tunisia travel cost

The Cost of Travel in Tunisia: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

Tunisia is a pretty cheap country to visit. A less visited part of the North African coast, its tourism industry isn’t quite as developed as Egypt or Morocco, which makes it an excellent place to go if you’re somebody who likes to take the road less traveled.

There’s so much to love about Tunisia, starting with Tunis, the country’s capital, which contains an estimated 700,000 people. Easily the most bustling place in the nation, the city is a fascinating mix of architecture, speaking to the shifting history of the area. In the Islamic part of town, you can wander the sprawling alleyways of the medina, replete with beautiful mosques alongside numerous vendors of souvenirs and street food. This abuts the former French colonial district, featuring grand mansion blocks designed in the Belle Epoque style and watched over by the striking Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul, completed in 1897.

To the northeast of the town center, you will find the storied ruins of Ancient Carthage, some dating back more than 2,000 years. Perched atop the nearby cliffs, overlooking the sea, are the blue and white buildings of Sidi Bou Said, which lend a Greek island vibe to the city.

Thanks to the network of cheap trains and the availability of affordable taxis in the main cities, transport is wonderfully convenient. You can escape to the white sand beaches of Hammamet in under two hours from Tunis, or head further south, to the cities of Sousse, El Jem and Kairouan, for a deeper glimpse into the country’s past. These parts of the country are home to some impressive 1st millennium AD fortifications and mosques, as well as one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.

To the west, you will find two preserved former Roman settlements, Dougga and Bulla Regia. Situated in quiet countryside, the former was once a buzzing metropolis of 3,500 people, while the latter has some fascinating subterranean villas to excavate.

If you’re coming to Tunisia for the beaches, it’s obviously best to visit during the heat of the summer, when temperatures rise to around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Otherwise, it is arguably better to travel to the country in the spring, when everything is less swelteringly hot.

One of the downsides of being a less popular destination is that there tend to be fewer really cheap accommodation options in Tunisia. That doesn’t mean you should expect to spend a great deal of money on your lodgings – unless you want to go for five-star luxury – but it does mean you won’t find hostels for a mere $10-20, as you can in places that have a steady stream of backpackers filtering through.

In this post, I’m going to help you figure out approximately how much you should budget for your trip. I will cover the cost of accommodation, both at the cheaper end of the scale and at the more luxurious end of the scale, as well as how much you should expect to pay for taxis, trains and the local ‘louages’ (more on that later). 

Once you have finished reading, you will have a pretty good idea of the cost of food, as well as the entrance fees and tour prices for some of the most popular experiences that Tunisia has to offer.

Where to Go

In this post, I will just briefly take you through some of the country’s highlights, before getting onto the amount you should expect to spend on your trip. 

In general, I would advocate spending between two and three days in Tunis, followed by a day excursion to the old Roman habitations to the west. After that, you can journey south to see some of Tunisia’s other major cities and towns. I have also included plenty of time for rest and relaxation at the end of the trip, so you return home feeling rested and refreshed.

Since Tunis is the only city with a major airport, it makes sense to begin and end your journey there, with forays west and south of the capital in the middle. 

For convenience, I chose to base myself out of just three cities: Tunis, Sousse and Hammamet, though I’ve also included some options for Kairouan stays since there is a bit more to check out there and it’s not as simple to reach on a daytrip as the other places I visited. 

You could of course also spend overnight stays in El Jem and Monastir. Just bear in mind that El Jem has very little to explore aside from the absolutely must-see amphitheater, while Monastir is so conveniently reachable from Sousse via the Sahel Metro that there hardly seems much point in changing accommodations just for a day.

• Day One:  Tunis
• Day Two:  Tunis
• Day Three:  Tunis
• Day Four:  Dougga and Bulla Regia
• Day Five:  Sousse
• Day Six:  Kairouan
• Day Seven:  El Jem and Monastir
• Day Eight:  Hammamet
• Day Nine:  Hammamet
• Day Ten:  Tunis

The Cost of Accommodation in Tunisia

Tourism isn’t that developed in Tunisia, which means your options are relatively limited when it comes to accommodation That’s not to say you’re completely devoid of choice, just don’t expect a great deal of hostels or housesitting opportunities.

Overall, the prices are affordable, though you’ll be hard pressed to find the kind of quirky, super cheap spots you can find along more well-traveled tourist routes. On the other end of the scale, it’s also fairly hard to spend a great deal of money, though you can of course splurge if you want a luxurious room at the Four Seasons , located along the most upmarket part of the Tunis coastline in Gammarth.

I opted to stay mainly in the larger cities, and then travel from there on daytrips to other locations. This meant less lugging my luggage around – which is always a bonus!

Before we get stuck into the real meat of the choices, there are a couple of ways you can stay in the country for free. First is through couch surfing. There is of course the pioneering Couchsurfing site, which requires a subscription fee for you to sign up, before allowing you access to the thousands of people in Tunisia willing to host travelers for no cost. A newer entrant on the scene is Travel Ladies , which is an app specifically aimed at female couch surfers looking to stay with other women. There are far fewer people on here, but it’s a solid concept, so worth checking out.

Another free alternative is housesitting . Again, there isn’t a great deal on offer in Tunisia, but still worth a look on the off chance that you find a gorgeous pad and don’t mind keeping an eye on a pet in exchange for free accommodation.

Alternatively, if you are looking for value rather than something completely free, there are some cheap options out there. Sure, you won’t find the same profusion of hostels as you would find in destinations like Vietnam or Peru , but there are some comfortable, basic stays for under $50 a night per person.

• As the capital of Tunisia, Tunis has way more options than anywhere else. If you want something that is cheap and cheerful but that also has plenty of character, Dar Ya is a vision in mint green. Located down a side street right in the heart of the medina, behind a bright blue door, this place comes with not just a lovely internal courtyard but a sunny roof terrace as well where you can gaze out on the surrounding city. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with communal bathrooms and showers. At $32 per night for a standard single, including breakfast, it’s a real steal. If you want a double or a twin, the price jumps to $55 per night .
• In Sousse , Dar Hkaiem is a solid option in a traditional home (‘dar,’ incidentally, means ‘house’). While it’s technically located in Hammam Sousse, a coastal town a bit further north of Sousse proper, you’ll be staying in an authentic residential neighborhood with local eats nearby. Plus, there’s pretty easy access via cheap taxis into the main town and its medina. Single rooms cost US$18 per night , while doubles are $31 per night . Breakfast is an extra $5, though there’s a kitchen that’s available for guest use if you want to make your own meals.
• I personally didn’t stay in Kairouan because I preferred to visit on a daytrip from Sousse, but I did have a peek at the (admittedly limited) accommodation that was available out of curiosity. Of what’s on offer, the Hotel Continental is probably the most comfortable value option. It’s right in the heart of the city, a few steps from the Tourist Information Office and the Basins of Aghlabides (historic reservoirs recognized by UNESCO), and about 15 minutes’ walk from The Great Mosque of Kairouan, which abuts the medina. A single room is $50 per night , including breakfast and access to the pool. Doubles are $65 per night .
• Hammamet is a popular beach destination, so there is a bit more on offer. Hotel Khella is a fairly basic but convenient and comfortable spot, with single rooms for $39 per night and doubles for $62 per night . The property features its own bar as well as a buffet breakfast for $2. It’s fantastically located less than 10 minutes from the beach and the 13th-century kasbah (fortress).

So, for a quick recap: as a single traveler, you probably want to budget about $30-50 per night , while couples or pairs of friends should expect to pay around the $60 per night mark. There are cheaper options out there, but we’ve only included places that actually have a certain degree of comfort, rather than complete dives.

Where to Stay While Traveling in Tunisia

If you’re looking for something with a few more facilities, there are a range of mid-to-high-end options around Tunisia. With these, you can expect a little more comfort – and in some cases, even an in-house spa or outdoor swimming pool.

• Tunis: There are so many pretty options in the heart of the medina to choose from, but Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa is the creme de la creme. This stylish residence has fantastic views of the city from the rooftop terrace as well as an in-house spa where you can release the tension with massages, scrubs and a hammam. There’s also a restaurant across the street that is part of the hotel and serves up authentic Tunisian meals for lunch and dinner. Situated in a touched up old building, the suites are large and tastefully furnished with a mixture of modern and traditional elements. Prices start from $186 per night , including daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
• Sousse: Dar Lekbira Boutique Hotel is a relatively new property in Sousse that only opened at the end of last year. Everything is shiny, new and decorated in loud, bright colors. The $97 per night room comes with free Wi-Fi and daily breakfast, which is served in the internal courtyard. You can also opt to have your dinner here as well if you don’t fancy eating out, which is a bonus for days when you feel too worn out to hit the town. Best of all, the location is fantastic, a short walk from the city’s main attractions and the Sahel Metro station if you want to visit neighboring Monastir.
• Monastir: If on your visit to Monastir you decide the calmer city is more to your taste than Sousse, Dar Benti is a gorgeous property in the heart of the city’s medina, just a short walk away from the beach. Everything here is appareled in a cooling, clean white palette, from the comfortable rooms to the rooftop pool. The accommodation also boasts a shared lounge and a sizable internal courtyard, with free Wi-Fi running throughout the property. Prices start from $140 per night , including breakfast. 
• Kairouan: Full of aesthetic little touches – in particular the cute tilework – Dar Alouini is a quintessential old house but jazzed up with bonus features. Alongside the garden and terrace, there’s an indoor swimming pool where you can chill after a long day of touring. Plus, the hotel will rent you bicycles so you can explore a bit further afield without having to try your luck with Kairouan’s public transport system. Rooms are perhaps a little steep at $196 per night , including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. 
• Hammamet: Most of my trip was spent in traditional houses located in the medinas of the various cities I visited. The exception was Hammamet, where I went for the excesses of the Royal Azur Thalasso ( $179 per night ) This beach resort has several outdoor swimming pools, easy access to a private beach and lots of dining options, both indoor restaurants and al fresco spots. In short, it’s a full-service five-star property that makes up for a lack of character with a complete set of facilities, including a breakfast buffet, in-house spa and private parking.

The Cost of Transportation in Tunisia

There are two main transportation aspects I’m going to discuss here: intercity and intracity. Let’s start with intercity, which is a bit more complicated but, for the most part, manageable.

First off, Tunisia is not the easiest country to travel across using public transportation, I assume because tourism hasn’t hit the market as hard as it has in Egypt and Morocco . There were even some places I wanted to go that I ended up skipping just because they seemed logistically risky without renting a car, hiring a private driver or joining a tour – I’m talking getting stuck in a small town in the middle of nowhere, waiting for a bus that may or may not come.

To travel between cities, a lot of locals rely on the network of louages (literally ‘rentals’) that crisscross the country. These minivan taxis are particularly useful – or, indeed, often the only way – to get to rural places like Douz (where overnight stays in the Sahara Desert commence) or Tataouine (the area where remnants of Berber living can be found). If you’re not afraid of a little adventure and aren’t on a tight schedule, these are easily the cheapest way to travel. As a rough guide, you should expect to pay around 5 Tunisian dinar ($1.60 at time of writing) for short intercity routes and about 10 Tunisian dinar ($3.20) for longer ones, give or take.  

Louages are absolutely not easy to figure out, unless your bewildered looks at the depot attract a kindly stranger, or you speak either French or Arabic. Bear in mind that for some routes, departures are fairly frequent – louages usually only leave when they are full up. For other less popular intercity connections, there may just be a handful leaving per day, and sometimes only in the morning. The best thing to do is to consult with your hotel and see if they can help you navigate the system. Or, you know, learn French or Arabic.

Fortunately, the major cities of Tunisia are serviced by a perfectly reasonable national railway system, the SNCFT (Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens), overseen by the government. You can check what times trains depart between various cities via the SNCFT website , which has Arabic, French and (phew) English. However , in my experience the English version for some reason is a bit buggy when it comes to showing you all the available trains, so you might still be better viewing the page in Arabic or French in conjunction with Google Translate. Not difficult, just a bit of a pain. 

Train journeys between the major cities are very affordable, especially if you travel in second class, where tickets cost between six to 12 dinars ($2-4). You can also upgrade your experience to first class or classe confort for just a couple more dinar, which gives you a little more space and, as the name suggests, comfort.

Within cities, taxis are fantastically easy to use and very cheap. All the rides I took were between six to12 dinars ($2-4), including crossing almost the entirety of Tunis. Drivers on the whole are very honest, though it doesn’t hurt to just double check the fare is being charged according to the meter when you enter the vehicle. Each cab has a sticker pasted on the inside with a number to call if you think you are being gouged. 

The one exception to the positive taxi experience is when traveling from the airport in Tunis. Here, you can expect to be massively overcharged, so it might be worth ordering a Bolt instead. Generally, this is a more expensive option, but you will be quoted a price beforehand, which you pay to the driver in cash.

If you want to travel between Tunis and the beach area around La Marsa, the standard-gauge light railway known as the Tunis-Goulette-Marsa (TGM) is a unique experience – and one that has a great deal of history. The line was first opened in 1872 and has been running ever since.

In Sousse, you can hop on the Sahel Metro to visit the coastal town of Monastir, which boasts a beach resort and some old fortifications. Tickets between Sousse and Monastir cost just 1 dinar (33 cents), with the journey taking about half an hour from one downtown area to the other.

The Cost of Food in Tunisia

Tunisia has a rich culture of street food, a lot of it based around flatbreads, which are eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can expect to pay around 8-10 dinar (about $3) for staples like a baguette farcie (flatbread stuffed with cheese, mixed veg and either chicken or jambon, then baked) and one to two dinar (about 50 cents) for the smaller fricassee (deep-fried roll containing olives, boiled eggs, canned tuna and potatoes). 

For dessert or a sweet snack, make sure you don’t miss the bambalouni, a giant donut-like dough that’s freshly fried in front of you, then covered in sugar. It only costs a single dinar ($0.33)

At restaurants, you can expect to pay a little more – though not much more – for you meal. At your bog-standard, everyday joints, a hearty main like an ojja merguez (tomato-based stew with eggs and spicy lamb sausage, flavored with harissa and garlic) will set you back 12 dinar ($4). At the fancier establishments – particularly the top-notch spots found in Tunis – you can expect to pay about 25 dinar ($7) for a main or 55 dinar ($18) for a three-course meal.

If you fancy cooking your own food, head down to the local market, where you can find fresh veggies, fish, meat and other snacky bits and bobs. For example, at Tunis’ municipal market, you can purchase fresh octopus for about 70 ($23.10) dinar per kilo, complemented by a simple salad of cherry tomatoes (2.7 dinar, 89 cents) and parsley (0.45 dinar, 15 cents). 

The same market also has a range of local cheeses to sample, which you can purchase for around 20 dinar ($6.60) for a 250-gram block. Don’t miss out on the heavenly fresh baguettes, which are just a few cents, or the pots of harissa, which is heavily used in various local specialties.

Buying and drinking alcohol is entirely legal in Tunisia, but you will only find it in some specific locations, including luxury hotels and supermarkets like Monoprix. Local wine is particularly affordable – and quaffable – at around 25 dinars ($8.25) for a decent bottle, though you can get the really basic stuff for about half that. 

Overall, the average cost of food in Tunisia is 50 dinar ($16.50) per person per day , excluding any alcohol you might choose to imbibe.

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Tunisia

One of the most fascinating activities you can do in Tunisia is to explore the medinas scattered across Tunisia’s various cities. Each one offers plenty to see and explore, entirely for free – unless you are seduced by a souvenir vendor into handing over some cash for pottery, clothing or other hand-made handicrafts. That’s particularly true in Tunis and Sousse, which have the most colorful and attractive medinas, as well as the most historical. 

Another top free thing to do in Tunisia is to head to the beach and enjoy some sun, sand and sea. Tunis has its share of coastal stretches, though Hammamet’s white sands are what truly draw the crowds.

If there’s one thing people know about Tunisia aside from its beaches, it is that it’s home to the ruins of Carthage. While not a lot remains of this ancient past, what does still exist has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For 12 dinars ($4), you can visit the various remnants, which are spread across the northern part of the city of Tunis. The Baths on Antoninus are particularly impressive.

Other highlights in Tunis include the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace (entry 5 dinars, or about $1.65), an impressive homage to Arab-Islamic architecture in the picturesque Sidi Bou Said quarter, and the Bardo Museum (entry 11 dinars, or about $3.60), which has a world-beating collection of ancient mosaics.

Some of the more stunning Ancient Roman ruins are located in rural parts of Tunis, including Dougga and Bulla Reggia, to the west of the capital. Entrance to each one of these sites costs 7 dinars ($2.30), providing access to copious architectural marvels. 

Further south, Sousse has an archeological museum located inside a former kasbah (fortress), which you can enter for 9 dinars ($3), as well as an impressive ribat fortification (7 dinars, or about $2.30). In El Jem, the amphitheater is 10 dinars ($3.30) to enter and is one of the most complete arenas from the Roman world still in existence. 

While you can’t go inside the prayer halls of a lot of mosques in the country, you can usually enter the courtyards – sometimes for free, sometimes for a price. In Kairouan, for example, you can get a 1-day multi-site pass for 10 dinars ($3.30) that provides entrance to the Kairouan Great Mosque, as well as the Raqqada Islamic Art Museum.

It’s possible to do a daytrip tour from Tunis that squeezes in Sousse alongside nearby El Jem and Kairouan all at once for $139. It is quite an intense amount to do in a 24-hour period, involving lots of driving, so I would instead recommend spreading the cities across several days.

If you want a bit more of an adventure, you can take a 2-day trip into the desert for around $222 per person. It’s a wonderful experience (as long as you don’t mind camels), featuring sunset over the dunes and an overnight stay in a Berber camp.

For an interesting cultural excursion, you can also journey to see the ruins of Tataouine and Chenini, former Berber habitations that inspired Luke Skywalker’s home in Star Wars. Guided visits cost around $61, leaving from the island of Djerba.

Though tours tend to bump up the costs significantly, in general you should budget around 10-15 dinars (about $3-5) per person per day for activities.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Tunisia?

Now I’ve gone through all the main expenses of your trip, it’s time to add everything together, so you can get a good overall idea of what to budget for your trip.

Accommodation: $60 per day for a double

Transportation: 21 dinars ($7) per day

Food: 50 dinars ($16.50) per day

Activities: 12 dinars ($4) per day  

Total daily expenses for Tunisia: $87.50

Planning a Trip to Tunisia?

I have put together a guide for how to spend 10 days in Tunisia, covering the main highlights across the country, from ancient ruins to the best beaches. 

You can find a list of other African countries I’ve visited with accompanying itineraries here , including information on other North African coastal locations like Egypt and Morocco . If you are able to take a little more time off, you could visit them all, as part of a comprehensive trip that takes you along the Barbary Coast.

You can also check out the price of travel for other destinations across the globe through my master list , which has detailed expense reports, covering the cost of visiting over 60 countries around the world!

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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.

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Tunisia: 6 Unique Things to do? & Budget Calculator $

Explore Tunisia's top attractions & calculate your trip costs with our guide. From Sahara horse rides to Tunis medina tours, find unique activities & budget tips for savvy travelers.

Tunisia is a picturesque land which borders both the Mediterranean sea and the Sahara desert!

With many cheap flights to Tunisia its no wonder many are flocking to visit. From the popular tourist spots of  Sfax  and  Kairouan  to the ancient roman city of  Dougga

and the laid back mountain town of Le Kef, Tunisia has alot to offer!

In this article, I will answer some Frequently asked questions submitted by readers of   Town & Tourist,  these include the following:

• 6 Unique Things to do in Tunisia?
• Is Tunisia cheap to Travel?
• Tunisia Travel Budget Calculator
• Tunisia Costs (Detailed)
• Is Tunisia Safe for Tourists?
• Do you need a Visa to Enter Tunisia?
• When is the Best time to Visit Tunisia?
• Where to stay in Tunisia?
• 3 Essential Travel Tips? (Packing Guide)

A. 6 Unique things to do in Tunisia?

1. visit tunis for a weekend.

Tunis is the large capital of Tunisia, sometimes referred to as "Grand Tunis" due to its size.  It is located along Lake Tunis

inland from the Mediterranean Sea’s Gulf of Tunis. Here you will discover the centuries old Medina,

which offers a series of ancient landmarks from Roman artifacts in the local museum to an 8th century Mosque.

The modern part of Tunis (Ville Nouvelle), has a tree lined promenade with many hotels & restaurants.

tunis-sidi-bou-said-tunisia

2. Take a horse ride across the Sahara Desert

tunisia-horse back rides

3. Visit a holy site.

Be sure to visit the Islamic holy site of  Kairouan.

This will give you insight into a different side of Tunisia

tunisia-kairouan-great-mosque

4. Haggle in the Markets of Sfax

Have a go at haggling at one of the busy markets or Souqs as they are known

Souq Tunisia

5. Experience the Festival of Sahara

Visit Douz at the end of December to experience the Festival of Sahara.

Festival of Sahara  Tunisia. Photo by Sony Stark (the great gonomad.com)

6. Relax & Cleanse in an Hammam

A Hamman is a Turkish style baths which is associated with the culture of the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic world.

Inside you can cleanse, relax and even take a spa treatment!

hammam Tunisia

B. Is Tunisia cheap to travel?

Tunisia is mid range when it comes to travel costs.  A  budget traveller  should budget  $60 (USD) per day ,

while a  mid range traveller  should budget  $80-90 (USD) per day.

This includes the cost of accommodation, food and transport!

The Prices in Tunisia are more expensive than its northern african friends,  Egypt  &  Morocco .

However the prices here are cheaper than the  USA  & western Europe,  UK ,  France ,  Germany ,  Italy.

Insider Tip:

Always  use licensed cabs , especially is coming from the airport, and ask around first for approximate prices.

If you don't fancy haggling, head to one of the government run Socopa shops. There you can pick up some quality souvenirs without having to haggle.

C. Tunisia:  Travel Budget Calculator

To help you budget your next adventure to Tunisia

Dive into our interactive Travel Budget Calculator below

User Guide:  Simply select your “Travel Style”,  ” Number of Persons” and Number of Days Traveling.

Top Tip:  “Group” travel budget gives the  total budget for 4 people!  To find out how much that is each simply divide by 4.

Family Budgets:

Families would be best using the Group selector, or those with small children should select “Couple” if the children are young enough to share a room.

We have compiled the data in the table above from our vast travel experience & other reliable  sources.

What is the Currency in Tunisia?

The  Tunisian Dinar  is the currency of Tunisia

1 USD =2.80  TND

1 GBP = 3.70 TND

1 EURO =3.15 TND

D. Tunisia Travel Costs (Detailed):

I. budget backpacker travel costs:, ii. mid range travel costs:, iii. luxury vacation travel costs:, e. is tunisia safe for tourists.

According to the  UK Government  &  US Government   , You should be  cautious  when traveling in Tunisia

Avoid large gatherings, festivals and demonstrations due to a possible terrorist attack.

Here is a helpful map provided by the UK Government, with the areas you should & shouldn't travel.

Tunisia Travel Advice - Map of dangerous zones & safe zones

Be sure to not carry too much cash and exercise caution in crowded areas such as,

train and bus stations, airports to avoid danger.

I recommend purchasing a hidden money belt, I take mine everywhere. See:  Travel Accessories

F. Do you need a visa to enter Tunisia ?

Many countries require an EVisa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.

US Citizens:

According to the  US Department of state:

A valid  passport  is  required . For  U.S. passport  holders, a  visa  is not  necessary  for stays up to 90 days

UK & EU Citizens :

According to the  UK Government:

British and all EU citizens (except Cyprus) can  enter Tunisia  without a  visa  from 90 days to 3 months depending on your nationality.

All governments advise on a  valid Travel Insurance policy  before traveling.

I always recommend   World Nomads , I’ve used these for years.

G. When is the Best time to visit Tunisia ?

The  best time to visit Tunisia  is during the spring months between March and June and the fall between September and October.

H. Where to Stay in Tunisia ?

For a complete list of our recommend hotels in Tunisia, follow the link  HERE

tunisia-Hotels-resorts-sunset

I. 3 Essential Travel tips?

1.  invest in a quality travel camera.

Capturing the Memories of your adventure is essential!

You will be able to show your friends, family and even grand kids all the wonderful photos captured.

For more info see, our recommend  Travel Photography Gear

Make sure you are equip with some great Photography Gear!

2. Important! Are you insured?

Be aware that you will need separate travel insurance if you are traveling to Tunisia!

If you get ill or have an accident it will be a very costly experience!

All travellers to Tunisia should have a robust travel insurance to avoid paying out thousands of dollars.

I always recommend  World Nomads , I’ve used these for years,

they are the best and most reliable insurance, they also provides an unlimited medical budget!

Getting hit with a large hospital bill after getting sick or injured, could really add to your worries! Get some Travel Insurance

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS

For more info see:  Why you NEED Travel Insurance?

3. Be sure you have your  Travel Essentials

(Things You can’t travel without!)

A high quality Tent & backpack can also be great investments to help you cut costs and have more of an adventure while traveling!

• Recommended  Backpacks
• Recommended  Camping Gear
• Recommended  Hiking Boots.

To learn about our secret Hotel Hacks check out:  How to find the Best Hotel Deals??

Egypt: Budget Calculator & 8 Unique adventures!

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73 Basic Dutch Phrases for Your Next Trip to Netherlands 🇳🇱

Learn essential Dutch phrases for a smooth trip to the Netherlands. Perfect for travelers looking to connect with locals and enrich their experience.

Win a $500 Flight!

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Enter our Dream Journey Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 travel voucher, redeemable with any major US airline. Whether it's sandy beaches, bustling cities, or tranquil mountains, your dream destination is just an email away!*

August Adventures: Top African Destinations to Explore Before the Rush

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Explore Tunisia

Plan Your Trip to Tunisia: Best of Tunisia Tourism

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Travel to Tunisia in 2024: Tips + Itinerary

By Joan Torres 20 Comments Last updated on April 9, 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

• COVID-19 restrictions
• 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

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😷 COVID-19 bans and restrictions for traveling to Tunisia

For traveling to Tunis, you must be present either proof of vaccination or PCR test.

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🪪 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.

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⛅ 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

Remember to get travel insurance for Tunisia I strongly recommend IATI Insurance as it has COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount 5% discount if purchasing via this link

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?

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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 🙂

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It may be but a slim wedge of North Africa’s vast horizontal expanse, but Tunisia has enough history and diverse natural beauty to pack a country many times its size. With a balmy, sand-fringed Mediterranean coast, scented with jasmine and sea breezes, and where the fish on your plate is always fresh, Tunisia is prime territory for a straightforward sun-sand-and-sea holiday. But beyond the beaches, it’s a thrilling, underrated destination where distinct cultures and incredible extremes of landscape – forested coastlines, Saharan sand seas in the south – can be explored in just a few days.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

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Tunisia and beyond

Travel in Tunisia – 10 Best Tips for Independent Travellers

Independent travel in Tunisia is easier than most people would expect.

This country has a fantastic transport network to help you discover all of the highlights and more.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

Many visitors, particularly Europeans, head to Tunisia as part of a week-long all-inclusive package deal.

The drawcard is the beaches along the Mediterranean coastline of Tunisia and the competitive prices for many chic resorts.

But if you’re interested in discovering Tunisia beyond just the resorts and tourist towns, you’re in for an exciting time.

For adventurous travellers looking for a destination to explore in more depth, I’d recommend Tunisia.

If you ask us, this North African nation is so underrated. We had an amazing few weeks of discovering this country and its diversity.

Read our best tips for travel in Tunisia below and our detailed 14-day itinerary for Tunisia , and you’re all set!

10 Best Tips for Independent Travel in Tunisia

We travelled to Tunisia in late November and early December 2021.

The prices quoted in this itinerary for Tunisia are in local currency, Tunisian Dinar (TND).

At the time, 1 USD = 2.9 TND

Table of Contents

1) Get a SIM Card on Arrival or Buy a digital eSIM

The wifi and internet are not very reliable in Tunisia so I’d recommend picking up a SIM Card for your phone with one of the providers at the airport.

There are several to choose from and they all offer similar data plans. I got an Orange SIM Card for free at the airport, then topped it up with 10GB for 20 TND (USD $7). You can also get 2GB for 10 TND.

Alternatively, an easier option would be to get an eSIM for Tunisia. This eSIM gives you 1GB data for 7 days . The price is $9.50; you can download it on your phone within minutes. Once you’ve arrived in Tunisia, you’re all set to go.

Note: Before buying an eSIM, you must ensure your phone is compatible. Check this on Airalo website before making any purchase.

Travel in Tunisia will be easier if you’re connected

It means you can access the BOLT app and order a ride, book your hotels on the go with  Booking.com  and find reviews on the best places to eat in Tunisia.

If you’re a food-lover like me, don’t miss my post on  the 8 most popular street foods in Tunisia  that you must try.  

2) Download BOLT Ridesharing App

Download the BOLT App before you arrive, (or when you’re here). It will save you time and money.

If your French or Arabic language skills are non-existent, this app will help you get from A to B without hassle. 

It’s a useful tool to learn what fares typically costs from A to B and it works similarly to Uber.

The main difference is that you must pay cash (Tunisian dinar) for your fare directly to the driver once your ride is complete.

3) Get a Bank Account that doesn’t charge International Transaction Fees 

There is no good reason why you should still be paying International transaction fees or ATM withdrawal fees in 2022. Banks have come a long way over the years.

If you haven’t signed up for a bank account with ING Direct yet, then you’ll most likely be paying unnecessary bank fees when you travel to different countries. 

During my trip to Tunisia (read  our 14-day itinerary for Tunisia here ) I was charged 12 TND ($4.20) each time I withdrew local currency from an ATM.

But, because I have a bank account with ING Direct, every ATM bank fee was reimbursed to me. It’s fantastic! I’m also refunded for any foreign transaction fees charged while travelling abroad with this bank.

For more information about ING and why it’s the best debit card for travellers,  read our post with more information .

Need an online account that lets you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally? A Wise account provides these services, and it will save you loads of cash in International fees.

Send your first International transfer for FREE when you sign up here for a Wise account.

4) Download Maps.me App and use louage for transport

One of the best tools to get around Tunisia is the Maps.me  app. You can download offline maps of the country, so you never have to use mobile data to get around.

The map also shows hiking trails and walking paths, which Google Maps doesn’t have.

Although Tunisia has a great train network between cities and buses, it is much faster to use louage. Louage is the name for small vans that connect all cities and towns.

You go to the dedicated station in town, buy a ticket from the ticket office, and sit in the van that fits 8 people.

Once the van is full, it departs directly to the final destination. It is the fastest way to get from A to B in Tunisia whiteout using taxi or your own car.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your attractions and tickets online: We recommend Viator and GetYourGuide
• 🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
• 📸 Join a Group Tour: Find some amazing Group Tours here
• ✅ Get Connected with an eSIM: Fast, easy and affordable! View easy eSIM options here

5) Booking.com offers the best range of accommodation for travel in Tunisia

We love  Booking.com . It’s one of the most used apps on our phones. This is our go-to for booking accommodation on our  adventure to visit every country worldwide .

Time and time again, Booking.com offered us the best accommodation and prices as we travelled around Tunisia.

The best part is that the app is straightforward, and you pay in local currency or credit card once you arrive at your accommodation provider.

In many cases, the app gives you the option to reserve the hotel for your selected date, and if you need to change it or cancel, there are often no cancellation fees. 

6) Drink Only Bottled Water or Bring a LifeStraw

Avoid drinking the tap water in Tunisia and stick to bottled water. Large bottles of water (1.5L) can be purchased from small shops and supermarkets for about $0.25.

Better yet, bring along a LifeStraw filtered water bottle.  You will be helping the environment reduce plastic waste, and you can take it with you on your future travelling adventures.

7) Check Viator to book experiences in Tunisia

Tunisia has some amazing highlights and places to visit. There’s so much to see from visiting Star Wars film set locations, desert day trips in the south, or the epic amphitheatre in El Jem.

If you’re travelling solo or want to share the experience, consider checking out either  Viator  or GetYourGuide website.

Browse and book activities for travel in Tunisia and all over the world. We love that if plans change, you can cancel most bookings for free up to 24 hours before they start.

We’d highly recommend this cooking class in Tunis  and this day trip to Kairouan and El Jem .

8) Download XE currency converter

This is a tip we’d recommend for travel in Tunisia and for every country you visit. We regularly use XE Currency Converter to convert currency and exchange rates when on the go.

I’d recommend downloading the app to your phone and adding the Tunisian Dinar (local currency) to your browser.

Whenever you need to withdraw currency at an ATM or change other foreign currencies in Tunisia, you can double-check you’re getting the right rate within seconds on XE. 

I frequently use my XE app to calculate the prices of goods in supermarkets and at markets if I’m buying souvenirs or food.

The Perfect 14 Days Itinerary for Tunisia

African Food Guide – 10 Best Food Countries in AFRICA

Street Food Tunisia – 8 Most Popular Eats

9) Exchange your Tunisian Dinars before your departure 

As you explore and travel in Tunisia, remember to keep any foreign currency receipts or ATM currency withdrawal receipts with you.

Before departing Tunisia, ensure you convert all of your Tunisian dinars to Euros/USD (or another hard currency) before you depart. Tunisian Dinars are impossible to exchange once you’ve departed the country.

If you exchange currency at the airport before your departure, you may be asked for the receipt proving where you got the cash initially.

10) Travel Insurance

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

Read more about  the 2 Best Travel Insurance Companies

Where to Stay in Tunis

Most flights from around the world will likely arrive in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia.

My final tip for independent travel in Tunisia is to reserve at least your first-night accommodation here to begin your trip. My recommendations for affordable, comfortable, and well-located hotels, for any budget are listed below.

Budget : Dar Ya  – A great budget option in the heart of Medina. Rooms are clean and comfortable, yet only shared bathroom facilities are available. Breakfast is included in the price.

The staff is very welcoming and helpful in providing local knowledge to explore Tunis and the surrounding area. Check prices here.

Midrange : Dar Ben Gacem  – A beautifully restored old Tunisian home, now a boutique hotel. The rooms are beautiful, and an amazing breakfast is included in the rate (the best omelette and coffee in Tunisia).

The young staff is always around to help with anything you need, even if it’s to prepare you a hot pot of tea or coffee after a long day of exploring. Check prices here.

Luxury:  Treat yourself: Hôtel Belvédère Fourati  – If you’ve got the budget that allows a swish stay in this hotel in Tunis, I recommend it. Check prices here.

Get Connected with eSIM

Get connected easily on your travels—buy an eSIM! An eSIM works like an app: buy it, download it, and get connected in minutes! It’s easy, affordable, and convenient. Keep your original phone number, too!

Click below and view which eSIM data plan you need for your next adventure. Use our referral code: RACHEL5045 , to get $3 off your first purchase !

Travel Tips for Tunisia

We recommend you read our post about the  Perfect 14 Days Itinerary for Tunisia.  This is the route we took, and it was ideal.

We’ve included prices and details of local transport, where to stay, and essential information to ensure smooth travels here.

Check out these 5 unique things to do in Medina, Tunis.  And, our post explaining  8 of the best street eats in Tunisia  cannot be missed!

Also, it’s worth checking out our ESSENTIAL Packing List for Africa . We used this exact packing list to travel to all 54 African nations.

If you’re interested to read about some of our crazy adventures, our 2019 recap of our travels in West Africa will give you an idea of how it was. And, if you’re considering travelling to West Africa yourself, read these 17 Important Things to Know Before Travelling to West Africa .

Our  African Food Map – A Food Guide to 54 Countries  is a great read, so be sure to check it out.

For more travel advice, tips, and useful websites we use to travel the world, head to our  Travel Resources Page .

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Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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3 Comments . Leave new

Very helpful and essential tips, especially in regards to the SIM Card… I mean you gotta have wifi , thanks for sharing

Thank you for all the great tips! I’m curious if you would recommend driving in Tunisia? Additionally, are credit cards accepted, or mainly cash is needed?

Yes, we recommend driving around Tunisia. We saw several groups of travellers doing so, most of them in 4WD vehicles. We used credit/debit cards to pay for accommodation and restaurants (we use and recommend WISE, read more here https://transferwise.com/invite/u/racheld364 ), but we always had local currency to pay for shared taxis/local transport, street food snacks and some entry fees to some cool attractions. Hope you have a great time, we really loved exploring this underrated country 🙂

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Tunisia Travel Guide – All About Visiting Tunisia

Planning holidays in Tunisia? You will not be disappointed! The country was one of my best travel discoveries recently; I was so impressed with all the remarkable monuments, historical sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful landscapes, hospitable locals, and friendly vibe. Whether you are traveling to Tunisia to relax on the beach or to explore this fascinating country, you are in for a treat.

I put together this Tunisia travel guide to help you prepare for your trip to Tunisia with all the info you might need. In this article, you will find all you need to know about visiting Tunisia and having a hassle-free time there. Read on, plan your trip, and enjoy Tunisia!

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

Basic information on Tunisia

Where is tunisia.

Tunisia, a country of over twelve million inhabitants, is located in North Africa, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It neighbors Algeria on the west and Lybia on the east.

Why visit Tunisia

For some reason, Tunisia isn’t as popular among tourists as nearby Morocco and Egypt , yet the country offers exceptional sights and monuments and perfect opportunities for relaxing holidays at the sea. It is also not so spoiled by tourism as the two countries mentioned above, which makes visiting Tunisia so much easier and more pleasant.

If you are looking for exceptional Roman ruins, vibrant yet charming medinas, beautiful architecture, stunning views, or even some alternative sites – Tunisia is a place for you. There are so many great places to visit and things to do in Tunisia that you will be impressed with all the country has to offer!

Planning a trip to Tunisia

Best time to visit tunisia.

The best time to visit Tunisia is spring (April-May) or autumn (October-November). The weather is good then, perfect for relaxing on the beach and sightseeing. Summer months can be too hot even for sun lovers.

I visited Tunisia in early January, and it was perfect for sightseeing, with mostly sunny days and temperatures around 15-20C (sometimes even more). There were also very few tourists around, making sightseeing much nicer.

Insurance for Tunisia

I believe you should always have insurance when you travel as you never know what might happen, and better safe than sorry. And the same goes for a trip to Tunisia. You can buy travel insurance with the trusted company, SafetyWings, here .

Visa for Tunisia

Most nationalities don’t need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you are from some countries in Africa, Asia, or South America, chances are you need a Tunisian visa before entering the country. You can get it in the embassy of Tunisia near you.

Before planning a trip to Tunisia, be sure to consult the website of the Tunisian embassy or your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs to check if a visa is required.

How to get to Tunisia

Unfortunately, Tunisia is not on the route of low-cost airlines, so getting there might be a bit tricky and expensive (that’s the most budget-consuming thing about visiting Tunisia). I flew with Air France via Paris, but you can also fly directly to Tunis from Rome, Cairo, Casablanca, Doha, Frankfurt, Istanbul, or Dubai. Check the local airline Tunisair, too, as it serves many direct flights to European airports.

Another good option to fly to Tunisia might be a charter flight. They serve primarily tourists who decide to go for resort holidays, but you don’t need to buy the whole package to use them; you can get the flight ticket only and use them too. Charter flights usually go to popular holiday destinations in Tunisia, which include the airports of Djerba, Enfidha–Hammamet, and Monastir.

I was considering flying charter to Tunisia, but flights from Poland were only once a week, on Thursdays, and the price wasn’t much lower than Air France that I used (where I could choose the dates that suited me). It’s worth checking charter flights, but in the end, the regular flight might still be your best option.

How many days for visiting Tunisia

The optimal time for visiting Tunisia is 10-14 days. This way, you can see all the highlights and best attractions in Tunisia as well as relax a bit at the seaside. Of course, the more, the better, but even with only one week in Tunisia, you can see a lot.

I spent ten days in Tunisia and was satisfied with what I saw then. Still, I wouldn’t mind spending an extra day or two simply doing nothing and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the seaside.

You can read my detailed 10-day Tunisia itinerary here.

What to see in Tunisia

Tunisia offers so many amazing places to visit, and what makes it a great destination is the diversity of attractions. Spectacular Roman ruins, incredible vibrant medinas, long sandy beaches, charming towns, and so much more – Tunisia has it all!

Some of the best places to visit in Tunisia (that I was lucky to see) are:

• 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 most significant 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 – an impressive archeological site known for its 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, famous also for its long and sandy beach
• Kairouan – another UNESCO place, the town is known as a holy city in Islam, with incredible 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 primarily thanks to the Star Wars movies; you will find in and around the place numerous inspiration and filming locations for great films

Other interesting places that I missed but are still worth visiting include 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.

How to get from Tunis airport to the center

Apparently, some infrequent buses run between the airport and the center of Tunis, but I’ve never seen them (and in total, I was four times at the Tunis Carthage airport). The best option is to take a taxi. The fair prices I found online are 30 TND in the day and 45 TND at night, but everything depends on the negotiation skills and meter use.

Fortunately, in Tunis, you can use Bolt cars and find the ride in the app. That’s what I did in Tunis, and I never paid more than 10 TND (that included my tip) for the ride between the airport and the center, doesn’t matter what time of the day I was going (once I had to be at the airport around 5 in the morning and price for Bolt was 6 TND at that time).

Since the area around the airport can be confusing for finding the car, I suggest going outside to the roundabout and getting the ride there (here is the exact location). It is so much easier and stress-free this way. When I arrived, I couldn’t find my driver at the airport, and eventually, we met at the roundabout; the second time, I went directly there and ordered my ride from that point.

How to get around cities

Again, taxis are your best option. In Tunis and Sousse, you can use Bolt, and that makes everything so much easier. In other places, like Djerba, you can use regular taxis. I found the taxi drivers in Djerba honest, and I wasn’t scammed even once there; usually, I even paid less than I assumed for the ride.

How to get around Tunisia

Tunisia doesn’t have very well-developed railway lines; however, you can use the train during your trip, especially on the Tunis – Sousse – El Jam route. You can find the schedules here, at the official website of Tunisian Railways.

The trains are a bit old but surprisingly comfortable, and the journey doesn’t take that long, although delays happen. There are two classes on the train, and I recommend getting tickets for the 1st class as they are not much more expensive, but the comfort level is much better.

Since I’m used to getting tickets in advance, just to be sure I have a seat secured, I went to the train station in Tunis shortly after arriving to get all my tickets. As it turned out, there was no need for that as everyone got the tickets just before the departure. You can go to the train station 15 minutes before the train and get the ticket there.

While the coach and seat are indicated on the ticket, no one cares about that, so sit wherever you want to, as long as the class is correct.

You can also take the suburban train from Tunis to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. They depart frequently from the small Tunis Marine station, just a short walk away from the clocktower in the center of the city.

You buy the ticket in the window just before entering the platform – the same system works everywhere on this line. The ticket is really cheap, less than 1 TND for the ride from Tunis to Carthage or Sidi Bou Said.

Louages are the most popular way to travel around Tunisia. These minibusses can fit up to 10 people and depart when full. The whole system might look hectic, and the louages station can be a bit overwhelming, but everything is relatively straightforward and easy.

In bigger stations, you can find the signs with destinations, but even if they are not there, someone will tell you where to go so you won’t be lost for too long. You buy the ticket for the route you are interested in, and then you are pointed to the right car; once all the passengers arrive, you are ready to go.

I took louages from Sousse to Kairouan and back, and I never had to wait more than 5 minutes to go. As for the comfort, it depends on what kind of car you will get. On the way to Kairouan, the louage was jammed, and even if it was only an hour-long journey, my knees weren’t happy. However, on the way back to Sousse, it was spacious, and I could have easily gone in this kind of car for a few hours.

If you are short on time in your itinerary or don’t want to spend too many hours in louages, consider flying within Tunisia. At first, I was planning to take a louage from Sousse to Djerba, but it takes around 6 hours, leaving me with not enough time to explore the island, so I’ve decided to take the plane from Tunis to Djerba. And it was a perfect decision.

The flight was operated by Tunisiar Express and served by smaller planes – ATR 72. There is no online check-in, so you still need to wait in the queue at the airport, but at least you get checked luggage in the price. The flight time between Tunis and Djerba is around one hour.

Another place you might consider flying to/from is Tozeur, right in the heart of the Sahara, in the central part of the country, some 450 km away from Tunis.

Unfortunately, not every interesting place and tourist attraction is reachable by public transport in Tunisia (or it’s too much hassle if you’re in the country only for a short time). That’s why it’s worth considering the tour. They might be a bit expensive, but in most cases, they are definitely worth it as the places you visit are pretty impressive, and it would be a pity to miss them when visiting Tunisia.

I went on two tours during my trip, from Tunis to Dougga and Bulla Regia and from Djerba to the Sahara desert and Chenini. I booked both of them in advance on Viator , and I was really satisfied with the choice as both tours and all the places were incredible. I booked both tours in advance, before arriving (that’s my preferred way of planning a trip), but I think you might also get them organized by your hotel when you are in Tunisia.

Language in Tunisia

The official language in Tunisia is Arabic, but French is widely spoken due to its history and connections with France. If you know French, you are good to go. I had to try really hard to remember some basic French from when I learned it at school some 20 years ago.

Getting around with English can be complicated as it’s not that popular, and sometimes it’s a bit hard to communicate with people only in English. But everyone is friendly, and they will do their best to help you and make you feel welcome even with the language barrier.

Money in Tunisia

The currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar (TND). At the time of writing this article, 1 TND was worth 0,30€ or 0,33$. The banknotes are 5, 10, 20, and 50 TND; the coins are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 millimes, and 1/2, 1, 2 and 5 dinars.

Getting money in Tunisia

There are plenty of ATMs around where you can get money in Tunisia. Most of them charge a small fee for withdrawing money, usually 10-12 dinars – what’s interesting is that sometimes the fee varies even among the ATMs of the same bank. The only ATM that didn’t take a fee was the STB bank ATM in the arrivals at Tunis airport, just after the passport control but before collecting the luggage.

I used ATMs a few times and never had any issues, but I always use ATMs located at the bank, just in case. I also used my Revolut card.

Payment by card

Unfortunately, paying by card isn’t very common in Tunisia, so having cash with you is better; consider it when taking money from an ATM. I used a card only a handful of times, in hotels and at the airport; everywhere else, I paid by card.

Prices in Tunisia

Tunisia is, in fact, a very affordable country, and I was surprised by the prices there. To give you a few examples: a 3-star hotel in Djerba, with breakfast, was less than 30€/night, the first class train ticket from Tunis to Sousse was a bit over 3€, a hearty meal in one of the best restaurants in Sousse medina was 10€ and a quick fast food lunch was around 3€. The bottle of water is around 0,40€ and the bottle of cola around 0,80€. The fresh orange juice is around 1€. The cappuccino in Tunis cafe with the exceptional view of the medina is 2€.

Entrance fee to attractions

Most attractions and monuments require a ticket, which is another really affordable thing in Tunisia. I paid between 5 and 12 TND for entrance fees.

If you decide to go to the Sahara desert, most likely you will go to the oasis Ksar Ghilan. You can go a bit into the desert on a camel or a quad there. The prices for around a 45-minute trip are 10€ for a camel or 30€ for a quad.

Safety in Tunisia

The most common question I got about traveling to Tunisia was about safety. As you might remember, in 2015, Tunisia was targeted by ISIS. Two of three terrorist attacks that took place then were aimed at tourists (in the Bardo Museum in Tunis and the seaside resort near Sousse). Since then, tourism in Tunisia really collapsed as people were afraid to travel to a potentially dangerous zone.

But a few years have passed, and Tunisia slowly gets back on the travel map, with more and more travelers deciding to visit the country. Most of them are, however, going on resort holidays or organized tours.

During my trip to Tunisia, I’ve barely seen independent tourists besides me, and exploring such an unpopular place was an interesting experience. But I’ve never really felt unsafe there. Quite the contrary, actually, as everyone was friendly and welcoming. I was expecting a bit of the hassle in tourist spots, similar to those you get in Morocco or Egypt, but during my whole stay there, I had only one encounter with the annoying local who insisted on showing me around the medina in Kairouan – he was quickly yelled at by the local lady from the shop and run away.

That said, you must follow safety rules like everywhere else and use common sense. Before your trip, check the warnings of your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if there is any part of Tunisia that you should avoid.

Solo female travel in Tunisia

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard the question of why I’m traveling solo in Tunisia (my usual answer was, “Why not?”). The concept of solo female travel isn’t popular there, and people couldn’t get why I’ve come there alone. But even if they didn’t fully understand, they were still very friendly and hospitable.

I didn’t have a single situation where I felt unsafe. The only time I felt more self-conscious than usual was when I was exploring abandoned hotels in Djerba, but it had nothing to do with the danger and more to do with my mind playing tricks. If you follow basic safety rules and your intuition, you will be fine.

Internet in Tunisia

Internet in Tunisia isn’t as widely available as you might wish. You can connect to wifi in hotels or some restaurants and cafes, but I would generally not rely on it too much. In two out of three hotels I’ve stayed at, I used my mobile data to surf online as wifi was too poor or acting up.

SIM card in Tunisia

As soon as I landed at Tunis airport, I got myself a local SIM card with internet data. There are three mobile phone networks you can choose from (Ooredoo, Orange, Tunisie Telecom), I went for Orange as their stand was the first one, just after passport control. There, I got a free SIM card with only a few bites included, but I went to the Orange shop in the arrivals, where they put the local SIM card in my phone and added extra bites. I paid 20 TND for 6 GB, which was more than enough for my trip. Maybe I overpaid, but then I saved the money on the Bolt ride from the airport versus taking the taxi, so I was good with that price.

When traveling around Tunisia, I didn’t complain about the network coverage. The only place where my Orange network didn’t work, but the other one (Tuntel) did, was the Sahara desert and near it.

You can also get a eSIM with Airalo for your trip to Tunisia, this way you will stay connected without all the hassle of getting a local SIM card. Click here to get the Airalo eSIM.

What to eat in Tunisia

The most popular food you can try in Tunisia is couscous, apparently the best in the world. It is prepared with spicy tomato sauce; you can choose different additions: meat, fish, or vegetables. Other dishes you might want to try include ojja – spicy tomato sauce with poached eggs and merguez; soups (like chorba or lablabi); tajine – the Tunisian version is made of eggs, potatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, grated cheese, happy cow cheese, salt, pepper, and turmeric (and then some extras, such as chicken, shrimps, or spinach), omek houria (spicy carrot salad), and tabouna (a traditional Tunisian bread).

Vegetarian in Tunisia

I was surprised by the challenge of being a vegetarian in Tunisia. In many of the restaurants, there was not a single vegetarian option on the menu, but as I quickly learned, it was not a problem at all. Everywhere I asked, they did something vegetarian for me – usually couscous with vegetables, which was so delicious I didn’t mind eating it every second day. Sometimes, it was a less fancy meal – an omelet or rice with salad, but the point is, I never was hungry.

Just a word of warning – if you can, treat the local pizza as a last resort. I had it twice, as it was the only option, and in both cases, it wasn’t the best food I’ve ever had. It was edible, of course, and I didn’t feel bad afterward; it just wasn’t very tasty, and I think the cheese was to be blamed for it.

What to drink in Tunisia

The absolute best thing you can drink in Tunisia is freshly squeezed juice, most often orange, but sometimes you can also find pomegranate. You can get it in most cafes and restaurants as well as from random vendors around, and usually, it’s very cheap, like 2-3 TND for a cup. I had it every single day (sometimes a few times), and it never got boring!

Another local drink I enjoyed was the mint tea. I’m a huge black-tea-no-sugar drinker, but somehow, I enjoyed this overly sweet drink. I was familiar with this kind of tea already from Morocco, but I still ordered it numerous times during my trip and enjoyed every single cup.

Alcohol in Tunisia is legal, but you are not allowed to drink it in public spaces, such as beaches, parks, etc. You can buy it in bigger stores; alcohol is also served in some restaurants and resort hotels in popular tourist destinations.

Where to stay in Tunisia

Since Tunisia is a popular seaside destination, you can find numerous hotels, including big resorts, along the Mediterranean coast. When it comes to staying in less popular places, the choice is smaller but still there.

You can find a place to stay and book your accommodation on Booking , that’s what I did too.

Power plugs in Tunisia

Tunisia uses type C and E power plugs; the European plugs work fine there.

Useful apps

The two most useful apps for me in Tunisia were Bolt for ordering taxis in Tunis and Sousse and Google Translate, which I downloaded in French and Arabic before the trip. I also used a lot of maps.me and Google Maps when getting around.

I can’t recommend visiting Tunisia enough. It was like a better version of Morocco or Egypt, with great ancient sites and bustling medinas but without many scams, overwhelming tourism, and annoying situations. It’s a matter of time before the country becomes a tourist hotspot again, so hurry up and visit Tunisia soon and enjoy all the greatness it has to offer.

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!

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12 Comments

ALI KHAMMASSI

Hi Kami, I’m a licensed tunisian guide, i just want to thank you for the great job that you did and that you are doing. You’ve been a very good ambassador for my country .

Thank you. I really enjoyed my trip to Tunisia and I’ll gladly recommend the country to other travelers.

Hi Kami yours are the most helpful infos i found on tunisia. Just 1 question. Aren’t there any mini buses? I know them from kenya and türkiye. One can get on and off anywhere. No bus stop needed. Have you seen those too?

There are no minibuses like for example in Eastern Europe but there is a shared public transport with louages. I wrote about them in this article.

Thank you so much for writing this blog! We just visited Tunisia, and there isn’t a lot of quality information out that. Super appreciation all of the information, we used your blog non stop as a guide to help!

Thank you for your kind comment, I’m really happy you found my blog useful for your trip. All the best!

Charles Stewart

Hi Kami –

I’ll be in Tunisia in March and just read your travel guide. You’ve provided some very helpful tips and answered any question I might have at the planning stage. Excellent intro to an unfamiliar country…thank you!!

I’m very glad you found it useful. Have a wonderful trip to Tunisia! I’m sure you will enjoy this fascinating country!

BENJAMIN ABOSI

Thank you for sharing your tourism experience in Tunisia, the information is very interesting and I will like to get more of your traveling experiences. I wish to be your friend because I love traveling a lot.

I’m glad you found this article useful. All the best!

Jennifer diPretoro

Thank you for such a great article about Tunisia–I’m planning a trip in early April and this is enormously helpful !

I’m glad to hear that! Have a wonderful trip!

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Cost of a Trip to Tunis, TN & the Cheapest Time to Visit Tunis

The average price of a 7-day trip to Tunis is $1,366 for a solo traveler, $2,453 for a couple, and $4,599 for a family of 4 . Tunis hotels range from $38 to $173 per night with an average of $67, while most vacation rentals will cost $100 to $320 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Carthage Airport ( TUN ) are between $970 and $1,295 per person for economy flights and $3,044 to $4,064 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $28 to $65 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Tunis, TN

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to TUN and stay in a Tunis hotel:

• January 1st to April 1st
• September 10th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Tunis is usually early October .

Average Tunis Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Tunis for a week is $1,040-$1,927 ($149-$275 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $28 to $65 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $586 to $1,088 for economy

Lodging : $48 to $64 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $43 to $53 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Tunis for a week is $2,590-$3,884 ($370-$555 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $56 to $130 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,172 to $2,176 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Tunis for a week is $3,542-$6,940 ($506-$991 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $112 to $260 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,344 to $4,352 for economy

Lodging : $96 to $128 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $69 to $80 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Tunis

How cheap can you make a vacation to Tunis? The cheapest trip to Tunis is about $115 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 11% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $33.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Tunis for a week is $804-$1,651 ($115-$236 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $14 to $29 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $33 to $38 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $20 to $60 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Tunis for a week is $1,488-$2,942 ($213-$420 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $28 to $58 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Tunis for a week is $2,916-$5,668 ($417-$810 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $56 to $116 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $66 to $76 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $30 to $84 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is easy to travel to Tunis cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Tunis Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Tunis.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Tunis for a week is $2,195-$7,829 ($314-$1,118 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $59 to $130 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,266 to $3,079 for first class

Lodging : $86 to $173 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $320 to $640 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Tunis for a week is $3,874-$11,818 ($553-$1,688 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $118 to $260 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,532 to $6,158 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Tunis for a week is $7,748-$21,716 ($1,107-$3,102 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $236 to $520 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,064 to $12,316 for first class

Lodging : $172 to $346 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $512 to $960 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Tunis Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Tunis is lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Tunis due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Tunis Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Tunis hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Tunis.

Flight Costs to Tunis

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,295 average in mid December to a low of $970 in early October. Median flight price is $1,212. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Tunis our data includes 170 originating airports, and 107 airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Tunis from an airport like Martha’s Vineyard ( MVY ) in Martha’s Vineyard, MA (the United States) for an average $5,746 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Lyon Saint Exupery ( LYS ) in Lyon (France) at an average of just $201.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Tunis, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $325, so you can easily save about 33% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Tunis can easily cost $220 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $14 per person. Private tours can cost $432 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Tunis Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Ariana, Tunisia
• Aryanah, Tunisia
• Gammarth, Tunisia
• La Soukra, Tunisia
• El Aouina, Tunisia
• La Marsa, Tunisia
• Carthage, Tunisia
• Le Kram, Tunisia
• Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
• Ezzahra, Tunisia

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Glasgow, the United Kingdom
• Karon, Thailand
• Krakow, Poland

How to Get Around in Tunisia: The ULTIMATE Traveler’s Guide

Hello and welcome to Tunisia! We’re Andy and Abi.

As expats living and working in Tunisia for about 3 years (as of Summer 2020), we can testify that Tunisia has a WEALTH of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences to discover and enjoy.

But, unless you have a guide that is going to hold during your hand during the whole trip, you will need to make some decisions about HOW you will get around to see all these cool places.  

Once your plane lands or your ferry docks in Tunisia, you have a wide range of transportation options to choose from. We’ve done our best in this post to give you an overview of them all, as well as some general info that we would share with any friend who is going to be traveling around the country without a guide.

One of the coolest things about traveling in Tunisia is its ACCESSIBILITY. You can get just anywhere in the country within a day.

There’s also a range of options for getting around. From renting a luxury car, to squeezing into a speeding louage van next to a Tunisian family—you can have your choice of how you want to get around.  

Abi and I like to be adventurous and do things the way Tunisians do when possible. So, we’ve given a lot of space in this post to some of the more off-the-beaten-track options, which foreigners typically don’t use as much. If you want an immersive cultural experience, or if you just want to save some money, we highly recommend trying out some of these options.

Happy trip planning!  

Navigation   

Having good navigation is important no matter where you are in Tunisia because important destinations and landmarks are not always well marked, even in the capital city.

Signage can be confusing, and it’s often non-existent. The roads that connect larger towns can be surprisingly desolate and under-repaired, making you wonder if you have gotten lost.  

It’s hard to ask for directions if you don’t speak French or Arabic. You can bring along paper maps, but road construction can quickly make those obsolete. If you rent a car, there’s usually an option to have a GPS. Still, our favorite option is Google Maps.  

Google Maps works pretty well in Tunisia… except when it doesn’t. There have been some occasions it wants to place us on an undriveable road or take us into an area that is packed with people and would be difficult to get a vehicle through. Maps does not have common sense and it doesn’t always know which streets are one-way. 

Still, the Google Maps app functions pretty well in Tunisia, as long as you have data on your phone, and as long as you can get 3G or 4G where you are. You can use 4G pretty reliably in the cities. It is not reliable in many other places, though. 

When you travel between cities or visit small towns or remote places, you should download the relevant areas on Google Maps for offline use. There are plenty of good tutorials online for how to do this.   

Safety   

Pickpocketing does happen a lot on crowded, shared transportation like the train or metro. Other than that, public transportation in Tunisia is pretty safe.  

Women visiting Tunisia may understandably be reluctant to get in a taxi alone or at night. One safety measure that we have used before is to use a location tracking app like Find My Friend or Life 360, just to have some extra peace of mind. Someone can keep an eye on your GPS location this way.   

Safety is such an important topic for traveling in Tunisia. We wrote two long posts that you should check out. First, How Safe is Tunisia for Tourists? Women? and secondly, How to Have a Safe Vacation in Tunisia .

Renting a Car   

If you want maximal freedom to go where you please, and you’re not afraid to share the road with Tunisians, renting a car is your best bet. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to go anywhere in the country within less than a day!

If you’re going to rent a car in Tunisia, check out our post where we warn you about the exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking experience of sharing the road with Tunisian drivers: 19 Tips for Driving in Tunisia .

There are many car rental stores around town. You can find one in almost any neighborhood. There are also many car rental places located in the airport.

You can also make a reservation for a vehicle online before your trip. Most of the car rentals are manual transmission, but there are some automatic transmission cars. If you need an automatic, I would suggest making an online reservation before arriving and be prepared to pay quite a bit more than you would for manual.  

You will also want to familiarize yourself with European road signs. Most signs are written in both Arabic and French. If you want more detailed information about car rental, we wrote a whole post about How to Rent a Car in Tunisia that you should check out.  

Paying for Public Transportation  

You will need to use Tunisian Dinars to pay for public transportation. Even the most central train and bus stations do not accept card payments yet. We wrote a post about using Debit Cards in Tunisia , which explains how to use the ATMs. Don’t worry—dealing with Tunisian currency is pretty easy.  

Having correct change is helpful. If you withdraw money from an ATM, you’ll likely get 20’s and maybe 10’s. Buy something small at a hanoot (little convenience store kiosks that are everywhere) to get some change.  

Taxis   

Taxis are simple and easy to use. By European or American standards, they’re also very cheap. Depending on the time of day, it is very easy to hail a taxi. When we’re getting around Tunis outside of the metro line, a taxi is our first choice.  

Taxis Are Metered

Taxis in Tunisia have a meter, so you know how much you are paying. (Except for some taxis at the airport. See Abi’s section on the airport below.) Most short rides across town are from 5-10 Tunisian Dinars. If you taxi from Tunis out to La Marsa or Sidi Bou Said, it will probably go over 10 Dinars. The meter will run even if you’re sitting in traffic, but it obviously runs a lot faster if you get on the highway. For this reason, taxis may frown on you or refuse the ride if you’re asking for a route that goes through a traffic jam.  

Using Taxis When Don’t Speak French or Arabic

Before you flag down a taxi, have your destination in mind. If possible, learn from a local how to pronounce the name of your destination. Taxi drivers speak Arabic and French. We’ve taken hundreds of taxis over the years, and only one or two of them could speak English. 

If the driver doesn’t know the exact destination, first tell him the neighborhood (use Google Maps). Then, use Google Maps to find a gas station, metro station, grocery store, or something like that. Tunisians do not use road names, at least not the ones listed on Google Maps. You have to use landmarks instead. 

I recommend doing this searching  ahead  of time, not while sitting in the taxi with the driver waiting on you. Once the driver is headed toward a landmark near your destination, you can direct him to the exact destination from there.  

Hailing a Taxi

Taxis have a little light sitting on their dashboard that indicates whether they are available or not. It’s kind of counterintuitive, but a red light means that they are available, and a green light means someone is already in the taxi. The light helps because people often sit in the back seat and it’s hard to tell from a distance whether you should bother to wave them down. Also, if you see that a taxi does not have its sign attached to the roof of the car, that means that the driver is not currently working.  

Seatbelt Law

There is a law in Tunisia that taxi passengers must wear a seatbelt in the front seat. The police DO enforce this law, even if they are inconsistent with it. If a policeman stops you for not wearing a seatbelt, you—not the taxi driver—will have to pay a fine. The fine is about 40 Dinars per person.  

Taxi Etiquette

It is ok to sit in the front or the back seat. Women usually sit in the back. Men who ride alone usually sit in the front.  Do not get into the back seat from the driver’s side! The drivers do not like this. Also, don’t plan on eating or drinking in the taxi. Some drivers keep their cars very clean and they would get upset if you spilled something.  

Bolt (Ride-Sharing App)

For Americans like us who had never heard of Bolt before… it is the European version of Uber or Lyft. Bolt came onto the scene in Tunisia around 2018-2019. There are a TON of taxi drivers who are now simultaneously driving for Bolt. 

Unlike in America, Bolt is not an outright competitor of taxi drivers. So if you use Bolt, you’re not taking business away from hard-working taxi drivers.   

How Bolt Works

Bolt works like Uber in the US, with one big difference:   you have to pay with cash at the end of your ride . Download the Bolt app in your App Store and enter basic information. It’s pretty self-explanatory how to request a ride from the app. 

You will need to have a smartphone with a Tunisian SIM card, since your driver will call you at least once before he arrives. 

The car will be a regular taxicab with a green Bolt decal on the side. The app prescribes the route for the taxi driver. This is really nice if you are unfamiliar with the area, as you know that he is taking you by the fastest route. Pay at the end. No tip is expected.  

The price is higher than a taxi, but it’s still a lot less than you would pay with a comparable ride-share app in America or Europe. They add an extra 5 Tunisian Dinars to the beginning of the ride, and the mileage rate is higher.

Pro’s of Using a Taxi  

• Cheaper than Bolt (sometimes half the cost)  
• If taxis are available, they are faster 
• Don’t have to deal with the App  

Pro’s  of Using Bolt   

• You can quickly get a ride during rush hour without competing with others for a taxi.  
• You can get picked up from places where taxis don’t frequent.  
• Bolt takes you to your exact destination  
• Choose your destination on the app, so you don’t have to explain it to the driver.  
• The driver must follow the prescribed route, so you know you’re not going on any unwanted detours.  

Transportation From Tunis-Carthage Airport  

There are NO trains or metros that offer transportation from the airport. Here are your options.  

1. Use one of the Taxis waiting for passengers

The most common way to leave the airport is through a line of taxis waiting on passengers. The arrivals area will place you on the lower floor of the airport. As soon as you start walking towards your exit, you will most likely be approached by taxi drivers attempting to get your business.

These drivers will get in a taxi line and wait long times for passengers. They charge a flat rate which you will want to haggle for before entering the taxi. On top of this rate they will also ask for a fee for suitcase. They will charge anywhere from 10 to 20 TND as a base rate, and another 5 to 10 TND for suitcases.  

2. Find a Taxi at the Arrivals Door 

If you are wanting to save a few bucks, you can go to the second floor of the airport where the departures are located and grab a taxi from a passenger who is arriving. These taxis will be the normal metered taxi, although you will still want to give them an extra 5-10 TND tip for your suitcases. As they are pulling out, check the meter to make sure it is on and running. It will start at approximately 0.500 TND and be counting up. 

3. Arrange a Private Pickup  

Many resorts and tourism companies can arrange a driver to pick you up from the airport. When you exit the baggage claim through customs, you will most likely find them off to your right holding a sign with your name or the company’s name.  

4. Order a Taxi with Bolt  

Bolt is an app with many hired taxi drivers that you can request a ride through their app system. If you want to use Bolt, you will need to get a Tunisian Sim card in your phone. This can easily be done in the airport. Often there are workers inside the baggage claim signing people up for sim cards. All you need is a passport for this sim. The better option is to exit baggage claim and grab some cash from an ATM then head over to either the Orange or Oreedoo booth and buy your sim have them set up the 4G for you there. Then you can sign up for Bolt with your new Tunisian number and order your ride. You will also now be set up with your phone working with 4G for the rest of your visit. 

5. Take the City Bus  

This is the least glamorous option available from the airport. There are two bus lines that leave from the airport. It is a little bit of a walk to get to the station. One line goes into many of the neighborhoods in Tunis. The other line goes to downtown station where you can get on the metro lines and train station, that will take you to La Marsa or many places all over Tunis. 

6. Rent a Car at the Airport

(See the longer section below about car rentals in general.)

There is the option of renting a car from the airport and starting your driving adventure from the start. The car rental booths are on the bottom floor with the arrivals towards the left of the airport when coming out of baggage claim. You can make a reservation online or rent same day at the airport. There are some car rental places that will also do a meet-and-greet at the airport. When you reserve your car online, you will also provide your flight information and they will be waiting for you as you exit baggage claim.  

Most rental cars are manual transmission, so if you need automatic transmission, it’s probably smarter to do an online reservation. You will need your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to rent a vehicle. 

Train s    

Trains are the most comfortable form of public transportation between cities. Even when crowded, trains a good deal more relaxing and spacious than taking a shared taxi. You also don’t have to worry about the crazy driving habits of  louage  drivers. When we visit friends in Sfax or other cities and don’t want to drive, taking the train is our first choice.  

The government agency called SNCFT runs the trains. There are 246 passenger trains in Tunisia with 80 main lines. The trains go up to 130 km per hr (80 mph). The stops between major cities are short.  

Keep in mind that the hours of operation vary for different train stations. Check the SNCFT website for detailed info about your specific trips.  

Getting to the Train Stations  

The train stations are all well-marked on Google Maps. Search with the phrase “ Gare de  [Name of city].” For example,  Gare de Tunis . You could take a bus to the train station, but it’s a lot easier to just taxi there.  

Tunis . The train station in Tunis is called  Gare de Tunis . Search  Gare de Tunis  on Google Maps. It is right next to the  Barcelone  metro stop. It’s only a 7-minute walk from Avenue Habibi Bourguiba, which is the main avenue in the middle of downtown Tunis. It’s also a 15-minute drive (without traffic) from Tunis-Carthage Airport.  

Sousse . Search  Gare de Sousse  on Google Maps. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from Sousse’s Avenue Mohammed V.  

Hammamet . The main station is  Gare de Hammamet  on Google Maps. This station is a good 25-minute walk from the medina and the beach, so you may want to taxi to get there.  

Sfax . Search  Gare de Sfax  on Google Maps. It’s one block from the southeast corner of the medina.  

Where Do Trains Go in Tunisia?

There are 74 train stations. They will take you to most major cities, but not all. Notable exceptions are Tabarka in the northwest, and the southern town of Douz, which is the starting point for a lot of desert adventures.  

Here’s a complete list of all 74 train stations from the SNCFT website. 

• AOUINET 
• BEKALTA 
• BIR BOU REGBA 
• BIR M’CHERGA 
• BIZERTE 
• BOUARADA 
• BOUARGOUB 
• BOU FICHA 
• BOU SALEM 
• CHEYLUS 
• DAHMANI 
• DEPIENNE 
• EL AKHOUAT 
• EL AROUSSA 
• EL JEM 
• ENFIDHA VILLE 
• FOUSSANA 
• GÂAFOUR 
• GABES 
• GAFSA 
• GHANNOUCH 
• GHARDIMAOU 
• GROMBALIA 
• HAMMAM-LIF 
• JEDEIDA 
• JEMMAL 
• JENDOUBA VOY. 
• JENDOUBA MAR. 
• JERISSA 
• KALAÂ KEBIRA 
• KALAÂ KHASBA 
• KALAÂ SGHIRA 
• KASSERINE 
• THE GOULETTE 
• THE PÊCHERIE 
• LE KEF 
• THE KRIB 
• MAGEN BEN ABBES 
• MAHDIA 
• MAKNASSY 
• MATEUR 
• MANOUBA 
• MEDJEZ EL BAB 
• MENZEL BOURGUIBA 
• MENZEL BOU ZAIEN 
• METLAOUI 
• MEZZOUNA 
• MOKNINE 
• MONASTIR 
• MOULARES 
• NABEUL PV 
• NABEUL VILLE 
• OUED ZARGA 
• PONT DU FAHS 
• RADÈS 
• REDEYEF 
• SEBEITLA 
• SEJNANE 
• SENED 
• SIDI BOU ROUIS 
• SOUSSE 
• THELEPTE 
• TINJA 
• TUNIS PV (MARCH) 
• TUNIS (VOYAG) 
• TOZEUR 

Cost  of Train Tickets

It’s very cheap to travel by train. The longest one-way trips in the nicest seats are still under 30 Tunisian Dinars ($10). Children under 10 travel at a reduced rate, and children under 4 travel for free.   

How to B ook Train Tickets   

You can book train tickets in advance on the state’s SNCFT website. You can only book 3 days in advance. Or, you can go to the train station in person and buy tickets.  

The Train Experience

The trains vary in cleanliness and comfort. First Class or  Class Confort  seats on some of the newer trains are very nice. However, other trains like on the Tunis-Sousse-Sfax-Gabes line are leave some luxury to be desired.  

My (Andy’s) first experience on a train in Tunisia was to go with Abi from Tunis to Sfax and back. It was the middle of July, and there was no AC on the train, so it was extremely hot. There was only one row with two open seats for us, and one of these seats was broken, so I sat kind of lopsided. The seats had old, fabric seat-covers, and since we were sweating profusely, we couldn’t help but wonder how much grime these things had accumulated over the years. While we were waiting to take off, a little kid next to us leaned over and threw up in the aisle between us. Since Abi and I were only weeks away from returning to the US and getting married, we were in too good of a mood to be bothered by all this. But, if you’re expecting luxury on the trains in Tunisia, just be aware that conditions can be less than glamorous!  

Other Train Tips  

• Attendants will come around and check your paper tickets, so don’t lose them.  
• You are free to get up and move around on the trains.  
• The train will have a modest snack bar that serves coffee, snacks, and bottled water. Like other vendors, they will not be serving food during Ramadan.  
• There are bathrooms on the train, but they are unfortunately some of the most stinky and unclean bathrooms you can find in all of Tunisia! Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and hazmat mask.   
• Don’t expect temperature-controlled train cars. Dress for the outside weather.  
• You are able to open windows to get a breeze. Keep in mind, though, that Tunisians are sometimes uncomfortable with wind blowing on them even when it’s hot.  

Tunis-Goulet-Marsa Rail Line (TGM)   

The TGM is a rail line that runs from downtown Tunis out to La Marsa. Taxing a taxi is faster and easier, but the TGM is just another way to get to La Goulet, Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said. Buy tickets at the train station.

The TGM is run by  Transtu  (Société des transports de Tunis). This is a different organization than the SNCFT, which operates the trains going outside of the capital. Unfortunately Transtu doesn’t have a website in English.

The starting point for the TGM in Tunis is called Tunis Marine on Google Maps. Do not confuse this with Gare de Tunis. Tunis Marine is located on La Goulette Road, which is the same road as Avenue Habib Bourguiba. It’s a 5-minute walk from the big clock tower, and a 20-minute walk down the avenue from Bab Bhar, the main entrance to the medina.   

Here’s a complete list of stops on the TGM: 

• Tunis Marine 
• Le Bac 
• La Goulette 
• La Goulette Neuve 
• La Goulette Casino 
• Khereddine 
• L’Aéroport* 
• Le Kram 
• Carthage Salammbô 
• Carthage Byrsa 
• Carthage Dermech 
• Carthage Hannibal 
• Carthage Présidence 
• Carthage Amilcar 
• Sidi Bou Saïd 
• Sidi Dhrif 
• La Corniche 
• Marsa Plage 

*Please be aware that the stop called  L’Aeroport  is in fact nowhere near the airport!  

Tunis  Metro   

Tunis is the only city in Tunisia with a metro system. It’s an above-ground, light rail network. The official name for the metro is the Métro léger de Tunis.  

We wrote a whole post about taking the Metro that you should check out if there’s any chance you’ll use the Metro on your trip: 9 Tips for Riding the Metro in Tunis .

The Metro is a quick, cheap, and easy way to get to important places in the city such as the Bardo Museum. However, there are some neighborhoods that the metro unfortunately doesn’t reach. If you are staying in some of the Meza or Manar neighborhoods, which are some of the largest residential neighborhoods in the city, you will have to supplement your metro trip with a taxi ride or a long walk.  

The Metro has 8 lines with 66 stations. The stations are easy to get in and out of. They are white and green, one-story buildings. The ticket booths are all on ground level. Some of the bigger stations downtown have an underground tunnel to get you from one track to another, but in most places, you just walk across the track to get on the correct side.  

Go to the booth and just say the name of your stop. Use Google Maps to find the names of stops. Tickets range in price between 0.320 and 1.550 Dinars (between $0.11 and $0.53). You’ll be issued a paper ticket. Keep the ticket with you, as there are random ticket checks by the police. If you don’t have the ticket on you, you’ll be given a fine of about 20 Dinars ($6.90).  

As with the train service, the metro is free for kids under 4. And it’s a reduced price for kids under 10.  

The Metro gets very crowded during the morning and afternoon rush hours. At the busiest times, you will have to stand in very close contact with all of the other passengers. In the summer, it is like a steamy oven.  

Watch out for pickpockets! They are there, and they are watching you if you’re a tourist. Do NOT keep valuables in your pockets. Put things in a closed bag and keep the bag in front of you. Tunisians tend to ride the metro in complete silence, so use that quiet time to focus on not getting your things stolen. 

City Buses   

To be honest, I was not at all experienced with using the city bus system until we started writing this post, so I finally decided to go out and learn how the bus system works. Here’s what we found….

Buses Aren’t Tourist-Friendly

The bus system is the least tourist-friendly mode of transportation. City buses are made for Tunisian commuters–not for tourists! There are several aspects of taking the bus that will make it less-than-optimal for traveling through Tunis if you’re a first time visitor.  

Bad signage . The bus stops do not have signs or maps. The buses themselves do not have signs or maps inside them either. There is nowhere that you can get a printed copy of the bus route. Basically, you have to know which bus number you’re taking. People who ride the bus regularly know their route from experience and word-of-mouth.  

Language Barrier . If you don’t know Arabic or French, you will feel hopelessly lost using the city buses. The only signage on the bus is an electronic sign on the front windshield that shows the bus number (a number and a letter). The sign also says the destination, but it’s written in Arabic.   

How to Use the Bus

That being said, you should still feel free to try the bus as long as you’re not in a hurry, and if you like tackling new challenges in an unfamiliar country. If you’re short on change, it’s still better than walking.

How to pay . You can pay on the bus or at a ticket booth if you’re at a bus station. You usually get in the back door of the bus, not the front. In the back, there’s a little ticket counter with a guy selling tickets. Tell him your stop if you know it. If not, you can just say “terminus” for terminal and pay the full price, which is only about 700 milims.   

Wait time  & hours . City buses run more frequently in the early mornings than they do during the day. If you show up to a bus stop in the afternoon, the bus may come by only every hour. We waited a good 45 minutes the first time we took a bus, and we started waiting at about 2:30 PM. Unfortunately, there’s no schedule posted for you to know when the bus is going to come. In Tunis, the city buses start at 5:30 AM and finish around 7:30 PM.  

The experience . City buses are not luxurious. The worst part is that they’re crowded, and you may not get a seat. If you jump on a bus half-way through its route, you may have to cram in and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other commuters.   

Inter-City Buses

Each city has a bus station. These busses are white with green lettering. The buses run from city to city. They follow a schedule, but often are not quite on time. You can ask at the bus station for times or find them online by clicking here .

In Tunis, there are two inter-city bus stations based on whether your destination is the North or South.  Confusingly, these bus stations are about 5 km apart , so take care not to choose the wrong one!

If you’re in Tunis but going North , search Gare Routiere Tunis Nord on Google Maps. It’s near Bab Saadoun on the West side of the medina.

If you’re going South , search Gare Routiere Tunis Sud . It’s near Bab Alioua.

A  louage  is a minivan that can hold nine passengers. Every city in Tunisia has one or two  louage  stations. Where I (Abi) lived in Sfax there was the north  louage  station taking you to any cities in a northern direction, and a southern  louage  station that had  louages  going south. The vans will have the two cities they travel between written on a sticker somewhere on the taxi. These taxis will take off to their destination, only after every seat in the van is full. 

How to pay . When you first arrive at the  louage  station, if there are any signs, they will be written in Arabic. There will be plenty of people wanting to help you out. The drivers are anxious to get their vans full and be off. You will first be directed to a ticket booth. You will pay a fee based on the distance you are traveling. A trip from Sfax to Sousse cost me about 9 Dinars ($3 USD). They will give you a printed receipt. That receipt is what you will take into the station. There will be many queues (lines) for destinations. You can tell people where you are going or show them the receipt and they will direct you to the correct van. 

Where to sit . When you do find your correct van, there are nine seats and all of them must be filled before the van will leave. There are two seats up front by the driver that are included in this. Most men and women segregate as much as possible. The seating choice is mostly first come first serve. People will often claim a seat with their bag and then go grab a snack, coffee, or stand around the vehicle until all passengers have arrived. 

Wait times . There is no way to estimate the wait time. If you are going to a popular destination at a popular time, it is very likely that you will get in a van and leave very quickly. If it is not a high peak travel time, or just not as popular of a destination, you will have to wait for a full ride. If you are the first one to buy a ticket, your wait will be longer than if you are filling one of the last seats. On a  louage  ride from El Djem to Sfax, we once waited for an hour for the final two seats to be filled. The driver offered that we could all pitch in and buy the final seats, and then he could leave.  

The experience . If you are on a longer louage trip, the driver will make stops on the highway at a gas station about every hour and a half for the passengers to get out and stretch their legs. These stations will have fast food, coffee, restrooms, and snacks for sale. 

Shared Taxi   

Inside the city there are yellow minivans that drive on a fixed route. These are called  taxi jemaya  in Arabic, meaning group taxi or shared taxi. If they have an empty seat, you may flag them down anywhere on their route and catch a ride.  

These taxis will have their destinations written in on the bumper or on the top… however, they are mostly written in Arabic. If you plan on using one of these taxis, ask a local to help you know what road to wait on and to help you flag down the vehicle as well.  

You will pay the driver based on how many kilometers you are away from the destination. You can also exit anywhere along the fixed route.  

If the taxi has a seat available, it will often blink its headlights at you to ask if you want it to stop. Wave at them to get them to stop.  

Once inside the taxi, first find an empty seat as the taxi takes off. You then can tell them if you want them to drop you off early or take you to the end destination. You can ask for the price at this point. You will hand your money to the driver often being passed along by your fellow passengers. The driver will hand your change back in the same way while driving.  

Inti-Go   

Last but not least is Intigo, which means “You go.” Intigo is another new addition to the public transportation options in Tunis. It’s basically a moped taxi.  

Intigo mopeds are bright orange, and they have a little roof to keep the sun off of you. The driver usually carries an extra helmet with him that you can wear, if you don’t mind sharing a helmet with hundreds of strangers. 

As of Summer 2020, we’re not seeing a ton of Intigo mopeds around town. Maybe it’s still to-be-determined whether it will last.

So these are your options for transportation in Tunisia! We wish you the best as you visit this country, and we hope this posts equips you to get out there and see all that there is to see in Tunisia!

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Andy & Abi

Andy & Abi live in Tunis and enjoy exploring everything that Tunisia has to offer!

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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.

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Home » Africa » Backpacking Tunisia Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

Backpacking Tunisia Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

Nestled in a dreamy corner of Africa, lies a small but mighty land boasting sand, sea and copious amounts of tea. 

Sublime scenery . Unforgettable hospitality.

Tunisia is a special, special place. 

Lush forests disappear South into the stillness of the Sahara , flanked by a coastline of pristine beaches and fascinating islands.

Home to a unique blend of North African and Mediterranean cultures, surreal archeological sites and access to the desert on a budget, Tunisia is a broke backpacker’s dream. 

Navigating this cultural and physical landscape may appear tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll have all the tools you need to venture off and explore this tasty slice of North Africa, which is exactly what you’ll find in this backpacking Tunisia travel guide .

… The desert calls! 

(And any Star Wars fans, do add an extra week…)

Why Go Backpacking in Tunisia?

Being honest, visiting Tunisia hadn’t crossed my mind, until I found myself heading down Italy and wondering what to do next.

As it turns out, Tunisia is home to the world’s most magnificent front doors. If this isn’t enough, behind those doors, live the most fantastically friendly people: nowhere else have I felt such a universally-warm welcome.  

My main tip for backpacking Tunisia is to be open to adventure: you never know where the day may take you, and that is part of the beauty of travelling here. I could fill this guide exemplifying the kindness of Tunisian people, but that’s best discovered yourself.

So don’t think twice: book that ferry or flight, and head to North Africa. Chats with locals over tea will capture your heart, and the Saharan landscape will take your breath away. I guarantee you that budget backpacking Tunisia will leave you wanting to return.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Tunisia

If you have a week or even less to explore, there’s good news: the desert dream is remarkably accessible. You’ll have time to set forth across the countryside, to and from Tunis in the North .

A month would allow you to cover both the wide range of historical sites and natural beauty spots on offer pretty extensively. 

Either of these itineraries will ensure you experience the best of Tunis, the tranquillity of the south, and immerse yourself in Tunisia’s rich history. 

However, don’t be afraid to construct your own route. Using these itineraries as a guide, but sporadically wandering off, would be a juicy way to explore.

Plus, have a go on various modes of transport during your trip. Trains, buses and louages (don’t worry, all will be explained … ), each deserve their place on a Tunisian adventure. 

You may even find yourself hitching a lift on a tractor, if your heart so desires…

A word of caution: Tunisian summertime is VERY warm, particularly in the desert. Some tours may not operate from June to August, so if you’re set on the Sahara, the summer months are best avoided.

1 Week in Tunisia: A Descent to the Desert…

Most travellers will arrive in Tunis , either by air or sea. 

Wander the vibrant capital and suburbs: Sidi Bou Said is a beautiful seaside town, with buildings of white and brilliant blue. Carthage , an ancient capital, is home to a remarkable span of ruins from days of former glory. Both are a short metro ride from Tunis. 

To reach the Sahara, take a louage (shared minivan) down to Douz for a sandy excursion. From here, experience a night in a traditional Bedouin camp.

Make time for a visit to the extraordinary Kairouan and the Great Mosque, founded over 13 centuries ago.

Return to Tunis for most onward travel options. It’s probably around this time you’ll be thinking about when your next Tunisian adventure might be.

That’s one week, and no less than THREE different Unesco World Heritage Sites!

1 Month in Tunisia: A Legendary Loop

For those with longer on the road, the range of historical sites and natural wonder on offer could fill a month or more.

This itinerary forms a loop from Tunis , hugging the coast through the beachside hangouts of Sousse and Monastir , and the marvellous Amphitheatre of El Jem . 

Explore the southern region’s Berber culture of Matmata and Douz,  and of course, the Sahara itself. 

Check out Touzeur and the abandoned villages nearby. Then head North to magical Kairouan and its Great Mosque, on the way to Sousse for another medina wander.  

Finally, spend a couple of days in the Beja governorate for some scenic sights and a glimpse into life in Antiquity. (Plus pomegranates. And if it’s October, a festival celebrating pomegranates.)

Return back to Tunis to round off the circuit with a mooch around Carthage and ridiculously attractive Sidi Bou Said . 

Best Places to Visit in Tunisia

These are the backpacking Tunisia destinations that you just shouldn’t miss…

And if you can – do take your time. Tunisia is a fantastic place to slow travel .

Backpacking Tunis

Tunis is a marvellous blend of old and new.

Get lost in a maze of alleyways in the medina , explore the souks and shop for souvenirs, before settling into a rooftop cafe for sunset. For a capital, Tunis is very walkable, and locals will help you in the right direction.  

Check out the Bardo Museum , brimming with Roman mosaics, and the Zitouna Mosque, ( although non-Muslims aren’t able to enter inside). 

The Royal Mausoleum Of Tourbet El Bey is one of the most incredible sights I’ve ever seen. Ushered inside from a quiet side street, we entered a network of rooms covered in intricate Ottoman decoration. Here, many Husainid Dynasty rulers are laid to rest in marble tombs.  

Also, be sure to make time for a trip out to these ‘suburbs’, easily reachable from the heart of Tunis:

In Carthage , the archeological ruins of a powerful trading empire are not to be missed. On a very affordable ticket, you can access seven fantastic sites including the Roman Villas and the Baths of Antoninus (my personal favourite.)

Nearby Sidi Bou Said is genuinely stunning. It’s a beautiful seaside town, with buildings of white and brilliant blue, where you can enjoy panoramic views for lunch. Peruse the decorative doors found throughout the town, then head to the beach and paddle board through the sunset (rentals available from ‘Lucky Boy’s .’) 

If you’re after some weekend nightlife, head to Gammarth! You’ll find what feels best described as a little ‘clubbing village’, with a super friendly atmosphere. There’s an awesome selection of bars and clubs pumping music from reggae to hard rock. And it’s right by the beach, so you can round the night off with a swim if you feel so inclined.

Backpacking Douz

Douz, a.k.a. ‘ the gateway to the Sahara, ‘  is a town set amongst palm trees, and a former stop on Trans-Saharan caravan routes. Today, it’s the ideal launching point for desert trips. 

In Douz itself, you can pick between luxury hotels and simple camps, tailored to your budget.  You’ll find options to continue south by camel, jeep, quad bike and more. Even taking to the skies with some  ‘ultralight flying’ is a possibility.  

Heading into the desert, you’ll look out over the vast Chott El-Jerid, the largest salt pan in the Saharan. 

Most travellers will opt for an overnighter in the desert, an excellent way to appreciate both the natural beauty of the environment, and gain insight into traditional Bedouin life. Dig into some cous-cous and settle in by the campfire for a truly magical experience.

Backpacking Gabes and Matmata

Gabes is a pretty unique place, home to one of the last remaining coastal oases in the world. Unless coastal oases are your thing (sincerely hoping there’s an enthusiast out there), the biggest attraction to the area is the Berber village of Matmata .

Explore the ‘troglodyte’ houses, cave dwellings, and discover why Matmata has made its way into two editions each of both Star Wars and Call of Duty. There’s a compact but informative museum behind Hotel Sidi Driss (a.k.a. the Lars Homestead).

Backpacking Kairouan

Kairouan is a must-see focal point of ancient Tunisia. It’s a majestic town of great importance, both in Tunisia and the Islamic world. Built in 670AD, the Great Mosque served as an epicentre of worship and education for centuries to come, and today is home to the oldest surviving minaret in the world. It is a truly impressive masterpiece.

Shopkeepers to the West side of the Great Mosque have rooftops with fantastic views over its courtyard (some may expect you to buy a souvenir in exchange for the benefit). 

Kairouan has long been famous for its sublime craftsmanship, making it Tunisia’s carpet capital. You can find some incredible pieces for very reasonable prices, their designs rich in symbolism. Keep an eye out for the Kairouan Cross.

Like in Carthage, a single ticket grants access to a range of sites. A highlight of these was the Mosque Sidi Sahbi, with its endless beautiful artistry.

Note : Louages directly to Tunis are available, but onward travel to El Jem requires a change in Sousse.

Backpacking El Jem

Introducing the Rome Colesseum’s cooler cousin: the Amphitheatre of El Jem. 

This small village was once home to gladiatorial battles of epic proportions, with crowds of 35,000 marvelling at the spectacle.

Spend some time exploring its underground network of tunnels and ‘beast cages’. You’ll be pretty much free to roam all over one of the biggest amphitheatres on Earth. 

There’s not a lot else to do except chill out in a nearby cafe and enjoy watching the camels roll on by. For the Amphitheatre alone, El Jem is undoubtedly worth a visit.

(Note: El Jem is on the direct train line between Tunis and Gabes, but onward travel to Kairouan by louage requires a change in Sousse).

Backpacking Sousse

Sousse is fascinating: you’ll find an exemplary medina (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) and some stupendous front doors.

Check out ‘ Bab El Gharbi’ –  the Western Door to the medina – and ‘Souk el Caied’, an historic area of the market. 

The Ribat of Sousse contains an inscription from the year 821, with impressive towers and walled construction. It’s a rather novel place, being an early Islamic city with a coastal kasbah (fortress) to protect it from piracy in the Med…

You may come across some very friendly ‘tour guides’ around the medina. I seem to recall ending up in a factory surrounded by thousands of Tunisian police jackets. Just be clear if you do not wish to pay for guiding services.

Backpacking Monastir

Monastir is an absolute gem of the Tunisian coast.

Pristine beaches reach far from the town, with ample sun to bask in. While home to a range of excellent holidaying provisions, Monastir is an ancient city. Its colossal ribat dates all the way back to the 9th century, vital in protecting the peninsula from oncoming enemy ships. Nowadays it’s just the occasional rogue pedalo from Sicily.

Lounge on the beach, sample the seafood, and stroll the marina, admiring the yachts. Make time for the Habib Burguiba Museum and the mighty mosaic collection there. And if you’ve ever seen Monty Python’s Life of Brian , some parts may seem familiar.

Backpacking Beja Governorate 

I’ve called this section Beja Governorate, because while Beja itself is pretty interesting, it’s the surrounding areas within reach from the city that are especially special.

Dougga was inhabited across periods of Berber, Roman and Arab control. It’s an unbelievably well-preserved example of life long-gone; like visiting a great aunt and finding tins of beans from a previous century, but on steroids (the ancient artefacts, not your aunty).  Explore the city ruins on foot, taking in the forum, baths, arches, marketplace and much, much more. You could try hitching; most visitors take a taxi from Beja or Tunis.

Beja Bridge is a much younger but still impressive structure, stretching between hilltops in the rolling countryside. Again, hitching here would definitely be an option, lying just 10km outside o Beja city.  Half an hour northeast of Dougga, you’ll find Testour .

This small town, oozing Spanish influence, is set in the hills against a wonderful green backdrop. If you’re lucky enough to be here in October, you may just catch the annual Testour Pomegranate Festival, which has placed the town firmly on the pomegranate map (if such a thing exists).

A Side Note for Star Wars Fans…

I’ll be honest, sci-fi is not my forte. But when I showed this list to a mate who knows his ewoks from his lightsabers, he seemed suitably impressed.

Tunisia is home to many Star Wars filming locations that fans can visit, including:

• Mos Espa – Located near Tozeur, this is where the slave quarters in Episode I: The Phantom Menace were filmed.
• Ksar Ouled Soltane – This fortified granary near Tataouine was used as a backdrop for the slave quarters in Episode IV: A New Hope.
• Matmata – The underground Troglodyte homes of Matmata were used as the filming location for Luke Skywalker’s childhood home on the planet of ‘Tatooine’ in Episode IV. (The planet itself was inspired by the Southern city of ‘Tataouine’, its name adapted by Lucas.)
• Medenine – The town of Medenine served as the filming location for the exterior of the home of Anakin Skywalker in Episode I.
• Onk Jemal – This salt lake near Tozeur was used for the podrace scenes in Episode I. These locations offer fans a chance to immerse themselves in the world of the Star Wars saga and experience the unique Tunisian landscapes that contributed greatly to the films.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Tunisia

In Tunisia, I would urge you to venture boldly, to places Google Maps’ Street View hasn’t made it to. Conveniently, this is practically everywhere.

As an underrated paradise for off the beaten path travel, getting off the tourist track is easy as. I’m convinced Tunisia would be an ideal country for hitchhiking around; walking through the countryside in Beja Governerate, I had all manner of vehicle (and animal) driver stop for a chat and offer a lift. 

Bikes, tractors, cars, donkeys; getting off the beaten track is Tunisia is one mighty adventure. 

You could try catching a train to a ‘random’ stop between well-known destinations, or scouting out cool places on longer louage journeys. People from more rural spots are likely to be super keen to show you their hometown, with unrivalled Tunisian hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Tunisia

Don’t visit Tunisia without checking off these must-sees…

1. Sleep in the Sahara!

Embark on a dreamy adventure into the heart of the Sahara . Spend an afternoon under the Saharan sun, or get stuck into a multi-day getaway. Sleep in a Bedouin-style tent or outside, under the stars. Whether you opt for a camel, jeep, quad bike or your own two feet, it’s bound to be an unforgettable foray amongst the dunes.  

2. Visit The Amphithreatre of El Jem 

It’s like the one in Rome but different. 

The Amphitheatre of El Jem is a sight to see. Marvel at the superbly preserved infrastructure that has stood the test of time, surviving seventeen centuries to be here today. It’s not hard to envisage scenes of immense scale and ferocity, when reading about the gladiators and animals battling here for the purpose of entertainment.

3. Dig into some Tunisian cuisine

Tuna. Harissa. Olives. Three inescapable tenets of Tunisian life. Whether or not these flavours tickle your fancy, you’re guaranteed to find some downright incredible dishes on any Tunisian menu. Sampling a range of local delicacies across the country is a pastime worthy of your hard-earned Dinar.

4. Wander aimlessly around Tunis Medina 

Go and get lost. With over 700 monuments in the medina arena, you’re bound to stumble across something remarkable. The area is a composite of souks, mosques, mausoleums and more, guaranteed to satisfy your intrigue. 

5. Lay eyes on the Great Mosque of Kairouan

Wandering and chatting your way through Kairouan, you naturally pick up on a sense of stature surrounding the place. The town is incredibly symbolic for Muslims, held as the fourth most holy city in Islam. For those that are unable to make it to Mecca itself, seven trips here is considered equivalent. Laying eyes on the Great Mosque is truly special. 

6. Explore Sidi Bou Said and Carthage

In most cities, a day in the ‘suburbs’ may not sound too invigorating. Tunis is different.

Sidi Bou Said is as picturesque as anywhere, a maze of blue and white houses, overlooking a tremendous beach for both paddleboarding and cotching. The ruins of Carthage are rather awesome and not to be missed. Take the TGM for a top day out.

Backpacker Accommodation in Tunisia

Now, when it comes to budget accommodation in Tunisia, there’s not a huge hostelling scene…

However, it is incredibly encouraging to see two BRAND NEW abodes appear on Hostelworld in early 2023 in Tunis and Djerba – here’s to hoping this is the start of a hostelling revolution in Tunisia. 

Outside of these places, you’ll most likely be scouting out a guesthouse of your liking, many of which are very affordable.

We’re not talking Asia cheap, but there are certainly options around for Broke Backpackers.

And for the occasional ‘cheat night’, upping the budget slightly will unlock some magnificent places to stay…

Tunisia Backpacking Costs

Tunisia is an underrated gem for cheap and incredible adventures !

Particularly when you consider its proximity to Western Europe, costs for all backpacker basics are very reasonable. If you know where to look, there is some splendid food available for super low prices, and taking the louage won’t set you back a great deal.

Budget accommodation may sometimes appear elusive, but there are very cheap options around. Seek, and you shall find.

Tickets to main attractions are also extremely good value. You can be amongst some of the most incredible archaeological sites in the world, for less than the price of a Starbucks.

If you’re ever feeling like ‘splashing out’, sampling an upmarket eating establishment will absolutely not break the bank and there are  some pretty fancy options.

Plus, if you want to go the whole hog and throw in some hitchhiking, couchsurfing or camping, you really could explore Tunisia on a shoestring budget…

A Daily Budget in Tunisia

Money in tunisia.

To get your first plate of cous cous, you’re going to need to get your hands on some Tunisian Dinar.  At the moment, one Dinar is worth approximately 3 US dollars.

You may see the abbreviation DT, occasionally TD, or TND. Same thing; these are all references to the local dinero.

For some prices, particularly on the low end, you’ll see a number followed by several zeros. This is just to show the ‘milim’ (thousandth) denomination for extra precision. Don’t panic, that chapati omelette is still an absolute bargain.

There’s also a coin in circulation with THIRTEEN flat sides. As far as I can tell, only the Czech Republic can claim to match it. Some excellent coinage to be found in Tunisia. 

You can’t take Dinar out of the country though, so enjoy examining them while you can. 

ATMs are pretty easy to find, but charge a few dollars for withdrawal, so it’s best to take out reasonably large chunks at a time. Otherwise, you can exchange currencies without much hassle (US dollars being the most simple).

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends  Wise  – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. But the real question is…  is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – Tunisia on a Budget

As seen in the daily budget above, you could spend quite a hefty sum in Tunisia, living a life of absolute luxury.

Rest assured, however: with a few tips and trips, you’ll be able to keep expenses very low if that’s a priority, and have an unforgettable adventure. 

In fact, I strongly believe that following any of these, at least on occasion, will lead to a much richer travel experience than splashing out on fancy hotels every night.

• Eat local street food. Street food is incredibly affordable if you know where to look. We’re talking lunch for less than a dollar. Rest assured, you won’t being going hungry. Seek out the likes of chapati omelette, leblebi, and brika (more on these to follow).
• Hitchhiking. Don’t get me wrong, the louages, buses and trains are very well priced. But for an extra dose of both adventure and savings, Tunisia would be awesome for thumbing lifts. I recall turning down many offers because I was enjoying walking. It certainly seemed catching a ride wouldn’t take much waiting in a lot of places.
• Couchsurfing. There are no less than 60,000 hosts listed on Couchsurfing within Tunisia! You’re likely to make new mates and be treated extremely well as a guest, while keeping costs down.
• Workaway. There are some beaut looking Workaways in Tunisia. Most involve helping out for a few hours a day in exchange for a bed and board, while garnering unique insight into everyday life in Tunisia.

Why Should You Travel to Tunisia with a Water Bottle?

As travellers, we have a joint responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of our excursions, and plastic waste is one of the biggest problems facing countries across the globe.

While local water quality has improved greatly in Tunisia, for peace of mind, travelling with a water filter is a wise move. There’s no better option than the Grayl Geopress: this water bottle and filter system removes all manner of threat, including viruses and heavy metals – no mean feat. 

It’ll last for years, reduce plastic waste, and save you money. The Grayl Geopress is a sound investment for any intrepid adventurer.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time to Travel to Tunisia

Beach lovers are in for a treat: there’s an abundance of sunrays to be sought in Tunisia, and swimmable water temperatures for most of the year. Just don’t accidentally backstroke into Libya. 

The best times for a Tunisia trip are probably around the fringes of summer. Spring and early Autumn mean the North is still very pleasantly warm and beach days are comfy, while the desert isn’t stiflingly hot, like in the peak of Summer. 

In fact, most desert excursions won’t run from June to September; the heat around this time does not sound remotely enjoyable. You’d be sweating like ( insert favourite unacceptable innuendo). Plan accordingly to fulfil any Saharan dreams. 

The months from October to May inclusive are optimal for Tunisia trips, if you want to have all options on the table during your travels. 

What to Pack for Tunisia

You won’t need to add anything too out of the ordinary to your backpacking packing list .

On the clothes front, just pack some stuff that’s both loose and cool (temperature-wise; I’m not here to judge on fashion.) Tunisia is liberal compared to other Arabic nations, but it’s a good idea to make an effort to dress more conservatively – outside of Tunis especially – with some long sleeves and trousers. 

Also throw in a warm layer or two for a night amongst the Saharan zephyr. 

As always, investing in some trusty gear will improve life on every backpacking trip, and last ages. Here’s a pick of the bunch:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Staying Safe in Tunisia

Yes – there are some regions best left alone – but on the whole, Tunisia really feels safe to travel.

I consistently felt the Tunisian people were always there to help, and never felt at risk.

Tunisia was the catalyst for the emergence of the Arab Spring in 2011, and heralded as a relative success story from this period of immense change.

However, 2015 saw three tragic incidents occur, when terrorist shootings in Sousse and Tunis led to a significant loss of life. Since then, much work has been done on improving safety and security, and thankfully nothing like the tragedy of  2015 has occurred in the aftermath.

It’s important to contextualize terrorism risk. Even countries like the United Kingdom have not escaped terrible incidents over the last decade. Personally, I believe Tunisia is a safe country to travel to, and the overwhelming majority of trips to Tunisia will be filled with kindness and a very warm welcome. 

Be a bit sensible and follow your usual travel safety tips , though: the borders with Libya and Algeria should be avoided, as should the vicinity of any protests. 

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Tunisia

Tunisia may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of wild nights out.

While a relatively new development, there is an excellent party scene in Tunis. Many young Tunisians like to go out on the toon. My mate even found her way to a desert rave, which looked highly exuberant…

Being a predominantly Muslim country, most people don’t consume alcohol. It is available for sure, but there are restrictions, and we should make efforts to be cognizant of cultural norms. As such, alcohol sales are restricted on Fridays in most places, and during Ramadan. 

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug, but laws are tight – as of a few years ago, something like a quarter of all prisoners were being locked up for drug offences. Personally, I’d avoid the drug scene while in Tunisia, but if you do decide to risk it great caution should be urged.

Tunisia is forging an accommodating compromise, whereby tourists and locals can drink their way through the witching hour if they so please, with a tea or cool lager.

But just remember to be respectful . Tunisia is a very welcoming country, and really quite liberal compared to other Arabic societies, so let loose and have a blast with the locals, but be mindful in your jollification…

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Tunisia

Now, it may not be the most thrilling part of trip planning, but getting properly insured BEFORE travelling is a wise addition to any backpacking to-do list. 

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How to Get Into Tunisia

Tunisia is very well connected by air, with flights running every day from across Europe and beyond. Most flights will go into Tunis Carthage airport, but there are also options to fly directly into the likes of Monastir, Djerba and Sfax.

Another great option is to sail from Europe across to Tunis – there are several options from Italy (Palermo, Genoa, and Salerno) and France, with 5 weekly crossings departing from Marseille.

Don’t expect a luxury cruise liner, but voyage by boat is a very exciting way to arrive in North Africa. It’s affordable – especially for budget backpackers who don’t fork out on a cabin –  and tickets can be booked online.  

(One word of advice – don’t turn up late for check-in. To no avail, a good-natured Tunisian policeman called the ferry captain, who replied: “ you know how you have a Plan A and a Plan B? Well, it’s now time for Plan B.” Next boat leaves Wednesday…)

Entry Requirements for Tunisia

More dreamy news – travellers from most countries can receive a visa on arrival, free of charge! 

Check your government’s travel guidance for relevant details, but for lots of travellers,  the Tunisia visa on arrival is valid for three months! 

The government also recently announced the removal of all Covid-19- related requirements, such as proof of vaccination or recent testing.

Apparently going through passport control at Tunis Airport isn’t the most pleasant experience, but stay strong. It’ll all be worth it.

Officially, you need to provide an address for your initial stay on arrival, but it’s luck of the draw whether this is questioned. I’d just recommend having the address of a hotel lined up to provide if requested.

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

How to Get Around Tunisia

Trains, camels, quad bikes, to name a few. Tunisia has some brilliant transportation, the shining star of which is undoubtedly the louage. Read on for the low-down on how to plan your trip …

While journeys may take a smidgen longer than planned, and/or be a bit toasty, the locals in Tunisia will make sure you get to wherever you’re heading. 

Travelling By Louage In Tunisia

I genuinely loved these. So bloody much. 

In most Tunisian towns and cities, you’ll find a building or area, full of minivans. These are louage stations.

Every day, hundreds of these vans ferry people back and forth between settlements, forming a network that links nearly all areas of the country together. 

You turn up at the station and buy a ticket, at the ticket counter. (In smaller places, it may be an individual roaming between vehicles, or in the louage itself.) The big stations may appear rather Byzantine, but there are signs showing the destination of each louage, and you’ll be helped on your merry way. 

One thing to note: the driver will wait until all seats on the van are filled before setting off. This is usually pretty quick, but can take a while on routes-less-travelled. 

On longer forays across the country, you’ll likely have a break for some grub. These pitstops in potentially more remote places were super cool experiences. When travelling with Tunisians, friendliness, warmth and good food abounds.  

As you’d expect, not all towns are connected directly by louage. For example, to travel between Kairouan and El Jem, one must change first in Sousse. Ask around at the station for optimal routing choices. 

Travelling By Train In Tunisia

Train travel in Tunisia is superb. 

You can see the landscape changing in real-time as you venture down the coast, and tickets are good value.

In Tunis, the ‘TGM’ runs from the city centre to La Marsa, with stops at places like Carthage and Sidi Bou Said en route. This is a fantastic way to get around the capital, and makes the suburbs easily accessible for day trips. Tickets are extremely cheap, and come in the form of a little blue paper slip.

It may be useful to visualise your travel options in Tunisia, so click here for a map of the railway network run by SNCFT, and here for the timetables of scheduled departures. Advance warning, however: do not expect Japanese-style punctuality. On longer journeys in particular, you may end up hanging around for a while with delays, but just settle in with some snacks and watch the world go by. 

And if delays do cause you any difficulty, locals will help you out. For example, arriving late in Sousse, a gentleman asked where I was headed. He insisted I share his taxi, which he rerouted for a drop-off at some budget accommodation, and refused point blank to accept any monetary contribution for the trouble. True hospitality. 

During your Tunisia trip, taking to the railways at least once is a must. 

Onwards Travel from Tunisia

Unfortunately, onward travel by land from Tunisia is rather limited by its proximity to unstable neighbouring Libya…

Tunisia’s only other border, shared with Algeria, has reopened since Covid, but all travel to this area is advised against by most governments.

If you’d like to continue on an African Odyssey, there are reasonably cheap flight options available across the North, to Morocco or Egypt, perhaps Mauritania or even beyond.

• Backpacking Egypt
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• Backpacking Italy

Working and Volunteering in Tunisia

Volunteering is a brilliant way to have a positive impact while on your travels and immerse yourself in real Tunisian life. You’re likely to make special connections, help drive real change, and save money. Helping out on a locally-led project can be a real win-win situation for both volunteers and hosts.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Tunisian Culture

Tunisian culture is a unique intermingling of Mediterranean, Arabic, and African influences. Being predominantly Muslim, Islam plays a large role in everyday Tunisian life, as does the value of family.

The region, originally inhabited by Berber tribes, has had parts ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans and French, to name a few. It’s been home to cities of trade for vast empires, numerous bloody wars, and was mainly Christian for centuries before transitioning towards a Muslim society. The result today is an incredibly rich cultural landscape. 

You’ll find an eclectic range of sights to see, food to sample, and people to learn from. Many of the ruins in Tunisia beautifully showcase what life might have been like in a civilisation so different from our own. The best examples are in Carthage and Dougga, the latter a supremely preserved settlement from Berber, Roman and Punic times.

In terms of cuisine, Tunisians proudly hang on to the spicy legacy of their Arab influence. Seriously, you may want to ask them to go easy on the harissa. Seriously. That stuff can cause damage.

By wandering around practically anywhere in Tunisia, you can sense the history of the place. The large mosaics, intricate weavings on carpets, and decorative front doors all point to its illustrious past. In addition, Tunisian life is underpinned by a culture of hospitality and goodwill, that you’re bound to uncover.

Simply get stuck in: delve into the history, artwork, poetry and music. There’s a quite magical heritage to be found practically everywhere. 

Useful Travel Phrases for Tunisia

Learning a bit of the language (Tunisian Arabic) can be useful before your trip…

Hello = A – sleh – ma

Goodbye = bi – sle – ma

How are you? = le – be -ss?

Good, thanks! = le – be – ss!

Yes = ay / naam

Please = aish – ik

Thank you = aish – ik

Sorry = asif (from male) asifa (from female)

No problem = mush mushkil

I would like = n’ Hib

I would not like = ma n’ Hib-sh

Can I have___ = mumkin ___

Where is ___? = Way-n ___?

What to Eat in Tunisia

Can’t lie, I’m usually not a huge fan of two-thirds of that set. But somehow, in Tunisia, it just works. There’s some sensational grub to dig into.

Of course, this ingredient list isn’t exhaustive, but you’ll find these quite a lot throughout the Tunisian culinary scene. Harissa is a paste, blended from a range of spices and herbs including chilli, garlic and cumin,. UNESCO names it as part of Tunisia’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’: it’s very, very popular throughout the land.   

Like so many other things in Tunisia, the cuisine has been sculpted by numerous cultural influences from its history. The main features, however, are hearty stews , some grilled meats and vegetables, and a healthy dose of spices .

Do your insides a favour, and ask for a modest allocation of harissa for your first outing, and work your way up from there. Sadly, I could never hack it like the Tunisians, but it was still bloody delicious.

Street food stalls are a top place to investigate the local delicacies, and are super cheap. Given the variation in climate and culture, Tunisian food can change greatly between regions, so asking locally for pointers in the right direction on the menu can be fruitful. 

Look out for some of these popular options below which are certainly worth sampling, but don’t be afraid to get stuck into some untranslatable soup or seemingly improbable flavour combination. It may well become a firm favourite.   

Popular Dishes in Tunisia

• Cous-cous : A Tunisian and North African staple, made of steamed semolina. Usually served with stewed meat, vegetables (and of course, some harissa.)
• Lablabi : Another staple. Chickpea stew, heavy on the garlic and cumin, topped with egg and bread. Can be an acquired taste. 
• Kafteji : A hearty dish packed with fried vegetables, sometimes topped with fried egg and/or merguez (Maghrebi lamb sausage). And harissa. Obviously.
• Brik : Very popular, often an appetiser. Thin pastry encasing some kind of filling in a triangular formation. Cheese, egg, meat, tuna. It varies. 
• Ojja : This is a top, top feed. Hearty, thick, soupy, tomato-based dish with eggs and vegetables. Often served with merguez. And harissa.
• Chapati Omelette : Chapati, but not as you know it. Thick, round pieces of bread, served warm and fresh, hugging an omelette. IMHO, the best cheap lunch in the land.

A Brief History of Tunisia

I’ll keep it brief, but this section could have been encyclopaedically long. With a rich history that spans thousands of years, there’s a lot to be uncovered. 

This land has seen the rise and fall of whopping great empires, and its history is evident in its diversity.

Rewind a long way. 

Tunisia is inhabited by Berber tribes, but later becomes part of the Phoenician Empire, a powerful city-state to rival Rome.

During the Roman era, Tunisia flourished as a province of the Empire. The grandeur of Roman ambition is in full view at the ruins of Dougga and El Jem’s imposing colosseum. 

In the 7th century, Tunisia came under Arab rule, and Islam became the dominant religion. The medinas of cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Kairouan boast beautiful examples of Islamic architecture, such as the Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of the oldest mosques in Africa. 

In the Middle Ages, Tunisia was a centre of learning and trade. It housed influences from various cultures, including Arab, Berber, Ottoman (whose empire was at the reigns for a few hundred years) and Andalusian. The medina of Tunis showcases the fusion of different architectural styles, with narrow alleys and intricately designed doors. 

Next to arrive were the French, who conquered in the late 1800s. Tunisia gained its independence from France in 1956 and has since developed a unique modern culture, while preserving its rich history. (As a result, a great deal of the population speak French, so if you can remember any from school days, you’ll be cruising). The markets are known for their souks, where you can find traditional crafts and spices. 

The Arab Spring 

The modern history is no less dramatic. The Tunisian Revolution started in 2011 following street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi tragically setting himself alight, while standing in traffic outside the local governor’s office.

Protests against widespread corruption and inequality grew into a historic uprising. The revolution led to the overthrow of the authoritarian regime and president, sparked similar protests in other Arab countries, and is considered a catalyst for the Arab Spring.

Chatting to Tunisians throughout the country, you will get a real sense of the depth and variety of history that contributes to their completely unique identity.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

FAQs About Backpacking in Tunisia

Is tunisia safe to visit .

On the whole, Tunisia DOES feel safe to travel.  An overwhelming proportion of people are extremely welcoming. Like everywhere, there are some areas that feel ever so slightly sketchy. The taxi ranks of the ferry port at night may qualify. Don’t be put off. Just be aware.  Tourism in Tunisia saw an understandable decline around 2015, when three tragic incidents occurred in Sousse and Tunis. Since then, things have improved , and the vast, vast majority of visits are trouble-free .  It is wise to avoid the borders with Algeria and Libya (as per most governments’ advice), and not to get stuck into any protests you come across. On the whole, I would be confident that travellers heading to Tunisia will be looked after and embraced with open arms. 

Is Travelling in Tunisia Cheap?

Ah. The Office for Budget Responsibility has arrived. In short, yes. In Tunisia, absolute bargains are plentiful. There’s some really tasty value to be found in the food department, especially if you stick to local dishes and keep a lid on the beer consumption ( most of the time, a Gammarth night out is worth an exception). Follow the tips listed in this guide and Tunisia will remain an extremely affordable travel destination on the proverbial European doorstep. 

When Should I Visit Tunisia?

A trip to Tunisia is worthy of your time, any month of the year. BUT, for desert dreamers, the summer is worth avoiding: most Saharan trips won’t be running from June to August. Therefore, we recommend September to May as optimal . Be aware when booking those tickets.

Final Advice Before Visiting Tunisia

On the road, I’ve met a handful of other travellers who found themselves in Tunisia. They all agreed: it’s a criminally underrated destination, made to measure for budget adventuring.

Remember to be respectful on your exploration! In visiting North Africa, we’re fortunate to be welcomed and experience a culture that may be very different from life back home.

Travelling amidst things like Ramadan requires an adequate dose of cultural sensitivity; in fact, Eid celebrations induce a superb atmosphere to get stuck into. Rest assured; if any questions pop up, just ask. Exploring with a positive attitude soon be repaid with great kindness and warmth.

You may go for the desert and the beach, but want to return for the people. The hospitality on display throughout Tunisia is truly special.

If you’re somehow still on the fence, honestly, just do it!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Africa , TUNISIA

11 top tips when you travel tunisia: key things to know before you go.

If you plan to travel Tunisia, then here’s 11 key things you should definitely know before you go!

From what to eat and how to find the best accommodation, through to the best way to get around, what to pack and some top tips for solo female travellers, this is my full guide to prepping, planning and enjoying your travels in this fantastic country.

While Morocco and Egypt may be stealing the lion’s share of tourists in north Africa, Tunisia’s charm lies precisely in the fact that large parts of the country remain wonderfully undiscovered by foreign tourists.

And from beaches to deserts, ancient historic sites to quaint cobbled-street towns, trust me when I say there’s a lot to discover here!

So if you’re heading to this fab country soon, take a read of my following top Tunisia travel tips and start planning your adventure there asap…

Related Posts

• Egypt vs Tunisia: Which is Best to Travel?
• Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia: Full Travel Guide
• 55 Best Things to Do in Africa

My trip to Tunisia was sponsored by the Authentic Tunisia campaign but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

#1 When to Travel Tunisia?

I really recommend travelling Tunisia in either the spring or autumn months.

Like other countries in North Africa, May June, September and October are ideal months to visit Tunisia because temperatures are still warm enough for sightseeing and the beach, but you’ll avoid the scorching temperatures of the summer.

Winter months are a great time to travel Tunisia if you want to avoid the crowds and get a real bargain, but do beware that, especially in the north of the country, it can be wet and cold during these months.

Learn more about when to visit each area of Tunisia, as well as a month by month overall weather breakdown, in this article I wrote all about the best time to visit Tunisia .

#2 How to Get to Tunisia?

Unless you’re travelling overland from Algeria (which while is possible, is certainly not common!), the vast majority of travellers arriving into Tunisia will come by air.

There’s several international airports in this country, but the main ones are…

#1 Tunis-Carthage – best if you want to begin your travels in the capital Tunis or nearby Sidi Bou Said

#2 Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport – best option if you’re heading for a beach holiday at the Hammamet resort

#3 Djerba Zarzis International Airport – located on the beautiful island of Djerba

#4 Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport – situated near the coastal city of Sousse

#5 Sfax Thyna International Airport – best for exploring the south of the country

The great news is that from most European cities, flights to Tunisia only take around 2-3 hours.

As always I use Skyscanner to find the best prices.

#3 How Best to Travel Around Tunisia?

In the Tunis-Carthage area, there is a handy metro and regional light train service that gets you between the main areas.

The Bolt rideshare app (like Uber) also exists in this area and is a great idea for getting around without having to worry about language barriers and confusing prices!

Beyond that, long distance trains service major cities in Tunisia including Sousse, El Jem, Sfax, Bizerte and Gabès.

For smaller towns, buses or shared minivan taxis, known as louage , are common modes of transport.

Bookaway is a great site for booking train, bus and private transfer options in Tunisia.

Public transport can be a bit patchy here sadly, so isn’t always ideal for using if you’re on a short itinerary and want to explore a lot.

As such, I really suggest hiring a car to explore this country – especially the north and east regions – and highly recommend Discover Cars for the job.

Alternatively, if you feel more confident travelling Tunisia as part of a group, or with a guides, check out these top Tunisia tours .

#4 How Long to Travel Tunisia For?

I really recommend a minimum of 7 days to travel Tunisia.

Tthis will allow to you to enjoy a couple of destinations located close to each i.e. Tunis, Carthage, Bizerte and Dougga.

If you want to travel more widely across the north of country, including exploring fab destinations such as Al-Huwariyah, Sousse and Zaghouan, then I suggest at least 10 days for your time in Tunisia.

Check out this epic 10 day itinerary I wrote for the north of Tunisia for more ideas.

If you’d also like to explore the south of Tunisia, including the islands of Djerba and some of the key Star Wars sites in the desert, then you’ll need to allow at least 2 weeks for your travels in this country.

#5 What to Pack for Your Tunisia Travels?

What many people don’t realise is that temperatures in Tunisia can be fresh across the country even in the spring and autumn months.

This is especially true in the more mountainous north of the country, but even in the desert at night it can get cool at these times.

As such, I certainly advise bringing some warmer layers with you, including a wind and water proof thin jacket , as well as a denim jacket and a couple of warm jumpers or fleece.

Trainers or sneakers are a great idea as well, so you can enjoy sightseeing and some active pursuits in this country, and don’t forget some longer trousers for cooler days as well.

For beach days in Tunisia, you’ll need swimwear, sunscreen, sunhat and a sarong, while for deserts and religious sites, thin light clothing that covers the knees, chest, shoulders and upper arms is required.

Outside of these items, don’t also forget a good day pack , a filter water bottle , a good camera , a decent guidebook and an Arabic or French phrasebook .

Learn more in this complete Tunisia packing guide I wrote.

#6 Travel Insurance for Tunisia

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

#7 Best Things to Do in Tunisia

As most people are aware, Tunisia is filled with some fantastic beaches and stunning stretches of the Sahara, so if you want to get a good dose of sun, sea and sand (especially outside of the peak summer months), this country makes a great choice!

But did you know that Tunisia also offers tons of great stuff to do away from these classic pursuits, including a huge range of active and historic attractions.

Heading to ancient UNESCO-listed sites, such as the Carthage ruins, El-Djem amphitheatre, Dougga archaeological site and Kairouan’s Grand Mosque are some great examples, but between these you can also enjoy a range of outdoor adventures such as kayaking, climbing, caving, cycling, hiking, sailing and diving.

My favourite spots for outdoor activities in this country include the region of Cape Bon, Zaghouan and Siliana.

The latter of these also boasts an amazing array of traditional craft workshops with local women, from cooking to weaving.

Learn more about all these in this list of top 21 things to do in Tunisia .

#8 Is Tunisia Safe to Travel?

I found Tunisia incredibly safe to travel and never felt hassled, watched or pestered when adventuring here, even as a solo female.

In smaller towns especially, I felt comfortable wandering around in the evening and, generally speaking, found the country to be more liberal than other countries I’ve visited in North Africa.

In particular, alcohol was available in hotels across the country, and I found wearing three quarter-length trousers with singlets and a thin scarf to be totally adequate.

While there has been some events that have targeted tourists in the past, in general, I’d say Tunisia feels very safe to travel as long as you follow the usual common sense precautions.

Taking a SIM card is a great way to feel reassured when travelling in less familiar parts of the world too – it’s super handy for Google maps, Whatsapp and Rideshare apps, all of which help keep you safe.

aloSIM is a great solution as you can buy it online before you arrive and then ensure you’re connected as soon as you touchdown in Tunisia.

#9 Is Tunisia Expensive?

I found Tunisia incredibly cheap to travel, in fact I’d rate it as one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever been to (probably only behind Armenia, Georgia, Egypt and Turkey).

Food here is very affordable, as is accommodation, and getting around via public transport costs next to nothing.

As nightlife isn’t a big deal in this country (it’s actually non-existent in many towns!), you won’t spend much on alcohol or going out in the evening here.

The things you will spend a bit more on however are flights to the country (sadly no budget airlines fly here), as well as car hire and tours if this is how you choose to get around the country.

At the most basic end of things, you can easily travel Tunisia on $50 USD a day.

At the top end (eating in fancy resort restaurants and staying in 5* hotels), you’re looking at $300 USD+ a day.

And when it comes to spending money in Tunisia, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card here, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card in Tunisia… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

#10 Where to Stay in Tunisia?

While Tunisia doesn’t have any hostels, it does however have a good selection of hotels and resorts across its main cities and resort areas.

For the best accommodation outside of these major destinations however, I high recommend the network of traditional guesthouses known as “dar”.

These are homestay like set-ups, usually in a traditional Tunisia home or guesthouses.

Small and boutique, they generally feature a few rooms, modern comforts and tend to offer homecooked meals in the evening, as well as breakfasts in the morning, which makes them even better in my opinion!

I really loved staying in these Dar properties across Tunisia because they all give a wonderful sense of the culture of this country, as well as comfortable and unique stays.

My top picks include…

Dar Aida in Zaghouan

Dar Villa Zembra in Al Huwariyah

Dar Khadijaa in Hergla

Dar Essid in Sidi Bou Said

Message these accommodation choices direct through the Instagram links above for the easiest booking process – it’s really hard for small Tunisian business to register with Booking.com or Airbnb FYI, so Instagram is the best way to book direct and get the best prices.

#11 Food and Drink in Tunisia

If you weren’t in the know about Tunisian food, then you’re in for a great surprise when you travel this country, because it’s honestly fantastic!

Spicy, fresh and delicious, a huge amount of food is produced in this country, which makes for a wonderful culinary tradition and almost everywhere you adventure here, you’ll get to enjoy seriously great meals.

With most Tunisian food containing either meat or fish, you’ll need to make sure you specify you don’t want either if you’re a vegetarian, but this is simple to do and most places are very happy to cater for non-meat and fish eaters I found.

Bread is a huge staple here (so non-gluten folk beware!) and spice is too, with homemade harissa being heaped on pretty much every meal… much to my delight!

Most meals are a few course long – soup, then salad, then main, then fruits, the tea and cakes! – and you’ll quickly learn Tunisian meal sizes are not small, so you have been warned!

As a majority Muslim country, alcohol is not commonly served in Tunisia and most meals are accompanied by water and finished with sweet tea.

Alcohol is not easy to find across the country, but can be sourced in tourist-orientated restaurants and hotels, which are found in most of the major towns and cities.

Tourist-dominated areas, as such as the resort of Hammamet, have lots of hotels with bars for alcohol-seeking holiday makers.

You can’t drink the tap water in Tunisia, but bringing a Water To-Go bottle with you, will allow you too safely!

Learn more about these amazing water filter travel products here .

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So there you have it, my top travel Tunisia tips!

If you’re looking to get off the beaten track in North Africa and away from the tourist crowds of Egypt and Morocco, then this country is for you!

Have any questions about travel in Tunisia still?

Then don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments box below and I’ll get back to you…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ 11 Top Tips When You Travel Tunisia: Key Things to Know Before You Go! ”

Such a remarkable country. Thanks for all the tops and great images! Definitely going to add it to my bucket list. Safe travels 😉 Donovan

Ah so fab to hear this Donovan! Defo get Tunisia on your bucket list! Happy travels and best wishes, Steph 🙂

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VOICE OF GUIDES

Tunisia travel guide and itinerary (5 days, 7 days, 10 days).

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our  disclaimer  here.

If you are new to Arab countries, Tunisia is a good option to start with. You can get there in only 2 hours with a flight from a couple of European cities. Although Tunisia is often identified with beach holidays, there is much more to see: the world’s biggest mosaic collection, a stunning amphitheater, Berber villages and their underground houses, desert activities, canyons and oases, charming medinas, forts, and mosques. Only to see the highlights, you need to spend one week in Tunisia. It is possible to travel around by public transport except in the southern part, but a road trip in Tunisia is also much less challenging than in other Arab countries, like Lebanon . Here you find a 5-day, one-week, and 10-day road trip itinerary that, with a few days added, you can also use for backpacking in Tunisia.

Visa to Tunisia

Citizens of many countries can visit Tunisia for up to 90 days without a visa, including the countries of the European Union. Check out if your country is among the visa-free countries.

Travel insurance to Tunisia

I always use SafetyWing for my travels, an affordable medical insurance that covers almost every country except Iran, North Korea and Cuba.

Getting to Tunisia

The fastest option to go to Tunisia is to take a flight. 

Tunisia Air has direct flights from several European cities in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and other Arab countries.

Here you can check flights with Tunis Air .

Air France also has several flights to Tunis from Paris.

It is good to know that the low-cost airline Easyjet has a direct flight from Geneva to Enfidha-Hammamet for as low as 35- 50 Euro for one way. It could be a great option if you arrive from Geneva or combine it with another flight. 

Check the new flight aggregator, Wayaway , which lists low-cost airlines and, with one click, the prices with or without luggage. Plus, you get some cashback each time you book a flight.  To get an extra 10% off the membership fee, use my discount code: VOG. You can make the most of it if you book your trip (flights, hotels, and tours) through Wayaway’s link to booking.com, GetYourGuide etc., in which case the cashback really makes a difference. I tested and wrote a  separate article  about it.

You can also check flights on Skyscanner and Google Flights .

You can arrive to Tunisia via land from Algeria; Oum Teboul is the main border between Tunisia and Algeria. However, I don’t have personal experience with this border crossing.

Ferry  

You can get to Tunisia from France and Italy, which is the cheapest option. The common ferry routes to Tunisia:

– Genoa or Civitavecchia (Italy) to Tunis (Tunisia)

– Marseille (France) to Tunis (Tunisia)

– Palermo (Italy) to Tunis (Tunisia)

From Palermo to Tunis, it takes around 12 hours and costs 40-50 USD. It becomes, of course, much longer and costs much more if you start from Genoa. The ferry from Marseilles also takes around one day and costs approximately 100-130 USD. There is no daily ferry, so you must carefully check the schedule in advance. 

You can book your ferry ticket to Tunisia  here.

What is the best time to visit Tunisia?

It depends on what you want to do. July – August is considered as peak season when prices are the highest and tourists arrive in masses.

However, if you plan a cultural roundtrip, either backpacking in Tunisia or making a road trip, you had better avoid both the summer and winter months. The temperature becomes unbearable in the desert during summer and gets surprisingly cold during winter, and most places don’t have heating. Since only a few tourists come at this time of the year, prices drop significantly.

For the deserted southern area, late September to November and March to early May is the best period. At this time, however, it is a bit cold to go swimming.

I was traveling around Tunisia from north to south at the beginning of May, when the temperature was pleasant, on some days, even hot. Once the temperature rose to 38 degrees in the southern part, so we decided to escape to Djerba island, which was only 100 km away, but it was even a bit too cool to enjoy the beach. I was surprised to see that Djerba has a different microclimate. Fortunately, the temperature dropped in the deserted part the day after, and we could continue our visit. As you see, high temperatures can still occur at the beginning of May, but generally, it is still not too hot.

It can be interesting to attend the Oasis festivals of Douz and Tozeur in December and January despite the colder temperature.

Books to read about Tunisia

Bradt Tunisia: the best and most up-to-date travel guide will be released in June 2023

Lonely Planet Tunisia: it is a good base but a bit outdated

Tunisia culture smart: You can learn about religion, history and life, and all the essentials before traveling to Tunisia

Tunisia, an Arab Anomaly : This excellent book gives you a better understanding of what makes Tunisia different from other Arab countries, its recent history, and its culture.

Interesting facts about Tunisia

–   Tunisia has a Western-style working week with Saturday and Sunday off

–   The Bardo Museum in Tunis has the world’s biggest mosaic collection (temporarily closed, check out if it reopened before your visit)

–   Tunisians speak Tunsi, the local dialect that people of Arab countries outside the Maghreb don’t understand

–    The first Arab country to adopt a constitution in 1861

–    The only Arab country where nonbelievers are not prosecuted for apostasy

–    Tunisia is one of the most progressive countries in the Arab world in terms of women’s rights

–     The first non-European country to sign an association agreement with the European Union in 1995

–     The Arab Spring that spread over the Arab countries started with the protests in Tunisia after the self-immolation of a vegetable seller in Sidi Bouzid

–     “Harissa” is a hot chili pepper paste making most meals spicy

–     The “English Patient” and the “Star Wars Trilogy” were shot in Tunisia.

–      Olive trees are everywhere, making Tunisia one of the world’s biggest olive oil producers in the world

What is the most popular food/street food in Tunisia?

When we talk about Tunisian food, you must know about  harissa.  It is a   red sauce made from dried crushed chili, garlic, and salt. Harissa is the reason why making almost every Tunisian food is spicy.

Regarding Tunisian cuisine, there’s much more than just couscous,  the national dish of the Maghreb,  which can be served with meat or seafood. While it’s a must-try, there are many other Tunisian specialties. Having an expansive coastline,  seafood and different kinds of fish  are easy to find. Tuna fish is also widely used in salads and sandwiches. As mentioned earlier, La Goulette, with a whole street of fish restaurants, is a perfect place to try it.

Merguez:  spicy lamb or goat sausages

Ojja  is a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, harissa, and onions. There are several ways to make it with sausages (merguez), seafood, chicken, or eggs. 

by Agnes Simigh

I’m a passionate tour guide and travel writer, who is curious to discover places that seldom catch the attention of the media or that are misrepresented. My goal is to inspire you to choose off-the-beaten-track destinations by sharing objective and detailed information. I believe that it is mainly the lack of “intel” that keeps us away from incredible places. And that just shouldn’t be the case.

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The Prices of Tours to Tunisia

• Package Tour Options
• Typical Tour Costs
• The Best Tours
• Budget Tours
• Luxury Tours
• Three-Day Tours
• Other Types of Tours

Are group tours to Tunisia worth it?

Is a group tour cheaper than solo travel to tunisia.

• Group Tours vs. Indepenent Travel in Tunisia

How far in advance should I book my tour to Tunisia?

How many people are in group tours to tunisia, how much time do i need for a group tour to tunisia.

Curious about the cost of tours in Tunisia? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the prices, tour types, amenities, and travel styles of a variety of guided and organized tours to help you plan your dream vacation. With 23 tours analyzed in our research, we've gathered valuable information for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural travelers alike. You'll find tours here that cover all types of travel styles such as family, in-depth cultural, active adventure, and historical. These guided tours are popular because of their high quality and well-organized itineraries, ensuring a stress-free and all-inclusive holiday experience. So, let's dive into the details and discover the tour prices in Tunisia to make your next vacation unforgettable.

Recommended

The best of tunisia & all-inclusive beach extension…, what are the package tour options in tunisia.

Curious about the diverse range of tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 14 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 3 days, while the longest is 14 days. When it comes to physical activity , tour options are organized as easy, moderate, relaxing, and serious, with a majority being easy tours. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 23 tours, you can rest assured that Tunisia has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

• The length of tours range from 3 to 14 days.
• The maximum group size of tours range from 4 to 100 people.

The tour packages are also categorized as follows:

• Moderate (1)
• Relaxing (1)
• Serious (1)
• Family (16)
• Tours Available 23
• Average Rating 4.36
• Average Group Size 14
• See More See Tours in Tunisia

How much do organized tour packages to Tunisia cost? Are tours expensive?

Analyzing the comprehensive list of available tours, you'll easily find a range of fantastic choices to suit your travel preferences. Considering the financial aspect, the average daily price for tours in Tunisia stands at a highly reasonable $272 per day . Taking a broader perspective, the overall average cost of all tours amounts to $2,056 , derived from meticulous data analysis of 23 captivating tours. It's worth noting that the lowest-priced tour starts at an enticing $781, while the most extravagant option reaches a remarkable $4,655.

• Tours to Tunisia range in price from $781 to $4,655, based on data from 23 tours.

How much should I pay for a tour through Tunisia?

This table shows the range of guided, organized, and all-inclusive tour prices that visit, start in, or end in Tunisia. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for an organized tour, this table breaks down the costs by price range.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. Price costs can also vary by group size, amenities offered, transportation type, promotional sale prices, and addons not inlcuded in the base prices.)

Prices for the Best Tours to Tunisia

What are Tunisia's top rated tour packages? And how much do they cost? These tours are the highest rated tours by previous guests.

By only looking at the absolute best and highest rated tours (the top 25% by guest rating), visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Tunisia. The average daily price for the highest-rated tours to Tunisia is a very reasonable $225 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $1,588 (based on data from 6 tours). The cheapest tour is $781, and the most expensive tour is $2,108. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.65 out of 5 stars.

What are the best tours to Tunisia?

These are the highest rated tours from previous customers.

The Best of Tunisia & All-inclusive Beach Extension (Stay connected),…

Taste of tunisia, small group tour, immersive tunisia, small group tour, tunisia discovery, small group tour, prices for the best budget tours to tunisia.

Considering only budget-friendly tours, Tunisia has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for budget tours is a very economical $230 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $1,613 , based on data from 2 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $1,270, while the most lavish option reaches up to $1,955. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 0 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Tunisia and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best budget tours to Tunisia?

Tunisia 7 day desert camel trek, camel riding adventure at great oriental erg 7 days/ 6…, prices for the best luxury tours to tunisia.

By only looking at the luxury and comfort category of tours, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Tunisia. The average daily price for luxury tours to Tunisia is a very reasonable $270 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $1,970 (based on data from 20 tours). The cheapest tour is $781, and the most expensive tour is $3,565. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.36 out of 5 stars.

What are the best luxury tours to Tunisia?

Prices for the best 3-days or less tours to tunisia.

By only looking at the shortest 3-days or less tours, perfect for a quick getaway, the array of tour options available in Tunisia is diverse. The average daily price for 3-day tours stands at a very reasonable $310 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 2 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $930 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $781 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $1,078. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best 3-days or shorter tours to Tunisia?

Desert tour kairouan to el jem 3d/ 2n, prices for family tours to tunisia.

For this specific type of tour, Tunisia has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for family tours is a very economical $249 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $1,710 , based on data from 16 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $781, while the most lavish option reaches up to $3,563. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Tunisia and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best family tours to Tunisia?

Prices for in-depth cultural tours to tunisia.

For these tours, in Tunisia you'll discover plenty of fantastic in-depth cultural options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $269 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,783 , based on data from 13 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $781, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $3,565. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Tunisia and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best in-depth cultural tours to Tunisia?

Prices for active adventure tours to tunisia.

Looking at this type of tour, a wide range of terrific options in Tunisia are offered. Based on data from 9 tours, the average daily price for active adventure tours to Tunisia is a very reasonable $235 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,838 . The cheapest tour is $1,190, and the most expensive tour is $2,799. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.15 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a active adventure tour to Tunisia, these are some terrific options.

What are the best active adventure tours to Tunisia?

Highlights of tunisia, small group tour, prices for historical tours to tunisia.

When we look at this type of tour, in Tunisia you'll discover plenty of fantastic historical options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $295 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $2,267 , based on data from 6 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $1,078, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $4,655. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.03 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Tunisia and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best historical tours to Tunisia?

Tunisia tour, small group tour, step back into the millennium, small group tour.

Yes, paying a bit extra for a tour in Tunisia is absolutely worth every penny and, in some cases, a must to unveil the country's hidden treasures. Given the challenge of reaching remote areas independently, tour operators provide exclusive access to these difficult to reach spots. Therefore, choosing a guided tour is the most common decision among the majority of travelers. Local experts and tour guides can arrange your entire trip, covering transportation, lodging, dining, activities, excursions, tickets, and more. Opting for a package tour creates a worry-free journey, with every detail sorted out and an up-front price tag.

You can find many situations where tours in Tunisia are more cost-effective compared to an independently planned trip. The affordability of a tour depends on factors such as the destinations covered, level of luxury, and duration. Each tour and independent trip is unique, but tour providers often offer competitive prices that match the luxury level of an independent trip with the same amenities. On average, a tour in Tunisia costs $272 per day, with many tours priced below this average, although some are higher. Prices for tours in Tunisia range from $781 to $4,655. When comparing costs with independent travel, it's important to consider that guided tours typically include accommodations, transportation, guides, meals, tickets, and even more. To accurately compare prices, it is essential to understand the inclusions of a tour package and thoroughly research the costs of independent travel in Tunisia.

Group Tours vs. Independent Travel in Tunisia

For many travelers, it is a hard decision whether to travel with an organized tour package or to plan a trip independently. Organized tour packages are a great way to travel in Tunisia in 2024 or 2025 because a variety of great deals and sales are now available. Also, because guided tours tend to be all-inclusive, they will provide great values on accommodations, transportation, entry tickets, food, and other travel necessities. You'll also have the benefits of knowledgable guides as well as the peace of mind that you don't have to plan out the entire trip. On the other hand, traveling independently provides more flexibility and control over your travel plans instead of the fixed schedule of a tour package. You can shift your schedule and budget around as needed. Also, it's easier to get closer to local cultures and visit those harder to reach destinations that tours usually don't visit.

What are the benefits of a package tour to Tunisia?

Traveling with a tour provides a multitude of advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the convenience of having all the details sorted out for you. From arranging transportation to securing accommodations and planning activities, everything is taken care of, allowing you to have a worry-free experience. This means you won't have to stress about finding suitable places to stay, figuring out logistics, or potentially missing out on any important sights. Additionally, most tours offer all-inclusive pricing, giving you a clear understanding of the total cost of your trip before you depart. The beneifits of a tour are

• knowledgeable guides
• comfortable amenities
• not having to plan
• reliable service and schedule
• fixed budget
• meeting other like-minded travelers
• eliminating risks

What are the benefits of independent travel in Tunisia?

The advantages of independent travel include freedom, control, and flexibility. When you travel independently, you have the freedom to decide where to stay, which attractions to visit, when and where to eat, and how to navigate the destination. Taking charge of these choices also gives you greater control over your budget, schedule, itinerary, and the level of luxury you desire during your trip. Other benefits include:

• in-depth cultural opportunities
• off-the-beaten-path destinations
• flexible schedules
• flexible budget

To ensure your spot on the tour to Tunisia, it is recommended to plan and book well in advance, preferably a few months or more prior to the departure date. While it is not uncommon for many people to reserve their tours up to a year ahead, our experience indicates that booking around 6 to 9 months in advance is typically adequate. It is essential to consider that numerous tours get fully booked ahead of time, so early booking guarantees your place on the trip. Moreover, booking early can result in significant cost savings, as tour companies often offer early booking sales and discounted prices. However, it is important to be aware that some tour companies may occasionally offer last-minute discounts for tours that are not fully booked. Nevertheless, waiting for last-minute discounts entails the risk of missing out on a spot if the tour reaches full capacity.

When it comes to tours in Tunisia, group sizes can range from as small as 4 to as large as 100 people, with an average group size of 14. Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that the size of the tour does not necessarily correlate with its cost or overall experience.

Most organized tour packages to Tunisia typically last around 8 days, although the duration can vary. Tours can range from 3 to 14 days, or even longer. It is important to note that longer tours may be more expensive initially, but their cost per day tends to decrease. Additionally, longer tours offer the opportunity to visit multiple destinations at a comfortable pace, making them a worthwhile investment.

Where do group tours go in Tunisia?

A visit to Tunisia wouldn't be complete without experiencing the allure of Tunis, Kairouan, El Jem, Hammamet, Sousse, Douz, Sidi-Bou-Said, and Tataouine, which serve as excellent representations of the beauty and charm of the country.

What tour and travel companies offer packages to Tunisia?

Plenty of companies are offering package tours to and around Tunisia, but not all of them are the same. Some of the companies are large international operators that have solid reputations. Other companies are smaller and offer more unique and locally-based insights into the country. With larger companies, tours are rarely cancelled and customer service is generally high. With smaller companies, you're more likely to have a trip that gives you more local and personable experiences.

The companies offering the most tours in Tunisia are Tunisie Voyages , Across Africa Tours & Travel , Agate Travel , Bucket List Group Travel LLC , and Wingbuddy . All of them tend to offer quality trips with high guest ratings.

What is the best tour company offering trips to Tunisia?

When it comes to tours in Tunisia, Tunisie Voyages takes the top spot with their highly-rated tour packages. Their dedication to quality service and captivating journeys has won them plenty of accolades from previous guests.

More Information

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tunisia , The Best Historical Tours in Tunisia , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Tunisia , The Best Adventure Tours to Tunisia , The Best Cultural Tours in Tunisia , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Tunisia , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Tunisia for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tunis for more package tour options.

And for more information on Tunisia, see Tunisia Travel Costs and Tunisia Hotel Costs .

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Tunisia Travel Guide: Tourist Attractions and Best Places to Visit

Tips on best places to visit and tunisian culture and foods.

Tucked away in North Africa, Tunisia may be compact in size, but it brims with treasures that captivate travelers from around the world. Boasting a rich tapestry of history, from its striking Roman ruins to remnants of the ancient Berber civilization, this nation is a gem waiting to be discovered. While Morocco often takes the limelight with its Maghreb flair, Tunisia remains an underrated marvel, offering myriad unique experiences for the discerning traveler.

Although the shadows of 2015 terrorist attacks momentarily tarnished Tunisia’s glittering tourist image, the resilience of its beauty and charm continues to beckon travelers. Today, tourists are once again drawn to its sun-kissed beaches, luxurious resorts, and a myriad of enchanting attractions, often packaged seamlessly by tour operators. But it’s not just the landmarks that leave an impression; it’s the warmth of the Tunisian people. Renowned for their compassion, friendliness, and innate hospitality, locals make every visitor feel like an honored guest.

With just a few hours’ flight separating Tunisia from many European cities, it stands as an enticing, easily-accessible escape for those craving a blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean allure. Dive into our comprehensive guide to Tunisia and unveil essential travel tips, along with the crown jewels of Tunisian tourism.

How to obtain a tourist visa for Tunisia

Upon arrival in Tunisia, visitors of any nationality can obtain a three-month visa without having to show identification.

How to get to Tunisia

Traveling to tunisia by air.

International flights arrive at Tunis’s airport from all across Europe and Africa, including a number of major cities. Travelers can fly to Tunisia on Tunisian Airlines, and they can also book their tickets via the Skyscanner website. Associated content

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Travel to Tunisia by land

Tunisia has borders with Algeria and Libya.

• Algeria  : You can travel to Tunisia from Algeria and use the border post near Tabarka, and foreigners may be able to use the other borders.
• Libya  : You cannot cross from Libya, not because the borders are closed, but because Libya currently does not issue tourist visas, and the only way to enter is through a company that forges a work visa, and it is not recommended to enter or exit through Tunisia through Libya, because coming to Libya for commercial purposes does not carry Enough credibility.

The best time to visit Tunisia

The fact that Tunisia may be visited at any time of year is the most important feature that distinguishes it as a tourist destination. North America’s climate is Mediterranean, which implies mild winters and scorching summers for much of the region. You can visit the cities of Tunisia year-round; although July and August are good months to visit the coastline. The southern part of the country is best visited in the winter, as the summers are oppressively hot and you will have a miserable time. For the most part, the climate in Tunisia is pleasant.

In the summer, it’s hot and dry in Tunisia, with mild winters. To avoid the sweltering summer months and large crowds, travel to the nation during May and June, or September and October. While the months of July and August will be excellent for relaxing on the beach, keep in mind that you won’t be the only one there.

Is it better to visit Tunisia on your own or in a tour group?

Visiting Tunisia by yourself is advised, but if you don’t have time to see certain parts of Tunisia, GetYourGuide can arrange any form of excursion, no matter how long or short it is, with just a click.

Tunisian people and culture

They are neither Europeans nor Africans, but a strange cross between the two. If you visit the city centre of Tunis or Beirut, you’ll get a sense of how people live in these two open Arab cities that value freedom and openness. Of course, you’ll run into locals who are stuck in their ways. However, Tunisia’s majesty and beauty lie in the freedom everyone has, whether it’s in terms of daily life or religious ceremonies. In Tunis, girls in shorts and bare clothes can be seen walking through the souks with fully veiled females, which is unusual in other Arab countries.

The youth of Tunisia live in three modern cities: Sousse, Sfax, and Monastir. In these places, freedom reigns supreme. But religion is still quite important in Tunisian society. Older towns and rural areas have a great desire to keep their traditions and customs alive. However, Tunisia is more liberal and democratic than most Arab countries.

The language in Tunisia

Morocco and Algerian dialects are extremely close, although other Middle Eastern nations’ dialects like Egypt and Oman are unique. The official language is Arabic. Tunisians regularly utilise English when speaking with other Arabs, even those of various countries. Since Tunisia was a French territory, most Tunisians spoke fluent French, with the exception of the illiterate and rural populations. As a result, visitors to Tunisia are unaffected by the language barrier.

Tunisian cuisine

Various scrumptious meals with different characters can be found in Tunisian cuisine. Food in Tunisia is recognised for having a spicy flavour, similar to Indian food. Tunisia may be the only country in the Mediterranean to make extensive use of chilli peppers. Harissa, a hot sauce beloved by Tunisians, is used with nearly every cuisine. Several Tunisians have shown an interest in travelling with him when he goes outside the country. Due to Tunisia’s proximity to Italy, popular Italian dishes like spaghetti with tomato sauce, which costs about a dollar and can be found in all restaurants, have spread throughout the country.

Although the dishes in Tunis and Sousse differ, most restaurants in Tunisia’s south, such Tozeur and El Kef, offer only main courses. When in Tunisia, be sure to try some of the country’s wonderful cuisine, such as:

• A  to Break  Brik  :  months snack in Tunisia, which is a pastry stuffed with eggs or tuna that is loved by Tunisians much.
• Omelets  Ojja  :  is a kind of stewed tomatoes with different add – ons, including local sausages (Almrkaz) and seafood. Almost all local restaurants serve an omelette.
• Couscous  Cous-Cous  :  is a dish with Moroccan origins, but the Tunisian Couscous is characterized by warm flavor.
• Seafood:  In the Tunisian coastal cities, you can enjoy tasting delicious seafood dishes, such as octopus cooked in tomato broth, which Cafe Bellar restaurant in Sousse is famous for serving.

Transportation in Tunisia

There are two ways to move around in Tunisia:

Train: Tunisia’s rail system is world-class, with fast trains that passengers enjoy riding on. A railway line follows the coastline of Gabés. Trains in Tunisia are extremely efficient, however you may still check the timetables on  the official website of the Tunisian Railways  .

Collective taxi louage : They’re little local trucks that go to places you can’t get to by train, including Kairouan, El Kef, Tozeur, and other spots in the south, and they’re a cheap way to go around.

Money in Tunisia

A US dollar is equivalent to about 2.9 Tunisian dinars, which is Tunisia’s national currency. The availability of ATMs in Tunisian cities makes it simple to exchange dollars and euros.

How much does it cost to travel to Tunisia?

Life in Tunisia is more affordable than in Morocco because of the country’s depreciation as a result of the sharp drop in visitors. The following are some examples of service prices in Tunisia:

• Falafel sandwich:  one dinar or two dinars
• Local meal:  5 dinars
• A meal in a good restaurant:  20 dinars
• Entrance fees to tourist attractions (Dougga Archaeological  City,  forts, castles and museums):  From 8 to 12 dinars
• Budget hotels:  from 20 to 30 dinars
• Medium hotels:  from 40 to 50 dinars
• Transportation:  from 4 to 7 dinars for travel by train and group taxi.

And if you are on a tight budget, you can live in Tunisia with only 20 dollars a day.

Is it safe to travel to Tunisia?

Security concerns have arisen in the past, particularly in 2015, which is the primary cause of the sharp decline in travel. However, things have changed dramatically since then. You should obtain travel insurance to cover any costs you may encounter in Tunisia, such as medical bills or being robbed.

General Tips and Information for Travelers to Tunisia

What are the terms of entry into tunisia.

If you have a valid passport, you can travel to Tunisia with ease. A travel log, which is essential for entry into Tunisia even if you only have an identity card, must be planned through a tourism agency. There is no requirement for a visa for journeys under three months in length. After that, you’ll receive a visa and a residency permit from the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior.

Is it a suitable destination for children?

With numerous hotels offering daycare and kindergarten facilities, inexpensive child rates, and creative workshops, Tunisia is a great place to take your toddlers. A camel ride in the desert is one of many activities available to children in Tunisia, and the people there are welcoming and understanding of them.

What hygiene and safety on site? Drinking water, vaccines, what should I know?

No vaccination is necessary before entering Tunisian territory, although it is highly recommended that everyone get a universal vaccine (tetanus, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and hepatitis B). While on-site, health risks are rare if you follow a few tips like drinking only bottled water, not eating ice cubes, and washing your produce thoroughly before you eat it.

When visiting medinas, public transit, tourist sites, or public beaches, tourists should exercise extra caution with their possessions. It’s not a good idea to travel alone as a woman in the countryside. When visiting city centres, tourist attractions, and religious sites, dress modestly by wearing attire that covers your shoulders and thighs, such as dresses or skirts.

What are the types of accommodation you can find?

Tunisia’s hotel business is booming, with accommodations ranging from one to five stars in the classification. Staying in a three-star hotel will ensure you get the best possible experience. The travel, airport transportation, housing, and food are all included in many hotel complex “All inclusive” packages. Consider staying in a guest home, a residence, a fine hotel, or even a lodge if you enjoy venturing outside the box. All of these accommodations provide great value. If you want to “live the Tunisian way” while you’re here, rent an apartment or a house.

What are the main areas of interest?

In addition to its well-known beaches, Tunisia has an abundance of natural beauty. This country’s fauna and flora are equally impressive. A trip to Ichkeul National Park is all that’s needed to fully enjoy these natural wonders. This area has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, making it a home for a wide variety of migratory birds, from sparrows to raptors. There are also over 500 distinct plant species in the area.. One of Tunisia’s natural treasures is the oasis of Chekiba, complete with waterfalls and palm trees.

Archaeological sites are also hidden gems in this country. Carthage is the most well-known, but other ancient Roman cities, such as El Jem, have been meticulously preserved. The National Bardo Museum in Tunis is one of must-sees in Tunisia. The world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics is on display there.

What are the activities to do?

Tunisia’s white sand beaches, shaded by palm trees, are invitations to swim and relax. The sea also offers the possibility of practicing various water sports such as water skiing or diving. Tabarka, in the north of the country and Zarzis, near Djerba, are two places to go for scuba diving. Tunisia also has greens with varied courses that will delight golf enthusiasts. The proximity of the desert allows the practice of the camel trek, camel treks. Other new activities , such as flying over the oases in a hot air balloon and sand yachting await holidaymakers in Tunisia.

What are the most beautiful beaches in the country?

Tunisia’s more than 1300 km of coastline are a true paradise for lovers of idleness! From north to south, here is a selection of our “favorite” beaches: to the north, the Coral Coast is a coastline of 300 km rather wild with large beaches like those of Tabarka or Cap Serrat; it is also a very beautiful area for diving. Towards Bizerte, the Corniche beach is a benchmark. Further south, the region of Hammamet has many seaside resorts such as Skanes or Hammamet. Facing the Kerkennah Islands, the surroundings of Sfax are rich in wild beaches. Finally Gabès and especially the island of Djerba is to be discovered with its beach of Sidi-Mahrès, one of the most beautiful in the country!

Shopping and crafts, what to bring back?

Shopping is an opportunity to stroll through Tunisian cities and admire local artisan products. You can shop in stores, but the souks have a special charm to discover. This type of market is held weekly in each city. The souks are organized by trade: pottery, jewelry, woolen, etc. A visit to the souks is an opportunity to obtain artisanal products typical of Tunisia. As the prices indicated are sometimes double and even triple the real value of the objects, it is important not to hesitate to haggle. True Ali Baba’s cave, craftsmanship in Tunisia is rich: carpets, jebbas (traditional clothing), weaving and embroidery are of excellent quality in Tunisia. Leather balghas (shoes) are also a great gift idea to bring back from Tunisia. Ceramics and pottery are an ancestral custom, take advantage of your coming to bring back crockery, dishes, ashtrays which are often brightly colored adorned with many details. On the beauty side, many products have been proven, such as black soap, rose water, orange blossom water or even jasmine essential oils; white jasmine is also the emblematic flower of Tunisia. Check the composition carefully before buying and opt instead for local and organic producers!

Internet, telephone which access?

To check your emails or surf the net, most hotels are equipped with WIFI. On the other hand, if your accommodation does not have one, you can go to centers called Publinet which are equipped with computers with internet connections at a very low cost. On the telephone side, you must check with your operator to find out the rates in force in Tunisia. You can also buy a SIM card for the duration of your stay and buy credit on the spot, some Tunisian operators offer packages for tourists per week.

The most important tourist attractions that you can visit in two weeks

You can enjoy visiting Tunisia and seeing the most important sights in the country in just two weeks. Here is a timeline that you can apply during your visit to Tunisia.

Visit Tunis – the first and second days

The city of Tunis is a melting pot of many cultures, in which you will find the Mediterranean, European and North African atmosphere. And Tunis, the capital, is the starting point for your trip in the country. The old part of the city is predominantly Afro-Maghreb, which is very similar to Moroccan cities, but more welcoming to tourists. There is also a European part of the city with lots of French-style buildings and bakeries. And in this part of town, you feel like you are in Europe. In addition, the city is dotted with nightclubs, luxury restaurants and Roman ruins in Carthage and the Sidi Bou Said region.

Residence options in Tunis:

• The hostel:  Located in the heart of Tunis, the Medina Youth Hostel is one of the most important accommodation options for tourists on a budget.
• Medium hotels:  The Dar La Leila is a wonderful hotel distinguished by its traditional design and distinguished level of service.
• Luxury Hotels:  The Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa is a five-star hotel, known for offering an exceptional level of luxury and luxury.

Visit the resort town of Sousse – the third day

Sousse is a wonderful tourist destination, for foreign tourists and Tunisian citizens alike, but it may seem a bit strange for tourists who travel alone. And on the coast line, there are dotted buildings with exotic designs and exorbitant restaurants. The city of Sousse had been subjected to terrorist attacks against tourists in the world of 2015, which affected the tourism movement in the city. In any case, the old part of Sousse is a great place to wander the narrow streets and alleys. In addition, Sousse is a good starting point for exploring some other cities such as Kairouan, Monastir or El Jem. In these cities, there are accommodations, but Sousse has more options than hotels, restaurants and cafes.

The most important activities and tourist attractions in the city of Sousse

• The City:  Like all African cities, Sousse is a maze of narrow, intersecting streets and alleys, where you can enjoy wandering around on foot and seeing buildings and people.
• The Great Mosque:  This mosque dates back to the eighth century. Unusually in other mosques, you will pay an entrance fee to this mosque.
• Rabat Fort: It  is an ancient Islamic fortress dating back to the eighth century, and it includes one of the oldest prayer halls in Africa. Most of the Tunisian coastal cities include the forts of Rabat, which were created during the first centuries of Islamic history in order to defend the Islamic countries.
• Sousse Archaeological Museum  : The Sousse Museum contains one of the largest collections of Roman mosaic paintings, among which is the famous Medusa painting.

Accommodation options in Sousse

• Hostels:  Hotel Paris is located in the city center and offers good Wi-Fi.
• Mid-Range  Hotels:  Dar Antonia is distinguished by its traditional style and comfortable atmosphere.

How to get to Sousse from Tunis

There are several trains running daily to Sousse from Tunis Central Station. A ticket usually costs 10,000 dinars, and the journey takes just over two hours.

A visit to Monastir – the fourth day

If you have enough time, you can visit Monastir, which is a wonderful city that was established as a Phoenician commercial settlement more than 2000 years ago. Monastir is a quiet and crowded city, as the tourist area is located quite far from the city center. In addition, Monastir has the forts of Rabat and a set of corridors and interconnected stairs that appear to be taken from a movie. Monastir is the birthplace of Habib Bourguiba, the leader who led the country to independence from France and ruled the country from 1956 to 1987. Tourists can enjoy visiting the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, and there are also many tours and tours organized by different companies.

How to get to Monastir from Sousse

Monastir is located 20 km by train from Sousse, and trains run constantly throughout the day, and the ticket costs $ 1 or less.

The Great Roman Civil War

Do you know the famous Roman civil war that took place between Julius Caesar and Pompeius? It was the war that led Rome to transform from a republic to an empire, and the final battle that led Julius Caesar to victory took place in a square between Sousse and Monastir. Monastir was the military base for Caesar, while Sousse was the military base for Pompeius. There is a popular TV series shown on Netflix that depicts the events of this historic battle.

Visit Kairouan, the Holy City – day five

Some sources claim that Kairouan is the most famous Islamic city on the continent of Africa, and ranks fourth in the Islamic world after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. This city is characterized by a somewhat different atmosphere from the rest of Tunisia, as it is predominantly traditional and welcoming to visitors.

The most important activities and tourist attractions in the city of Kairouan

At the Grand Mosque, you can buy one ticket that allows you to visit many tourist sites and attractions, including the following:

• The Great Mosque:  This mosque dates back to the seventh century, and is one of the most famous mosques in Africa.
• Beer Broth in  Bir Barouta  :  Monument was built around the Ottoman era is said to be well connected to other apparently Be’er in Mecca. There is a camel to extract water from the well.
• Zaouia  of Sidi Sahab  :  a wonderful Islamic complex distinguished by its Andalusian-style tiles.

How to get to Kairouan from Sousse

There is no railway line that runs through Kairouan, so you have to take a collective taxi from Sousse. The journey takes an hour or a little more.

And in the city of Kairouan, especially near Zawiya Sidi Sahbi, there are many people who try to invite foreign tourists to enter the religion of Islam, through telling many stories, touching sermons and the experiences of other tourists who converted to Islam, and then they reached the secret of happiness and peace. Internal.

Visit the city of El Jem – the sixth day

The city of El Jem is one of the most beautiful Tunisian cities, and it is one of the most famous Roman amphitheatres in the world, and it is in fact the third largest Roman amphitheater. It was built in the second century AD, but it is less crowded than its counterpart in Rome.

And at a distance of one kilometer from the amphitheater, there is an archaeological museum that also contains many Roman mosaics, which depict scenes of wild animals devouring slaves and prisoners in the amphitheater. You must buy the ticket at the Coliseum office, and it also includes admission to the museum.

You can take a train from Sousse in the early morning, and visit El-Jem for several hours, before continuing on your way to Sfax. Next to El Jem train station, there is a luxury hotel with a good level of service.

How to get to El Jem from Sousse

The train journey from the central train station in Sousse takes only one hour.

Visit the city of Sfax, the most wonderful city in Tunisia – the seventh day

Residents of Sfax are famous for their passion for thrift and hard work. Sfax is an open city, famous for its wonderful atmosphere, full of freedom and excitement. The great city of Sfax is one of the most beautiful cities in Tunisia at all, and it is distinguished by an authentic character that has not changed.

The most important activities and tourist attractions in the city of Sfax

• Wandering the city streets:  Sfax is a pure African city with an unparalleled traditional character.
• Abandoned synagogue:  Tunisia was home to a large Jewish community, and there is an abandoned synagogue in Sfax.
• Republic Square: It  is a square located at the entrance to the city and includes many French-style buildings.

Accommodation options in Sfax

There are two neighboring lodges 2 km northwest of the city.

Jews in Tunisia

Tunisia today has one of the largest Jewish communities in the Arab world, and it is concentrated mainly in the city of Tunis and the island of Djerba. Of course, most of the Jewish community immigrated to Israel after the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but there are still many Jews, and there are also few synagogues, which is another fact that proves the atmosphere of tolerance that characterizes Tunisia.

Visit Tataouine and its environs – the eighth and ninth day

The southern part of Tunisia is an arid region that extends to the Libyan border, and it is the least visited area for tourists. In this region, there are many Berber villages, camel herds, and ancient Kassar (fortified Berber villages). It was in this remote area that American producer George Lucas decided to shoot Star Wars. This region differs greatly from other regions in Tunisia, as it is characterized by a more conservative character, and it is the home of the Berbers, the indigenous people of North Africa before the advent of the Arabs.

This area is characterized by its vast area, and tourist attractions are spread throughout the region, but there is no public transportation, there are few buses, but it is not a convenient way of transportation. The best way to discover this area is to either rent a car or go in a tour group. Renting a car costs less than $ 25.

The most important activities and tourist attractions in and around the city of Tataouine

Under normal conditions, you will need a whole day to visit this area. It is preferable to rent a private car and leave early in the morning, and do not forget that car rental offices do not open their doors before 9 am.

• Palace of  Ksar Ouled Soltane  :  This palace is the most famous room in the region. The rooms are 4-storey old buildings that were used by the Berbers in the past to store grain.
• Palace Thinina  Chenini  :  is the best place to visit in Tataouine, a huge old mansion dating back to the twelfth century and is located on a hilltop.
• Palace Grmash  Guermassa  :  a huge mansion located on another highlands, and it takes to climb to about one hour, and can be used SUV.
• Ghomrassen City  Ghomrassen  :  is a large modern city located in a remote area, characterized by its unique architecture in style, and can stop them for lunch.
• Village Blacksmith Palace of the  Ksar Hadada  :  In this region, was filmed Star Wars movie Star Wars. There is also a group of chambers of commerce.

Accommodation options in this region

• The Inn:  Auberge Alferdaus is a great budget accommodation option.
• Apartments:  Dar Essadeg is a traditional hotel apartment house.
• Mid-Range Hotels  :  The Sangho Privilege Tataouine is a wonderful hotel with comfortable accommodation, with great facilities, including a swimming pool. The hotel is also distinguished by its reasonable prices.

Visit the city and oasis of Tozeur and its environs – the tenth and eleventh days

Tozeur is a wonderful city and oasis that includes the old quarter, characterized by its buildings constructed using handcrafted bricks, and the city is a starting point for discovering other mountain oases and enjoying watching camel caravans. Humans are said to have settled this area 10,000 years ago. This area is a miniature version of the northern Oman region, and it is a frequent destination for tourists. Also, the weather in this region is not good, as sand-laden winds are frequent. As is the case in Tataouine, it is best to discover Tozeur and its surroundings in a private car or through the tourist trips organized by most hotels.

The most important tourist activities and attractions in and around Tozeur

• Chebika  Village  : It  is a small village with many palm trees.
• Tamerza  Oasis  :  is another small village with many palm trees, in addition to a small valley and a waterfall.
• Midès  Oasis  : It  is a small oasis characterized by many beautiful landscapes.
• Desert neck of the camel  Ong , Jemal  :  the desert is famous for its breathtaking views of the sunset, a site filming the movie Star Wars Star Wars, and the decor is still the original film exists so far. Tour operators may tell you that 4-wheel drive vehicles are required to get to this area, but this is not the case.

Accommodation options in Tozeur

Budget  Hotels:  Residence Warda is an ideal budget hotel for tourists on a budget.

Mid-Range Hotels  :  The Residence Loued is a wonderful hotel located in the heart of the Old Town.

How to get to Tozeur from Tataouine

The distance between Tozeur and Tataouine is 300 km, and you will need to take a collective taxi from Tataouine to Medenine, then take another taxi to Gabes. From Gabes, you can take a train to Tozeur or you can take a collective taxi to Gafsa, then from Gafsa to Tozeur.

Visit the remote city of El Kef – 12th day

The city of El Kef and the surrounding area is one of the most beautiful in Tunisia, and it is a remote city that houses the Kasbah building that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding green meadows. The city also has an authentic traditional setting, and is a starting point for exploring the surrounding area.

Accommodation options in the city of El Kef

There aren’t many options, but there is a hotel close to town, the Sicca Veneria, where the stay costs $ 15 a night.

How to get to El Kef from Tozeur

The distance between El Kef and Tozeur is about 330 km. A collective taxi will take from Tozeur to Gafsa, then from Gafsa to Kasserine and then to El Kef. The trip will take an entire day.

Visit the Jugurtha Tableland – the thirteenth day

The Table of Jugurtha is a natural military fortress, and it is a huge, flat mountain with a height of 1270 meters, and it has been used as a fortress for centuries, from the time of the Romans to the present day. This area is one of the most wonderful tourist areas in Tunisia, and it is a border region through which you can enjoy scenic views of the country of Algeria. You must be accompanied by a guard at all times, and this is often free of charge.

How to get to the table Jugurtha from the city of El Kef

You can take a collective taxi from the El Kef bus station and head to the border city, Qalat as Sanan. The driver will take you to the police station in order to record your visit to the site. You must have your identification documents. The police will help you to find a taxi to take you to Jugurtha (about 4 km) for $ 10. On arrival, an official guide will welcome you and take you to the top of the mountain. You can camp on top of the mountain, but you need to obtain a permit from the police station, and a guard will accompany you throughout the night. And in this region, very strong winds blow.

Visit the ancient Roman city of Dougga – the fourteenth day

The archaeological city of Dougga has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This site includes a group of ancient Roman antiquities that are unparalleled anywhere outside the Italian city of Rome, and are more magnificent than the antiquities found in the city of Baalbek in Lebanon, or The city of Jerash in Jordan. The city of Dougga enjoys a wonderful location, surrounded by beautiful olive trees and wheat farms. In this archaeological site are the Capitol and many other temples, as well as a Roman amphitheater. It is best to visit this area during the weekdays, especially at the end of the day, to avoid crowds.

How to get to the city of Dakka from the city of El Kef

It’s a little complicated! You will take a collective taxi to the village of Al Karib, then take another car to the city of Daqqa, which is located 4 km from the archaeological site, but finding a car will not be easy, and you may have to walk a long distance. And from the city of Dougga, you can easily return to El Kef or Tunis.

Read also: Comprehensive tourist guide for the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh

• https://againstthecompass.com
• https://wikipedia.org

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Cost of Living in Tunisia

• A family of four estimated monthly costs are 144,419.1руб (4,839.1DT) without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs are 41,003.6руб (1,373.9DT) without rent.
• Cost of living in Tunisia is, on average, 1.5% lower than in Russia .
• Rent in Tunisia is, on average, 51.0% lower than in Russia .

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Tunisia Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Tunisia in 2022

Welcome to tunisia.

Tunisia is an underrated gem in North Africa that offers a unique blend of ancient history, Mediterranean charm, and breathtaking Sahara desert landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Carthage to the stunning coastal holiday resorts of Hammamet, this country offers something for everyone.

Planning a trip to a new country can be overwhelming, so we are here to help. Read this ultimate Tunisia travel guide to plan your trip and know which travel documents you need.

Document checklist for Tunisia

Valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended length of stay.

Visa (if applicable).

Proof of accommodation during your stay in Tunisia.

Sufficient funds to cover your trip.

Return airline ticket or onward travel ticket.

Essential Tunisia travel information

Currency - The official currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). 1 USD is equivalent to approximately 2.79 TND.

Daily budget for one person - Expect to spend around USD 60 for food, transportation, and accommodation daily.

Languages - The official language is Arabic, spoken in almost the entire country. However, French is also widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas.

Number of travelers per year - In 2019, Tunisia received over 9 million tourists.

Socket type - Tunisia uses European-style Type C and Type E sockets with a voltage of 230V.

Time zone - Central European Time (CET) (UTC+1).

Top 3 cities to visit - Tunis, Sousse, and Hammamet.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments - The ancient city of Carthage, the Bardo Museum, and the Medina of Tunis.

Visa information for Tunisia

You may need a visa to enter the country . Here's an overview of the visa requirements:

Travelers from the United States or the EU can visit Tunisia for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa at the Tunisian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to find out more about travel documents for Tunisia!

Visa difficulty index for Tunisia

Accessibility: 3/5

Getting a visa for Tunisia is relatively easy and accessible. U.S. citizens and EU citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival. However, it's important to note that this option may only be available for some nationalities, and some travelers may still need to apply for a visa in advance at the embassy or consulate.

Time to get your visa: 3/5

The processing time for a Tunisian visa can vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to receive a visa. While some travelers have reported receiving their visas quickly, it's essential to allow enough time for processing , especially during peak travel seasons.

The cost of a Tunisian visa depends on the type of visa and your nationality.

Typical costs and budget for Tunisia

Tunisia is an affordable travel destination with various budget options. Here's an essential guide to what you can expect to spend daily when traveling through the major cities on an average budget .

Daily spending per person - Expect to spend around USD 60 per day, including meals, transport, and hotel.

Meals - Expect to spend around USD 7-10 per meal at a mid-range restaurant. Street food and local markets offer cheaper options, starting at USD 1 for a sandwich or pastry.

Transport - Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive, with fares starting at USD 2- 3 for short distances. Public transportation, such as buses and trains, is cheaper, with fares starting at USD 0.20- 0.40 per ride.

Hotel - Budget hotels can be found for as low as USD 10-14 per night, while mid-range hotels range from USD 21- 28 per night. Luxury accommodations can cost upwards of USD 70 per night.

A trip for two people for one week , including mid-range accommodations, transportation, and meals, can cost, on average, around USD 700- 875. However, costs may vary depending on the season, activities, and personal preferences.

Transport and ways to travel around Tunisia

Tunisia offers various modes of transportation and ways to travel to and around the North African country.

Flying to Tunisia

Tunisia's main international airport is Tunis-Carthage International Airport , located just outside the capital city. Several major airlines offer direct flights to Tunisia from major destinations worldwide, including Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Tunisair.

Other airports in Tunisia that offer international flights include Djerba-Zarzis International Airport and Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, popular destinations for tourists visiting Tunisia's coastal regions.

Arrival and immigration tips for Tunisia

Tunisia is becoming popular with tourists as more people realize the wonderful experiences the country has to offer. Here are some tips to get through the immigration process smoothly .

If you need a visa to enter Tunisia, it's recommended to apply in advance to avoid any delays or issues upon arrival.

Upon arrival, follow the signs for immigration and have your documents ready, including your passport, visa (if applicable), and any supporting documents such as a return ticket or proof of accommodation.

If you're eligible for a visa on arrival, expect long queues . It's recommended to apply for a visa in advance if you’re eligible to do so.

Depending on the time of day, there may be long queues or traffic at the airport , so plan accordingly and allow extra time for transportation and customs.

To get to and from the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a private transfer . Taxis are widely available, but be sure to negotiate the fare in advance to avoid any surprises.

Best ways to travel around Tunisia

Tunisia offers various means of transportation for travelers to explore the country. The most common form of transport is shared taxis, known as ‘Louages’. These shared cars travel between cities and towns and can be flagged down on the street or found at designated stations. They are generally cheap and reliable, but it's essential to negotiate the price before getting in.

Another popular mode of transportation is the train, which is a more comfortable option for longer journeys. The national railway company, SNCFT, operates a train network connecting major cities and towns across the country. Travelers can purchase tickets at the train station or online in advance.

Buses are also available for travel within cities and villages and for longer distances between destinations. They can be found at bus stations and booked in advance or on the day of travel. It's recommended to check the schedules beforehand, as they may vary depending on the season.

Taxis and local buses are available for getting around within cities and towns. Taxis can be found along streets and negotiated for a fare before getting in. Be aware that Tunisian traffic can be chaotic, so always wear your seatbelt!

Most tourist resorts offer free transfers or shuttles to and from the airport and major nearby tourist sites.

Safety in Tunisia

Like many other countries, Tunisia is generally a safe country for travelers, with a low crime rate and a welcoming local population. However, visitors should still exercise caution and take certain safety precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

While terrorist incidents have occurred in the past, the Tunisian government has taken significant steps to improve security measures and reduce the risk of further attacks.

Visitors should always follow government advice and avoid areas near the borders with Libya and Algeria, and any areas deemed sensitive or off-limits by local authorities.

Additionally, travelers should take basic safety measures such as keeping valuables secure, avoiding displays of wealth, and being cautious when using ATMs or exchanging money.

It is also advisable to keep a close eye on your belongings when in crowded areas and to be wary of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists.

It is an Islamic country, and visitors should respect local traditions and culture , especially when visiting religious sites...

It is recommended to have travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

With some sensible precautions, travelers to Tunisia can enjoy a safe and memorable trip.

Weather in Tunisia

Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate , with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild, and there's less rainfall.

During these seasons, the average temperature ranges from 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day and 10-15°C (50-59°F) at night.

Must do and see in Tunisia

Visit the ancient city of Carthage: This UNESCO World Heritage Site near Tunis is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The city was once a powerful Phoenician trading empire and later a Roman city, and you can explore the ruins of temples, amphitheaters, and the famous Carthaginian port.

Explore the medina of Tunis: This labyrinth of narrow streets, souks, and traditional houses is a must when visiting Tunisia. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in Tunisian culture, shop for local crafts and souvenirs, and sample delicious street food.

Relax on the beaches of Hammamet: This famous town is the jewel of Tunisia tourism, located along the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It's a great place to soak up the sun.

Take a desert safari in Douz: Also known as the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’ Douz offers loads of local activities such as camel riding or 4×4 safaris to see stunning landscapes, including dunes, oases, and ancient Berber villages.

Experience the holy city of Kairouan: Kairouan is an essential Islamic center and home to many historic mosques and religious buildings, including the Great Mosque of Kairouan. It's a great place to learn about Tunisian culture and religion and to sample traditional sweets like Makroudh.

Typical Tunisian food to try

Tunisia has many delicious dishes influenced by Arab and Nomad cultures. Here are five traditional Tunisian dishes to try on your trip:

Couscous - A staple dish of steamed semolina grains served with various meats or vegetables, often accompanied by spicy harissa sauce. This is considered the national dish of Tunisia.

Brik - This fried pastry is filled with egg, mashed potatoes, tuna, and harissa. It's a popular street food snack for breakfast or as an appetizer. Brik is crispy on the outside and savory on the inside, with a spicy kick from the harissa..

Lablabi - A famed northern Tunisia chickpea soup made with garlic, cumin, and bread, often topped with a boiled egg and drizzled with olive oil.

Mechouia This refreshing salad is made with grilled peppers, tomatoes, onion, tuna, olives, and capers, and dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Ojja - A spicy tomato-based stew with eggs, sausage, and harissa, often served with crusty bread for dipping.

Vaccine information for Tunisia

The CDC recommends certain vaccinations for travelers to Tunisia, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

A yellow fever vaccine certificate is required for travelers coming from certain countries in Africa and South America. It is also recommended that travelers be up-to-date on their flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines.

Explore the ancient city of Dougga

Tunisia is home to the ancient city of Dougga , considered one of the best-preserved Roman ruins and cities in North Africa. The city dates back to the 2nd century BC and boasts well-preserved ruins, including a theater, a forum, temples, and public baths.

In 1997, Dougga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site , making it a must-see destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. Additionally, the city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including rolling hills and olive groves, making it a unique and picturesque destination for travelers.

Dougga is located in Téboursouk, in the north of Tunisia. It is about a two-hour drive from Tunis. The best way to get there is by renting a car or sharing a taxi with other travelers.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Tunisia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance .

Since 1 July, the city of Sfax has witnessed several days of civil unrest, including reports of injuries, arrests and one death, related to heightened tensions between local residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Security forces in Sfax and the region are on high alert. Further disturbances could occur with little or no warning and impact other Black people perceived to be of sub-Saharan African origin.

Terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out further attacks in Tunisia, including against UK and Western interests. There have been a number of self-initiated attacks in 2023. On 3 July a National Guard officer was attacked with a knife in the La Goulette area of Tunis.

In June, a police officer was stabbed and killed outside the Brazilian Embassy in Tunis. In May, a fatal shooting took place on the island of Djerba, near to where Tunisian and international visitors were taking part in the annual Jewish pilgrimage at the El Ghriba synagogue. Three security personnel and two civilians were killed, and ten people were injured.

Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places. You should be vigilant at all times, including around religious sites and festivals. Crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack. You should be particularly vigilant in these areas and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities. In more remote areas of the country, including tourist sites in southern Tunisia, security forces’ response times to an incident may vary. Follow the advice of the Tunisian security authorities and your travel company if you have one. See Terrorism

Parliamentary elections took place in December 2022 and January 2023 and the new Parliament opened in March 2023.

Protests occur in Tunisia with little or no warning, and can sometimes become violent. They usually take place in central areas of Tunis and other major cities, and in the vicinity of government buildings, often but not always on weekends or around prominent national anniversary dates. In response to the current situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, peaceful demonstrations have occurred in some Tunisian cities, including outside some Western embassies. Avoid all protests, and move away from gathered crowds. Keep up to date with developments through the media and follow the instructions given by the Tunisian authorities as well as your hotel and tour operator, if you have one. See Political and security situation

You can contact the emergency services by calling:

• 197 (police - when in cities and towns)
• 193 (national guard - when in rural areas or small villages)
• 190 (ambulance)
• 198 (civil protection - for assistance at incidents, such as car accidents, to provide medical assistance and response to fire).

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission . Consular support may be limited in parts of Tunisia.

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