tunisia tourism places

20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tunisia

Although it’s famous for its warm winter sun, dunes and excellent spas, the smallest country in North Africa is not always known for its beauty. Although I think it’s vastly underrated and Tunisia is home to some seriously stunning places. From magical mountain oases to gorgeous beach resorts, here are my favourite spots…

1. Hammamet

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

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

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

• Location: northeastern part of the country
• Location Map

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2. Sidi Bou Said

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

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

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

• Location: northern part of the country

Located right on the coast, this former military port is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, sprawling hotels and its incredible medina which is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site .

It’s both a bustling tourist resort and a beautifully preserved place. In my opinion, it is a fine example of a town dating from the first centuries of Islam.

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

• Location: east-central 

4. Port El Kantaoui 

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

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

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

• Location: central part of the country

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

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

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

• Location: southeast

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

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

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

• Location: north east

7. Cap Bon Area 

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

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

• Location: northeastern 

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

Aside from a beautiful long sandy beach, other reasons to visit here include the picturesque old port with gently bobbing boats, a pretty coastline, and an incredible road cut into the coast.

I would highly recommend trying out some of the excellent restaurants also located here!

• Location: north

9. Tunis Medina, Tunis 

In my opinion, the most striking part of the country’s capital city is the old Arab-walled town, otherwise known as the Medina.

Expect fine examples of Arab architecture and lively souqs where everything from household goods to gold can be bartered for.

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

• Location: northeastern coast

10. Monastir Ribat 

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

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

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

• Location Map  

11. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax

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

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

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

12. Chebika

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

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

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

• Location: western Tunisia

13. The Sahara

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

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

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

• Location: southern region 

14. Matmata and the Ksour 

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

I love that it’s a uniquely beautiful place, home to attractive honeycomb style granaries known as ghorfas.

The curious architecture style stems from fortified Berber settlements and is so unusual that it almost looks other-worldly.

• Location: south of the country

15. Chott el Djerid

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

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

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

16. Tamerza

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

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

• Location: southwestern part of the country

17. Kairouan

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

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

• Location: central Tunisia

18. Ichkeul Lake 

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

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

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

• Location: north of the country

19. Bou-Hedma National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The spa hotels are gorgeous!

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

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

Thanks Marysia, I’m glad we did! 🙂

So many beautiful places, Sidi Bou Said looks gorgeous!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks Agness!

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

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

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

15 Best Places to Visit in Tunisia

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

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

Lets explore the best places to visit in Tunisia :

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

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

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

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

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

2. Houmt Souk

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

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

Accordingly, history oozes from every dust-caked pore.

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

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

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

But the beauties are there nonetheless.

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

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

4. Sidi Bou Said

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are wide, tree-peppered avenues.

There are coffee shops spilling onto the sidewalks.

There are grand cathedrals with Gothic elements.

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

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

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

7. Kairouan

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

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

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

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

8. Monastir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Carthage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Hammamet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Matmata

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

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

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

15 Best Places to Visit in Tunisia:

• Sidi Bou Said

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tunisia

25 April 2024 · In: Travel , Tunisia

Are you looking for the  best places to visit in Tunisia ? You have come to the right place! This article walks you through the  15 most beautiful locations to add to your bucket list  for an unforgettable vacation, whether you are travelling as a couple, family with children or with friends.

Welcome to Tunisia, a  North African gem  nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert. From  ancient ruins  steeped in history to  stunning beaches  framed by azure waters, you will find plenty of  things to do and places to see  for a vacation full of surprises.

Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast or a culture seeker, Tunisia has something for everyone, thanks to its wide range of  cultural experiences and water adventures .

I visited Tunisia a few years ago with my mum, and this road trip  changed my life and the way I see the world ! It is also the place where my passion for travel writing and photography was born.

So, are you ready to discover the  top 15 places in Tunisia that you must visit ? Let’s get started! And, of course, let me know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions ☀️

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, please  read our full affiliate disclosure .

15- Bizerte

Overview: 15 must-visit places in tunisia.

1- Carthage 2- Tunis Medina 3- Sidi Bou Said 4- Dougga 5- El Djem Amphitheatre 6- Matmata 7- Kairouan 8- Chott el Jerid

9- Djerba 10- Tozeur & the Oasis of Nefta 11- Bulla Regia 12- Ichkeul National Park 13- Hammamet 14- Sousse 15- Bizerte

Scenic places in Tunisia – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

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15 most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia

Remember that this list is only a recommendation! You will find many other beautiful places and towns to visit in Tunisia.

1- Carthage

Carthage, located near Tunis,  is an ancient city steeped in history and mythology . Founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC, it became one of the  greatest and wealthiest cities  of the ancient world, rivalled only by Rome. 

Today, you can explore its  vast archaeological ruins , including the Baths of Antoninus, the Punic Ports and the iconic Byrsa Hill, which offers  panoramic views  of the surrounding area and houses the Carthage National Museum. 

The  historical significance  of Carthage, combined with its stunning ruins and coastal location, makes it one of the best places to visit in Tunisia for those interested in  ancient civilisations and archaeology .

Things to do & see in Carthage

• Tour the Carthage National Museum
• Wander through the Ancient Ruins
• Marvel at the Antonine Baths
• Admire the Roman Villas
• Discover the Punic Ports
• Climb Byrsa Hill for panoramic views
• Explore the Salammbo Tophet
• Stroll through the Carthaginian Quarter
• Visit the Roman Theater
• Enjoy the various vantage points of the sea

Unforgettable experiences I recommend 

2- tunis medina.

The Tunis Medina is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  and one of the  best-preserved medieval cities  in the world. Enclosed within ancient walls, its narrow streets are lined with historic buildings, traditional souks (markets), mosques and palaces, reflecting centuries of Arab, Ottoman and French influences. 

Immerse yourself in the  vibrant atmosphere , sample  local cuisine , shop for handicrafts and admire the  detailed architecture . There are plenty of things to do and see for all ages.

The Tunis Medina is a  cultural treasure  not to be missed, offering a perfect glimpse into the rich history of Tunisia, making it one of the best places to experience the  authentic charm and heritage  of the country.

Things to do & see in Tunis Medina

• See the Zitouna Mosque
• Wander through the souks
• Explore the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum
• Admire the Al-Zaytuna University
• Climb the Clock Tower for panoramic views
• Visit the Mausoleum of Tourbet el-Bey
• Discover the fortified citadel of the Kasbah
• Indulge in traditional Tunisian dishes
• Marvel at the intricate architecture
• Experience local culture and interact with locals

3- Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is a  charming coastal village  located a short distance from Tunis. Renowned for its striking white and blue architecture, you will uncover a  picturesque and romantic ambience  during your visit.

Stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, decorated with bougainvillea flowers, and admire the  traditional Tunisian houses with blue doors and shutters . The village also offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal spot for  relaxation and reflection . 

With its  unique aesthetic and scenic panoramas , Sidi Bou Said is the perfect place to discover the essence of  Tunisian coastal beauty  and is a must-visit destination if you are seeking serenity and charm.

Things to do & see in Sidi Bou Said

• Wander through the picturesque streets
• Relax at the Café des Nattes
• Admire the views from Café Sidi Chabaane
• Discover the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace
• Explore the Museum Dar el-Annabi
• Photograph the iconic Lighthouse
• Browse through the artisanal shops
• Visit the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions
• Unwind on Sidi Bou Said Beach
• Experience a magical sunset

Dougga, located in northern Tunisia, is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  and one of the most  impressive ancient Roman cities  in North Africa. Dating from the 2nd century BC, it features well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into the past.

Take the time to explore its  ancient theatre, temples, baths and residential quarters , all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and olive groves. Highlights you should not miss include the Capitol and the well-preserved Roman villas.

The remarkable state of preservation of the site, mixed with its  scenic surroundings and rich history , makes Dougga an unmissable location for history buffs and travellers wishing to learn more about the  ancient past of Tunisia .

Things to do & see in Dougga

• Marvel at the ruins of the Capitol
• Admire the ancient Roman theatre
• Discover the ruins of the Roman Forum
• Explore the Temples and other religious structures 
• See the remains of the Licinian Baths
• Visit the House of the Trifolium
• Walk along the Decumanus Maximus
• Stop by the Dougga Museum
• Take in the views of the Tunisia countryside

5- El Djem Amphitheatre

The El Djem Amphitheatre, also known as the Colosseum of Thysdrus, is a  splendid Roman amphitheatre  located in the town of El Djem in central Tunisia. Built in the 3rd century AD, it is one of the  largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres  in the world, second only to the Colosseum in Rome. 

The amphitheatre could accommodate up to 35,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. Today, you can  marvel at its impressive structure , including its imposing walls and well-preserved underground chambers. 

The  historical significance, architectural grandeur and dramatic setting  of El Djem Amphitheatre in the middle of the Tunisian countryside make it a popular tourist attraction, especially great if you are interested in  ancient history and Roman architecture .

Matmata is a  unique Berber village  located in southern Tunisia, known for its  distinctive underground homes  carved into the limestone cliffs. These troglodyte houses feature interconnected rooms arranged around a central courtyard, providing  natural insulation from the desert heat . 

For all the movie fans out there, Matmata gained international fame as a  filming location for scenes in the Star Wars series , adding to its charm! You can also explore the fascinating cave homes, interact with the local Berber community and experience a way of life that has persisted for centuries. 

The captivating landscape and cultural significance of Matmata make it one of the best places to visit in Tunisia for a  one-of-a-kind and immersive travel experience  – one of the highlights of my  South Tunisia road trip !

Things to do & see in Matmata

• Visit traditional underground homes
• Stay overnight in a troglodyte hotel
• Discover the Star Wars filming locations
• Take a guided tour of nearby Berber villages
• Browse through local shops and markets
• Take in the breathtaking views of the desert
• Enjoy authentic Berber cuisine
• Embark on a camel ride desert excursion
• Explore Ksar Ouled Soltane
• Interact with locals and learn about their culture

7- Kairouan

Kairouan, located in northeastern Tunisia, is one of the  holiest cities of Islam  and a  UNESCO World Heritage Site . Founded in the 7th century, it has been an important centre of Islamic scholarship and culture. 

The city is renowned for its  Great Mosque of Kairouan , one of the oldest and most significant mosques in the Islamic world, featuring stunning architecture. Do not forget to also  visit the Medina , with its narrow streets, historic buildings and bustling markets. 

The  spiritual significance, architectural richness and cultural heritage  of Kairouan make it a top destination to visit if you want to learn more about the  Islamic history and heritage of Tunisia .

Things to do & see in Kairouan

• Explore the Great Mosque of Kairouan
• Marvel at the Aghlabid Basins
• Wander through the Medina
• Visit the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab:
• Discover the Museum of Islamic Art
• Climb the Tower of the Barber’s Mosque
• Experience the bustling Friday market
• Stop by the ancient well Bir Barouta
• Indulge in traditional Tunisian dishes 
• Attend a Sufi ceremony at a local Zawiya

8- Chott el Jerid

Chott el Jerid is a  vast salt pan  located in southern Tunisia, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Covering an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometres, it is  one of the largest salt flats in the Sahara . 

The landscape of Chott el Jerid is  surreal and mesmerising , characterised by the contrast between the shining white salt crust and the surrounding desert terrain. You can also experience the  unique phenomenon of mirages  caused by the heat and reflective surface of the salt pans, especially at  sunrise and sunset . 

Chott el Jerid is a must-visit Tunisia location for  photo lovers looking for a phenomenal experience , particularly unmissable if you want to witness the natural wonders of the Tunisian desert landscape.

When is the best time to visit Chott el Jerid?

The best time to visit Chott el Jerid is during the cooler months, usually from late autumn to early spring (October to April). During this period, temperatures are milder with better conditions for photography, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable.

Djerba is a  picturesque island  located off the southeastern coast of Tunisia, in the Gulf of Gabès. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant culture, it offers a perfect blend of  relaxation and exploration . 

You can  enjoy the sun and water sports  along the sandy shores of the island,  explore charming Berber villages  with whitewashed houses and narrow streets, and  visit   historical sites  such as the Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the world. 

With its laid-back atmosphere, rich history and natural beauty, Djerba is an excellent place to visit and stay in Tunisia for travellers seeking a  memorable beach getaway infused with cultural experiences .

Things to do & see in Djerba

• Discover the El Ghriba Synagogue
• Relax on the many Beaches
• Wander through the markets of Houmt Souk
• Visit the Guellala Museum
• Explore the Fortress of Borj El Kebir
• Experience the Djerba Heritage Village
• Uncover the Meninx Archaeological Site
• Stop by the Djerba Explore Park
• Go on a fun camel ride
• Enjoy watersports such as sailing

10- Tozeur & the Oasis of Nefta

Located in southwestern Tunisia, Tozeur is a  charming desert town  famous for its  distinctive brickwork  and palm-lined streets, whilst the Oasis of Nefta offers a  tranquil retreat in the middle of verdant palm forests .

You will have the opportunity to discover the  ancient irrigation systems  called  ksour  and  ghorfas , stroll through the winding alleys of the  Medina of Tozeur  and embark on  camel rides or horse-drawn carriage tours  through the oasis. 

If you are looking for an  authentic desert experience , you have come to the right place! Tozeur and the Nefta Oasis are among the best places to visit in Tunisia for those seeking an  immersive adventure .

Things to do & see in Tozeur

• Relax at one of the tranquil oases
• Explore the Dar Chrait Museum
• Go on an excursion into the Sahara Desert
• Visit the Eden Palm Museum
• Stop by the Chak Wak Cultural Village
• Uncover the Mos Espa Set
• Enjoy a sunset camel ride
• Experience the Tozeur dates market
• Take a scenic drive to Chott el Djerid

11- Bulla Regia

Bulla Regia is an  ancient Roman archaeological site  located in northwestern Tunisia, renowned for its  well-preserved underground houses . 

These belowground homes feature  intricate mosaics, frescoes and architectural details , offering a fascinating insight into ancient Roman domestic life. Take the time to see the  underground chambers , walk among the  ruins of the Roman city  and marvel at the creativity of its inhabitants.

The  unique architectural elements and historical significance  of Bulla Regia make it one of the best places to visit in Tunisia for those interested in  ancient history and archaeological sites .

12- Ichkeul National Park

Ichkeul National Park is a  UNESCO Biosphere Reserve  located in northern Tunisia, near the town of Bizerte. It is renowned for its  diverse wetland habitats , including marshes, lakes and lagoons, which provide crucial  wintering grounds for migratory birds  such as ducks, geese and flamingos. 

During your visit to Ichkeul National Park, you can enjoy  birdwatching, hiking and boat tours , whilst admiring the scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity of the park. 

The ecological importance, stunning natural beauty and  opportunities for plenty of outdoor activities  make the park one of the best places to visit in Tunisia for  nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers .

Things to do & see in Ichkeul National Park

• Go birdwatching with a guide 
• Take a guided boat tour of the waterways
• Explore the hiking trails
• Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal amidst nat
• Try yourself at nature photography
• Stop by the visitor centres and interpretive exhibits
• Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as wild boars
• Enjoy fishing in the lakes and waterways
• Join guided nature walks led by park rangers
• Visit nearby cultural attractions such as Bizerte

13- Hammamet

Hammamet is a  charming resort town  located on the northeastern coast of Tunisia, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its  beautiful sandy beaches , historic medina and vibrant arts scene, it offers a perfect blend of  relaxation and culture . 

Wander the narrow alleys of the  Medina , shop for artisanal products, visit  historic landmarks  such as the medieval fortress and enjoy  water sports activities  like swimming, snorkelling and sailing. 

With its picturesque setting, rich cultural heritage and a  wide range of experiences , Hammamet is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia, ideal for couples seeking a rejuvenating seaside getaway .

Things to do & see in Hammamet

• Soak up the sun on Hammamet Beach
• Explore the ruins of the Kasbah
• Indulge in fresh seafood and Tunisian cuisine
• Visit the International Cultural Center
• Discover the historic Medina fortifications
• Relax in Gardens, such as the Omar Khayam Park
• Tee off at one of the world-class golf courses
• Enjoy family-friendly fun at Carthage Land
• Attend festivals, like the Hammamet International Festival

Sousse is a  historic coastal city  located in central Tunisia, renowned for its  UNESCO-listed Medina  and its  long sandy beaches . Steeped in history, the city features  impressive monuments  such as the Great Mosque, the Ribat Fortress and the Museum of Sousse, which houses a rich collection of archaeological artefacts. 

During your short or long stay in Sousse, you can wander through the narrow streets of the Medina, shop for souvenirs, relax on the beach and immerse yourself in the  vibrant cultural scene of the city .

With its  fascinating history, architectural wonders and seaside charm , Sousse is the perfect place to stop by on your Tunisia holiday for its mix of  culture and relaxation .

Things to do & see in Sousse

• Wander through the UNESCO-listed Medina
• Discover the Great Mosque and Ribat of Sousse
• Soak up the sun on the sandy beaches
• Explore the Archaeological Museum
• Visit the Kasbah of Sousse
• Try your hand at windsurfing, sailing or scuba diving
• Shop at the nearby Port El Kantaoui
• Take a day trip to the city of Monastir
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Sousse
• Experience one of its annual cultural festivals

Bizerte is a  picturesque coastal city  located in northern Tunisia, known for its charming Medina, historic kasbah and traditional fishing port. The city also features  architectural gems  such as the Spanish Fort, which offers  panoramic views  of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Discover the narrow streets of the Medina, admire the historic landmarks of the city and experience a laid-back Mediterranean ambience. It is the perfect place to  escape the more crowded tourist locations .

So, if you are seeking an  authentic seaside getaway , look no further! Bizerte is a must-visit destination on your Tunisia vacation, thanks to its  rich cultural heritage, scenic waterfront and relaxed atmosphere .

Things to do & see in Bizerte

• Visit the Kasbah of Bizerte
• Spend a day relaxing on the sandy beaches
• Explore Cap Blanc, a scenic peninsula
• Discover the Archaeological Museum
• Go on a boat trip to explore the coastline
• See the Great Mosque of Bizerte
• Take a hike in the Forest of Chiffa
• Attend one of its annual festivals or events

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How to reduce your eco-impact in Tunisia

Sustainable travel  means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.

Being a responsible traveller in Tunisia is possible! Here are some  eco-friendly travel tips  for reducing your carbon footprint:

• If you need to take the plane, book direct flights  (which require less fuel than indirect flights)  and  offset your carbon footprint . But, do not use carbon offsetting as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase for your sunny holiday. 
• Select an eco-friendly accommodation . Choose hotels, guesthouses or lodges that prioritise sustainability initiatives, such as energy and water conservation, and waste reduction. Try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide.
• Conserve water . Practice water conservation by taking shorter showers, reusing towels and reporting any leaks or drips in your accommodation. In addition, avoid wasting water when brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
• Reduce energy consumption . Turn off lights, air conditioning and appliances when not in use to save energy. You can also consider using natural ventilation and daylight instead of air conditioning and artificial lighting whenever possible.
• Minimise the use of plastic . Bring a filtered water bottle, reusable shopping bag and utensils to reduce single-use plastic waste. Refill your water bottle from filtered water stations or large refillable containers instead of buying plastic bottled water.
• Choose a local guide or sustainable tour operator . Support tour operators, guides and excursions that prioritise environmental conservation, cultural preservation and responsible tourism practices. Look for certifications or memberships on their website.
• Respect wildlife . Avoid activities that exploit or harm wildlife, such as participating in captive animal encounters. Instead, support responsible wildlife viewing experiences that prioritise animal welfare and conservation.
• Always respect the local heritage . Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful, smile and learn about the Tunisian traditions.

More inspiration for your green vacation:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

• 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
• 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Tunisia travel planning guide

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to Tunisia? Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your vacation in Tunisia stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

💧 Can you drink the water in Tunisia? No, drinking tap water in Tunisia is not recommended. That is why I suggest travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated on the road.

🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in Tunisia? Yes, renting a car in Tunisia is easy and a great way to explore the country freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

🏨 How to book accommodation in Tunisia? The best way to book your accommodation in Tunisia is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable hotels to luxury resorts.

✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to Tunisia? I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

Best places to visit in Tunisia – FAQ

The spring months of April and May, as well as the autumn months of September and October, are the best times to visit Tunisia, as the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.

Yes, Tunisia is an affordable destination, offering good value for money compared to many other Mediterranean destinations. You will easily find low-cost options for accommodation, transportation and sightseeing, making it an accessible country for travellers on a budget.

Djerba has some of the best beaches in Tunisia. With its pristine sandy shores, turquoise waters and laid-back atmosphere, it offers an ideal setting for beachgoers seeking relaxation and water activities. Other places worth mentioning are Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia.

Tunisia is generally considered safe for tourists, with the government and local authorities taking measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors. However, like any destination, it is essential to exercise caution and remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.

And you, what is your favourite place to visit in Tunisia? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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Must-see attractions in Tunisia

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

El Jem Amphitheatre

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

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

Sousse Archaeological Museum

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

Archaeological Museum

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

Bardo Museum

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

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

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

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

Souq des Chechias

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

Ksar Oued Soltane

Southern Tunisia

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

Marché Centrale

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

Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum

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

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

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

Port Aux Prince

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

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

Bulla Regia

Northern Tunisia

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

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

Ksar Ezzahra

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

Thuburbo Majus

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

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

Great Mosque

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

Jugurtha's Table

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

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

Djebel Sidi Abiod

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

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

Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

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

Plage de Sidi Mansour

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

Zitouna Mosque

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

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

Ichkeul National Park

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

La Marsa Beach

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

Plage de la Mansoura

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

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

Zaouia of Sidi Ali Azouz

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

Galeri El Marsa

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

Souq El Attarine

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

Dar Ennejma Ezzahra

Sidi Bou Saïd

Built between 1912 and 1922 for French-born Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger and his Italian-American wife Elizabetta, this palace residence is an exhilarating…

Parc Djerba Explore

Three wildly disparate attractions – a museum of Islamic art, a heritage village and a reptile park – are on offer at this strange tourist attraction next…

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

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

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

Soak Up the Atmosphere in Tunis

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

Live Like a Gladiator in El Djem

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

Discover the Grand Erg Oriental Dunes

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

Explore Islamic History in Kairouan

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

Relax by the Sea in Sidi Bou Said

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

Visit the Ancient City of Carthage

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

Admire Mosaics in Bulla Regia

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

Enjoy Djerba's Island Vibes

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

Go Birdwatching in Ichkeul National Park

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

Feel the Force in Matmata

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

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Africa , TUNISIA

Top 21 things to do in tunisia.

Most people only think of the beach and the desert when they picture travel in Tunisia, but honestly this couldn’t be further from the truth.

And that’s because there’s such a wealth of amazing things to do in this country that go well beyond these 2 stereotypical landscapes most people think of.

And I feel pretty passionate about sharing this too!

For Tunisia really is an underrated gem in North Africa in my opinion, a country wildly overlooked in favour of nearby Egypt and Morocco, and without good reason.

Because the diversity of things to do here really is astounding!

So if you feel like getting off the beaten track a little in North Africa and seeing a different historical site to the pyramids, or a different mountain range to The Atlas, then Tunisia is your place.

Oh and spoiler alert, it’s wonderfully cheap too!

Let’s me show the best bits with these top 21 things to do in Tunisia…

Related Posts

• Ultimate 10 Day Tunisia Itinerary
• Top 11 Tunisia Travel Tips
• Tunisia vs Egypt: Which is Best?

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 Wander Sidi Bou Said

Kicking off this list of the best things to do in Tunisia, we have a personal favourite of mine and an absolute gem of a hotspot!

Yes the ancient, coastal and cliff-perched town of Sidi Bou Said is a must visit during your time in Tunisia and located super close to the main airport in the country, it’s the perfect place to kick things off!

Adorned with whitewashed walls and historic blue doorways, this colour-coordinated town dates back hundreds of years and is set to become a UNESCO treasure very soon!

Get therefore before the crowds do and enjoy amazing coastal rooftop views from a traditional Dar guesthouse.

Learn more in this full Sidi Bou Said travel guide .  

#2 Cycle the Carthage Ruins

And very close to Sidi Bou Said, which is actually within the Carthage region, are an amazing set of ruins, museums and monuments, that are still testimony to the huge capital city this once was.

An incredibly affluent trading port under the time of the Roman Empire, Carthage was once the capital of the whole African province of this civilisation, and the fantastic UNESCO-listed remains are a great way to learn more about this.

While you can explore the area independently, check out this fantastic walking tour or this brilliant cycling tour if you want to have a guide to accompany you.  

#3 Explore the Tamerza Oasis

And in at number 3 on this list of top things to do in Tunisia, we now travel to the south of the country and the great Saharan landscape that covers most of it.

Travelling the length and breadth of Tunisia will allow you to glimpse how diverse this country really is and at Tamerza, in the far west of the country (right by the Algeria border), you’ll see just how true that is.

This is the largest mountain oasis in Tunisia and has a stunning canyon and abandoned town, as well as a waterfall you can swim in.

The Chebika Oasis with its natural springs and Tunisian Salt Lakes are 2 other top places to visit in Tunisia and you can easily explore them at the same time.

#4 Kayak in Al Huwariyah

But from the southeast of Tunisia to the other side of the country, we now head to the beautiful Cap Bon region, which sits in the northwest of the country.

This remote but stunning area is very special and I highly recommend it as one of the top places to visit in Tunisia.

I spent 3 days in the region, basing myself in town of Al Huwariyah, at the very tip of the peninsula.

You can read more about my time there in this complete travel guide , but one of my highlights was kayaking from the beach here to nearby caves and hidden coves.

Don’t miss this fantastic way to explore the beautiful coastal of this rural area – an absolute must do thing in this country.  

#5 Enjoy a Coffee at Kelibia Fort

And also in the Cap Bon area is the port town of Kelibia.

A popular vacation spot for local Tunis residents in the summer, outside of this, this town is quiet, calm and boasts a lovely Byzantine Fort you can wander round.

With gorgeous coastal views from its elevated position, I nevertheless think the highlight is the café here!

Traditional in every sense of the word, the Café du Fort gives incredible views over the town and if you want to relish a classic Tunisian café, which you should FYI, there’s few better places in my opinion than this!  

#6 Learn How to Make Harissa

And the Cap Bon region is also a foodie heaven, which if you travel Tunisia, is something you’re going to learn about very quickly!

Honestly, the Tunisians love to eat like nothing else I’ve ever seen!

And on top of every meal seems to be the unofficial local, spicy dip of harissa – a must try while you are here.

And what better place to try it and see how it’s made than in Cap Bon where this spicy superfood originates.

An area with a strong fishing and farming heritage, rural Cap Bon is not only place a great place to experience harissa being made, but also to eat to your heart’s content – the perfect antidote to all the physical activity you can enjoy in this area.

After all, if you don’t come to Tunisia and eat your heart out, you’re definitely missing on of the top things to do here!

#7 Make a Pilgrimage to Star Wars Sites

But now back to the desert we go on this list of the best things to do in Tunisia, because of course, no catalogue of this country’s highlights would be complete without mentioning Star Wars.

From the Salt Lake of Chott el Djerid, to Matmata, Rub’ al Khali and beyond, you can travel a great number of sites in the south of the country where scenes from these famous movies were shot.

The best way to see them is to take a Star Wars tour, which will transport you in a jeep between locations and also book you into local accommodation in the form of traditional desert guesthouses.

If you want to get your George Lucas fix, southern Tunisia is certainly the place!  

#8 See Kairouen’s Huge Mosque

A UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 670 AD, Kairouen is another atmospheric place in Tunisia that, even if it hasn’t inspired a film yet, feels like it might do!

This ancient city is home to one of the most important, and huge, mosques in Tunisia and was previously a very important site for Islamic scholars.

The Grand Mosques, as it’s known, is located in the Medina and strolling up to and around this huge and significant religious site is highly memorable.  

#9 Chill on the Beach at Hammamet

But from one extreme to another – if you want to go from mosques to coastal resorts, it’s hard to get more resort-y than Hammamet

Certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, if you like sand, sea, sun and cocktails however, Hammamet is probably the place!

The Carthageland amusement park is here too, and there’s a whole tourist medina as well where you can shop, eat, drink and hammam to your heart’s content.

It is a strange place, but if you want to explore less of Tunisia and feel more like you’re on a trad holiday where you don’t have to move or do too much, Hammamet is the place!  

#10 Soak in Sousse

A great working city and a phenomenal beach destination in Tunisia, if you’re looking for some sun, sea and sand (and don’t want to brave resort-heavy Hammamet), Sousse is a bit lighter on the package holiday vibes.

I say a bit!

With beautiful, white sand beaches and lovely hotels to match, I like the fact that Sousse is at least a real city, which does make it feel slightly more authentic!

Regular trains run here from Tunis (taking under 2.5 hours) and this certainly makes it an easy place to get to.

It’s also a good base from which to delve deeper into the desert if that tickles your Tunisia fancy too.

Book your train, bus, private car or minivan transport to Sousse here .  

#11 Join a Halfa Workshop in Hergla

And not far from Sousse is the cute coastal fishing village of Hergla.

A traditional sea spot with small harbour, cafes and fishing charm, one of the main industries here is the halfa industry.

A traditional craft, grass from the lowland mountains nearby is brought down to Hergla to soak and soften in seawater, before it’s weaved into all sorts of products, including baskets, lampshades and more.

It’s a beautiful art and there’s several shops in town that sells these unique products.

It’s possible to try weaving it yourself in a workshop with local woman.

And, if you visit Hergla, don’t miss a stay at the stunning Dar Khadijaa   – you won’t regret it!

#12 Go Caving in Grotte ain Dhab

But now for something totally different on this list of the best things to do in Tunisia!

Located in the north of Tunisia is one of the most significant caves in North Africa and amazingly you can actually go caving in here!

This was my first caving experience and it was pretty unforgettable!

A great local start-up company called Domaine Essarj can sort you out with everything you need, including a guides, wetsuits, head lamps and wellies.

Contact them, then head to their base just outside the city of Siliana, and they’ll take you on this amazing adventure to a cave so deep it’s still being excavated.

Boasting some of the longest stalagmites ever recorded, speleologists are still trying to find the source of this giant underwater world, so you won’t be the only ones discovering it!  

#13 Enjoy Colourful, Coastal Bizerte

Another lovely coastal town in the north of Tunisia, Bizerte is well worth visiting for a night or 2, and doing so is certainly one of the best things to do in Tunisia.

On warmer days. paddle boarding awaits you from the coast, or you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and caves near Cape Engela and Cape Hmem.

Afterwards you can enjoy amazing seafood by the Bizerte marina.

On windier or wetter days, why not head into the hammam, for a fantastic traditional bath experience.

There’s several important historical sites around here too, including the Old Port with its ancient medina, Ottoman fountain and Medieval fort, all of which combine to make Bizerte a must-visit spot on your Tunisia itinerary.  

#14 Ascend to Kesra

A traditional Berber village, and the highest inhabited town in Tunisia, this ancient and traditional spot is filled with strong cultural heritage.

Famous for its fig and olive production in particular, Kesra is situated 1100m above sea level and renowned for its wooden stick houses.

You can wander the ancient streets here, take in the elevated views and swing past old barbers and food stores, as kids play along the cobbles and women in traditional dress amble by.  

#15 Rock Climb in Djebel Zaghouan National Park

The first time I ever tried rock climbing (as opposed to bouldering). was in Tunisia, which came as a real surprise!

Before I came, I didn’t even know you could rock climb here!

But turns out Djebel National Park, near the town of Zaghouan, is the perfect place to try your hand at it.

I used the fantastic company Defouli who provide technical equipment and certified instructors to help give you a fantastic and safe experience.

And this lovely landscape is a great place to enjoy it too.

Learn more in this complete travel guide to Zaghouan I wrote.

#16 Visit El-Djem

The amphitheatre of El Djem is one of the most famous and notable ruins sites in Tunisia and simply cannot be missed off your list of top things to do here.

Built in the 3 rd century, this was once the centre of an important trading town, known as Thysdrus, famous for its olive oil production.

The El Djem amphitheatre was used for gladiator shows and chariot races and, seating 35,000 spectators in its heyday, only the Colosseum in Rome and the ruined theatre of Capua are thought to be bigger!

Declared a UNESCO-listed heritage site in 1979, this is a site even the non-history buffs among you will struggle not to be wow-ed by.  

#17 Discover Zriba El Alia

Outside the town of Zaghouan, you can find an abandoned Berber village that exists like a living museum even to this day.

Set on the edge of an arid landscape, the village provides amazing views and wandering the street of this forgotten town is really quite remarkable.

Climbing to the top of the old mosque, up the stone, twisting steps, to take in the view from the top is utterly remarkable and a great way to learn more about this community of people, how they lived and moved across North Africa.

Definitely one of the top things to do in Tunisia, there’s also a café where you can grab a traditional tea or coffee and enjoy the golden hour glow over this impressive, yellow stone town.  

#18 Get Behind the Loom at a Wool Workshop

Back up in the region of Siliana, I got to enjoy a very special workshop in Tunisia, which was watching and copying the traditional wool weaving techniques of women here.

A hilly and cooler area, goats and sheep are popular domesticated animals still kept here for their meat, milk and of course, hair and fur.

And the latter of these has, for centuries, provided great comfort and warmth during the especially harsh winters.

Traditionally performed by women, the weaving work here remains largely unchanged, and getting to see the act of huge rugs, carpets and garments being made is certainly one of the top things to do in Tunisia.

Local grassroots tourism company Domaine Essarj can organise this for you and it’s a great way to bring sustainable tourism to women working in one of the most economically under-developed parts of Tunisia.  

#19 Explore the Souk in Tunis

The capital of this country, Tunis, is not my favourite spot to be in Tunisia to be honest, and if you want to spend a few days in and around the capital, then I highly suggest basing yourself at nearby Sidi Bou Said instead.

However, one place you should check out in Tunis for at least a couple of hours, is the old Medina, complete with its traditional  souk.

Built like many of the other famous walled cities in north Africa, this is a maze of narrow streets lined with sellers of every description, so prepare to get lost!

If you’re looking for a traditional experience however, and perhaps a traditional lunch too, then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Tunisia.

Tea in traditional teahouse, Café du Souk, comes highly recommended as well.

#20 Marvel at Whitewashed Djerba

Did you know Tunisia is actually a country that boasts quite a few islands?

Well neither did I until I have travelled here!

And my pick of the bunch has to be the amazing Djerba – the largest north African island which is home to roughly 160,000 people.

Located in the south of the country, this fantastic island has a rich history and the main souk here – Souk Houmt – is a great place to begin exploring.

Historically, Phoenician and Roman communities settled on the island, but most notably now, Djerba is home to one of the last remaining Jewish communities in this part of the world and you can’t miss learning more about this fascinating slice of Tunisian life – especially during the famous pilgrimage soon, which is usually around May.

Finish off your time on Djerba at the stunning white sand beaches of Plage Sidi Mahrez and Plage de la Seguia.

It takes about 6 hours to drive from Tunis to Djerba, so book your private transfer here .

#21 Step Back in Time at Maktar

And finally on this list of top things to do in Tunisia, we have another historic gem.

Maktar in the north of the country is an ancient site filled with important archaeological ruins and a great, small museum.

Originally settled by Berber communities, it was later occupied by Punic refugees fleeing the capital Carthage, before the Romans took control around 146 AD.

Situated at 900m above sea level, the town has some fab scenic views, and strolling the ancient ruins here gives a great insight into why Maktar has been inhabited by humans for so long.

With a mild continental climate, fertile lands and good water supply, the town become a thriving farming and textile centre during the Roman era and the remains of temples, thermal baths and schools, not to mention ancient burial tombs and an amphitheatre, can still be visited today.

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Top Travel Tips for Tunisia

Best Time to Visit Tunisia?

Spring and autumn months are the best times to visit Tunisia in my opinion.

With a Mediterranean climate, traveling to this country in either April, May, September or October will allow you to enjoy a pleasant climate perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Learn more about the best time to visit Tunisia .

How to Get There?

Flights to the country’s main international airport, Tunis-Carthage, arrive from cities across Europe and beyond.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

How to Get Around?

Trains, domestic flights and buses all allow you get around Tunisia.

However, as I recommend you visit many off the beaten track spots during your travels here, hiring a car really is the best way to get around the county.

Check out these great Tunisia rental car deals for more info.

Top Tunisia Tours

Alternatively, if you’d rather not travel Tunisia independently, these top Tunisia tours are another great way to experience the country.

5 Key Packing Items

Located in north Africa, Tunisia is a diverse country boasting coast, mountains, deserts and ancient cities.

Make sure you’re prepared with these top 5 packing items…

Learn what else you should take in this complete Tunisia packing list ,

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.

Travel Money in Tunisia

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. Get yours here .

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, the top 21 things to do in Tunisia.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and explore the real side of this country, away from just the coastal resorts, then this list 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

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Tunisia Travel Guide – All About Visiting Tunisia

Last Updated on 15/05/2024 by kami

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 .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• 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

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.

Final thoughts on visiting Tunisia

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.

Further reading

I published many articles about Tunisia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• Tunisia Itinerary – What to See in Tunisia in 10 Days
• 11 Great Things to Do in Tunis, Tunisia
• 11 Amazing Things to do in Djerba, Tunisia
• 7 Must Things to Do in Sousse, Tunisia
• Visit Carthage, Tunisia – a Perfect Day Trip from Tunis
• Your Guide to Visiting El Jem Amphitheatre, Tunisia
• Visit Kairouan, Tunisia – a UNESCO Holy City

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations).

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 .
• 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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The Tunisian Way

Learn about Tunisian life

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

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

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

1. wander around la medina, tunis.

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

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

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

3. Tunisia bucket list: Visit Ez-Zitouna Mosque

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

4. Discover the Bardo National Museum

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

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

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

6. Eat Bambalouni in Sidi Bou Said or La Goulette

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

7. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Ride the camel

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

14. Enjoy the live music

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

15. Tunisia bucket list: Go to the Arabic disco

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

16. Buy a handcrafted Tunisian product

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

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

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

18. Drink refreshing Tunisian lemonade

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

19. Go to see amphitheater El Djem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25. Go for a long beach walk

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

26. Have a coffee at Panorama Medina Café, Tunis

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

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

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

28. Eat Mezza and plenty of seafood

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

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

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

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

31. Discover Matmata caves

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

32. Go for a road trip

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

33. Tunisia bucket list: Experience Ramadan

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

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

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

35. Visit Tunisian family place

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

36. Barbeque

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

37. Try Henna

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

38. If you get the chance visit the Tunisian wedding

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

39. Things to do in Tunisia: Hiking

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

40. Have a beauty treatment

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

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

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10 Best Things to Do in Tunisia

When you think of bucket list destinations, Tunisia is not a spot that probably comes to mind.

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The country, located in North Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, is home to  over 11 million people  and over  1,300 kilometres of coastline.  It is popular among European travellers as an easy, all-inclusive  beach destination.

But Tunisia offers so much more than that! And that’s exactly why this destination was the perfect candidate fo r our annual “off-the-beaten-path adventure”.

Every year, we try to go off the beaten path and visit a destination that doesn’t top travellers’ bucket lists. We go in with low expectations and always find ourselves pleasantly surprised by the adventure. Our trip to Tunisia was no different.

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If there was one word to describe Tunisia, it’s DIVERSE! From vibrant medinas, ancient Roman ruins, out-of-this-world sandscapes, and a vibrant mix of nature, history and tradition, Tunisia offered plenty of diverse attractions and experiences!

We’ll be honest about one thing. Tunisia’s tourism infrastructure is not as developed as we expected. English was rarely spoken outside of Tunis and Sousse, accommodation options were limited and hard to find, and the tourist trail was anything but well-trodden.

That’s why we are so grateful to our partners on the ground,  Tunisia Ecotourism , for handling all the logistics of our Tunisia adventure. They built the itinerary to highlight the best of Tunisia while avoiding the crowds, big hotels, and overly touristy attractions. Plus, their commitment to sustainable travel meant that our impact had a ripple effect throughout the communities we visited. If a trip to Tunisia is on your bucket list, be sure to look up their group tours or reach out to get a quote for a customized trip!

Without further ado, let’s jump in! We can’t wait to share the highlights of our visit to Tunisia with you!

Top 10 Places to Visit & Things to Do in Tunisia

1. sidi bou said.

Iconic blue-and-white houses, cobblestone streets, and panoramic cliff-top views of the Mediterranean Sea make this one of the  most Instagrammable towns in Tunisia.  It’s always been something of an artist’s haven: throughout history, many artists and philosophers have worked, lived, and were inspired by this charming town.

You can spend a night (or a few) in Sidi Bou Said (we would recommend it) or simply visit for a few hours in the afternoon. Take a stroll down narrow alleyways and look for al fresco cafés, local restaurants, art galleries, and admire a mix of Ottoman and Andalusian architecture. If you want to do some shopping, the medina is known for carpets, ceramics, leather slippers, and oriental tunics.

Where to Stay

We didn’t stay in Sidi Bou Said, but in a neighbourhood of La Marsa, located just 30 mins away. Our hotel,  Dar Souad , was a great option if you want to be centrally located while exploring Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. The architecture was beautiful, with intricate details in every corner and lush greenery covering the space. The interiors were spacious and comfortable, too. 

The rooms had a private bathroom, pool or garden views, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar, and free WiFi. There’s also an outdoor pool, open-air bath, garden, and bar. Another big highlight here was the food! An authentic Tunisian breakfast spread was just what we needed to start our adventure in Tunisia!

2. Carthage

Named after one of the most glorious ancient cities of the Mediterranean, Carthage is Tunisia’s most famous site for ancient Roman ruins. It was first founded by the Phoenicians, then conquered by the Romans, and rebuilt into one of the richest cities of the Roman Empire.

Today, Carthage is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  with well-preserved Roman ruins that paint a picture of what life in the ancient cities must have been like. The Roman Villas, which were once Roman luxury houses and insulae (apartment blocks), offer a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle from back in the day. 

We started our visit with a stop at the  Carthage National Museum,  home to important relics, artifacts, and Roman mosaics. The complexity of the mosaics showcased in this museum blew us away. Our guide offered a great introduction to Tunisia’s history that laid an important foundation for the rest of our trip. It was a perfect stop to begin the trip and one we definitely recommend. 

The  Bardo Museum of African Modern Art  is another worthy spot to visit while in Carthage. 

A short walk downhill will lead you to the  Antonine Baths , the  largest set of Roman thermae (bath complex) in North Africa,  and one of the three largest ever built by the Roman Empire. The site itself is quite small and easy to explore, but is impressive nonetheless. 

If you are short on time (like we were), a visit to Carthage can be shortened to just half a day. But if you have more time to space, the area has a lot of other attractions, including coastal resorts, Thalasso spa centres, golf courses, restaurants, and even nightclubs.

From Carthage, we traveled North, to a coastal city of Bizerte. This historic town was once a Phoenician outpost, a Spanish stronghold, and then a naval port during the French colonial period. Today, tourists know it as a great base for exploring the northern Mediterranean coastline. Around town, there are a few historical sites, boat tours, and plenty of fresh seafood. One of the main attractions of Bizerte is the Spanish Fort, which overlooks the medina from the north. Today, all that remains are two long walls and one citadel, but the sweeping views across town are impressive.

Stop by  Bizerte Medina  for traditional crafts and get lost among narrow alleyways. There are souks that double as workshops for metalworkers and carpenters, as well as butcher and grocer shops. This area is purely residential, and it’s great to support a marketplace that feels very authentic.

At sunset,  join the locals along the waterfront  lined with colourful fishing boats and enjoy the warm hues of the day over a cup of Baklawa Tea. The tea, a Tunisian specialty, is a local twist of Moroccan mint tea and is served with a handful of nuts inside the cup. The nuts give the tea the substance and act as the perfect snack before dinner!

Ichkeul National Park,  located about 30 minutes outside of Bizerte, is a highlight for nature lovers and is worth a day trip from the city. The park is best known for its wildlife and particularly for birdwatching. Lake Ichkeul is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a hunting reserve since the 13th century. In the winter, migratory waterbirds visit the lake in thousands, flamingos can be seen feeding on the lake’s edge, and buffalos can be found on the plains just outside the park! Bet you didn’t expect an opportunity for wildlife watching in Tunisia!

We didn’t stay in Bizerte itself and instead travelled a bit further north to the beautiful cliffs of Cap Blanc. The family-run Cap Blanc Guest House  was the perfect accommodation for a few nights. This quaint guest house with unobstructed views of bright blue Cap Blanc Bay had a warm atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Our room was breezy, comfortable, and well-maintained. The suites come with a private bathroom and individual air conditioning, plus an LCD TV and kitchenette. 

The best part of this guest house was definitely the hosts, who went above and beyond for us and served the most delicious meals.

A  UNESCO World Heritage Site  since 1997, Dougga is home to what is considered the  best-preserved example of a Roman African town in North Africa. The ruins are impressive, vast and well-preserved, making it easy to imagine what life was like here in Roman times.

What makes Dougga’s history quite unique is that it was a well-established Numidian settlement before the Romans took over. But instead of wiping out the entire city as they did in Carthage, the Romans integrated themselves into the ancient town. This is evidenced by pre-Roman ancient remains and the tangled maze of streets. The Corinthian columns, pediments, and back walls are still intact today.

Right at the archaeological site’s main entrance is the  Roman Theater,  dating back to 168 AD. It has an elevated stage and 19 tiers that could accommodate 3,500 people back in the day. Today, the theatre is also used as a venue for local music festivals held in July or August.

Another ruin to visit is the  Temple of Saturn,  built in 195 AD. It used to be a temple for Baal Hammon, the chief Punic Deity, who was then reinterpreted as Saturn in the Roman era.

We spent a few hours roaming around Dougga with our guide, Muhamed, offering detailed explanations of each sight and building on site. The most incredible part of our visit was the fact that  we had the entire place to ourselves!  No crowds blocking our photos, or interrupting our viewings, no rush to move along or cut the visit short. 

We spent the night in the Dorsale Mountains at  Dar Zaghouan , Tunisia’s first eco bed and breakfast. The solar-powered ecological farm was quirky and full of character. The property had a few chalet-style rooms, a bar and community shop, a hammam and spa, and a restaurant.

The highlight of our stay at Dar Zaghouan was our afternoon at the  local hammam – it was an experience like no other. We were stripped and scrubbed and massaged and found a new level of bonding with our friends from the trip.

5. Kairouan

Entering Kairouan felt like stepping into another world. Recognized as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 1988, it’s one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world. The town was founded in 670 and flourished under the Aghlabid Dynasty in the 9th Century. Its most iconic landmark,  The Great Mosque , has made it a key gathering place for the Arabo-Muslim Civilisation.

The  Great Mosque is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa and displays a mix of pre-Islamic architecture with Roman and Byzantine influences. Between 836 and 866, the Great Mosque was a place of prayer as well as a centre for teaching Islamic sciences.

Another spectacular site worth visiting in Kairouan is the  Aghlabid Basins , the largest hydraulic installation from the Middle Ages. Originally, the site housed 16 majestic pools, though only 2 remain today. These basins supplied water for townspeople in a region prone to drought and without any nearby natural water sources.

The charming white and blue  Kairouan’s medina  is another must-visit. We found it to have a laid-back atmosphere with many nooks and crannies to explore. While exploring with our guide, we popped into a few artisan shops and stalls and got a real sense of the slow pace of life in this traditional Tunisian town. 

We stayed at  Dar Hassine Allani , a typical Tunisian guest house that showcases Arabian-Moslem architecture. Once a local’s home, this beautiful spot was just recently converted into a guest house. The 3 guest bedrooms were all unique in their own ways and featured colourful interiors and traditional decor. We particularly enjoyed hanging out on the rooftop, enjoying city views with a cup of mint tea.

6. Chebika Oasis

For us, Chebika was the highlight of the trip! This magnificent desert oasis was unlike anything we had encountered before! It’s one of the three most famous oases in Tunisia (the other two being  Tamerza and Midès  —also worth visiting). A trail through the oasis led to a beautiful waterfall with a few hawker stalls at its base. The walk took about 40 minutes and was full of picture-worthy moments and beautiful views! 

Hotel Ksar Rouge was our visit taste of a large hotel in Tunisia, and we were impressed to find something of this quality and comfort so far away from civilization. The rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable. The dinner buffet was a highlight, featuring many local dishes and an amazing spread of vegetarian options. Although we didn’t get a chance to hang out by the pool, it looked quite enticing!

7. The Desert: Jebil National Park

Tunisia’s largest national park,  Jebil National Park , covers 150,000 hectares and offers a taste of the great Sahara Desert. The park was initially set up to protect the Dorcas gazelle and the Addax, although we didn’t come across either on our trip. 

The park’s main attraction is a 4×4 dune adventure!  Our adventure began just outside the park with a 4×4 pickup, followed by a wild ride across the dunes and an evening in a Berber camp. Staying in a traditional Bedouin tent and soaking up a true desert experience was a highlight to remember.

We watched a traditional sand bread preparation (yes, it was literally baked in the sand), enjoyed a meal at the restaurant on site and the enteratainment that followed.

There are only a handful of accommodations in the desert, and  Campement Zmela is located closest to the main highway, making it easy to get to. The camp is set up in a traditional tended style, but each tent has real beds, clean linens, AC power, and even a bit of a closet for your belongings. Showers/bathroom facilities are shared, but it’s not too bad for a quiet desert retreat. We enjoyed our stay but would recommend looking for a smaller camp (there are a number of options around) as ours felt a little big and impersonal.

The ancient city of Sousse is arguably Tunisia’s most popular destination. Its close proximity to the open sea has greatly influenced its history. Sousse has always been an important commercial and military port and was even part of a coastal defence system.

One of its key attractions is easy access to a  UNESCO-listed Medina  and a beautiful, sprawling sandy beach. The Sousse Medina is a well-preserved maze of narrow streets and gates, where you’ll find the Great Mosque, the Ribat, markets, and other architectural landmarks. 

The Ribat is the oldest monument in the Sousse Medina, dating back to 821 AD. It was part of a large network of similar fortresses in North Africa that served as a warning system against incoming attacks from the sea.

Another stop at the Medina is the  Sousse Archaeological Museum . It sits on a hill that was once an ancient fortress. Many lookout points give a panoramic view of the medina all the way to the sea. With 3,000 years’ worth of rich history, this museum is the best way to learn about Sousse’s background. 

Days in Sousse are spent by the sea, and nights are spent enjoying a great traditional meal at one of the many restaurants in the medina. It’s slow, simple living at its best.

Sousse beachfront is home to a plethora of big hotel chains, attracting the all-inclusive crowd from Europe. While the resorts may be nice, we chose to support a smaller business and opted to stay at the beautiful  Dar Lekbira Boutique Hotel . This newly renovated guest house has 7 rooms, an inner court garden, a terrace, a spa and a sauna. The rooms are massive and beautifully decorated, with all the comfortable amenities like air-conditioning, en suites (with a bathtub and/or walk-in shower), and a desk with coffee/tea-making facilities. Some rooms have adjoining terraces and balconies, while others enjoy city views.

The guest house offers daily breakfast and dinner service on request. Food is made with love and carefully prepared to suit any dietary needs or preferences. The terrace at Dar Lekbira was another highlight, it offered a great place to hang out and enjoy views of the city. 

9. Guermassa

Guermassa is a hidden gem, a former Berber village   carved into the surrounding mountains. Its original inhabitants were indigenous peoples living in Maghreb, also known as Amazigh. The unique structures, which are partly carved into and built from the surrounding rocks, are barely distinguishable from the surrounding rocky terrain.

The village was abandoned in the 1970s when the government introduced a modernization program that moved those living in Guermassa to more modern living spaces. The town now remains open to the public, but it is rarely visited by most.

When we first pulled up to the sight, we shrugged at our guide.  “Is this even worth a stop?” we wondered. But as we walked up the little streets deeper into this abandoned village, it became clear—this settlement was very special and definitely worth exploring! It seemed to have no end, with little houses, churches,  and other village structures still intact and open for entry.

10. Matmata

There’s no place on earth quite like Matmata. Hidden in the mountain range of Djebel Dahar, among barren-looking earth, Matmata is famous for troglodyte houses. These became the subject of awe and wonder after being on the set of Luke Skywalker’s family home in “Star Wars.”  Because of the film, Matmata cave homes have become must-sees for fans of the franchise.

These underground homes, akin to traditional Tunisian homes, are carved 10 metres deep under rock. Why go underground? More than warding off attacks, archaeologists say it was to help survive the harsh climate. Temperatures inside the troglodyte rooms stay at a cool 17°C (62.6°F) all year round.

People have lived in troglodyte houses for centuries, and still continue to do so today. Many dwellings have even been transformed into guesthouses and museums, in part to boost tourism as well as to keep Berber traditions alive. It’s a great way for tourists to explore the landscape and learn more about the local customs and traditions.

There are a number of spots in Matmama area worth visiting – our favourite and probably the most well preserved is the  Hotel Sidi Idriss.  You can stay here overnight, stop in for lunch or dinner, or just wander around the grounds and admire the scenery!

READ NEXT: Things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco

Final Thoughts on Visiting Tunisia

From sunny coastal towns to cool underground troglodyte homes, the list of things to do in Tunisia is endless. Is Tunisia a destination suitable for everyone? The honest answer is NO! 

The country (outside of Sousse and Tunis) is tough to navigate on your own and lacks, in many ways, tourist infrastructure and offerings. But intrepid travellers with a knack for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and a fascination with the Middle East and Northern Africa will love spending 1-2 weeks in this unique destination. For a comprehensive Tunisian adventure, we suggest going beyond Tunis and Sousse–it’s such a unique travel destination that every town will have something to offer. 

From coastal cities and ancient ruins to a UNESCO World Heritage Site (or nine!), there’s so much to be explored in Tunisia! Leave your travel questions for us below!

Disclaimer: We visited Tunisia as guests of Tunisia Ecotourism , a sustainable tour operator offering group tours and private trips across the country. However, as always, all opinions expressed in this article are our own, no matter who is footing the bill. 

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

1 thought on “10 best things to do in tunisia”.

AWESOME blog guys. I know we were on the trip with you…but your blog honestly made us want to go back again. Man, we LOVED Tunisia! Love your photos and your insights!

p.s. Huge love to Tunisia Ecotourism, those guys were amazing guides!

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Map And Camera

11 Must-See Amazing Places To Visit In Tunisia

From the winding streets of the Tunis Medina to the dunes of the Sahara Desert, discover the best places to visit in Tunisia. The country fascinated me with its rich history, natural wonders, and vibrant blend of Mediterranean and Arab cultures.

This page may contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I will never recommend products and services I don’t trust or haven’t used. Buying through these links will cost you nothing, but will help me maintain the website. For more information, please read my  disclosure . Thank you!

Discover the best places to visit in Tunisia, full details of what to see and do in Tunisia. I have added some photography tips to help you take the best pictures of any place you visit in Tunisia. At the end of this article, you will find essential information you need to know before you go to Tunisia.

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Everything else that you might need to plan your trip to Tunisia, you will find on my page of Travel resources .

Table of Contents

11 Beautiful Places To Visit In Tunisia

Sidi bou said is my number one among the best places in tunisia.

Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque town located on the coast of Tunisia, near the capital city of Tunis. The town is one of the best places to visit in Tunisia. The small picturesque coastal city is a stone’s throw away from the capital Tunis.

It is well-known for its distinctive blue and white architecture, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and laid-back atmosphere. Here are some reasons why you should visit Sidi Bou Said:

Charming Architecture

The town is famous for its Andalusian architecture, with white-washed buildings adorned with blue doors and wrought iron windows. The unique and charming aesthetic of the town makes it a popular spot for photography and exploration.

Breathtaking Views

Situated on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, Sidi Bou Said offers stunning panoramic views of the sea. There are numerous cafes and terraces where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Rich History and Culture

The town has a rich history, influenced by various civilizations including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Don’t miss the Dar El Annabi Museum, which is a traditional Tunisian house that has been turned into a museum.

Artistic Feel

Sidi Bou Said has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians. The town’s beauty and tranquility have attracted many creative minds over the years.

You can buy there traditional Tunisian handicrafts, such as pottery, textiles, and metalwork. Sidi Bou Said will provide you with a great opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs to take home and to support local artisans at the same time.

Sidi Bou Said is located just a short tram or car ride away from Tunis and the ancient ruins of Carthage, making it easy to combine a visit to these attractions.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said offers a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for unwinding.

Photo tip : Get lost in the winding streets of Sidi Bou Said and you will encounter numerous photo opportunities.

Medina of Tunis

The Medina of Tunis is the historical heart of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a rich mixture of history, architecture, culture, and art.

The Medina dates back to the 7th century and has seen Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman, and French influences.

The area is filled with palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, fountains, and, of course, shops.

Wandering through the Medina will give you an intimate look at Tunisian life – from artisans practicing age-old crafts to bustling souks selling spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

The Medina of Tunis is a real treasure if you are looking for authentic crafts, souvenirs, jewelry, and traditional items.

Traveler’s tip : Mild temperatures in spring (March to May) make it a pleasant time to explore without the heat of the summer months, and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak season. Autumn (September to November) is a lovely time to visit too as the temperatures are moderate, and pleasant for a walk. Avoid Summer. The months of June to August can be intensely hot, which might be uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to such heat.

The Bardo National Museum

The Bardo National Museum, located in Tunis, is an absolute must-see of the places to visit in Tunisia if you are interested in history, archaeology, and art.

The Museum houses one of the most important collections of Roman mosaics in the world. These intricate mosaics, which have been exceptionally preserved, depict daily life, mythology, and various other themes from the ancient world.

Besides mosaics, the museum contains a wide range of artifacts from the Punic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.

Both the Bardo Museum and the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Turkey claim to be the largest and the most important mosaic museum in the world. I could not take sides in this argument. I found both museums to be wonderful and unmissable.

During my last visit, at the end of 2022, the Bardo Museum was temporarily closed. At the time of writing this article, the Bardo Museum seems to be open to the public. However, opening times and days might be affected by events, maintenance, or external factors like global health concerns.

Tip : Before planning a visit, it’s always a good idea to check the Museum’s Official Website .  You will find there the most up-to-date information on hours of operation, any special events, or potential closures.

Ancient City of Carthage – Archaeology Lovers Must-see of The Tourist Places in Tunisia

Carthage, located on the Mediterranean coast, was a significant ancient city-state that played a central role in numerous historical events.

The Punic ports of Carthage were vital to its maritime power and commercial strength, enabling the city to establish and maintain a dominant position in the region for centuries. These ports served as the hub for trade, naval expeditions, and interactions with various cultures around the Mediterranean.

Carthage was a major power in the ancient Mediterranean, rivaling Rome for dominance. The Punic Wars fought between Carthage and Rome, were pivotal in shaping the course of Western history.

The site contains remnants of the Carthaginians’ advanced architectural prowess, including homes, public buildings, and sacred spaces.

Situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, the panorama from Carthage is simply breathtaking.

No matter whether you are a history enthusiast, or a traveler seeking a unique cultural experience, you can’t miss the Ancient City of Carthage.

El Jem (or El Djem)

The Roman ruins of El Jem (or El Djem) of all the places to visit in Tunisia should be on every history buff’s List. The Amphitheater of El Jem, located in eastern Tunisia, is one of the most renowned and impressive archaeological sites in North Africa.

El Jem Amphitheater (also known as the El Jem Colosseum) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the third-largest Roman amphitheater in the world and is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture outside of Italy. It once could hold 35,000 spectators.

The amphitheater’s massive structure, consisting of huge stones without mortar, is a testament to Roman engineering. Its walls stand at a towering height, and its elliptical shape is grand and imposing.

 A short distance from the amphitheater is the El Jem Archaeological Museum. It houses a rich collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts discovered in the area. The mosaics give insights into daily life, mythology, and the diverse artistry of the time.

Photo tip : Given its rich history and well-preserved ruins, El Jem is a haven for photography enthusiasts. Capture the grandeur of the amphitheater, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden hue on the stones.

The Great Mosque of Kairouan

The Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba, is one of the most important and impressive Islamic monuments in North Africa and is worth visiting for so many reasons.

Founded by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi in 670 AD, the Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the oldest places of worship in the Islamic world. It has stood witness to the evolution of Islamic architecture over the centuries.

Some architectural elements of the mosque, such as its vast colonnaded prayer hall and horseshoe arches, were pioneering in their times and inspired subsequent mosque designs in the region.

The mosque showcases the finest examples of Aghlabid architecture with its massive pillars, grand courtyard, and intricate decorations. Its minaret is considered one of the purest examples of architectural simplicity and beauty in Islamic culture.

Kairouan itself is a beautiful city, considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

The mosque plays a significant role in this regard, symbolizing the spread of Islam in North Africa. The historic city of Kairouan, with the Great Mosque at its heart, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its outstanding universal value.

Photo tip : If you’d like to capture the view from the above picture, here is how to do it. There is a carpet shop (in the picture below) beside the mosque. They will gladly let you go to their rooftop terrace for a stunning view. Even if you are not into buying carpets, they sell some cosmetics on the first floor, so you may consider buying a cosmetic item as a small thank-you gesture.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert in Tunisia is a captivating and unique destination that will offer you the chance to experience one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. Here’s why the Sahara Desert in Tunisia is worth visiting and some of the activities you can indulge in:

Admire the landscape and take the most stunning photos. The desert offers unparalleled photo opportunities, from the vast dunes to a salt flat.

The vast expanses of golden sand dunes are an awe-inspiring sight, and Chott el Jerid is the largest salt flat in the Sahara, offering shimmering mirages and otherworldly views.

Photo tip : You will have the best photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset when the play of light creates a mesmerizing effect. Plan your time well as Tunisia is near the equator and the sun goes up and down very fast and you will have no more than a few minutes to take the perfect shot.

Visit the indigenous Berber people, known for their rich culture, history, and hospitality. You can learn about their way of life, traditional music, and cuisine. They will most probably give a you treat with their specific home-made bread and honey.

Ride a camel across the dunes and get a traditional desert experience or navigate the dunes with a quad bike for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Pay a visit to Anakin Skywalker. The Sahara in Tunisia has been the backdrop for several iconic movies, including parts of the “Star Wars” series. You can visit some of these filming locations.

Visit the Douz International Sahara Festival. The festival takes place every year at the end of December and showcases traditional Bedouin culture, camel racing, and more.

See what an oasis looks like. The Sahara is dotted with oases like Tozeur and Chebika, which offer a stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

These oases are lush, and filled with date palms havens that provide a unique experience. Buy some dates from a street vendor along the way.

Tips from my own experience : Before you embark on your journey to the Sahara Desert in Tunisia, remember to:

• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
• Wear appropriate clothing like light, long-sleeved shirts, and hats.
• Bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good pair of shoes.
• Respect the local customs and traditions.
• Always use local guides when exploring to ensure safety.

Chott el Djerid: One Of The Most Beautiful Places in Tunisia

Chott el Djerid is a large salt lake in southern Tunisia. It’s one of North Africa’s most distinctive natural landmarks. On the surface, Chott el Djerid seems like a vast expanse of salt and nothingness. That’s what gives it its charm.

Depending on the time of day and the season, the lake changes in color. It can go from shimmering whites and blues to fiery reds and oranges. A photographer’s paradise!

One of the lake’s most famous features is its mirages. The heat causes light to bend, producing illusions of distant lakes, trees, or even buildings.

It’s a surreal experience to witness these optical phenomena. Depending on the season, flamingos can be seen in some parts of the lake.

The region around Chott el Djerid has been inhabited for thousands of years. It has played an essential role in ancient trade routes.

Visit the surrounding areas for deeper insights into Tunisian Berber culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to get to know their customs and the unique architecture of the desert towns.

If you, like me, are a fan of the Star Wars series, a trip to Chott el Djerid is a pilgrimage. It was used as a filming location for several scenes, most notably those of Luke Skywalker’s home planet Tatooine.

Tip : The best time to visit Chott el Djerid is during the cooler months of the year, typically between October and April. The temperatures during this period are more bearable than the scorching heat of the summer months. Also, the chances of witnessing mirages are higher in the cooler months. Remember, though, that the lake can become inaccessible after heavy rains, so it’s essential to check local conditions before planning your trip.

The small Berber town of Matmata in southern Tunisia is famous for its unique underground troglodyte structures.

The troglodyte houses are its main attraction. They are carved out of the soft rock. The underground homes were constructed to protect their inhabitants from the scorching heat of the summer and the cold of the winter.

When you stand on the surface, it appears as if there’s nothing there, but upon getting closer, you’ll discover courtyards and rooms dug deep into the earth.

For the Star Wars saga fans, Matmata is a must-visit. One of the troglodyte homes was used as the exterior for Luke Skywalker’s home on the planet Tatooine.

The Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa. In Matmata, you’ll have the opportunity to experience their traditional way of life, learn about their customs, and taste their cuisine.

The surrounding region is characterized by its moon-like landscapes, with craters, rock formations, and vast stretches of desert. The unique topography is a photographer’s dream.

If you’re planning a visit, consider hiring a local guide. They can provide you with insights into the history, culture, and traditions of Matmata. A local guide will make your visit more enriching and informative.

There’s a lot to learn about the local people, their ingenious architectural solutions, and their adaptations to a harsh environment.

Mos Espa: A Must-see For Star Wars Fans Visiting Tunisia

Mos Espa, in the Star Wars universe, is a spaceport located on the desert planet of Tatooine. While Mos Espa doesn’t actually exist in reality, several sets from the Star Wars movies were constructed in the desert regions of Tunisia.

For Star Wars enthusiasts, visiting the set of Mos Espa is like stepping directly into the movies.

Some of the original Star Wars sets in Tunisia have been preserved relatively intact and will allow you to walk through and explore them.

 Beyond just the sets, the surrounding desert landscape is breathtaking. The Sahara desert offers endless sand dunes. They create a serene environment and out-of-this-world feeling.

While the sets feel remote, they’re accessible with guided tours. The tours usually combine a visit to Mos Espa with an extreme buggy driving through the dunes. Though not everyone in the group I was traveling with appreciated it, I really liked it. It was great fun!

Photo tip : The combination of the sets and the stunning desert backdrop provides fantastic opportunities for photography. Try to go there early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting conditions.

The Island of Djerba, of all the places to visit in Tunisia, is a beach lovers’ paradise

Djerba Island, located off the southeastern coast of Tunisia in North Africa, is a gem that offers a mix of beautiful beaches, rich history, and unique culture. Here’s why Djerba is worth visiting along with some recommendations on what to see and do:

Go for a beach holiday

Djerba boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. The soft white sands and crystal-clear waters are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beaches of Djerba offer a range of water sports including jet-skiing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

You can even ride a camel or a horse on the beach. That was the only thing I didn’t like at Djerba. No one seems to clean the animals’ excrements, so pay attention to where you step when going to the water.

Shop at Houmt Souk

This is the main town and commercial center of Djerba. Stroll through its markets. Shop for local crafts, pottery, jewelry, or textiles. The small town also has a picturesque marina and several historical sites.

Visit one of the oldest Synagogues in the world

El Ghriba Synagogue is an important pilgrimage site for Jews. Its architecture and history make it a must-visit for everyone no matter the religion.

Explore a crocodile farm

The crocodile farm is in Djerba Explore Park. There you will find also the Lalla Hadria Museum, which showcases Tunisian art and history and a traditional Tunisian village.

Admire the street art of Djerbahood

The small village of Erriadh is an open-air museum. International artists have transformed every surface suitable for painting, into a work of art. The sleepy village has become a vibrant street art scene. Among all the beautiful places to visit on Djerba Island, this is my favorite.

Climb the Borj El K’bir Fortress

This historic fortress offers panoramic views of the coast and the marina. The fortress has a rich history and had played a significant role in defending the island from invaders.

Learn how the pottery is made

The town of Guellala is famous for its pottery. No matter where in Tunisia you see ceramics for sale, they most probably have come from Guellala. Watch artisans at work and buy some unique ceramic pieces as souvenirs.

What You Need To Know Before Going To Tunisia

Where is Tunisia

Tunisia is a small country located in North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria, Libya, and the Mediterranean Sea. Tunisia is strategically positioned as a gateway between Africa and Europe.

Its geographical location has played a vital role in its rich history. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, and French have left their mark on this unique country.

How to Get to Tunisia

The best way to get to Tunisia is by plane. Tunisia’s main airport is the capital’s Tunis Carthage International Airport.

It is well connected with many European cities. The airports of Monastir, Enfidha, and Djerba serve mainly charter flights.

Best Time To Visit Tunisia

The best time to explore all the places to visit in Tunisia is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, and temperatures are moderate.

The summer months (July and August) can be extremely hot, especially in the interior of the country, while the winter months (December to February) can be mild but with occasional rain.

If you plan a beach holiday the best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny.

For exploring the Sahara Desert, the cooler months of October to April are preferable to avoid the intense summer heat.

Meanwhile, the spring and fall seasons are ideal for cultural tours and sightseeing, as temperatures are moderate and the landscapes are lush and colorful.

Currency Of Tunisia

The official currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND), subdivided into 1000(!) milims.

Currency exchange services are available at the airports, major hotels, and numerous currency exchange offices throughout the country.

It’s essential to be aware that it’s illegal to bring in or take out Tunisian Dinars from the country, so make sure to exchange only what you think you will spend.

Is Tunisia Safe To Visit

Like many other countries, the safety situation in Tunisia can fluctuate depending on various factors. In recent years, Tunisia has made significant efforts to enhance security, especially in tourist areas. As a result, the popular tourist destinations in Tunisia, such as Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and the coastal resorts, are generally safe.

However, no matter where you are going to, stay updated with travel advisories, and exercise regular safety precautions.

Is Tunisia Worth Visiting

Tunisia is definitely worth visiting for many. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ruins of Carthage and medina of Tunis.

The architecture, cuisine, and traditions of the country are a charming mixture of Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences.

The beaches of Djerba are among the best places to visit in Tunisia and a perfect destination if you are looking for a relaxing holiday.

On the other hand, the Sahara Desert is a photographer’s dream with its diverse landscapes ranging from vast dunes to lush green oases. And if you are a Star Wars fan, you can’t miss the saga’s filming sets and locations.

Take your camera and get ready to take your most inspiring photos .

In conclusion , Tunisia is not just a destination, it’s an experience. Its rich variety of cultures, traditions, and landscapes make it one of the top places to visit in the world. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or just someone looking to relax on pristine beaches, you will find amazing places to visit in Tunisia.

So, pack your bags and get ready to be enchanted by this North African marvel.

Find everything you might need for your travels in one place on my Travel Resources page.

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31 Photos Of The Best Tourist Places In Tunisia

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Tunis

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 22, 2023

Tunis is an easygoing capital city, which makes for a perfect introduction to Tunisia before setting off to explore the country further. The heart of the central city is the medina (old town), where simply strolling the squiggly alleyways is the major tourist attraction.

The two major things to do while in town are both out of the center. The world-famous Bardo Museum is home to one of the world's most important mosaic collections. Visitors staying in the beach resorts of Hammamet and Sousse come on sightseeing day trips to the capital simply to visit this museum. The other major historical attraction is the remnants of Ancient Carthage , scattered throughout a shoreside Tunis suburb.

When you've soaked up enough history during your Tunis stay, one of the best places to visit is Sidi Bou Said. This whitewashed village is a Mediterranean idyll right on the city outskirts.

Find out how to spend your time in town with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Tunis.

Explore the Ruins of Carthage

The national bardo museum, day trip to sidi bou said, get lost amid the medina, view the city from the roof of the olive tree mosque, stroll the streets of the ville nouvelle (new town), la goulette (tunis port), mosque of sidi mahrez, dar hussein, parc du belvédère and the museum of modern art, rue sidi brahim and rue du pacha, day trip to takrouna, tunis, tunisia - climate chart, history of tunis.

The remnants of ancient Carthage – fabled wealthy seafaring city of the Phoenicians – lie scattered across the Bay of Tunis.

The evocative tumbled columns and piles of marble rubble are bordered by a panorama of the Mediterranean Sea, which was so fundamental to the city's prosperity.

Completely destroyed in the third Punic War in 146 BCE, the surviving ruins pale in comparison to some of North Africa's other ancient sites, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't visit. With their seafront setting, the ruins have an unbeatable, lost-in-time air.

The separate sites are strung out along the bay area. From the central city, take the Tunis Light Railway line direct to the various Carthage stops on the line. Some of the sites are close enough to be walked between if it's not too hot.

Don't skip the views across the entire area from the top of Byrsa Hill.

• Read More: Exploring the Ruins of Ancient Carthage: A Visitor's Guide

One of the world's three most renowned mosaic art collections (the other two are both in Turkey) resides in this opulent palace museum.

Inside, room after room exhibits gloriously intricate and still vibrantly fresh examples of mosaic art that have been unearthed from sites across the entirety of Tunisia .

The Sousse Room, Odysseus Room, and Dougga Room are the highlights, with their famed, incredibly well-preserved mosaic floorings from the Hellenistic and Roman era, but the entire collection is well worth an afternoon of browsing.

The ground floor of the building holds some interesting non-mosaic exhibits with displays of the neo-Punic, Christian, and Islamic eras.

Official site: www.bardomuseum.tn

Address: Rue Mongi Slim

The gorgeous Andalusian-style seaside neighborhood of Sidi Bou Said owes its fame to three young painters. While living here in 1914, Paul Klee, August Macke, and Louis Moilliet captured the beauty of its whitewashed buildings and blue doors on canvas.

Sidi Bou Said has been something of a bohemian artists' quarter ever since and is a favored weekend hangout spot for Tunis locals.

There are no major tourist attractions as such (that's part of its charm), but you can't fail to be beguiled by the perfect white-and-blue streets, cliffside cafés, and picture-postcard shoreline.

This is a place made for idle strolling, trinket shopping, and sitting back with a coffee simply soaking up the scenery.

• Read More: Exploring Sidi Bou Said: Tunis' Picturesque Seaside Suburb

Chock-a-block full of crumbling buildings found by weaving your way through a procession of ever-skinnier alleyways, the medina (old town) district is Tunis' historic heart and is brimming with sightseeing potential.

The main entrance gate, marking the end of the new city and beginning of the old is known as Bab el Bahr (Sea Gate). Built in 1848, it was known as Porte de France during the colonial period.

The old town walls of the Hafsid period may have long ago disappeared, but once inside, mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools of learning), and mausoleums boasting opulent tile work and splendid Fatimid and Ottoman architecture line the twisting streets.

Getting lost while meandering and stumbling onto some fabulous monumental relic is half the fun.

Shoppers should head to Souk des Chéchias, where the makers of Tunisia's traditional woolen hats have had their workshops for centuries. The area between Rue Djemma ez Zitouna and Rue Kasbah is where most of the souvenir stalls congregate.

Address: Main entry at Bab el Bahr (gate) on Rue el Jazira

The medina district's great mosque is home to some of the country's finest examples of religious architecture. Begun during the Umayyad dynasty in 732 CE, it has been added to and refined by conquering empires in the centuries since.

Although non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, visitors are free to wander around the opulent and tranquil exterior courtyard and also to head up to the rooftop, where dazzling tile work is on display.

The rooftop is also one of the best places in the medina to get panoramic photographs of the area.

Address: Rue Djemma ez Zitouna

A world away from the organic jumble of the medina, Tunis' ville nouvelle was developed during the French colonial era.

Its main core is Avenue Habib Bourguiba – a magnificently wide avenue planted with palms and eucalyptus trees. The street heads eastwards, from just outside the medina on Place de l'Indépendance towards the harbor, in a dead straight line.

The imposing St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral is the largest surviving building of Tunisia's French colonial period. Its bulky neo-Romanesque facade presides grandly over the north end of Place de l'Indépendance and at the time of construction in 1893, it was a monumental reminder of France's dominance over the country. Inside is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Architecture fans should check out the wonderful mix of colonial and post-colonial buildings along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, from the Modernist inverted pyramid of Hotel du Lac to the more genteel and grand European-style of the government buildings.

At the intersection with Avenue Mohammed V, Place d'Afrique has a clock monument symbolizing Tunisia's modern era.

La Goulette is the port suburb of the capital and has been a place of strategic importance (controlling the harbor entrance) since time immemorial.

In the reign of Emperor Charles V, it was the most important Spanish possession in the eastern Maghreb.

From 1574 onwards, the Ottoman rulers enlarged and strengthened the fortress built by Spain. La Goulette became a port only during the French colonial period, when the Lake of Tunis silted up and could no longer take ships of any size.

For sightseeing, La Goulette has Spanish and Ottoman forts to explore and the gateway of the Old Arsenal (on the Tunis Road).

If just soaking up the sea air is more your thing, the main coastal road (Avenue Franklin Rossevelt) is La Goulette's top promenading venue. Beyond the modern harbor, the long stretch of sandy beach is one of the city's top spots for evening and weekend relaxing.

This Ottoman-style mosque is named after the 10th-century marabout (holy man) Mohammed Mahrez es Seddiki (the "Ascetic"), who is the Islamic equivalent of a patron saint for the city. It's a graceful building topped off with nine white domes.

Mahrez played a vital role after the sacking of Tunis in 944 CE, encouraging citizens to rebuild and to develop trade and industry. He is buried across the road from the mosque.

Although non-Muslims cannot enter, the facade of the building is worth checking out while in the medina.

Address: Rue Sidi Mahrez, Medina

The sumptuous Dar Hussein Palace was built in the 18th century and restored during the 19th century.

Now home to Tunisia's National Institute of Archaeology and Art, visitors can wander freely in the beautiful inner courtyard (but aren't allowed into the palace itself) and soak up the opulent surroundings.

Nearby is the Dar Ben Abdallah, an 18th-century palace that has been put to good use as the home of the city's folk museum (the Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel de la Ville de Tunis). The exhibits include faience, stucco ornament, costumes, and furniture.

Adress: Rue Sidi bou Khrissan, Medina

Location: Rue Sidi Bou Khrissan, Medina

This welcome splash of greenery is one of the city's top spots to catch your breath and regroup from the hustle of the busy streets.

The hillside has been planted with Aleppo pine, carob-trees, olive and fig trees, and palm trees, and those who take the short hike up to the top of the hill are rewarded with fantastic panoramas of the entire city (on a clear day).

On the east side of the park is the Museum of Modern Art, home to the country's top collection of work by Tunisian artists. The park is also home to the city's zoo.

These two streets (and their surrounding alleys) in the medina are home to a wealth of architectural gems and are a wonderful place to capture a sense of what the old town would have looked like before modernization.

The mid-19th-century Zaouia Sidi Brahim (Rue Sidi Brahim) is a showcase of sumptuous palace interiors, while 18th-century Dar Lasram (Rue du Tribunal) is another lavish example of palace style.

The Ottoman pasha once resided along Rue du Pacha, and the houses that still line the lane host some of the finest examples of engraved wooden doorways in the city.

The Amazigh (Berber) village of Takrouna is 110 kilometers south from Tunis. If you're only on a quick Tunisia trip, this is one of the closest places to the capital to experience some of the country's traditional stone-cut and dome-roofed village architecture.

The village is perched atop a cliff, and for many visitors, the main reason to visit is to photograph the village with its panoramic views of the farming plains sweeping out in all directions below.

Only a few families still live in the village. A couple of houses, can be entered so that visitors can see traditional village interior decoration, and there's a small café that serves simple local dishes.

Takrouna is also within day-tripping distance to Hammamet (46 kilometers northeast) and Sousse (56 kilometers southeast) and could be visited as a stop-off while journeying between Tunis and Sousse.

Thanks to its superb location on a wide, sheltered bay and a fertile hinterland, the site of present day Tunis is one of the two oldest cities in the entire Mediterranean area.

The first to settle here were the Numidians, who named their town Tunes. Afterwards, the Phoenicians founded Carthage near here in 814 BCE.

The rise of Tunis began with the final destruction of Carthage by the Arabs in 698 CE. The Lake of Tunis provided a natural harbor for the Muslim fleet.

Under the rule of Ibrahim II of the Aghlabid dynasty in 894 CE, the capital was transferred from Kairouan to Tunis, and the town began to develop into one of the leading spiritual and intellectual centers of the Islamic world.

In the 16th century, Tunis' prosperity attracted the attention of pirates, who captured and looted the town in 1534. In the following year, the Emperor Charles V drove out the pirates and Tunis became Spanish, though the administration remained in the hands of the ruling Hafsid dynasty.

In 1569, the Ottoman Turks over-powered the Spaniards, but Don John of Austria in turn defeated the Turks. In 1574, however, the Ottoman army won back the town, and it became the seat of an Ottoman governor.

In 1871, the Turkish Bey of Tunis, Hussein, declared himself independent of Constantinople, but the city (and country) fell under the colonial rule of France, which made Tunis an administrative center of their North African protectorate.

French rule finally ended on March 20, 1956 and in the following year, Tunis became capital of the Tunisian Republic.

More on Tunisia

The Perfect 14 Days Itinerary for Tunisia

Tunisia is a fantastic destination and if you’re looking for an itinerary to follow, you came to the right place!

While many visit Morocco and Egypt, somehow Tunisia remains less explored.

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.

We’ve spent three weeks in Tunisia travelling independently and decided to write this perfect 14-day itinerary for Tunisia. But don’t worry, we have some suggestions if you wish to stay longer or shorter.

The country has so much to offer: gorgeous beaches, Mediterranean towns, exceptional Roman Ruins, islands, Star Wars Movie sets, the Sahara desert, great food, honest and friendly people, and great infrastructure, so getting from A to B is easy. 

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

DAY 1: TUNIS 

The capital city of Tunisia is a bustling city that combines modern and traditional. The best place to stay on your first visit is the medina so you can explore it. You can choose to stay in the new city at the end of your trip. 

The Tunis Medina dates from the 7th century when it was built around the Zitouna Mosque.

Don’t miss the souks, especially on Friday/Saturday mornings. And, if you’re after some great views, then head up to the Cafe Panorama  and enjoy a coffee or tea while you’re there.

And for a delicious lunch in the medina, stop by Restaurant The Ben Arous. You could spend a lot of time strolling through the maze of the medina with incredible doors and shops.

Read our post on the top 5 experiences of Tunis Medina.

Another highlight is the Bardo Museum, Africa’s second-biggest museum.

The museum also boasts one of the world’s most exquisite Roman mosaic collections. Definitely add this to your itinerary for Tunisia if you are an art lover. It’s closed on Monday.

Where to stay in Tunis

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.

Midrange : Dar Ben Gacem  – A beautifully restored old Tunisian home, now a boutique hotel. 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 just to prepare you a hot pot of tea or coffee after a long day of exploring.

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.

DAY 2: TUNIS – CARTHAGE – SIDI BOU SAID

Spend the morning walking across the medina and catch the metro to Carthage (ticket is approx 0.700TND ($0.25).

This is the ancient city that once ruled a huge empire across the Mediterranean The entry ticket of 12 TND ($4.20) will get you into multiple sites.

I recommend starting at Antonine Baths and walking from there to the Roman Villas (amazing mosaics), checking out the Theatre next door, and walking up to Byrsa hill with some epic views and museums.

There are other archeological sites in Tunisia, but this one should be on anyone’s itinerary for Tunisia as it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

From Carthage grab a BOLT (ride-sharing app) to get to Sidi Bou Said. This picturesque seaside town is famous for its white and blue architecture (very Greece-like), make sure you explore the small side streets where you lose the crowds.

There is a famous place on the main street, Rue Hédi Zarrouk to get a hot  bambalouni  (Tunisian hot doughnut).

It’s a blue, hole-in-the-wall stand and you can smell sugar as you approach it. You can’t miss it.

 It’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll or stays for sunset @Cafe Des Delices.

DAY 3: TUNIS TO SOUSSE 

Distance: 147 km (1 hour 50 mins journey time in car)

This morning head to the Louage Station Moncef Bey to catch a louage to Sousse (11.9 TND or $4.20). This 14-day itinerary for Tunisia is based on using public transport – for us, louage was the fastest option.

LOUAGE is essentially a shared taxi, a van that fits 8 passengers, and once full it departs from the station for the destination. More about that further below.

(You could also head to Monastir directly and spend the night there at Marina Cap Appart Hotel , explore the town, and then return to Sousse the next day).

It’s only a 15 min louage ride away, a ticket is 2.25 TND and they depart regularly.

Sousse can feel pretty touristy at times but the medina is nice although it mostly feels like a market. The Ribat (fortress) is worth visiting and you can stroll down to the beach. You might choose to stay in the medina.

We stayed at Hotel Paris, a comfortable budget option located in the medina.

For breakfast get some coffee from Beanery Cafe and pastries from the amazing french bakery just around the corner (across the entrance to the Institute of Arts) and have lunch at Restaurant du Peuple – an amazing set lunch menu not to be missed.

You can also choose to stay at one of the nice resorts along the beach in Sousse. I recommend either the  Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort or Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa .

DAY 4: DAY TRIP TO MONASTIR AND EL JEM

Distance: Sousse to Monastir 22 km (25-30 mins journey time in car)

Distance: Monastir to El Jem 73km (1 hour journey time in car)

Only 30 minutes away Monastir is an easy day trip from Sousse (ticket for louage is 2.25 TND). We actually spent a few nights here as we got a great deal at the marina, staying at Marina Cap Appart Hotel.  It was a nice place to chill for a few days.

You can walk from the station to the Ribat which is well restored. Across from the ribat is the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba containing the remains of former president Habib Bourguiba, the father of Tunisian independence and the former president.

Don’t miss the picturesque marina only a short walk from the Ribat. 

Afternoon in El Jem

Catch a louage back to Sousse and head down to El Jem. The louage ticket is 5.9 TND from Sousse to El Jem, allowing one hour journey time.

This was one of our absolute highlights of Tunisia – an ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans in 238AD. This is the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Africa and it was designed to seat 35,000 people. This must be on anyone’s itinerary for Tunisia.

Entry is 12 TND each and be ready to be blown away!

For more detailed information and tips, read our post about how to get to El Jem in Tunisia  using local transport.

Travelling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card . We love this card; it has saved us so much in fees.

DAY 5: SOUSSE TO TATAOUINE

Distance:  405 km (5 hours 30 mins journey time in car)

A travel day to the south. Take a louage from Sousse to Medenine first. The price is 23.5 TND ($8.20), journey time is about 5.5 hours, including two brief bathroom stops and a 25 min stop for lunch.

Change to a different louage at Medenine station heading to Tataouine. The ticket is 3.65 TND ($1.30), journey time is 45 minutes. 

Don’t miss the patisseries in Tataouine that have the special: Cornes de Gazzelle (crescent-shaped cookies filled with almond filling then fried in oil and soaked in honey)

Overnight at Auberge Alferdaous , a good budget option located in the centre of Tataouine .

The owner is a great guy, has fantastic English, and can give you some good tips for exploring the area.

DAY 6: VISIT KSAR OULED AND MOVE TO CHENINI

Distance: Tataouine to Chenini 18 km (25 mins journey time in car)

Grab a cheap and easy breakfast in a bakery and head out (best to grab a taxi for 20 TND) to Ksar Ouled.

Alternatively, you can take louage for around 2.5 TND each, but it does take time to fill up with passengers here. However, if you have the time, it’s a cheap option.

This 15th-century granary is not to be missed. Not only because it was a set from Star Wars movies, but because it’s truly stunning.

You probably won’t need more than an hour here so it’s worth asking the taxi to wait or you can catch a louage back to Tataouine.

Grab lunch in Tataouine (I recommend Restaurant Sindbad for a good lunch menu) and then head out to Chenini.

It’s only about 20 minutes ride and the scenery is spectacular. We have stayed at Residence Kenza for another unique stay – in a cave. It was really cosy and had incredible views.

Chenini is a small village, part of it is an abandoned Berber stone village that you can stroll through on top of the hill.

There is a mosque on top of the hill and don’t miss the sunset or sunrise over the valley.

DAY 7: CHENINI TO DJERBA

Distance: 143 km (2 hours journey time in car)

Breakfast in Chenini, and then walk down the hill to catch a louage to Tataouine again. From here there are direct vans to Djerba.

The journey to Djerba was actually really quick and we had time to grab lunch once we arrived in Djerba near the louage station – Restaurant Central Djerba .

We took a taxi after a wonderful lunch of chicken and couscous (highly recommended) to our accommodation and checked in to enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

We treated ourselves in Djerba and found fantastic online rates (during late November) with Booking.com at Ulysse Palace Djerba Resort.  

The resort is located approximately 9km from the centre of Djerba, however, private taxis are very affordable. We paid just a few dollars from Djerba directly to our resort (all taxis are metered).

If you’re looking for a good budget option in the heart of Djerba, I recommend Hôtel Olympic Djerba.

DAY 8: DJERBA ISLAND

Djerba is a really popular summer destination if you arrive during the summer or shoulder season.

As we visited in the cooler months, the old medina in Houmt Souk was so nice to walk around. Check out the souks, street art, maybe have a coffee in the trendy El Fondouk .

Don’t miss out on Djerbhood (street art event) and El Ghriba Synagogue. 

If you have a few more days to play with, you can extend your time here.

How to Get to El Jem in Tunisia

African Food Guide – 10 Best Food Countries in AFRICA

The Fascinating Medina in Tunis – 5 Unique Things To Do

Day 9: djerba to matmata (stay in star wars hotel).

Distance: 130 km (2 hours 45 mins journey time in car – allow time to change transport at stations)

From Djerba, you can head back north or if you only had 9-10 days you could simply fly out of Djerba as there are direct flights to France and Germany.

So you could alter your itinerary for Tunisia and fly from here. We always find the most competitive prices for flights using Skyscanner .

Getting north is easy. Once again catch the louage to Gabes and from there we took two vans to the small town of Matmata.

This place is known for troglodytes – houses that were built completely underground to keep cool during hot summers and warm in winter.

One of them, Hotel Sidriss has been turned into a hotel after it was used as the film set for Star Wars Episode 4 movie. 

The hotel is very basic with shared bathrooms, but if you are a Star Wars fan it’s really cool to stay here. You can also just come in for a visit.

They charge 3 TND (1 euro) per person to come inside and explore.

DAY 10: MATMATA TO TOZEUR

Distance: 215 km (3 hours 30 mins journey time in car – allow for time changing transport at station)

Another big day on the road, but plenty of scenery. You will need to change transport (Matmata Nouvelle a v Gabes).

Tozeur is a town surrounded by the Tunisian desert and it has a really unique feel. There are dates palms everywhere and the best dates come from here so make sure you buy some.

They’re incredibly affordable, only a couple of euros for 1kg.

The town architecture is another reason why Tozeur is so special, most buildings are decorated with small bricks, and especially the medina is a beautiful place to stroll through.

Today you should book your day trip for the next day – we booked it at the agency   Au Coeur Du Desert  across from our hotel,  Residence El Arich .

The price quoted for a private 4WD with an English-speaking driver/guide for the day was 250 TND ($87).

The car can fit a maximum of 7 passengers, so if you have a group of people/friends to share the cost, it would considerably reduce the price per person.

We were happy to take the day trip with just the two of us and our driver/guide.

DAY 11: TOZEUR Day trip to Chebika – Tamerza – Mides – Ong Jmel 

You can choose a half-day or full-day tour from Tozeur. We chose the full day one.

It included a stop at Chebika Oasis, where you visit an old village and walk down through the wadi and see the waterfall that brings life to this part of the desert.

Next is Tarmeza, another oasis village, and the gorgeous canyon at Mides. You stop for lunch and continue across the desert for some dune bashing in your 4WD to reach Mos Espa (Ong Jemel).

Travel to the Mos Espa film site, beautifully located amongst the Sahara dunes. Here, find the Pod-racing arena, the Mos Espa streets, Watto’s shop, the market, and Sebulba’s Café. Return to Tozeur at the end.

DAY 12: TOZEUR TO KAIROUAN

Distance: 295 km (4 hours 30 mins journey time in car)

Take a louage to Kairouan this morning, one of the holiest places of Islam in Tunisia and it was the first capital of the Maghreb.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it conceals several marvels, but the medina and the Great Mosque are not to be missed.

Overnight: The budget option is to stay at  Chema chaabani.  

I’d recommend a very comfortable stay at Hotel Continenta l if you can afford to spend a little more.

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DAY 13: KAIROUAN TO TUNIS

Distance: 165 km (2 hours 20 mins journey time in car)

Spend the morning exploring Kairouan and depart to Tunis later on. Once you arrive in the capital, you can visit the medina or head to the Bardo museum – whatever you didn’t get to do in Tunis last time.

A suggestion for a comfortable, newly renovated business hotel in central Tunis is Golf Royal Hotel .

We stayed here for our final few nights in Tunis and highly recommend it. Good prices, comfortable beds, fantastic breakfast, and great service.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your tickets online: We use Viator and GetYourGuide
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DAY 14: TUNIS DEPARTURE DAY

Your itinerary for Tunisia ends in the capital. There is always plenty to do, see or eat in Tunis, depending on when your flight is.

Grab BOLT to the airport instead of a taxi, it will probably cost around 10-12 TND. 

Travel Insurance for Tunisia

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

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Things to know before you travel to Tunisia

• Language: The official language is Arabic and French and English is not as common. Many people in the tourism industry speak Spanish and German as well. 
• Cafes are often highly men-dominated. You can look for Salon du The for cafes that are more mixed and usually nicer.
• Food in Tunisia is amazing. Don’t miss our post about the 8 most popular Tunisian street foods to try while you’re here.
• 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 to get from A to B without any hassle.
• Always keep loose change and coins handy for paying for taxis, bottled water, or street food snacks.
• Internet connection isn’t great in Tunisia. I’d recommend picking up a SIM Card for your phone with one of the phone providers at the airport. There are several to choose from. I got an Orange SIM Card for free, then topped it up with 10GB for 20 TND (USD $7). You can get 2GB for 10 TND also, but if you’re travelling on my suggested itinerary for Tunisia, I’d recommend buying the larger package. Alternatively, the most convenient and affordable way to get connected in Tunisia is to buy this Tunisia eSIM Data Pack online.
• Keep any foreign currency receipts or ATM currency withdrawal receipts on you. At the end of your trip to Tunisia, ensure you convert all of your Tunisian Dinar to Euros/USD 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.
• Download Maps.me App on your phone, it’s a very useful offline map for Tunisia. I’d also recommend downloading an offline map of Tunisia on Google Maps as a backup to access maps if you cannot get online.
• Download Arabic and French in your Google Translate App. You never know when you may need to use it.
• To book any day trips or short multi-trips in Tunisia, we recommend Viator .

Travel Tips for Tunisia

We wrote helpful travel guides and tips for Tunisia—this country is so diverse!

When planning your trip, we recommend you read our 10 best tips for independent travellers to Tunisia . This post includes essential things to know that will make your travels here much smoother.

Our perfect 14-day itinerary for Tunisia is a detailed guide to visiting the best parts of the country.

We wrote this comprehensive post about how to visit El Jem Amphitheatre , what an incredible site!

Our post explaining  8 of the best street eats in Tunisia cannot be missed, and we recommend these  top 5 things to do in Tunis Medina .

Tunisia features on our list of the 10 best food countries in Africa , offering some of the most popular African breakfast foods .

Our Food Map of Africa is interesting because it explains what they eat in all 54 nations.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Tunisia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIM options in Tunisia.

If your travels in Tunisia are part of a larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries , offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM . The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

Want to travel in Tunisia with like-minded travellers? View the best deals on group adventures in Tunisia .

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

Travel Planning Resources

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

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🚌 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 : We now offer Group Trips; check them out here . Alternatively, we recommend G Adventures OR Tourradar .

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

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

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

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14 Comments . Leave new

thank you for sharing your trip to Tunisia it was definitely helpful.

Thank you, we’re really happy you found value in our post. Happy Travels!

Hi both I stumbled across this page while searching for info and tips on our upcoming trip to Tunisia in 2 months time This itinerary looks spot on, and touches all the things I wanted to see. We just decided to go louage rather than car rental, despite travelling with childre. One thing that I think would bring this page onto a completely new level of usefulness would be having rough estimates of times and costs involved in all the city to city trips: it’s great knowing that you can do Tozeur to Matmata (or the other way round) by louage, but it would even better to know roughly if it’s 2hr, 4hr, 6 hr, etc.. just to plan the itinerary! Anyway, thanks for all the tips and info, really great job!! Giovanni

Thanks for your feedback Giovanni, well noted. We hope you have a fantastic time in Tunisia 😉

Following up on my previous comment, can you remember how long it took you from Kairouan to Tunis (assuming by louage)? we plan to do it the other way round, but distances and times should be the same! thanks Giovanni

Yes, we took a louage taxi and the journey took about 2 hours. It was direct and they drive pretty fast on those roads.

Thanks for this info!! It was really helpful X About how much would you recommend to budget for a 9day trip (very roughly lol) ? Thanks Riya

Based on our trip, we roughly spent around 30 USD per night on accommodation (clean, comfortable rooms in good locations). Food is very affordable, so you can eat street food and great French pastries with coffee for only a dollar or two. It’s easy to find some great sit-down lunches and dinners for around $3.50 – 4.00 pp for a huge couscous with chicken/veg. Transport and getting around is affordable too, if you use Bolt app for short rides and louage (shared taxi) between cities and longer drives.

Roughly, we spent between USD $40-70 per day in total, and we’re two people. So yes, Tunisia can be a very affordable place to travel if you need to stick to a budget. Hope that helps 🙂

These two blogs I wrote below may be quite useful if you’re planning to travel to Tunisa.

– https://www.veryhungrynomads.com/10-best-tips-for-travel-in-tunisia/ – https://www.veryhungrynomads.com/street-food-tunisia-8-most-popular-eats/

Hello, thanks for your blog. I wanted yo ask you if the visits around Tozeur (oasis, canyon, mos espa) can be fone by our own means. With a normal car?

A second question is if djerba in winter for 2 days and 1 night is a place that we shall not miss. I am asking as it is relatively far.

Hi Carlos, I think you could do some self-driving in Tozeur with a normal car, but there are parts you need 4WD (I remember driving on sand when visiting oasis, the Star Wars city etc). As for Djerba, it will probably be quiet and cooler in winter, so might be worth to skip it. Hope that helps. 🙂

Hello, thanks for sharing the tips in your blog! I am travelling to Tunisia soon, and would like to ask if it’s possible to travel to Tatatouine straight after visiting El Jem? Would there be louages from Sousse to Tatatouine say 12pm onwards? By any chance do you know the opening hrs for louages?

We can’t answer for sure whether there would be louage from El Jem or Sousse to Tatouine around that time, but we imagine so. Sousse is a very busy hub or louage station for shared taxis going in all directions..and remember that the cars depart once they fill all seats. This is the primary way that all people move around in Tunisia. And, if you don’t have a car going all the way, perhaps there might be a car going to the city of Gabes, and then you could continue the next morning. Happy travels 🙂

Hello, I went through your blog and it was pretty detailed. I absolutely loved it. Just wanted to ask you if it’s possible to cover Djerba-Matmata-Tozuer in one day? Like starting from Djerba quite early, going to Matmata just to see the troglodytes up close and then head over to Tozeur for the night stay? I know it sounds very hectic, but we are very short of time. I was hoping it can be possible. We’ll not have any car with us, we are solely depending on public transport systems, preferably the louages. Thanks in advance!

Hi Shalini,

Yes, this journey would be possible – as you mentioned, you must get an early start to this day from Djerba. And, if you’re hoping to do a tour around Tozeur the following day (if you’re short on time), it may be an idea to book it online and get a confirmed trip (some suggestions in our blog to do this), or possibly call ahead and see if your hotel can arrange a guide/driver for you.

Happy Travels! This is such a fascinating area of Tunisia to explore 😉

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Best attractions in Tunisia: Top 25

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

What to see first of all in Tunisia

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

1. The ancient city of Carthage

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

Tunisia | Save on hotel reservations

2. the amphitheater at el djem.

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

3. Sidi Bou Said

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

4. Bardo National Museum

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

5. The Ancient City of Dugga

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

Official site: https://whc.unesco.org

6. The Ancient City of Kerquan

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

7. The Sahara Desert of Tunisia

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

8. Matmata Cave City

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

9. Gellala Village

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

10. Medina of Tunis

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

11. Saint Vincent de Paul Cathedral

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

12. The Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

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

13. El Grib Synagogue

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

14. Uqba Mosque

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

Official website: https://www.patrimoinedetunisie.com.tn

15. Al-Zaytun Mosque (Olive Mosque)

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

16. Ribat Fortress in Sousse

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

17. Ribat Fortress in Monastir

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

18. Kelibiya Fortress

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

19: Phrygia Zoo

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

20. Ishkol National Park

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

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

Sightseeing in Tunisia: what else to visit in Tunisia

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

21. The Atlas Mountains

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

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

22. The island of Djerba

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

23. Schott El Jerid Lake

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

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

24. Souk el-Juma Market

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

25. Remains of the “Star Wars” set

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

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

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11 Most Beautiful Tourist Places In Tunisia

Tunisia or the Republic of Tunisia is a country located in northeastern Africa , bordered to the north and east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the west by Algeria, and to the south by Libya. Its capital is the city of Tunis and its currency is the Tunisian dinar. 30% of Tunisia's area is desert, and the rest is fertile plains and mountain ranges.

Tunisia is often thought of as just a beach destination, but it has a host of surprising attractions to do for the traveler off the sandy beaches. This is North Africa that fits into one bite-sized package, with massive desert dunes, gigantic ancient ruins, and quaint cities that are home to a series of sprawling markets.

Table Of Contents

2. Djerba Island:

3. tataouine, 5. monastir:.

• 7. Carthage:

8. Kairouan City:

9. sidi bou said:, 10. matmata city:, 11. hammamet :, is tunisia worth visiting, the cost of tourism in tunisia 2022:, 10 most beautiful tourist places in tunisia.

The Tunisian capital is one of the most unpretentious cities in North Africa, yet still full of a western touch. It is this recall style that makes Tunisia an ideal introduction to the region. Most of the city's major landmarks are located in the Old Town, which is a tourist attraction in itself. Here, the forked alleys amid the tall walls are where you are bound to get lost.

Outside this enchanting maze, there are still plenty of things to do. The European style of the New Town is where French café culture permeates, and luxurious Belle Epoque architecture lines the streets here. Outside the center, we find the two most important landmarks of the city: the magnificent mosaic collection of the world-famous Bardo Museum and the glorious remains of Carthage, which should be on every tourist's travel schedule.

Djerba is located in the east of the country on the Gulf of Gabes and is the largest island on the coast of North Africa. It has a population of about 143 thousand people, and the largest city in it is Houmt Souk. The history of the island goes back to ancient times, where the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, and then Arabs resided.

Today, it is inhabited by a significant proportion of Jews as well as Muslim Arabs. It has a Mediterranean climate and the weather is sunny most of the year. Djerba's economy varies from tourism, agriculture, and fishing.

Djerba is a kind of wonderful resort that epitomizes life on the island. Just five kilometers off Tunisia's southern coast, these gently sloping sandy beaches, and idyllic Mediterranean climate have made Djerba a favorite for tourists looking for a beach break in winter.

• L’île du soleil : Découvrez Les Meilleures Choses à Faire à Djerba

Plenty of resorts cater to tourists, but Djerba also offers other attractions, such as timeless villages and colorful landscapes for those interested in immersing themselves in culture and nature. It's also a great place to stay if you want to explore other popular things to do in southern Tunisia on a series of day trips.

Tataouine is a small town in Tunisia, located about 170 miles southeast of Tunis. The town grew around a Berber fortress built by the Roman general Julius Caesar in 50 BC. The fortress was abandoned in the 5th century AD, but the town continued to grow.

In the 10th century, Tataouine became part of the Fatimid Caliphate. It served as the capital of an independent emirate from 936 to 1147.

The city has a population of around 150,000 people and is known for its traditional handicrafts, such as carpets and dolls. Tataouine is also home to the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Thamugadi.

Sousse is located in eastern Tunisia and is considered the capital of the Sahel region. It overlooks the coast of the Mediterranean, has a population of 222 thousand, and is the third-largest city in the country. The city's economy depends on the industry, where textile factories and transportation and communication equipment are spread, in addition to canned tuna and olive oil. It is also famous for its location in the middle of the country's historical and tourist attractions.

One of Tunisia's most popular tourist resorts, Sousse blends resort comfort with historical and cultural attractions that combine the best of both worlds.

While the luxury hotels lining the seaside suburbs of Port El Kantaoui offer sun, sand and beaches, the old ‘Medina' neighborhood in central Sousse has plenty of historical attractions for history lovers. No wonder this ancient port city continues to charm everyone who visits it.

It is a coastal city in eastern Tunisia located on a peninsula near the Gulf of Hamamet. It is 162 km from the capital, Tunis, and has a population of about 94 thousand people. It has a Mediterranean climate, where the winter is cold and the summer is hot, and many tourists visit it due to its cultural heritage and its picturesque nature.

The historic city of Monastir is distinguished by its charming wrap around the coast, an excellent beach area, and a group of sandy beaches that are among the most important tourist activities for visitors.

• Top 10 Most Beautiful Tourist Places In India

But the city has many monuments for those who want to add a bit of history to their trip. Located right on the coast, the Rabat fortress is one of the most impressive monuments in Tunisia during the Islamic era.

Next to the fortress of Rabat is the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, the name of the founder of the modern Tunisian Republic, which wonderfully blends traditional and modern architecture in Tunisia. Monastir is also one of the best bases from which to see the great Roman amphitheater ‘El Jem', which is rightly considered one of the best tourist attractions in Tunisia.

It is a beautiful city located in the northwest of the country and has a population of about 38 thousand people. It is considered an oasis at the gate of the desert and has a great religious history due to the presence of the shrines of the righteous saints in it. It has been inhabited by man since ancient times, and successive civilizations have succeeded in it and left their mark in it.

This idyllic desert oasis enchants all who visit it. Tozeur is a world away from the Tunisian coastal resorts like Sousse and Hammamet, with the medina (old town) full of unique architecture and palm trees representing a green sea across the desert sands.

Adventurers will find plenty of sights and things to do in the surrounding countryside, whether it's carpooling on the dunes, swimming in hot springs, or even visiting the crumbling and surreal archaeological remains from the Star Wars movie filmed out of town. .

With all this, do not miss the other sights in the oases of Tamerza, Chebeka and Midas, where you can enjoy some of the breathtaking views that Tunisia has to offer.

7. Carthage :

It is a historic city dating back to the Carthage civilization, located northeast of the capital, Tunis. It has a population of more than 17 thousand people and includes the official residence of the Tunisian presidency and many international ambassadors. To this day, the city preserves many archaeological sites, some of which have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage.

Today Carthage is a wealthy suburb of Tunis, surrounded by garden villas filled with red hibiscus flowers and purple bougainvillea. The few remains of the once Phoenician city of Carthage dot the neighborhood.

Despite its ruined state, the remnants of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are one of the top things to do in Tunisia, and definitely worth a sightseeing trip from downtown Tunis to soak up the history-packed past, and enjoy its beautiful surroundings on the sea road.

The fourth holiest city in Islam (after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem), Kairouan is an important religious pilgrimage site, and, for history lovers, one of Tunisia's tourist attractions.

Kairouan is located in the center of Tunisia, 150 km from the capital. Inhabited by more than 140 thousand people, it is known as the fourth holy city in Islam and the first in the Maghreb. The city has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. The city is known for making carpets and handicrafts, in addition to sweets, the most famous of which is Al-Maqrod.

This bustling city is jam-packed with sightseeing opportunities and contains some of the country's best examples of Islamic architecture, from massive mosques and ornate tombs to back alleys lined with colorful houses. Kairouan is also a major shopping destination and is known for its quality carpets. The traveler to Kairouan will be impressed by the minarets of the mosques and the popular markets for handicrafts.

Sidi Bou Said is located in the northeast of the capital, Tunis, and has a population of about 6000 people. Despite its smallness, the village is considered a tourist attraction due to its historical monuments. A picturesque suburb, Sidi Bou Said is a coastal bohemian city in Tunisia, filled with whitewashed buildings with wrought-iron decor and blue wooden doors.

One of the most popular things to do here for tourists is to have a cup of cappuccino in one of the convents and enjoy watching the city. You can also wander among the quiet back streets (where we are cars prohibited) and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Sidi Bou Said is a suitable place to enjoy artistic nature and is also considered one of Tunisia's best locations to capture the ceramic works for which the country is famous.

It might seem innovative to explore Matmata, because the first parts of the first Star Wars films are known to have been filmed there. But the underground houses in the rocky Hamada desert are one of the most unique sites of its kind in Tunisia.

The caves at Matmata were hardly known until 1967, when the city, not far from Gabes in southern Tunisia, became a major attraction for visitors.

Some cave houses descend up to 30 feet and are said to date back to the 4th century BC. The Berber inhabitants use ground steps and rope ladders to make their way between the levels of the caves and use the passages to connect the rooms.

The city is located in the northeast of the country and has a population of about 74 thousand people. It is about 60 km from the capital, Tunis, and is considered the first tourist destination for the country due to the tourist resorts that are available there. The city's history dates back to the Carthaginian civilization, and today's baths are rich in many antiquities and ancient heritage.

The Baths have a wonderfully attractive location, wrapping comfortably around a bay on the Cap Bon peninsula. This is the original Tunisia tourist resort. Its beautiful sandy beaches, its well-preserved medina (old town) are the main points of interest, and the town itself is a nice introduction to North African culture and traditions.

Sightseeing here is usually a close second due to the beauty of the beaches and endless sunny weather, but if you find yourself wanting to get off the beach, Hammamet is ideally located as a base from which to explore the rest of the Cap Bon area's attractions.

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

You can easily book a hotel in Tunisia with Booking.com

Tunisia has a climate that offers warm and sunny weather all year round. If beaches are your first destination, the months of June, July, and August are the best times. Outside these months, the weather will be a little cooler but still warm and sunny.

Added to that, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the country is just stunningly beautiful. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery.

The cost of a medium-cost tourist trip for two people for a week in Tunisia is about 810 US dollars, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing without calculating airline tickets.

• Lunch prices: start from 10 USD per meal.
• Hotel prices: start from 23 USD for two people for one night. You can easily book a hotel in Tunisia through Booking.com
• Flight Booking : You can book a cheap flight ticket to Tunisia with Qatar Airways from here .

You will enjoy great offers and excellent service with one of the best airlines in the world.

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The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the country is just stunningly beautiful. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery. ???????? ???? ????????

Thanks for all this information very useful

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Royal Thalassa Monastir

£419 pp

Luxury, charm, wellbeing, and fun in the sun await discovery at this beachside luxury retreat in Monastir!

Royal Thalassa Monastir nestles in lush gardens on a magnificent beach midway between Monastir and Sousse. This Tunisia luxury hotel is the perfect place to escape the 9 to 5 with loved ones; from its chic guest accommodation and tasty culinary experiences to the indulgent leisure amenities.

Why Book Royal Thalassa Monastir?

• Includes a saving of £96
• 23kg checked luggage per person  
• Private beach, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool
• Luxurious on-site spa
• Beachfront location

Whatever holiday means to you, you'll find it here. Activity fans get to take to the water on a jet ski or catamaran or partner up for tennis. Spa enthusiasts can indulge in a massage, while sun worshippers tan at the beach or pool. Younger guests get a look in with a mini pool and kids' club.

The guest rooms and suites mix a neutral decor with colourful accents and the latest mod cons. Update your socials using the Wi-Fi, watch the news on television, choose a drink from the minibar to sip on the terrace, and enjoy a good sleep thanks to the air-conditioning and comfy beds.

Your food and drink journey embraces round-the-world buffets in Chief's Market Restaurant, a Mediterranean-inspired menu in La Voile Restaurant, and international flavours in Mona Restaurant; while La Voile Bar, Beach Bar, Pool Bar, and The Rendez-Vous Bar serve up your favourite drinks.

• Guests: 2 Adults
• Duration: 7 Nights
• Board: All Inclusive
• Departing: Selected UK Airports
• Offer Date: 8th December 2025
• CALL 0800 408 4048
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Property Facilities

The facilities at Royal Thalassa Monastir include: two outdoor swimming pools - the main pool and a children's pool; indoor pool, sun terraces and 300-metre-long private beach with loungers and parasols, three restaurants, four bars, room service, spa and thalasso centre, boutique, business centre, and 24-hour reception with currency exchange and laundry/dry cleaning. NB: Some services, activities, and amenities may incur a charge.

Sports and activity-wise, you'll find: a water sports club for water-skiing, jet-skiing, catamarans, and parasailing; fitness centre, tennis, table tennis, mini-golf, water polo or basket polo, beach volleyball, aquatic gymnastics, petanque, darts, a kids' club for 4 to 10 year-olds with grassed games area and indoor activity room; and three golf courses nearby.

Room Facilities

Royal Thalassa Monastir has a total of 260 modern guest units; comprising Double, Single, Triple, and Superior Rooms; Junior, Executive, and VIP Suites; and the Presidential Suite. All rooms and suites are equipped with individual air-conditioning (hot and cold), direct-dial telephone, individual safe, minibar, Wi-Fi, digital satellite television with multilingual channels, a bathroom with hairdryer, and a terrace with a view of the sea, swimming pool, or gardens

Food, Drink & Entertainment

Chief's Market Restaurant overlooks the main swimming pool and offers a covered terrace and a rich and varied buffet including homemade bread and pastries at breakfast and traditional Tunisian, Japanese, and Italian dishes, seasonal vegetables, meat, and catch of the day at lunch and dinner. La Voile Restaurant sits on the beach and is your go-to for a Mediterranean-inspired menu including grilled langoustines and prawn skewers, Tunisian speciality mezze, pizzas, briks, ojjas, kefta kebabs, and kid-friendly mini pizzas and tomato spaghetti. Mona Restaurant opens for lunch and dinner; mixing pool views and a delightful menu of international dishes like breaded Camembert on toast and Couscous Bedaoui, a Japanese corner with sushi and vermicelli soup, and meat dishes such as pork mignon.

La Voile Bar is beachside and perfect for your morning espresso, light lunches and dinners, and sundowner cocktails. Beach Bar nestles on the private beach and is your pit-stop for refreshments just moments from your sunbed. Pool Bar opens from 10:00 to midnight and is ideal for daytime beers, pre-dinner aperitifs, and dancing to live salsa, rock, and slow music. The Rendez-Vous Bar looks over the central pool and Mediterranean Sea and is your port of call to sip cocktails as you listen to live music in the evening.

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