best sights of Algeria and get inspired for your future journey to Africa!

• Attractions

Popular articles

Best attractions in Dresden: Top 20

Best attractions in Turkey: Top 32

Best attractions in Bratislava: Top 20

Best attractions in Brazil: Top 30

Best attractions in Bulgaria

Best attractions in Vancouver: Top 20

Best attractions in San Marino: Top 13

Best attractions in Bhutan: Top 12

Best attractions in Taiwan: Top 25

Best attractions in Sintra: Top 15

Best 4 Star Hotels in Tokyo 2024 (Local guide recommendations)

25 Things to do in Tunis: Ultimate Guide

Things to do in Tunis Reading Time: 50 minutes

Tunis is one of my favorite capital cities in the world. While it is not a very famous capital city, there are still a ton of things to do in Tunis. Tunis is also a very affordable city, so it is easy to get around and visit places like the Bardo Museum with the best collection of mosaics in the world, the bustling medina and all its beautiful items for sale, and try local foods like kafteji, lablebi, and makroudh. There are also many free things to do in Tunis, like walking around the seaside neighborhoods of Sidi Bou Said, La Goulette, and La Marsa.

I spent one month in Tunis (February 2024), exploring the city one place, one couscous, and one beach at a time. Before I came to Tunis, I had no idea what to expect. But as soon as I arrived, I fell in love. I felt an immediate connection with this North African country and I know I’ll be back again and again.

While the title of this article is “25 Things to do in Tunis,” I have actually included much more than that. I have not only included the best things to do in Tunis, but also the best places to stay, Tunisian food to try, how to get around town, and so much more. So whether you’re coming for just a weekend in Tunis or two weeks, this ultimate Tunis guide will be your best companion. Don’t forget to add the capital of Tunis to your Tunisia itinerary.

This Tunis Complete Guide is divided into categories by neighborhood. Within each neighborhood, I have listed the things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

Why Should I Visit Tunis?

If you’re planning a trip to Tunisia, you absolutely need to add a stop in the capital of Tunis. Beyond Star Wars filming locations in the south, there may not be a lot of famous places in Tunisia. But that does not mean you shouldn’t make a stop in Tunis. This capital city has so much variety.

Because of its proximity to Europe, Italy in particular, Tunis is heavily influenced by its fashion, architecture, dining, etc. while still maintaining its traditional culture. Tunisians pride themselves on being more progressive and less strict than their counterparts in other North African countries. This is very apparent in Tunis.

You can enjoy a beer on a patio overlooking the sea, or spend a day in your bikini getting a tan at the beach. During Ramadan, more cafes and restaurants stayed open than in other parts of the country. I found people in Tunis to be very open, kind, and honest. While I made my best attempt at speaking French with people, I also found many people in Tunis who spoke several other languages well including English, German, and Russian.

Tunisia Tips at a Glance

Official Languages: Arabic & French

Lots of people smoke, including restaurants and bars inside

Tunisians love spicy food

Cash is king, few places accept credit cards

Carry tissue with you, lots of places don’t have toilet paper

Get a local SIM card at the airport

Where is Tunis Located?

Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, is located along the southern Mediterranean Coast, in the Gulf of Tunis, slightly north of the Nabeul Peninsula. Tunisia has 24 governates (states), and Tunis is in the governate of the same name, in the northeast of the country. Tunisia is a small country that sits between Algeria to the west, and Libya to the east. Tunis is just 229 miles from the Italian island of Sicily.

Best Times to Visit Tunis

The best time to visit Tunis is in the spring or fall when the weather is not super hot, or cold. January and February are known to be cold and rainy months. However, when I was in Tunis in February, we only experienced 2 or 3 rainstorms. We had several sunny days where we didn’t even need a jacket, though evenings and nights required heavier outerwear. It never reached temperatures lower than 6C/43F in winter. June through September are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching highs of 35C/95F. When I returned to Tunis in April, the spring weather was perfect.

Ramadan in Tunis

One thing to keep in mind is Ramadan. Tunisia is a Muslim country that holds Ramadan in high regard. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. This means that many restaurants and street vendors will be closed. However, as soon as the sun goes down, the Iftar party starts. Sharing a meal once the sun goes down is a big social event. This is a good time to go out at night in Tunis.

That said, Tunis is less strict than the rest of the country when it comes to Ramadan. You will find more cafes and restaurants open in the day during Ramadan than in other Tunisian cities. Not everyone in Tunis observes Ramadan. Ramadan is based on the Lunar calendar, so the dates change each year. Keep this in mind if you plan to travel to Tunisia (or any Muslim-majority country).

How Many Days Should You Spend in Tunis?

I think the number of days you spend in Tunis depends on how much time you have, what your interests are, and if you like long full days or slow-moving days. If you want to see the most important attractions in Tunis, then I would suggest 3-5 days. You can easily visit the city center and the Medina in one day. The Carthage site is so sprawling that it needs a full day (unless you don’t visit each site). You can spend another day visiting the beachside neighborhoods of Sidi Bou Said, La Goulette, and La Marsa. But don’t forget about the Bardo Museum as well!

Going to Tunisia soon? Get Ready at a glance:

Get travel medical insurance with SafeyWing .

Book your stay with Booking.com .

Check Flights with Skyscanner or Hopper .

Rent a car with RentalCars.com .

Download the Airalo app and get a Tunisian eSIM .

Take a tour with GetYourGuide or Viator .

Have a 1:1 consultation with me in advance!

Things to Do in Tunis Tunisia

There are many beautiful places in Tunisia, but Tunis deserves your time and attention. There are many activities to do in Tunis including shopping at the Medina and souk, admiring incredible Carthaginian and Roman mosaics, and strolling beachside villages that make you feel like you’re in Greece.

Centre Ville

Centre Ville is the town center of Tunis, where all the action happens. It is divided into two main areas: Ville Nouvelle and the Medina (historic city center). If you want to do some shopping in Tunis, this is the area to do it. It is easy to see several things in one day in these areas, as they are all very close. If you have just one day in Tunis, this is where you should spend it.

Things to do in Ville Nouvelle

Ville Nouvelle has a European feel to it. There are a ton of European stores (Stradavarius, LC Waikiki, Zara) and cafes around. There is a tram that goes through the center of town.

Stroll Down Avenue Habib Bourguiba

There is one long avenue, called Avenue Habib Bourgiba that is very reminiscent of Paris. There is a footpath in the center of the avenue lined with tall green trees. On each side of the avenue, there are a ton of cute cafes. 

Avenue Habib Bourguiba Clocktower

This is an underwhelming clock tower with a fountain on the west side. It is situated in the center of a roundabout. There are several Tunisian flags around it on the opposite side of the roundabout streets. It’s easy to see from a distance because of its height, and location at the end of the avenue.

Look up at the Cathedral of St Vincent

To be honest, it wouldn’t be hard to walk by the cathedral and not notice it much. It’s right in the city center surrounded by several other buildings. As a non-religious person, I didn’t feel any special connection to it; it felt just like any other cathedral I’ve seen in South America.

You can enter inside the cathedral for free:

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 12 noon; 3 pm – 5 pm.

Saturday: 8 am – 12 noon

Sunday: 8 am – 1 pm

Take a Photo with the I TUNIS Sign

This sign is in a plaza across the street from the cathedral. It is old, weathered, and covered in graffiti. It could definitely use a new coat of paint. It’s fun to see but not well-kept. The plaza where it lives always seems to be surrounded by temporary fences with a big tank at the entrance. While it seems forbidden, the soldiers will allow you in to view the sign.

Things to do in the Tunis Medina

The Tunis Medina is inside the walls of the historic city center. See my Instagram reel of the Tunis Medina. There are many exciting things to do in the Tunis Medina.

Walk Through the Bab al-Bhar

The Bab al-Bahr is the old city’s big entry door. It was once connected to the full Medina wall, which is no longer completely intact. When you walk through it, it is like stepping back in time. You will enter into a plaza to find children playing in the fountain, street performers performing, shops selling traditional clothing, and men having tea in one of the many cafes.

Stroll the Alleyways of the Tunis Medina

The “medina” is the old city, and the “souk” are all the shops in the market. This is a bustling center where you can find lunch on the street or have some mint tea at a cafe. It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of alleyways and shops but getting lost in there is all part of the fun. Saturdays are VERY crowded, and several shops are closed on Sundays. I suggest going mid-week to enjoy the experience more. On Saturday afternoons, you can barely move through the crowds. The Medina is one of the best places to visit in Tunis.

Check Out the Views From Tunis’s Rooftops

Café Panorama

This cafe is on the rooftop of a carpet shop. The entrance is next to a sign that says Cafe La Medina. Try putting “ Basboussa Shop ” into Google Maps. The entrance should be just across the alleyway. The cafe has an amazing view of the medina, and the floor and walls are covered in beautiful tiles. View my reel on Instagram about the Cafe Panorama.

Café du Souk

The entrance to the cafe is around the corner from Café Panorama. You’ll see a sign for Café du Souk. Enter through a long hallway that opens to a large cafe. At the back wall, you’ll find stairs. Take the stairs to the rooftop. It’s a beautiful cafe inside as well if you want to have a meal or tea.

Ste’ Groupement Artisanal

The entrance to this rooftop is via a government souvenir shop called “ Magasin Recommande/ Recommanded Shop. ” They will probably want to give you a speech about buying carpets. Go in the shop, and the stairs are to the left. Take them up to the rooftop.

Visit the Great Mosque (Ez-Zitouna Mosque)

This mosque is very beautiful from the outside and is situated right in the heart of the medina. However, it was unclear if we were allowed to go inside. You can get a great view of the mosque from Cafe Panorama.

See the Monument Place de le Kasbah

This is a large concrete monument surrounded by Tunisian flags. It is in the center of a large square. The tall monument in the center of the square is a symbol of Tunisian independence. You won’t need much time here, maybe just 10 minutes. You can find it on the northwest side of the Tunis Medina, just outside the historic walls.

Where to eat in the Tunis Medina

Dar el jeld.

We were told this was the best restaurant in all of Tunisia. It is inside a hotel. The hotel is beautiful, and right in the center of the medina, a perfect location. It also has a hammam (traditional spa). You need to make reservations a day or two in advance. They are closed on Sundays. Reservations: +216 71 560 916.

The restaurant has specific hours.

Lunch: 12 pm – 3 pm

Dinner: 7 pm – 11 pm

Random Restaurant on the Street

One of my favorite local places to eat in the center only has a name in Arabic. You can find it on Google Maps here: Q5XG+5FW . You can get Lablebi for 5 TND, or a chicken plate with salad for 8 TND. It is just a half block from Cafeteria Ben Yedder. It looks like this:

Small restaurants inside the Medina

There are several small restaurants inside the Medina where you can try local foods such as chevrette, mlawi, chapati, and maghloub, etc. These will have the most affordable prices, for around 6-8 TND per item.

Where to stay in the Tunis Medina

This is the best area to stay in Tunis for sightseeing.

Dar Ben Gacem Kahia

This hotel is in a traditional Tunisian home with a central courtyard and a rooftop terrace. Rooms are clean and modern. Breakfast is included. Beautiful design.

Stay in this traditional Tunisian home. BOOK HERE.

Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa

This beautiful hotel has a garden, spa, terrace, bar and a restaurant. We were told that this is the best restaurant in all of Tunisia. It is located in a calm and peaceful part of the Medina.

Check availability for the best hotel in Tunis Medina. BOOK HERE

Auberge El Medina

This youth hostel is near the Tunis Medina. It is inside a traditional Tunisian home with beautiful tile decorations.

Check availability for this Youth Hostel near the Tunis Medina

Nomads Hostel

This is the most affordable youth hostel option in the city. There are private rooms and mixed dorm rooms. There is a garden and two rooftop terraces. It is 3.8 kilometers from downtown, so you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the center.

Book now for the most affordable hostel in Tunis

There is not much to do in this area for a tourist besides the very well-known, and very worth visiting National Museum of Bardo. 

Things to do in Le Bardo Tunis

See my Instagram reel for Le Bardo Museum.

Visit the Largest Mosaic Museum in the World

Price to enter: 13 TND (pay in cash only). The museum opens at 9:30 in the morning and closes at 4:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. I recommend going as early as possible. We went in the morning and had the place to ourselves. Around 11 am, many people started arriving and the museum got very loud.

The Bardo Museum is the largest collection of Carthaginian and Roman mosaics in the world. It is several stories high, with tons of small side rooms. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here. There are several mosaics recovered from the site of Carthage here, covering walls and the floor. There are also many statues and informational boards with the history of Carthage.

You can find the Cafe Andalous outside in the garden. It’s a little overpriced but beautiful. I suggest getting tea or coffee to enjoy the ambiance. This museum is beautiful and an absolute must when visiting Tunis.

La Goulette

This is a small beachside town/neighborhood just outside of the Tunis Center. There isn’t much here besides the boardwalk pathway along the water. All along the boardwalk, you can find several cafes and restaurants. You’ll see many men having tea and smoking shisha.

Things to do in La Goulette Tunis

The main things to do in the Tunis La Goulette neighborhood involve walking near the sea and eating seafood. There are not a lot of Tunis tourist attractions in this neighborhood. On Google Maps I saw there was a fort, but when I went to it, it was completely in ruins, and you could not enter it.

Stroll along the boardwalk

La Goulette is a neighborhood parallel to the coast. The best thing to do is walk along the boardwalk and admire the sea and peoplewatch.

Have a meal

The main drag of La Goulette is full of restaurants and cafes. It’s famous for seafood due to its proximity to the sea. Have a meal at one of the several restaurants here. I stopped into Cafe Miled to have a fresh OJ, pet the street cats, and stare at the sea that was just a few feet from me. Pure bliss.

Where to eat in La Goulette Tunis

La Goulette is full of well-known seafood restaurants and cafes. Here are the places where I ate, or that were suggested to me by my local friends:

• Café Toulouse
• Poisson D’argent

Where to go out at night in La Goulette

O club la goulette.

I spent one of my best nights in Tunis here. My local friend wanted to take us out for a ‘real night in Tunis,’ something unique. He was not wrong. It’s an above-ground ‘underground’ club. They have live music very often. For example, the night I went, there was a famous Tunisian artist named Gultrah. It was like a Tunisian reggae band with lyrics in Arabic. Incredible. If you go before 10 pm, it costs 10 TND to enter ($3), but if you go after 10 pm, it costs 20 TND ($6). Lots of indoor smoking here. This was one of the best things to do in Tunis at night.

Rock n Rolla La Goulette

This is a Western-style dive bar. You can get alcoholic drinks here but expect a lot of smoke.

Where to stay in La Goulette Tunis

This is a nice place to stay in Tunis to be near the sea or to go out at night, but it is not that close to many other interesting things to do in Tunis.

Maison 4 Saison

This is a private home near the water in La Goulette. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the main drag where you can find all the restaurants and cafes. There is free wifi, parking, and a washing machine.

Book your stay in this private home along the coast.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Tunis, and for good reason. There is one main street that meanders through the neighborhood with a few small streets off to the sides. All the buildings are white with blue doors, rooftops, and trim, just like Santorini. Along the main street, you’ll find several small shops selling essentially the same thing. There is also a small market with stalls at the start of town as you walk uphill from the train station. Visiting Sidi Bou Said is one of the more popular activities to do in Tunis.

Things to do in Sidi Bou Said Tunis

Do stand-up paddle at the beach.

Lucky Boys Club is a place right on the beach that rents stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. The Sidi Bou Said Beach is near the port and at the bottom of the cliffs. A winding road connects the beach to the Greece-like buildings on top of the cliffs.

For one hour you can rent:

SUP: 30 TND

double kayak: 40 TND

Go Shopping

The main tourist activity in Sidi Bou Said is shopping. There are markets and shops all along the main road. However, you should be aware that prices are the most expensive in Sidi Bou Said than anywhere else in Tunisia. The vendors also tend to be the most aggressive and dishonest in my experience.

Where to eat in Sidi Bou Said Tunis

Because of Sidi Bou Said’s reputation and popularity among tourists, restaurant prices are elevated in this neighborhood. Here are the best restaurants to eat at in Sidi Bou Said:

• Café des Délices (great view overlooking the sea on the edge of a cliff)
• Hôtel Sidi Bou Said (have beers on the patio with an amazing view of the city)
• Dar Zarrouk (classic Tunisian dishes in the Sidi Bou Said center)

Where to stay in Sidi Bou Said Tunis

Places to stay in Sidi Bou Said tend to be more on the upscale, luxury side of things.

Maison Dedine- Small Luxury Hotel

This is a beautiful boutique hotel right on the water in Sidi Bou Said, just two minutes from the beach. This small boutique hotel is stylish and beautiful, with great decor. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Check availability for this LUXURY HOTEL in Sidi Bou Said

La Marsa is a seaside neighborhood of Tunis; it’s known to be one of the most expensive areas of the capital city. It’s very chill and relaxed as most beach towns go. There are great cafes, tea shops, and restaurants here. There are not a lot of ‘exciting’ things to do here but walk around and see the sea. But it is definitely worth spending at least one day. It is known to be the most “French” neighborhood in Tunis.

Things to do in La Marsa Tunis

Most things to do in the Tunis La Marsa neighborhood revolve around the water. See La Marsa in my reel on Instagram.

Soak in the Sun at La Marsa Beach

This is a great, wide beach. There are several volleyball nets set up. The waves are small, and sometimes completely inexistent as this area is like a little cove. There is a small pavement path just above the beach you can walk along, though it’s not very long. Along the main street, there is also a large path you can walk along and have a great view of the sea. You can see the Kobbet El Haoua, which used to be a bathing house for rich families in the Hussenite Dynasty, but now is an abandoned structure on the water.

Look out at the Water at the Marsa Incredible View

Here at this “incredible view,” you can stand on a cliff and look out over the sea. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of trash on the ground around this area, but if you ignore that and just look at nature, it is quite nice. There is a small path you can walk down to reach the beach. It is fairly secluded in the winter months, so it’s a great place to go if you want a little solitude. There are several large coral rocks down below on the beach that you can climb on. Some even go out into the water, so you walk out there a bit. You can easily walk from here back to La Marsa beach along the sand.

Get a Tattoo from Tunisia’s First Tattoo Shop

Tunisia’s first tattoo shop in the entire country is called Wachem , and they have a shop located in the La Marsa neighborhood of Tunis. The best time to go is during Ramadan when they offer big discounts. Because Muslims do not get tattoos during Ramadan, they offer discounts to bring in more customers. The artists there are very talented. I got a 15cm tattoo on my thigh at the Sousses location, and I’m so in love with it.

Get Beauty Treatments

Treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage, hair removal, or a haircut. There are several hammams or spas around the city. They are often much more affordable than in Europe or the US.

If you’re looking for a mani/pedi, I got my nails done at Manificure By Mouna in La Marsa. I can honestly say that they gave me the best gel manicure I’ve ever had in my entire life. I went twice.

• Gel Manicure, 50 TND
• Gel Pedicure, 100 TND
• Classic Pedicure, 50 TND

Where to eat in La Marsa Tunis

The main center in La Marsa is called the SafSaf. In this area, you can find the mosque, as well as several local cafes and restaurants.

Hipster Options

• North Shore Coffee and Snacks (coffee with a sea view)
• Ivy Coffee Shop & Restaurant (best western breakfast)
• Nanoosh (in the Saf Saf, Lebanese and Syrian food)

Local Options

• Restaurant el Hana (food stand in the SafSaf)
• El SafSaf (open-air restaurant with a camel inside)
• Oueld El bey (Excellent kafteji sandwiches)
• Lablebi Chez Hattab (Great kafteji and lablebi)
• La Dokkana House (seafood with a view)

Where to go out at night in La Marsa

Le central sports bar.

This is a good place to grab a beer and watch sports. It’s a large, modern-looking space. Not Tunisian style. There are several TVs all around the perimeter of the bar. You can sit at the bar or one of the many high-top tables. Most of the people in here are men. I was 1 of 3 women in the entire bar that was full of men. Tunisia allows smoking indoors, so there is a cloud of smoke hanging around everywhere you look. They have several beer options and many food options too. It’s a bit far from the beach. Take a taxi to reach this destination.

Au Bon Vieux Temps

If you want to eat dinner here, you need to make a reservation in advance. We went for drinks and managed to get a table without a reservation, but we were lucky. We made a dinner reservation a few days later. Mosty Italian options. Plates tend to be on the more expensive side for Tunisia. Large beers cost 13 TND each, and a full meal was 40-50 TND. Call to make a reservation: +216 71 749 060.

Where to stay in La Marsa Tunis

When I spent one month in Tunis, I stayed in the La Marsa neighborhood. I loved it. It was so chill and calm. There are a lot of options here on Airbnb, and you’ll find several private homes for rent in this neighborhood.

Dar El Marsa Hotel & Spa

This hotel is perfectly located in the center of town. You can walk easily to the beach, the train station, or the restaurants. Many rooms have a sea view. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a wellness center. Breakfast is included.

Check availability and BOOK this hotel in the perfect location.

Dar Corniche La Marsa (Adults Only)

This is the perfect location for a relaxing beach vacation. It is away from the center of La Marsa, but easily walkable to both La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said. Rooms are clean and modern with a sea view. There is a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace. Breakfast is included.

BOOK NOW for this beautiful seaside hotel in La Marsa

The sites of Carthage are spread out over several kilometers, within pockets of the city. The history of Tunis starts here at Carthage. It is the site of the old Carthaginian Empire before the Romans attacked and defeated them. There is very little information posted at each of these historical sites.

Carthage is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but honestly, they have not done a great job at preserving the site. It is perfectly acceptable for anyone to climb on top of and over anything here.

The Carthage Ticket

The ticket costs 12 TND (4 USD) and includes these sites:

• -Amphitheatre
• -Villas Romaines
• -Theatre Romain
• -Musee Paleochretien
• -Musee de Carthage (closed until 2027)
• -Tophet de Salambo
• -Thermes d’Antonin
• -Quartier Magon

You can purchase the ticket at the first spot you visit within the Carthage site. After that, they will cross each site off on the ticket as you enter. Some of the sites are better than others. At a glance, the two that are most worth your time are Theatre Romain and Thermes d’Antonin .

Things to do in Carthage Tunisia

I have listed the sites in order if you start in the north, and go south.

The Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Amphitheater is a 20-minute walk from the Roman Theatre. It is an open space with a short perimeter wall still intact. Inside the perimeter wall, you can find a couple of tunnels and one room that was locked when we went. You only need to spend 10-15 minutes here. If you’re short on time, you can skip this one.

Roman Theatre of Carthage

This is one of the best sites included in the Carthage ticket. The Roman Theatre (not to be confused with the Roman Amphitheater), still has very intact stairs and seating rows. You can see that some parts are original and other parts have been renovated. There are bathrooms at this site. You need about 15-20 minutes to see this site. Make sure to climb up to the top of the stairs to get a great view looking down.

Le Quartier des Villas Romaines

The Roman Villas are near to the Roman Theatre. This is a large space that is spread out. There is not a lot of information to be found here. The time spent here depends on how long you want to wander around the grounds and how far you go. We stayed for about 15 minutes. They are doing some renovations on a few of the buildings. But for the most part, they are just ruins and there are no complete buildings left.

Baths of Antoninus

This is one of the best sites on the Carthage ticket. It’s well worth the visit. This was once a large construction that included baths, a gym, social areas, etc. Many of the structures still have some form and give you an idea of what it used to look like. It was surprising how you can climb on top of everything here. There are very few preservation considerations.

You can find a few informational boards around the edges of the site that offer a few details. You can find bathrooms and a cafe here. Expect to spend the most amount of time here. Between 30-60 minutes.

Quartier Magon

There was no information explaining this place in English. It is a big square covered in grass, with a few foundations in the ground of the previous homes. There isn’t much to see honestly. Skip this site if you don’t have a lot of time. You only need to spend 5-10 minutes here. There are no bathrooms here.

Musée Paléochrétien

There isn’t much to see here. It’s a very small museum with a few pots, coins, and mosaics. If you plan on going to the Bardo Museum, you can skip this museum. If you’re in a hurry or not in the mood, don’t bother coming here. It’s nothing special.

Punic Ports of Carthage

This is not included on the ticket because it is in the open, just next to the sea. If you are walking to all of the sites, you’ll easily pass by here. It is a circular waterway with a few boats.

Salammbo Tophet

You only need 10-15 minutes here. There are no bathrooms. It is a square plot with trees, grass and what looks like several headstones. The theory is that children were sacrificed here by the Carthaginians. However, this theory was passed on only by non-Carthaginians, so it is also believed that it could be a lie in order to demonize the Carthaginians. You can skip this site if you don’t have time or you’re not in the mood.

Try Tunisian Cuisine

Tunisia has some very interesting and unique flavors. You can try so many Tunisian street food items for very affordable prices. Here are some of the best Tunisian foods to try:

• Kafteji sandwich
• Lablebi sandwich
• Salade Mechouia

Tunis Excursions: Organized Tours

Travel in Tunisia can feel overwhelming at first if you are traveling solo, or don’t speak the local language. You need to figure out where the metro, louage or train station is, how much things cost, etc. If you don’t feel like putting your energy into that, a great way to see the country is through organized tours. Both GetYourGuide and Viator have great options to choose from.

Carthage, Sidi Bousaid & Medina Tunis with Tunisian lunch

This 8-hour tour around Tunis includes lunch, Carthage entry ticket, transportation, and a guide. You will spend one hour at the Carthage site, 2 hours in the seaside Santorini-esque neighborhood of Sidi Bou Said, and 3 hours strolling through the Tunis medina. It’s a great way to get to know the city if you are in Tunis for a short time.

Carthage: Guided Bike Tour of the Archaeological Site

This is a 3-hour tour through the archaeological site of Carthage where you’ll see historical theatres, ruins, baths, and great sea views. The Carthage site is very spread out and you’ll spend a lot of time walking between sites, which is why this bike tour makes so much sense. The price includes the entry ticket and a bilingual guide. You’ll meet your guide at the Tophet de Salambo site, which is near a TGM station.

Day Trips from Tunis

If organized tours are not your thing, you can always venture out on your own. Here are some great day trips that you can do from Tunis.

Hergla is 1.5 hours south of Tunis, and 30 minutes north of Sousse. You can reach Hergla via a louage from the Station Louage Moncef Bey in Tunis. Hergla is a small fishing village along the Mediterranean coastline, in the Gulf of Hammamet.

Read more: What to See in Hergla: Simple Sousse Day Trip

Amphitheatre El Jem

El Jem is a Roman Amphitheatre still in relatively good shape. The entire front is still intact. You can climb to the third floor and look down on the center oval stage. You can also go underground in the tunnels beneath the oval stage. The cost to enter is 12 TND.

You can take the train from Tunis to El Jem, as it is on the line as the Tunis-Metlaoui line. You can check the schedule here , but there are usually 4 departure times per day: 6:05 am, 9:50 am, 1:05 pm, and 9:15pm. It takes just over 3 hours to reach El Jem from Tunis. I suggest taking the earliest train so you have plenty of time to see the Roman Amphitheatre and make the return trip back to Tunis. There is not much else to see in the town of El Jem, so I don’t suggest staying the night.

You can also take a louage between Tunis and El Jem from the Station Louage Moncef Bey . The louages start early and leave as soon as they are full.

Sousse is the third largest city in Tunis. It lies about 2.5-3 hours south of Tunis along the coastline. It really deserves more than one day, but if you only have one day, it’s still worth it. You can see quite a bit in just one day. The main tourist attractions are inside the Sousse Medina. You take a train or a louage between Tunis and Sousse.

Read More: 21 Things to do in Sousse

Hammamet is located along the Mediterranean Coast one hour north of Sousse, and 50 minutes south of Tunis. You can take the louage from the Station Louage Moncef Bey in Tunis to the louage station in Hammamet. It is one of the more well-known beach destinations in Tunisia, particularly for Italians and French tourists.

Read More: 20 Things to Do in Hammamet

Takrouna is a small inland town, about 1.5 hours south of Tunis. It is an abandoned Berber village that was built into a rock. First, you need to take the louage to Enfidha. From there, you can take a taxi to Takrouna.

Getting to Tunis

If you’re entering Tunisia for the first time, you most likely will be arriving at the Tunis-Carthage International Airport , making Tunis an obvious first stop. However, there are a few other ways to move around the country including trains and louages.

Flying to Tunis

The main airport in Tunis is the Tunis-Carthage International Airport . While Tunisia is a small country, there are several other airports including the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport , Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport , and the Djerba–Zarzis international Airport , etc. If you don’t have a lot of time to travel overland in Tunisia, you can always opt to fly. Flights are short as the distance inside the country is small.

Check Skyscanner for flights inside Tunisia.

Tunis Airport to City Center

The Tunis-Carthage International Airport is in the center of the city, making it fairly simple to reach your Tunis accommodation. You can take a taxi or a Bolt. The taxi drivers who approach you inside the airport will provide very high prices, usually between 45-60 TND (15-20 USD). Say no thank you.

If you walk out of the exit and go straight to the roundabout at the front of the airport, you’ll see many yellow taxis waiting there. Take one of these taxis as they are more likely to use their meter. You can also specifically ask them to use the meter.

If you don’t want to bother with sorting out prices when you first arrive, the best bet is to use Bolt. It is a ride-sharing app like Uber. With Bolt, the price will be obvious for both parties to see so you can avoid a potential argument. Bolts tend to be slightly more expensive than the meter but at least it’s one less thing to worry about. For example, we took a Bolt from the airport to La Marsa for 20 TND (7 USD). Later when I felt more comfortable taking yellow taxis, I found the same trip was about 13-15 TND (4-5 USD).

The train between Tunis and Sousse takes 2.5 hours. More than likely, the train will arrive late. Our train arrived one hour late, and I have heard from several people that this is common. We took the 9:50 am train and bought our ticket at 9 am on the same day. There were several seats available, so buying the ticket on the same day didn’t seem to be an issue. Click here to see the train schedule between Tunis and Sousse (Metlaoui is the very last stop on the train line). There are several stops on this line.

First-class tickets between Tunis and Sousse cost 10.400 TND (3.40 USD) and second-class cost 7.200 TND (2.40 USD). For 1 USD more, it’s worth the class upgrade. But you shouldn’t expect too much. The trains are dirty and have broken pieces swaying with the movement of the train. Men smoke between cars which brings in the smells to the rest of the train.

Train Station in Tunis: Gare de Tunis (also called Gare Barcelone )

Train Station in Sousse: Gare de Sousse

A louage is a common form of transportation around Tunisia. It is a van that leaves for its destination only once full. The louage is a bit faster and a bit more reliable than the train. Many Tunisians suggested taking the louage instead of the train. The cost between Tunis and Sousse is 12 TND.

Louage Station Locations

Tunis: Station Louage Moncef Bey

Sousse: Station Louage de Sousse

How to Get Around Tunis

Use a taxi or bolt.

You can flag a yellow taxi, or use the Bolt app (like Uber). Bolt drivers are taxi drivers, but it can be easy if you need to get picked up at a specific place and/or dropped off at a specific place. Bolts tend to be slightly more expensive than the meter, but not by much. It’s a great option and one that I used a lot. If you don’t want to use a Bolt, insist that the driver use the meter. Keep your eye on it during the trip.

The Bolt cost between my Airbnb in the La Marsa neighborhood and downtown was usually between 20-24 TND (7-8 USD). In a regular yellow taxi using the meter, it was about 15 TND (5 USD).

For the most part, taxi drivers will automatically turn on the meter and charge you the real price. In areas that are a bit more touristy, taxi drivers will tell you a price several times more expensive than it should be and pretend their meter is broken. Insist on the meter, or go to the next taxi.

Tunis is a walkable city in certain parts. You can easily walk around Centre Ville and see everything in that area. However, it would be impossible to walk from Centre Ville to La Marsa, for example.

It is easier to walk more if you’re staying in the eastern neighborhoods along the coast. I walked several times between La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said, for example. You could also walk between Carthage and La Goulette.

Six metro lines pass through the center of town. While they are called a ‘metro,’ they are more like a light rail system, as they are above ground. The payment system is a bit unclear to ride the metro. I never saw a ticket counter. The cars also get super packed, so make sure you have a hold of your belongings. I had my phone out on the platform and someone told me to be careful or it would get stolen. I’ve heard that someone comes around to check tickets every once in a while, but I never saw that happen. If you get caught without a ticket, the fee is 20 TND (7 USD).

Train (TGM)

The TGM train line runs between Centre Ville and La Marsa, making several stops including Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, and La Goulette. It’s important to note that the TGM is currently under construction between the stops of Khereddine and Le Casino . This means that you’ll have to get off at that stop, walk to the next station, and get back on to continue your journey. From end to end, the journey takes about 40 minutes.

La Marsa Station: Station TGM “La Marsa”

Tunis Nord Station: Terminus métro tgm ligne sud

There are ticket offices at every station where you can purchase a ticket. Depending on where you’re going, a ticket costs between 500-800 millimes (0.15-0.25 USD). Tell the officer at the ticket booth your final destination and he’ll tell you the price. If you don’t speak French or Arabic, just give him 1 dinar and you should be fine. He’ll give you back the correct change.

Cost of Living in Tunis

La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said are the more expensive neighborhoods of Tunis, so you can expect rental prices there to be higher than in other areas. The Ariana and La Soukra neighborhoods will be more affordable.

Tunisian food is very affordable. You can eat a meal at a local restaurant for less than 10 TND (3 USD). However, if you go to more touristic restaurants, you can expect to pay in the 40-60 TND (15-20 USD) range.

Transportation is very affordable. The TGM train is less than 1 TND (0.30 USD), and taxis across the city will be 20 TND (7 USD) or less.

Is Tunis safe?

Overall, Tunis feels like a very safe city. But I also realize that the idea of safety is subjective, and has a lot to do with where you come from and what you’re comfortable with.  The biggest thing to worry about would be phone theft. If you’re in La Marsa or Sidi Bou Said, you probably have less to worry about as there is a smaller concentration of people in one place. But if you’re in the city center, or in the train/metro, you should be more cautious.

Don’t keep your phone in your pants pocket, front or back, unless you have a hand on it at all times. I suggest putting your phone in your bum bag or backpack if you’re wearing it on the front. If you’re wearing long sleeves, you can also hold it in your hand inside the sleeve. Thieves are adept at grabbing that phone out of your pocket without you even realizing it, so just make sure you’ve got a hand on it at all times in busy areas.

When it comes to taxis, you will be safe, but you should insist they use the meter. Keep your eye on both the meter and the map to make sure you’re not being charged extra.

Things to do in Tunis Final Thoughts

Tunis made a big impact on me right away. It’s a beautiful capital city, the people are mostly honest and kind, and it’s a great place to spend a few days or even a few weeks. I hope that you will fall in love with this city as much as I did. I also hope this Tunis guide was helpful for you to learn about and see the city confidently.

Things to do in Tunis FAQ

Tunis is known as Tunisia’s capital. It is on the site of the old Carthaginian capital. The Romans defeated the Carthaginians in 146 BCE, destroyed the city, and enslaved the local population.

Yes, Tunis is very much worth visiting. Even if you have just one day, you will be able to see quite a lot.

There are several types of shops in Tunis. There are the big names such as Hamed Abdi, H&M, Stradavariius, Bershka, etc. as well as smaller shops in the Medina. Inside the medina you can find souvenir shops selling pottery, rugs, trays, etc. You can also find clothing shops.

Tunis is very safe. There are often people around so you rarely feel isolated. I never felt threatened or harassed in Tunis. People were very kind.

Yes! While some things do cost money (museums) there are also many free things to do as well. For one, you can just enjoy the beach and the nature. Take a walk along the sandy beaches in La Marsa, stroll through Sidi Bou Said, or take a walk in La Goulette. Walk around the medina.

Yes! Tunis has an active nightlife. There are popular bars and clubs in La Goulette and Gamarth.

When it is raining in Tunis, the best activities are indoors, such as the Bardo museum. You can also try out some local cuisine at one of the many wonderful Tunis restaurants.

If you have kids, there are still things that you can do. They might get bored with museums and historical sites, but kids will never tire of the beach. Grab an ice cream and walk along the boardwalk in La Marsa. Kids might also enjoy the excitement of the Medina.

The center of Tunis is very walkable. It is easy to get around by foot between the Medina and the Ville Nouvelle. The neighborhoods near one another are also walkable. I had no problem walking between Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa (30 minutes). However, it would not really be possible to walk from the city center to the eastern areas along the coast. There are trains and affordable taxis going there. But walking is not advisable.

TRAVELING SOON?

INSURANCE: Cover yourself with travel medical insurance by SafetyWing .

FLIGHTS: Get the best flight deals with Skyscanner and set flight alerts with Hopper .

STAYS : Check out hotels and apartments with Booking.com and Vrbo .

RENTAL CARS: Get the best deal on rental cars with Discover Cars or RentalCars .

GOING HIKING? Get a 30% discount off your yearly AllTrails+ Account (code: nickiposts30)

eSIM : Get an international eSim with Airalo or eSim ple.

CITY GUIDES : Save time and purchase pre-made city guides with Thatch .

CITY TOURS : Book your tour with GetYourGuide and Viator

LUGGAGE : Get the best carry-on suitcase here .

CREDIT CARD: Start earning travel points with the best travel credit card .

BUENOS AIRES GUIDE : Purchase my Buenos Aires travel companion here .

CONSULTATION : Book a 1:1 travel consultation with Nicki here .

SUBSCRIBE: Get the Nicki Posts Travel Stuff newsletter every month.

The post 25 Things to do in Tunis: Ultimate Guide appeared first on .