travel one tunisia

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

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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

El Jem Amphitheatre

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

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

Sousse Archaeological Museum

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

Archaeological Museum

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

Bardo Museum

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

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

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

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19 things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Looking for a simple travel guide? This guide includes 19 things to know before traveling to Tunisia. However, for now, I am sticking to the basics. Knowing these things will ensure that your trip is full of good surprises and that you will enjoy every minute of your visit. Let’s start! The 19 things to know before you go to Tunisia are…

What is Tunisia famous for?

Why should you go to Tunisia? Tunisia is famous for its versatile nature, delicious cuisine, 1100km long coastline with hundreds of beaches, beautiful architecture, and fascinating history. The country has the charm to attract thousands of tourists from all across the globe every year. So, definitely add it to your list of must-travel destinations.

Best time to visit - when to visit Tunisia?

The best time to visit Tunisia depends totally on your preferences. What kind of weather do you like? What are you planning to do during your stay? Summer months, such as June, July, and August, are considered the best time to visit Tunisia. These months are also the most popular among tourists. It’s a great time to visit due to its beautiful weather and the country full of life.

September, October, and November are ideal for discovering the Sahara, as the weather isn’t too hot anymore. The best time for sightseeing and traveling around the country is February-April and September-October when the weather is mild and not too rainy. The best time to visit the country for the elderly is the spring months March-May, and the autumn months, October and November. These months offer plenty of sunlight without excessive heat.

Here you find how the Tunisian weather looks on a month-to-month which might help you to make better travel plans.

What type of food is eaten in Tunisia?

The typical Tunisian food is hot and spicy. Commonly traditional Tunisian dishes contain couscous, pasta, lamb, beef, chicken, chickpeas, green peppers, parsley, and harissa. Instead of eating with a fork and knife, Tunisians usually eat with bread. On your trip, try traditional Tunisian dishes like couscous, Slata Mechouia, Chorba, Brik , Mlawi, and Tajine.

Interested in trying some Tunisian drinks? You must drink at least Tunisian mint tea, fresh lemonade, a soft drink Boga Cidre, and Rouzata. Sounds interesting, right? Click here to find out more about Tunisian drinks. Now, you have an idea of what to eat and drink in Tunisia. But of course, we can’t forget all the traditional Tunisian sweets, pastries, and cookies. To get some inspiration, check the list of ten popular Tunisian sweets you need to try.

What's the currency in Tunisia?

The currency in Tunisia is called the dinar, with the Latin symbol DT and the currency code TND. One dinar equals 1000 millimes. The most used notes are 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinars. The coins are ½, 1, 2, 5 dinars, and 50, 100, and 200 millimes. The Tunisian dinar is a closed currency, which means it is only available in Tunisia. You won’t be able to purchase dinars in advance from your home country and bring those for your trip. Actually, it is illegal to import and export Tunisian dinars.

What is the main religion in Tunisia?

Islam is the largest religion in Tunisia. Approximately 99% of the inhabitants are Sunni Muslims, and the rest belongs to Christians and Jewish. The country hasn’t been using Sharia law since 1956, and Tunisia was the first Arab country to ban polygamy.

Where is Tunisia? - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Tunisia is a relatively small country located in Northwest Africa. Algeria borders the country to the west, and Libya lies to the southeast. To the east is the 1100km long coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Also, the northernmost point of the African continent Ras Ben Sakka is in Tunisia.

Should I visit Tunisia during Ramadan?

What is ramadan.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month when Muhammad received the book Quran. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar, and the exact beginning will be confirmed upon the sighting of the new moon. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. In this case, fasting means abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations.

Ramadan in Tunisia - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Visiting Tunisia during Ramadan will be a memorable experience. Tunisians say that during this month, the country has a unique taste, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to discover Tunisian culture.

If you are heading to Tunisian during Ramadan, be aware of the rhythm of these things: 

• During the day, most of the cafes and restaurants are closed ( In the tourist areas, you will find restaurants open where you can eat if you are not fasting)
• Shops will close a couple hours before breaking the fast.
• Cafes and restaurants will open after breaking the fast.
• The nights will be filled with people and celebration.
• During Ramadan, nightclubs and bars are closed.

What language is spoken in Tunisia? - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

The official language of Tunisia is Arabic. Tunisian Arabic, also called Tunisian, Tounsi, and Derja, is spoken by over 11 million people. The Tunisian dialect is part of Maghrebi Arabic and resembles the dialects in Libya and Algeria. The Tounsi has some similarities with Maltese and also includes a lot of loanwords from languages such as French, Italian, Spanish, and Turkish. Other Maghrebi Arabic speakers understand the Tunisian dialect, but for other Arabic-speaking countries, it is hard to understand.

Do Tunisians speak French?

Besides Tunisian Arabic, Tunisians can also speak French. Some are fluent, others know the basics, and some cannot communicate with it. In school, French is taught to children from the age of seven. So, speaking french might be helpful, but it is better not to generalize that everybody speaks and understands it.

Do Tunisian speak English?

Most Tunisians don’t speak English. So, if you don’t speak French or Arabic, communicating might be a challenge. In the tourist areas and hotels, you will manage in English. Nowadays, teaching English starts earlier in schools, which could ease communicating in English in the future. But, I must say that even though there is no common language, you will find a way to be understood. So, absolutely don’t let this slow you done.

How to dress in Tunisia?

It’s your first trip, and you might be confused about what to wear in Tunisia. Tunisia is a conservative country, but they are very used to tourists. So, how tourist should be dressing? The short answer is that there is no dress code in Tunisia. You can wear whatever you want and dress as you like. The southern parts are more conservative than the northern parts. I advise you to dress more modestly and respect the local culture in the south and smaller cities and villages.

What to pack for Tunisia? - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Read my post, the dressing guide for Tunisia if you are hesitating about what you should wear. There I answer the frequently asked question, such as what do women wear in Tunisia? What to wear at the beach, Sahara desert, or mosque? What not to wear in Tunisia? It’s helpful, so be sure to read it through.

And what to pack? Remember to check my ultimate packing list for Tunisia. It helps you pack the right clothes, essentials, electronics, and toiletries for your trip. In addition, I made clothing and toiletry lists for women and men, paying attention to the weather in different seasons. I also mention a couple of useful extras to bring with you.

Leave the drone at home - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Planning to make a fantastic video by flying a drone above Tunisian attractions? Not gonna happen! Filming with a drone requires permission from several Ministries, and the process is very time-consuming. If you travel with a drone and without a valid permit, usually, it will be confiscated. In conclusion, for this trip, better to leave the drone at home.

Can I drink tap water? - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

In Tunisia, it’s best to drink bottled water. Even though drinking tap water is apparently alright, but still the majority of Tunisians drink bottled water. In addition, it is cheap and tastes better than tap water.

Versatile nature of Tunisia - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Tunisia has a beautiful and versatile nature. You will discover the Mediterranean sea, mountains, oases, the Sahara desert, islands, salt lakes, caves, and rivers. If nature is close to your heart, definitely consider traveling here.

Traffic in Tunisia - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Planning to have a road trip? Definitely, it’s one of the best ways to discover the country. But happens to be that traffic is the biggest security threat to travelers in Tunisia. The traffic can seem very chaotic to someone not used to it. The number of traffic accidents and casualties is unfortunately high. For a road trip, I recommend renting a car, but it is good to be aware of the nature of the traffic. For short distances and cities, I would use taxis and public transportation. This is the way to avoid stress caused by traffic jams, parking, and renting a car.

Historical landmarks - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Tunisia is a dream destination for people passionate about historical landmarks and attractions. You can easily spend weeks filled with historical sightseeing. Here are a couple of examples to give you an idea of what is waiting for you. 

• Discover Carthage, the old capital of ancient Carthaginian. It was an important trading spot in the Mediterranean sea. Carthage has a lot to offer if you are interested in historical sites, buildings, and landmarks: ruins of Carthage, Roman Amphitheater, Antonine baths, L’Acropolium, Byrsa Hill, and  the National Museum .
• A famous Tunisian attraction, the El Jem amphitheater is something you do not want to miss. It is one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved Roman-style amphitheaters. Located in a small city El Jem (El Djem), about 200km from Tunis and only 60km from Monastir.
• Old Medina  is one of my favorite places in Tunis. If you have only limited time, I advise you to visit Old Medina. Many tourists come from other cities to Tunis only to discover this. So you don’t want to miss this place. Old Medina is a maze of ancient streets and a home to hundreds of souks (=small boutiques). Fill your bags with the most beautiful souvenirs: carpets, shoes, sweets, jewelry, ceramics, and clothing.

Is Tunisia cheap or expensive? - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Are you wondering what sort of budget is needed for Tunisia? What kind of budget you need depends on what kind of traveler you are and what type of holiday you plan to have? Are you looking for a 5-star beach resort or backpacker hostel? Traveling alone or with family? If we compare the prices in Tunisia to other popular holiday destinations, we can conclude that Tunisia is cheap.

Having a holiday in Tunisia is relatively cheap. This is one of the factors why every year thousands of tourists come to spend a holiday. You need a relatively small budget for accommodation, transportation, restaurants, activities, and parties. To help you plan the holiday budget, read this article.

Is Tunisia safe? - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Tunisia is a safe travel destination for tourists. In general, crimes against travelers and foreigners are low. The authorities have improved security in tourist resorts and major cities and their ability to respond to potential safety hazards. Also, crimes against tourists are punished harshly. Recently, many foreign governments have declared that Tunisia is safe for tourists .

To get to know more about safety in Tunisia, click here! I answer questions regarding the safety of female travelers, potential safety hazards, and areas to avoid, and share some safety tips. 

Haggling is an art - souvenir shopping.

Haggling is an ordinary social activity in Tunisia. I understand that it might feel awkward if you are not used to it. But it is a big part of shopping, especially in souks in Medina, so get ready for it. Most of the time, there is room for a bargain, so here are a couple of tips to help you out. 

• Haggling is supposed to be fun, so don’t take it too seriously. My friend, don’t forget to smile.
• Start bargain only if you are willing to buy the item. 
• Don’t bargain in chains (Zara, H&M, LC Waikiki, Carrefour) and markets where they sell fruits, bakery products, fish, and meat.
• Tunisians are full of passion and emotions, which you will notice when bargaining with them. Big emotions are part of the process. 
• You can always say thank you for your time and leave if you are not pleased with the deal. 
• Continue to negotiate until you find a price that fits both. 

Be careful when crossing the street - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

As I mentioned before, traffic is chaotic in Tunisia. Be careful when crossing the street because most cars will not stop. Also, you can’t stand there forever, hoping traffic to end or someone to stop for you. When you decide to cross, be prepared to stop between the lanes.

Can I drink alcohol? - things to know before traveling to Tunisia

Unlike some other Arabic countries, in Tunisia, alcohol is legal, and the legal drinking age is 18. So, you can buy and drink alcohol, but it should not be consumed in public, for example, on the streets.

Here you find the guidelines for drinking, smoking, and partying in Tunisia.

And voila, we are done! This was my list of the things to know before traveling to Tunisia. I hope you find it helpful! I will be happy to help, so please do not hesitate to leave a comment or question. See you again next week!

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Travel to Tunisia in 2024: Tips + Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this Tunisia travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

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

our recommended travel insurance for Tunisia

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

🪪 How to get a tourist visa for Tunisia

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

🛫 How to get to Tunisia

How to travel to tunisia by air.

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

How to travel to Tunisia by land

Tunisia has a border with Algeria and Libya .

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

🚑 Travel Insurance for Tunisia

For Tunisia, get IATI Insurance :

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

⛅ Best time to visit Tunisia

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

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

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

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

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

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

🕌 The people and the culture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must-try dishes in during your trip in Tunisia

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

🛺 How to move around: transportation

Typically, there are 2 ways to travel around Tunisia:

Traveling around Tunisia by train

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

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

Traveling around Tunisia by louage

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

💰 Money, budget and costs

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

1 USD = 3.15 TND

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

How much does it cost to travel to Tunisia?

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

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

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

Please note that the below table is just an approximation.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Tunisia?

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

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

Is Tunisia a safe country to visit?

Tunisia Itinerary – Places to visit in 2 weeks

How long should you go backpacking in Tunisia for?

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

Tunisia 2-week travel itinerary map

Day 1, 2 – Visit the capital of Tunis

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Tunis

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

Where to stay in Tunis

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

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

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

Best tours in Tunis

I recommend you look for tours via GetYourGuide .

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

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

Day 3 – The resort-like town of Sousse

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Sousse

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

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

Where to stay in Sousse

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

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

How to get to Sousse from Tunis

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

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

Day 4 – Day trip to Monastir

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

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

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

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

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

Then, we went to Habib Bourguiba’s mausoleum.

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

How to get Monastir from Sousse

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Kairouan

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

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

How to get to Kairouan from Sousse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to El Jem from Sousse

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

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

Day 7 – Sfax, the coolest medina in Tunisia

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Sfax

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

Where to stay in Sfax

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

For more hotel options in Sfax,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Tataouine & around

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

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

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

Where to stay in the area

I recommend you stay in Tataouine.

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

Apartment – Dar Essadeg – Full traditional apartment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Tozeur

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

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

Where to stay in Tozeur

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

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

How to get to Tozeur from Tataouine

The journey is rather more than 300km.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Le Kef

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

How to get to Le Kef from Tozeur

It’s a long way, around 330km.

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

Day 13 – Day trip to Jugurtha Tableland

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

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

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

How to get to Jugurtha Tableland from El Kef

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 14 – Day trip to Dougga Roman ruins

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

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

Absolutely gorgeous.

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

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

How to get to Dougga from El Keff

It was a bit complicated.

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

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

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

❗ More information for backpacking in Tunisia

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

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

All guides and articles for traveling in Tunisia destination

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Is Tunisia Safe?

Travel guides to other countries in Africa

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

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20 comments

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

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

Has anyone rented a car and drove around Tunisia independently?

I did, in the south. Very easy

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

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

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

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

Mega helpful. Thank you.

Is there anyway to get from Sousse to Dougga?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hola Joan, qué tal?

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

Muchas gracias, saludos!

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

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

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

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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

The Fascinating Medina in Tunis – 5 Unique Things To Do

Travel in Tunisia – 10 Best Tips for Independent Travellers

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.

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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.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 15% off Heymondo )  & SafetyWing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Africa , TUNISIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts

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

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

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

#1 When to Travel Tunisia?

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

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

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

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

#2 How to Get to Tunisia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As always I use Skyscanner to find the best prices.

#3 How Best to Travel Around Tunisia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4 How Long to Travel Tunisia For?

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

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

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

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

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

#5 What to Pack for Your Tunisia Travels?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more in this complete Tunisia packing guide I wrote.

#6 Travel Insurance for Tunisia

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

#7 Best Things to Do in Tunisia

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

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

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

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

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

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

#8 Is Tunisia Safe to Travel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#9 Is Tunisia Expensive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#10 Where to Stay in Tunisia?

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

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

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

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

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

My top picks include…

Dar Aida in Zaghouan

Dar Villa Zembra in Al Huwariyah

Dar Khadijaa in Hergla

Dar Essid in Sidi Bou Said

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

#11 Food and Drink in Tunisia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about these amazing water filter travel products here .

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

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

Have any questions about travel in Tunisia still?

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

Shop the printable road trip planner

Create your dream road trip in Tunisia 🇹🇳

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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1 Week in Tunisia: Ultimate 1 Week Tunisia Itinerary

Table of Contents

Tunisia Itinerary – Top Things to Do in Tunisia in a Week

Want to spend one week in Tunisia?

Tunisia is one of the favorite destinations of French travelers! And for good reason… Dream beaches, architectural treasures, a wild and wonderful nature at the same time, exceptional gastronomy, all in a French speaking country.

If you have decided to visit Tunisia, we invite you to follow our recommendations for a one week Tunisia itinerary!

Day 1: Tunis

You will likely arrive in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis. Take the opportunity to discover this charming city mixing traditions and modernity.

Proudly enthroned at the top of a hill 52 m high, Tunis is framed by three valleys. We recognize the intoxicating scents of musk, jasmine and rose from the Orient. The Maghreb region suggests a typical vegetation, revealing an impressive expanse of pines, palm trees and eucalyptus.

It is in the medina that you can observe the historic heart of the city, its souks, mosques and Arab-Muslim architecture of great beauty.  Starting from the Bourguiba Avenue, east of the medina, you will discover the modern city with its cafes, shops, and buildings in the European style.

On the way back, remember to bring back souvenirs.

A visit to the heart of Tunis must systematically pass through the site of Carthage. This ancient metropolis is a must if you plan to discover its important remains.

Do not miss the Grand Mosque (Jamaa ez Zitouna) with rich decorations, one of the most important religious centers of the city. There are also medersas revealing an architecture combining sobriety and delicacy.

The Bardo National Museum

The recently extended and renovated building represents one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world.

It houses an enormous collection of Romano-African mosaics and other inestimable riches such as Carthaginian statues, manuscripts from the Middle Ages, Christian and Jewish mosaics, polychrome ceramic panels…

Find out more about Tunis: Top 10 things to do Tunis Where to stay in Tunis?

Accommodation in Tunis

Dar Ben Gacem Kahia : A beautiful establishment in the medina of Tunis. You will be at the heart of the city’s main attractions. This Dar, highly rated by travellers, is spacious and bright and offers a beautiful roof terrace. A charming place.

I stayed the day before my return, at the  Golden Carthage Hotel Tunis . This large establishment facing the Bay of Gammarth is well located for the airport. It includes a thalassotherapy center and a beautiful swimming pool which you can enjoy during your stay.

Alternatively, you can view  all accommodation in Tunis  here.

Day 2: Sidi-bou-Saïd

The next day, begin your journey towards Sidi-Bou-Saïd , a charming village located 20km from Tunis.

Sidi Bou Saïd offers stunning views of the archaeological site of Carthage , the Gulf of Tunis , and the Mediterranean Sea.

This picturesque village is known for its charming streets, moucharabiehs, typical bars, and famous cafes.

The beautiful panoramic views overlooking the sea offer a breathtaking landscape that promises relaxation, a soothing atmosphere, and surprises for travelers seeking something new.

Sidi Bou Said Cafes

The village owes its fame in part to its many cafes, most of which offer excellent panoramic views from their terraces, providing great photo opportunities. At the Café des Délices , the Café des Nattes , or the Café Hadj Harmor , enjoy a delicious mint tea, typical Tunisian drinks, or a glass of wine from North Africa while admiring the view of Carthage and the Gulf of Tunis.

The traditional café in the village square is also worth a visit.

Ras Qatarjamah and Sidi Chabaane viewpoints

These viewpoints are ideal for capturing the most beautiful photos . The Ras Qatarjamah belvedere, located not far from the village, is built on an old ribat and is easily spotted on the tourist route.

On the other hand, the belvedere of Sidi Chabaane, located next to the Café des Délices, requires a climb to the top of a hill.

Habib Thameur Street

Considered the main street of Sidi Bou Said, rue Habib Thameur is a bustling location with  souvenir shops  and restaurants offering local specialties. Prices are often negotiable during purchases.

Ennejma Ezzahra Palace

Also known as the “Resplendent Star” or “House of the Baron,” Ennejma Ezzahra is one of Tunisia’s riches, built in the early 20th century on the hill of Sidi Bou Saïd.

The building, which also houses the Arab and Mediterranean Music Center, belonged to Baron d’Erlanger, a talented architect and painter of Franco-British origin.

Now a museum, the site boasts galleries with rich collections of manuscripts, paintings, carpets, and countless works of art of great value. The palace is set in a magnificent garden overlooking the Gulf of Tunis.

How to Get Around?

Renting a car is the most convenient option for getting around Sidi Bou Said. Alternatively, you can call a tourist white taxi, but the prices are more expensive (around €40 or €50 depending on the route).

Tunisia Itinerary: One Day in Carthage & Sidi Bou Said is a recommended article to read if you only have one day.

Accommodation in Sidi Bou Said

La Villa Bleue : The Villa Bleue is a beautiful establishment in Sidi Bou Saïd. This small luxurious establishment has 13 rooms and suites and offers a view from the heights over the Gulf of Tunis. It has a swimming pool and a spa available to customers.

For less expensive accommodation with modern decor and an incredible view, you can stay at  La Demeure . A beautiful establishment in Sidi Bou Said.

For smaller budgets, there is  La Suite  which offers breakfast and a kitchenette in your room. Here you can see  all accommodations in Sidi Bou Said  .

Day 3: Sousse

On the third day of your Tunisia itinerary, head to Sousse, known as the “Pearl of the Sahel,” where you can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches.

After a few hours of relaxation on the beach, explore the city center of Sousse and its ramparts, citadel, beautiful mosques, and marina, Port El Kantaoui, ideal for a drink and tasting local specialties.

• Sousse Medina: The medina is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  and is one of the best-preserved examples of an Arab-Muslim city. It’s a great place to explore the narrow streets, traditional souks, and historic buildings.
• Ribat of Sousse: This fortified monastery is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the city and the sea. It’s also a great place to learn about the history of the region.
• Boujaffar Beach: Sousse is known for its beautiful beaches, and Boujaffar Beach is one of the best. It’s located in the heart of the city and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Sousse. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.

For more information, check out our article: Tunisia Itinerary: One Day in Monastir and Sousse .

Accommodation in Sousse

Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa:  The 5 star hotel where I stayed. It is 100 meters from Boujaafar beach. The hotel offers regular rooms and suites. The suite, with its living room and sea views is incredible.

Jaz Tour Khalef : An address tested by one of my collaborators. Located near Port El Kantaoui, this hotel is at the entrance to the city of Sousse. It is set in a 10-hectare park and faces the sea. It has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Here is the link to  see all the accommodations in Sousse  and  those in Port El Kantaoui  if you prefer this area.

Day 4: Kairouan

On the fourth day of your Tunisia itinerary, take a 50-kilometer drive from Sousse to Kairouan, the first  holy city  of the Maghreb.

Kairouan is known for its rich historical and architectural heritage, including the  Great Mosque  Sidi Oqba, the mosque of the Three Gates, the mosqué Barbier, the mausoleum Sidi Abid el Ghariani, and the ramparts.

The old city of Kairouan is also listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage  Site.

In the heart of Kairouan’s medina , immerse yourself in the world of small vendors in the souks, stroll through the alleys lined with white buildings and blue doors, and climb the ramparts surrounding the old town to enjoy the view of the domes.

Don’t miss the Barrouta well, a site revered for generations, where locals use a very old system of wheels and buckets that a dromedary sets in motion by turning. Leaving the medina, head to the Bassins des Aghlabids, which were part of a large hydraulic complex in the 9th century.

After exploring the medina, discover the  Great Mosque of Kairouan , which dates back to the 9th century. Even if you’re non-Muslim, you can enter the courtyard and take a look at the prayer hall.

You can also climb the minaret, whose design is inspired by the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Another iconic monument of Kairouan is the Mosque of the Barber (zaouïa Sidi Saheb), which is a little more extravagant.

A little away from the city, you will find the Museum of Raqqada, which preserves gold coins, old ceramics, as well as sheets of the Koran.

The region around Kairouan is conducive to many activities, from hiking and  bird watching  on the salt lakes to hunting and caving in the mountains.

When in Kairouan, the carpet is a real institution, and you will find them everywhere. You have the choice between a whole range of items as a souvenir, including pottery, leather or copper creations, and delicious maqroudh date cakes.

To get to Kairouan, many  bus lines  and collective taxis serve the city. From Tunis, take the A1 motorway south to Enfidha, then take the P2 road southwest.

Source: Flickr (by Dennis Jarvis)

Accommodation in Kairouan

Hotel Continental : There are few choices of accommodation in Kairouan and yet it is a city in which I would settle for at least one night to enjoy it more. This 3-star hotel seems to be well located in addition to offering all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay. There is an on-site restaurant, parking and swimming pool.

See  all the accommodations in Kairouan  here .

Day 5: El-Jem

On the fifth day of your Tunisia itinerary, head to El-Jem, located at the gateway to the  Sahel region  and famous for its Roman amphitheater, which can accommodate between 27,000 and 30,000 spectators.

The Coliseum of El Jem is one of the must-see attractions during your one-week Tunisia itinerary. Listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  since 1979, it is one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved Roman creations in the world.

The construction of the amphitheater began in 230 and took eight years. While in operation, the amphitheater had a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators, making it the fourth largest amphitheater in the Empire.

It is 122m wide and 149m long, and stands 40m high. Gladiator fights, wild animal shows,  criminal executions, etc., several events took place there in ancient times. Climb to the upper level to enjoy the splendid view of the city and its surroundings.

Unlike Rome’s amphitheater in Italy, few people visit the site, which is a boon, as you’ll have plenty of time to roam the ruins undisturbed and imagine the scenes that took place there in the past.

Apart from the amphitheater, you should also visit the splendid “Africa” villa, discover the mosaic tradition in the artisans’ stalls, and stroll through the silent and dusty alleys of the city. In the summer, the Amphitheater of El Jem hosts the El Jem International Symphony Music Festival under a starry sky.

To Get to El Jem

The train is a convenient option from Tunis. If you prefer to travel by car, from Tunis and Sousse, take the A1 motorway towards the South and fork on the road RR 87 towards the southeast, which will lead you to El Jem. El Jem is not very big, and all attractions are within walking distance.

Accommodation in El Jem

Hotel Julius : Located in the heart of the roman history, the hotel JULIUS EL JEM fully renovated (reopening march 19, 2016), is located in the city centre opposite the roman amphitheatre and 44 km from the town of Mahdia and 70 km from the airport of Monastir.

Excellent value for money if you’re looking to spend the night before/after visiting the gorgeous museum & amphitheater in El Jem

Day 6: Hammamet

On the sixth day of your Tunisia itinerary, head to the famous seaside resort of Hammamet, located in the northeast of the country, about 60 km from the capital Tunis.

Hammamet fiercely preserves vestiges of the past, while being open to modernization, making it a city with a unique character.

Many old fishermen’s houses have been taken over by the  jet set , but overall, Hammamet remains very Tunisian.

• Visit the  Kasbah  of Hammamet: This 15th-century fortress is located on a hill overlooking the sea and offers stunning views of the surroundings. Inside, you can find a museum with exhibits on local history and culture.
• Go shopping in the medina: The medina of Hammamet is a charming and colorful place to explore, with narrow alleys lined with shops selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local products.
• Relax on the beach: Hammamet is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, such as  Hammamet Beach , Nabeul Beach, and Yasmine Beach. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, try water sports, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the sea breeze.

To get to Hammamet, the nearest airport is in the town of Enfida, about 40 kilometers to the southwest. From the airport, a taxi ride to Hammamet costs around 70 Tunisian Dinars.

Alternatively, you can take public buses or the train, or special shuttles that will drop you directly in the city center. Hammamet is also connected to the capital Tunis by a railway line.

You can explore Hammamet on foot, by bus, or by taxi. Hammamet is the ideal place to discover the charm of the hammam and care with orange blossom.

In addition to that, you can stroll through the heart of the medina, visit the splendid Dar villa of George Sebastian, spend an afternoon at the  Carthage Land amusement park , indulge in water sports on the splendid beaches of Hammamet, and take advantage of the benefits of hammams in well-being establishments in the city center.

I recommend you to read our article for one day Tunisia itinerary in Hammamet .

Accommodation in Hammamet

The Sindbad : I slept in this magnificent accommodation north of the medina of Hammamet. This establishment is located by the sea. Its rooms, distributed through pretty gardens, are superb.

The Sindbad has several swimming pools and restaurants, including those by the sea, a beach, a spa center, etc. A great address to remember and test for your stay in Hammamet.

You can also  view all accommodations in Hammamet  here. Try to avoid the Yasmine Hammamet area where the big springs are. It lacks charm for my taste.

Day 7: Return to Tunis

On the last day of your Tunisia itinerary, return to the capital Tunis from where you will take your flight. You can take the opportunity to visit what you did not have time to see, such as the fabulous  archaeological site of Carthage.

In Tunis, you can also immerse yourself in the history of Antiquity in what was the capital of the Roman province of Africa. Visit the Bardo Museum , which houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Roman mosaics, as well as artifacts from other periods of Tunisian history.

To get to the airport, you can take a taxi or public transportation, such as the bus or the metro.

Visit Tunisia: Practical Info and Useful Links

• Time difference: -1h in summer
• Health: universal vaccines + hepatitis A and typhoid fever
• Currency: Tunisian Dinar (1 TND = 0.332 Euro)
• Tourist Office
• Booking Hotel Tunisia

7 Days Tunisia Itinerary Map

I hope you enjoy this 1 week Tunisia itinerary! If you have any other questions leave a comment below and I will gladly help you.

Are you going to Tunisia? Read also:

All our itineraries and tips for travelling Tunisia is Here.

• 5 Reasons to Visit Tunisia! – Tunisia Travel
• Itinerary: One week in Tunisia
• Top 20 Things to Do in Tunisia – Comprehensive Guide
• Tunisia Itinerary: One Day in Hammamet
• Tunisia Itinerary: One Day in Monastir and Sousse
• Top 10 things to do in Tunis
• Itinerary: One Day in Carthage & Sidi Bou Said 

Do you have other suggestions for visiting to Tunisia? Share them with us in the comments! 

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Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, how to plan the ultimate 5, 7 & 10-day tunisia itinerary (by car).

Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone

When most people think of a destination to visit in North Africa, Morocco is the one that tends to get all of the love. 

But after my recent visit to Tunisia, a fellow North African country just a few borders over, I’m here to confirm that Tunisia has just as much – if not more! – to offer. 

Because when you visit Tunisia, you’ll have the chance to: 

• Wander through ruins from that span civilizations and thousands of years (including a Roman amphitheater that can rival its more famous Italian cousin, the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics, remnants of the ancient Phoenician city of Carthage, abandoned Berber settlements 500+ years old, and more) 
• Take a trip through (or even camp out on!) the famed golden dunes of the Sahara Desert 
• Lounge on your pick of pristine Mediterranean beaches 
• Lose and find your way again in one of the country’s vibrant, labyrinthian medinas and souks  
• Check out the unique, otherworldly filming locations for several of the Star Wars movies (110% worth a visit whether or not you’re a fan!)  
• Explore all of this with fewer tourists and more friendly (AKA less “pushy”) locals than you may find in neighboring Morocco 

In other words, there’s a LOT to occupy you during your time in Tunisia. So to help with your planning, I put together today’s article with the best Tunisia itineraries for you to choose from. 

But first… 

Table of Contents

• 1.1    Where is Tunisia?
• 1.2    Is Tunisia safe to visit? 
• 1.3    Is Tunisia safe to visit as a woman? 
• 1.4    What language do they speak in Tunisia? 
• 2.1    How to get to Tunisia 
• 2.2    How long to stay in Tunisia 
• 2.3    When to visit Tunisia 
• 2.4    Where to stay in Tunisia 
• 2.5    How to visit Star Wars film sets/filming locations in Tunisia 
• 3.1    How to get around Tunisia 
• 3.2    How to rent a car in Tunisia (and what to know before you rent)
• 4.1    What to know before we begin 
• 4.2     5-day Tunisia itinerary by car (or public transportation) 
• 4.3    7-day off-the-beaten-path Tunisia itinerary by car 
• 4.4    10-day Tunisia itinerary by car 
• 5 FINAL TIPS FOR VISITING TUNISIA 
• 6 Other activities, attractions, and tours to do in Tunisia
• 7 Planning your next trip?

TUNISIA FAST FACTS 

    where is tunisia.

Tunisia is a small country in northern Africa wedged between Algeria and Libya. It has the Mediterranean coast to its north and the Sahara desert to its south. It’s surprisingly close to Italy – you can even take a ferry from the capital, Tunis, to Palermo in Sicily (AKA Italy’s “boot”). 

    Is Tunisia safe to visit? 

Tunisia is, objectively, one of the safest destinations you can visit in North Africa. 

Yes, it is recommended to avoid getting too close to either the Tunisian and Algerian or the Libyan borders. But there’s not really any reason for you, as a tourist, to get that close anyway. 

In fact, less than a decade ago Tunisia used to be a major hotspot for vacationing Brits and other Europeans seeking the sun (alongside a healthy dose of culture and history). However, in 2015 there were a handful of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting tourists in the capital city and coastal resorts. 

This, as you may expect, caused the number of visitors to plummet. And tourism, unfortunately, hasn’t recovered since then. (The abundance of abandoned Mediterranean beachside resorts and hotels you can see today is a testament to that.) 

It is worth pointing out that Tunisia has been absent of any additional tourist attacks since 2015. And if you visit, you’ll notice that the police presence is very strong in any tourist zone. 

Personally, we felt very safe throughout our whole visit (even in more “isolated” areas where we were the only tourists) and would comfortably recommend visiting Tunisia to anyone. 

    Is Tunisia safe to visit as a woman?  

Generally, I’d say yes. My caveat here is that I was with my partner Rodrigo, a man, for the trip so I felt safe and experienced minimal unwanted attention (aside from a few stares). 

There was one occasion where I walked out to our car by myself and still managed to get a few small comments from local men (despite it only being about a minute and a half alone). But they didn’t push when I ignored them and felt harmless enough. Just annoying. 

However, as with many other predominantly Muslim countries, dressing conservatively as I did likely helps avoid some of that unwanted attention. Honestly, wearing sunglasses so men can’t make eye contact helps, too. 

To be frank, if I had traveled solo, as a woman I probably would have stuck just to the places in the 5-day itinerary below. I likely would not have done the longer 7-day itinerary completely on my own. But that’s just a personal preference. 

   What language do they speak in Tunisia? 

The official language in Tunisia is Darija, a north African dialect of Arabic. However, many people (particularly in the larger cities) also speak French as Tunisia was a former French colony. That said, I wouldn’t necessarily expect or rely on French to work perfectly in the more remote areas. 

We communicated primarily in French, so I can’t speak too much on the average level of English. But in the larger cities and with younger Tunisians, you’ll likely find enough English speakers to get by.  

Though even if you do run into a bit of a language barrier, locals are friendly enough that they’ll go out of their way to help you no matter what! 

HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO TUNISIA 

   how to get to tunisia .

You can find flights to Tunisia from pretty much anywhere in Europe or the Middle East (and as I said above, if you’re in southern Italy you can even take a ferry). 

Flights to Tunisia from the United States can be surprisingly cheap as well! In fact, we actually ended up going to Tunisia on kind of a last-minute whim. 

We were looking for flights to Europe for a wedding, and noticed that it was actually going to be cheaper for us to buy a ticket to Tunisia and then get a separate flight to Italy from there…rather than buy one ticket from the U.S. to Italy. 

So we decided to embrace the find and make a little side trip to Tunisia out of it 🙂 

As the borders with Algeria and Libya can be a little complicated, you likely won’t want to be doing any land crossings to get into Tunisia. 

   How long to stay in Tunisia  

If you’re coming from somewhere that’s not too far away (like Italy), even just 3 days in Tunisia could give you enough to get a taste if you were to stay in Tunis and do day trips. 

However, we’d really recommend a minimum of about 5 days. We personally were there for 6 days, and felt a little rushed (the 7-day itinerary below is the one we did, but we recommend adding another day which is why it’s 7). 

But if you wanted to spend more time in the desert or beach, you could easily extend your stay to 10+ days. Or if you plan to follow our itinerary but do it by public transportation, you’ll want to add some more time as well. 

   When to visit Tunisia 

Tunisia gets HOT in the summer, which can be especially challenging if you’re a woman who wants to dress on the conservative side to avoid attention. 

Otherwise, the weather is pretty pleasant all year. Though if you want to spend time swimming at the beach, you might want to avoid winter as the water isn’t quite warm enough yet. 

Or if you’re considering visiting in the spring, make sure you look up the exact dates of Ramadan in Tunisia for that year. Otherwise, you might arrive only to find everything is closed! 

   Where to stay in Tunisia 

Our accommodation in Tunisia was a combination of guesthouses and Airbnbs. 

We found all of our guesthouses on Booking.com and enjoyed them immensely as they were often large, traditional homes with beautiful tiling and communal courtyards. 

One of our favorite stays was called Dar Ya , a beautiful home with a delicious breakfast and wonderful owners right in the heart of Tunis’s medina.  You can find current pricing and make your reservation for Dar Ya on Booking.com here .

One of the many wonderful guesthouses we stayed in while in Tunisia

   How to visit Star Wars film sets/filming locations in Tunisia  

As I said in the intro, if you have the time, these sets are totally worth visiting whether or not you are into the films. 

All of the film sets we recommend are located in the southern desert part of the country. You can see exactly where they are on our itinerary map here (listed under the 7-day itinerary), or take a look at the Tozeur and Tatouinne sections in the 7-day itinerary section below for more details. 

TUNISIA TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS 

   how to get around tunisia .

You can find a decent bus system within most cities in Tunisia. In the capital city, Tunis, there’s an above-ground metro that will take you just about anywhere within the city as well as to neighboring suburbs like Carthage (where you’ll find the ruins of ancient Carthage) and Sidi Bou Said. 

To get between cities, we personally decided to rent a car as we were a little short on time for all the places we wanted to go (see next section for more info on renting a car in Tunisia ). 

However, there is a pretty decent train system between cities as well as a cheap shared taxi system (called “louages”) that can get you most places. 

So although the itineraries below are recommended for road trips, if you give yourself some more time you can likely do a lot of them by public transportation. 

   How to rent a car in Tunisia (and what to know before you rent)

Renting a car in Tunisia is pretty cheap. If you want to rent in Tunisia, our article with the 7 best and cheapest websites to rent a car might help. That said, driving in Tunisia is NOT for the faint of heart and drivers seem to like to make their own rules. 

And although Rodrigo was fine to drive (he did, after all, grow up in the 20-million-person behemoth that is São Paulo), I know for a fact that I would have freaked out. 

So if you’re a nervous driver, you may want to rely on buses and public transport when you’re in a city (we didn’t, for example, use our rental car at all in Tunis). And instead only use the rental car when you’re going between cities or going to the desert. 

Note: tolls in Tunisia only accept cash. So make sure you have some extra coins on hand if you’re driving! 

WHAT TO DO IN TUNISIA (OUR 5-, 7-, AND 10-DAY TUNISIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY BY CAR) 

   what to know before we begin .

A few quick notes about these itineraries before we dive in. 

• Except for Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, and Carthage, we did this entire itinerary by car. You probably could do most of the main stops of this itinerary by public transportation (buses, shared taxis, train), but it will take significantly longer and you may not be able to find your way to some of the more remote destinations, like the various attractions near Tozeur and Tatouinne. In which case, you’d then have to rely on taxis or tours once you arrive. 
• All of these itineraries start and end in Tunis as this is likely where you are going to fly in. However, your exploration of Tunis is at the end of your trip rather than when you first arrive. We always like to plan our itineraries this way so we’re as close to the airport as possible for our last few nights in case anything happens. But that’s up to you. 
• The 7-day itinerary below is the one we did personally (though we crammed it into 6 days, which I wouldn’t recommend). 
• All of the places on the itineraries below are marked on the map below . Click the map to zoom in and then check/uncheck options on the left to see what’s included in each itinerary.

    5-day Tunisia itinerary by car (or public transportation) 

Of all the itineraries listed here, this is the one that is most doable by public transportation (train, shared taxi) as the distances aren’t nearly as long. However, you would likely need more than 5 days to get to all these stops if you choose not to rent a car. 

Since you just have five days and four nights, you’ll be spending two of those nights in Sousse (one of my favorite cities!) and two nights in Tunis with plenty of day trips in between. 

    Day 1: Arrive in Tunis, drive directly to Sousse with a stop in coastal city Hammamet (overnight in Sousse, approx 2 hrs of driving).

WHAT TO DO IN HAMMAMET 

Hammamat is a popular beachside town right off the main road between Tunis and Sousse. It’s not big, but it’s worth a stop to take a stroll along its coastal pier, historical medina, and colorful souk.   

WHAT TO DO IN SOUSSE 

Sousse is Tunisia’s third-biggest city and likely my favorite city in the country. Depending on when you arrive on this first day, you can begin exploring Sousse today, or fit it into day 2 or the morning of day 3. 

While in Sousse, be sure to visit: 

• The medina and souk 
• Sousse Archaeological Museum (I highly recommend making sure you don’t miss this one! Their collection of ancient Roman mosaics is impressive, and it’s a good alternative to Tunis’s famous Bardo Museum in case you don’t have time to make it there .) 
• The Great Mosque
• Avenue Hedi Chaker and Bou Jaafar Beach (this is Sousse’s main drag and will take you directly along the beach…and is also an interesting place to see many seaside abandoned hotels) 

The Sousse Medina

The Sousse Archaeological Museum

One of Sousse’s many abandoned hotels

If you like, you can also visit Sousse’s Ribat (or fortress). However, you’ll be going to what I would consider a more interesting ribat in Monastir on day 2, so I’d perhaps skip the one in Sousse. 

    Day 2: Day trip from Sousse to El Jem and Monastir (overnight in Sousse, approx 2.5 hrs of driving)  

WHAT TO DO IN EL JEM (HOW TO VISIT THE EL JEM AMPHITHEATER)   

There’s one reason El Jem is one of the most visited spots in all of Tunisia: it’s home to a magnificent amphitheater that can rival its more famous cousin in Rome! 

El Jem is considered to be the third-largest ever amphitheater ever built, after the Colosseum in Rome and an amphitheater that was destroyed in Capua, Italy. But the best part is that you explore this one with a fraction of the tourists you’ll find anywhere in Italy 🙂 

El Jem is just a 1-hour drive from Sousse, making it a perfect day trip.  

WHAT TO DO IN MONASTIR  

Monastir’s highlight is its beautiful Ribat overlooking the sea. Make sure to climb up its towers for a great view! 

Right next door, you’ll find the imposing Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president and a champion of their independence from France. 

We didn’t go inside the mausoleum (I’m not sure if you can), but it’s still quite a sight to see even from the outside. 

Monastir is about a 1-hour drive from El Jem and a 30-minute drive from Sousse, allowing you to visit all 3 in a day with about 2.5 hours of driving in total. 

Also remember to prepare a guide for Monastir !

   Day 3: Drive back to Tunis with a visit to Kairouan (overnight in Tunis, approx 3 hrs of driving)

WHAT TO DO IN KAIROUAN  

Kairouan is one of the holiest Muslim cities in the world (it ranks fourth, coming after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem) and is an important Islamic pilgrimage site. 

During your stop in Kairouan, you can visit: 

• Kairouan’s Great Mosque (only muslims can go inside, but non-muslims can enter the courtyard) 
• One of the cafes or rug/souvenir stores near the Great Mosque that have a rooftop you can visit (you’ll score some amazing views!) 
• The medina surrounding the Great Mosque 
• Zaouia of Sidi Sahab (The Barber’s Mosque) 
• Basins of Aghlabides (a network of pools that have provided locals drinking water since the medieval ages…though I wouldn’t drink from them now!)  

Kairouan’s Great Mosque

WHAT TO DO IN TUNIS 

As Tunisia’s largest city, one of the best ways to spend your time here is simply letting yourself get lost within the city’s extensive medina and many, many souks. (Bonus points if you can find my favorite cafe: Cafe el Medina!) 

Cafe el Medina, Tunis

For a taste of modern Tunisia, complement your stroll through the old medina with a stroll down the city’s most famous commercial street: Habib Bourguiba Avenue. 

I can also highly recommend doing a free walking tour of Tunis with Saber ! We really enjoyed our tour with him, and it gave us a fascinating look into some of the city’s hidden corners. 

For this 5-day itinerary, I added this free walking tour to day 5 the morning before flying out. But of course, feel free to move this tour around to another day if you have an early flight. 

    Day 4: Day trip from Tunis to Sidi Bou Said and the ancient ruins of Carthage (overnight in Tunis)  

HOW TO VISIT ANCIENT CARTHAGE RUINS  

With just a short metro ride away from Tunis, you’ll find the ruins of Carthage, an ancient Phonecian city that was once one of the world’s most affluent cities and important trading centers. 

Today, you can visit what’s left of this once mighty city as ruins scattered throughout the suburb that’s still called Carthage. 

The various archaeological sites of Carthage are pretty spread out, so I’d recommend just picking a few to focus on. If there’s one site I recommend you don’t miss, it’s the Baths of Antoninus (also called Antonine Baths).  

Antonine Baths, ancient Carthage ruins (just outside of Tunis)

There are a few different Carthage metro stops you can get off at, so choose the one that’s closest to whatever site you want to start at. You can buy one single ticket at any of the sites to get access to all the sites. 

WHAT TO DO IN SIDI BOU SAID 

With turquoise, picture-perfect views reminiscent of Greece’s Santorini, Sidi Bou Said is a cliffside suburb of Tunis home to its expats and wealthy citizens. 

You can get to Sidi Bou Said very easily by metro from Tunis in about half an hour. Once there, the best way to spend your time is with a stroll along the city’s pedestrian center to appreciate the views (likely with a selfie or two along the way). 

    Day 5: Tunis free walking tour, Tunisia departure

If you have time, on your last day take the Tunis free walking tour I linked to above on day 3. From there, to the airport you go!  

   7-day off-the-beaten-path Tunisia itinerary by car 

Our 7-day itinerary will include all of the stops in the 5-day itinerary above (though they are rearranged a bit) as well as a few days in the desert in southern Tunisia. Because of this, there is significantly more spent driving, though I did my best to alternate between short driving and long driving days. 

Thankfully, the scenery on the long driving days is pretty interesting….plus gets you to spots where you’ll see far fewer tourists! So if you have the time, I’d highly recommend following this longer, more off-the-beaten-path Tunisia itinerary if you can. 

Note : Google Maps is surprisingly accurate in Tunisia, even for the more remote stops. So just copying the names of the stops I’ve given here into Google Maps should get you exactly to where you want to go. 

    Day 1: Arrive in Tunis, drive directly to Tozeur desert town with a stop at ancient Dougga archaeological site and El Kef (overnight in Tozeur, approx 6 hrs of driving)

Our first day here kicks off with a lot of driving. So if your flight arrives in Tunis later in the day, you may want to spend your first night in Tunis and only begin the drive the following morning. 

Overall, it’s a lovely drive taking you through rolling green hills before switching to the desert landscape that many associate with north Africa. 

Along the way, you’ll have two stops to break up the drive: Dougga and El Kef. 

HOW TO VISIT DOUGGA (TUNISIA)  

The first stop is the impressive Dougga/Thugga archaeological site, which you’ll find about 2 hours into your drive from Tunis. Dougga is an ancient Punic/Roman/Berber settlement that sits atop a hill overlooking a valley of olive groves. 

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the grounds that it represents “the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa.” 

Unfortunately, the site was closed during our drive as it was Eid al-Fitr. That said, it was still pretty impressive when we saw it from the side of the road! 

WHAT TO DO IN EL KEF 

Your second stop of the day is the city of El Kef, which you’ll find about 1 hour from Dougga. 

El Kef is a small but picturesque city built up the mountain and absent of all tourists (we were the only ones there). You probably won’t need too long here, but it’s a good stop to stretch your legs as you wander the city’s kasbah (an ottoman-era fortress built in the 1600s) and medina for a great view of the surrounding valley. 

(The best stop to put into your Google Map for this is “Kasbah Square, El Kef.”) 

    Day 2: Visit the Mos Espa Star Wars film set, drive over the salt lake from Tozeur to Douz (overnight in Douz, approx 2-3 hrs of driving)  

The city of Tozeur itself is perhaps less interesting than its surroundings (though there is supposed to be a nice park called “The Oasis” which we tried and failed to find). 

So after your overnight in Tozeur, you’ll start your morning with a bit of a drive through the desert to visit the “alien” city of Mos Espa. From there, you’ll drive through the desert and over a dried, seemingly-never ending salt lake (Chott el Djerid) all the way to Douz. 

Alternative: if you don’t feel like driving again today or want to spend more time in the desert, consider staying a second night in Tozeur and signing up for a desert tour. Then on day 3 you can drive directly from Tozeur to Tatouinne and skip Douz. 

Viewpoint along the dried Chott el Djerid salt lake

HOW TO VISIT THE ABANDONED MOS ESPA STAR WARS SET IN TUNISIA  

Mos Espa is an “alien” city film set that was built in the middle of nowhere about a 40-minute drive through the desert from Tozeur. There are some places on the road with quite a bit of sand, so just keep your eye out and drive carefully so you don’t get stuck. 

You can also organize a desert tour from Tozeur with a stop here  if you prefer. 

Once there, it’s free entrance and you can explore at your leisure. As you can see by the pictures, it’s pretty cool to see even if you’re not a Star Wars fan!  

There’s also a rock formation not too far away called Ong Jemel (“Camel’s Neck”) that was also featured in Star Wars. But since we were a little short on time this day, we skipped it. 

    Day 3: Drive from Douz to Tatouinne with stops in Ksar Hadada, Ksar Beni Barka, and Ksar Ouled Soltane (overnight in Tataouine, approx 3 hrs of driving)  

Douz is considered Tunisia’s “gateway” to the Sahara as it sits alongside Jebil National Park. So if you’re interested in desert excursions, consider extending your time in Douz (we’ve already spent a lot of time in deserts, such as the Wadi Rum in Jordan , so we decided to skip the desert adventure this time). 

Otherwise, the stops on this day may very well have been my favorite…including unique Berber structures unlike anything I’ve ever seen before – and that were later used as Star Wars film locations – and an eerie abandoned fortress atop a hill where you’re unlikely to see another soul. 

WHAT TO DO IN TATAOUINE (OR HOW TO VISIT TATOUINNE’S STAR WARS FILM LOCATIONS IN TUNISIA)  

As with Tozeur, it’s the surroundings rather than the town itself that make it worth a stay. So before you stop in Tataouine for the night, these are the three stops I recommend you make (in this order). And don’t forget you can also see exactly where they are on our itinerary map here . 

(P.S. And yes, the planet named “Tatooine” in Star Wars was taken directly from this very same Tunisian town named “Tatouinne.”) 

Stop #1: Ksar Hadada (500-year-old Berber structure, Star Wars filming location) 

Once a fortified granary built by the Berbers, Ksar Hadada’s now abandoned cave-like structures were later used as the slave quarters in Star Wars Episode 1. 

It looks like there was briefly a hotel here, but that appears to be long since forgotten about. We weren’t honestly sure if it was open for visitors or not as it was walled off and the main door was closed. However, we simply knocked on the large wooden door and a man who appeared to be the caretaker let us in. 

Note: this was a little hard to find as Ksar Hadada is also the name of the village. Your best bet is probably to put “Mosque Blacksmith Palace” into your Google Maps . The stop you’re looking for will then be just across the road (look for the wall and the info sign about Star Wars film sets that looks like the picture below).   

2024 UPDATE: One of our readers has let us know that the abandoned hotel of Ksar Hadada is officially back in operation! 

Google Maps hasn’t been updated yet, but they told us that you can pay 2 dinars (about $0.60) for a visit or 135 dinars (about $40 USD) to spend the night in one of their traditional structures. There’s also a nice little cafe inside that’s worth a visit. 

Stop #2: Ksar Beni Barka (abandoned cave dwelling and fortress – and the coolest stop on our entire trip!)  

Ksar Beni Barka was, hands down, one of the coolest stops on our entire trip.  

Located at the end of a remote winding road, Ksar Beni Barka is an abandoned cave dwelling and fortress built by the Berbers ( in the 15th century? ) as protection from Bedouin attacks.

It’s an incredible place and, if you go, you’ll likely have the entire place to yourself like we did. There’s no ticket office, staff, or barriers making any part of the complex off limits to visitors. 

Be sure to visit Ksar Beni Barka and you’ll have an abandoned fortress all to yourself

Unfortunately, we were able to find very little information about the fortress itself as there were no signs at the site itself and pretty minimal sources online. This website was about as good as we could get.  

So if you are able to learn anything more about the history of this place, please let us know in the comments below! 

2024 UPDATE: One of our readers recently visited Ksar Beni Barka and left us a comment about their experience. Since it was quite different from our experience, we wanted to share it with you here. 

So, here’s what happened. After our reader had reached the top of the fortress, a man began yelling at them angrily in Arabic. 

They climbed back down as quickly as possible and headed towards their car. When they got near, the Islamic call to prayer began from the same building where the man had been yelling at them.  Note that they didn’t specify this in the comments, but I’m guessing the upcoming call to prayer was the reason the man didn’t want the tourists around (unless they’ve now decided they don’t want visitors to the fortress, which is certainly possible!). 

We do remember seeing a small white building behind the fortress at the top of the road with a crescent moon and star (a traditional symbol of Islam). My guess is that this is the building that our reader heard the call to prayer from (and that they got yelled at from). 

So, our recommendation going forward based on this info: don’t park near this white structure. Park much lower on the road and then just walk up. And perhaps avoid visiting during scheduled prayer times! 

(These times change daily so just Google “Islamic prayer times Tunisia” before your visit to be sure.) 

Stop #3: Ksar Ouled Soltane (500-year-old Berber structure, Star Wars filming location) 

To finish out your day, you’ll make a stop at the truly otherworldly Ksar Ouled Soltane. 

Like Ksar Hadada, this is another fortified granary built by the Berbers 500+ years ago that was also chosen by George Lucas as a filming location for Star Wars. 

And after looking at some of the pictures below, I think you’ll see why! 

  Day 4: Drive from Tatouinne to Sousse with stops in El Jem Amphitheatre and Monastir (overnight in Sousse, approx 6 hrs of driving)  

On day 4, you’ll have a bit of a drive ahead of you. But thankfully, you’ll have two great stops to break up the trip! 

Please see day 2 of the 5-day Tunisia itinerary above for more on what to do in El Jem and Monastir. 

    Day 5: Visit Sousse medina and archeological museum, drive to Tunis with a stop in Kairouan and Hammamat (overnight in Tunis, approx 3.5 hrs of driving)  

Please see day 1 of the 5-day Tunisia itinerary above for more on visiting Sousse and Hammamat, and day 3 for more on visiting Kairouan.  

    Day 6: Day trip from Tunis to Sidi Bou Said and the ancient ruins of Carthage (overnight in Tunis, no driving needed!)

Please see day 4 of the 5-day Tunisia itinerary above for details on how to make day trips from Tunis to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. 

    Day 7: Tunis free walking tour, Tunisia departure

For your final day in Tunis, join a free walking tour with local guide Saber ! Free walking tours are one of the best ways to get an inside look into somewhere new, and Saber’s tour didn’t disappoint. 

If you have an early flight on your last day, feel free to move this tour to the morning of day 6 before visiting Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. 

    10-day Tunisia itinerary by car 

To extend your stay in Tunisia, I’d recommend first using our 7-day itinerary as a base, and then adding in some days in the desert or at the beach. 

If you’re interested in desert excursions like camel tours, hiking, or overnight camping/glamping, look at tour companies operating from Douz or Tozeur. 

If you’re interested in spending some more time on the beach, look into any of the many seaside resorts near Sousse, Tunis, Hammamat, or the famous party island of Djerba. 

As a reminder, here is the map with the stop options for your 10-day Tunisia itinerary. 

FINAL TIPS FOR VISITING TUNISIA 

Before we go, here are a few final tips to take note of before your trip: 

• Few places accept credit cards so keep cash on hand.
• If you’re trying to get to Europe from elsewhere in the world (like somewhere in North or South America), remember that a flight to Tunisia and then a separate flight to Europe may actually be cheaper than flying directly to Europe. It was for us, at least!
• If you’re going to be driving and want data to use a map on your phone, you can buy a SIM card very cheaply right at the airport when you arrive (there are 3 vendors –  who are all more or less the same – right in the main entrance hall).
• Don’t underestimate the desert heat…bring water, sunscreen, and good clothes! 
• The famous Bardo Museum (home to the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics) in Tunis has been closed for the last few years with no apparent plans to re-open. The Archaeological Museum in Sousse makes a good alternative.  2024 UPDATE: according to a comment left by one of our readers, the Bardo is officially open again!  

Other activities, attractions, and tours to do in Tunisia

Still looking for some other attractions or tours you can do in Tunisia? If so, I recommend taking a look at Get Your Guide or Civitatis to see your options with local tour operators. Just give the links below a click, and search for your destination and dates.  

Get Your Guide

And that’s it! I didn’t arrive in Tunisia with a lot of expectations, but I was truly blown away by my time there and feel confident that you will be too. 

So on that note…if you’ve been to Tunisia before and have any additional advice you want to share or if you have any final questions before your trip, let us know in the comments area below and we’ll get back to you! 

P.S.: This story was also featured on Drive South Africa !

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

25 Responses

Hi, Thank you very much for this super useful guide. This country look amazing and the google map 5-7-10 days itineraries tou shared look very interesting. We are planning to go to Tunisia very soon, but we just read that there are many regions that are very risky to visit. May I ask you when you went there (I see the post is from the 8th of august 2022, but not sure if it was posted just after your trip)? I read that as of today the middle south region of the country is risky and is part of a military exclusion zone and it is unadvised to visit places like Tataouine and Tozeur among many others. Thank you very much for your help and have a great day!

Hey goatcrazygoat – thanks for the comment!

When is your trip to Tunisia planned for and how long will you be there? We went in May of this year, so most of the info in our article should be up-to-date and, as far as I know, there have been no changes to the security situation since our trip.

That said, you are correct that there certainly are parts of the country that are military zones and should be avoided. But those areas don’t really include anywhere that a tourist may want to go. I’m curious, where did you see that it was unadvised to visit Tataouine and Tozeur?

I’d recommend taking a look at this page from the UK government about travel to Tunisia. It has a map showing which parts of the country are safe to go to, and which are to be avoided. It was what we used to plan our trip, and anywhere we recommend in our itineraries (including Tatouine and Tozeur) fall within the “green” zone: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thank you for your reply and for the information you provided. Our trip is planned in a few days. I have read different governmental websites from different countries (didn’t think about UK) and some say that those places are unadvised and risky. I saw in the UK website that Tataouine and Tozeur are close to orange areas but still in the green regions. For instance on https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/tunisie/#securite they agree with the UK even though the orange regions are more widespread.

Did you have the chance to visit the Sahara desert? If the situation allows it, we wanted to do a tour there but we can’t find much to book it online. Any advice about that.

Thank you again for your help and have a great day!

Happy to help!

Travel advisories can be tricky, as they obviously vary based on the government putting them out and are often not strictly measures of security (for example, some of the rankings will be a matter of a political/diplomatic relationship). Because of this, I personally always factor in advisories, but do take them with a grain of salt.

So while the final decision is, of course, up to you and I can’t guarantee anything…if both the UK and the French government websites say those Tataouine and Tozeur fall within the green ideas, I would personally consider that reliable enough. But if you’re feeling a little ill at ease about being there, hiring a guide or getting a day tour as you can explore the area may help. Though I can say that we never at any part felt unsafe or that we were in a “risky” area.

As to visiting the desert, we didn’t do any “typical” desert excursions while in Tunisia as we’ve done them elsewhere (visiting the dunes, 4×4 rides, etc.), but this itinerary still very much takes you into the desert simply as you drive from place to place. That’s one reason why we chose the particular drive we did 🙂

So I’m afraid I don’t have any specific recommendations for desert tours, but I imagine it’ll be much easier to book when you’re in the country. You could also take a peek at Viator or Getyourguide in case they have something you can book ahead of time. The city of Douz is generally considered the “gateway to the Sahara” as it’s near Jebel National Park, so that’s probably the best place to look. I know there are also some desert excursions that leave from Tozeur (though they won’t visit Jebel National Park).

If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love if you could leave a comment here after your trip letting us know how things went and if there’s anything about the article you’d change or update based on your experience 🙂

Thanks so much for info about your recent trip. I’m planning a trip from England to Tunisia for next Feb. I’ll be there for about 9 days for some history research. Based on your trip, how much do you think I should budget for (not including flight tickets!)? Thanks for any help!

Hey Riya – Tunisia should be a great place for some history research 🙂

Of course, it depends on your particular travel style. But you can travel quite cheaply in Tunisia if you want to. A meal isn’t more than a few dollars, public transportation is less than a dollar per ride, and I don’t think we ever paid more than $5 for entrance fees anywhere (not even to visit the El Jem Amphitheatre or the Carthage archaeological sites).

Accommodation will probably be your largest expense. It wasn’t quite as cheap as we were expecting (with the exception of hostels) given the price of everything else, but it was still pretty reasonable.

If you don’t mind shared accommodation, hostels should be under $15/night. Private rooms will vary based on where you are and what quality you’re looking for, but there are plenty of options under $50/night.

What cities do you plan to visit during your time in Tunisia?

[…] is located in North Africa and shares a border with Libya to the west and Sudan to the […]

This is an amazing resource and I cannot thank you enough! I planning my trip to Tunisia in March in the middle of a longer trip. The 7 day tour looks pretty perfect to me. It looks like you did not visit Hotel Sidi Idriss, the site of Luke’s Home with his Aunt and Uncle? Is there a reason? I was supposed to go to Tunisia in 2020 so have had this place bookmarked since then so have thought about it a lot. Perhaps it is overinflated as an attraction in my mind.

Hey Amanda – I’m so glad you found the article useful! We honestly really loved Tunisia and think it’s deserving of far more recognition than it gets, so we were happy to put together a resource that would help others visit for themselves.

I remember reading about Hotel Sidi Idris in Matmatat, but I believe we left it off just as a matter of time and since it was a little out of the way. I did just give it a quick Google Maps search, and it looks like near the hotel there are also quite a few troglodyte/cave home complexes that may be interesting to visit if you’re there anyway. If you *do* visit, mind leaving us a comment after your trip letting us know how the experience went in case other readers want to know?

I will be happy to update if we go our trip isn’t until March. The hotel gets dreadful reviews so visiting it and staying in a different small cave B&B. Although it is so tempting to stay in Luke’s boyhood home!

Ah, well, perhaps in that case it’s just better to do a walkthrough rather than an overnight 😅

Until then, enjoy the trip planning!

Hi, thanks so much for this guide! We’re planning to follow your 7 day itinerary in May. I was wondering about your experience driving in the south, between Tozeur, Douz, and Tatouinne. Did you have any issues navigating the sand on the road? I saw it in one of your photos, but was wondering if a certain kind of car is needed to navigate, or if there were any parts that felt impassable. Thanks so much!

Hi Natalie – glad you found the article helpful!

The only place we had any sand was going to the Mos Espa film set from Tozeur, as it was quite a small, not-regularly-traveled road. That’s where the picture was from. That said, it still felt totally passable (there was still space to drive around the sand) and no special car was needed, though I imagine weather conditions can affect it, so you may want to ask on arrival in Tozeur. Otherwise, you’ll be on larger, well-traveled roads so I don’t believe sand should be an issue.

I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Tunisia….we certainly did! After your trip, mind dropping us a quick update here to let us know how things went and if you’d add anything to or change anything in the article? This way, the article is all ready & up-to-date for the next traveler 🙂

Nikki!!! We’re finally making plans for our Tunis Trip. I’m going to try to follow your 5 day itinerary, and get it done in 4 days. I’m thinking about spending the first 2 nights in Sousse to do those spots, and then 1 final night in Tunis to catch Carthage and Medina and the city.

It might feel a bit tight, but the distances between those places aren’t so far (it’s when you head towards the desert that the drives get a lot longer). So I think that’s still a solid plan and should give you a great taste of Tunisia in 4 days. Hope you have a great trip!!

Nikki! Hey there friend. We’re going to try to do most of your 5-day itinerary in 4 days. What thinkest thou? Tuesday – fly in, drive down to Sousse stopping in Hammamet on the way, overnight Sousse Wednesday – Visit El Jem, Monastir, and Sousse archealogical museum, overnight Sousse Thursday – Drive to Tunis via Kairoun. overnight Tunis Friday – See Carthage, fly out in the evening

Hey Erik – Nikki here! When are you guys off to Tunisia?

It looks like you guys are still fitting most things in, so I think you’ll have a great time in those 4 days 🙂

If you have some leftover time after Carthage, you could potentially squeeze in Sidi Bou Said, too. (Don’t miss that flight, though!)

Let us know how your trip goes!

We’re heading out in a month, taking a MSC cruise from Miami to Barcelona, then spending about 2 weeks in Spain, Malta, and Tunis. I’m about to check out your post on Barbados.

Hey Erik! That looks like a fantastic trip! If you have some time in Spain, you might be interested in visiting Gibraltar or Ceuta in Africa. These two articles might inspire you:

https://www.outofyourcomfortzone.net/1-day-ceuta-spain-itinerary-visit-europe-in-africa/

https://www.outofyourcomfortzone.net/6-day-malaga-ceuta-gibraltar-itinerary-2018-updated/

As for Barbados, we don’t have anything interesting written about it. 🙁

Happy travels!!

[…] you’re looking for other “by car” itineraries, you can find some of our best ones here: Guam, Tunisia, Cyprus, and […]

[…] picture of exactly what I was wearing in Jeddah, so here’s me wearing something similar while in Tunisia, though it was about a gazillion degrees hotter in Saudi. The other difference is that I kept my […]

Hello, may I ask if it is necessary to have a 4WD to do the 7 days itinerary? Or would an ordinary sedan do? Thank you

Hi Victoria! Thank you for your comment! If you stay on the main roads, you will be fine with a normal sedan. We had a very small car, 2WD, and had no problem at all. If you are going to go deep into the desert, then you will need a 4WD and most likely a tour so you don’t get lost. Other than that, a small simple car is fine.

The roads are really good…the drivers, not so much. 😉

Please let me know if you have any additional questions! All the best with your plannings!

Tunisia. good info . We are 2 old Husband and wife team like to travel , Tunisia was the choice to fly from London which is very cheap and affordable. we are thinking to stay in one city and do the day trip or rent a car. Itinerary from your listing. it will be 7 or 6 days Relax, few archeological sites including (star war) and Holy city of Kairouan. Tunis Sousse El Jem Amphitheater Kairouan Ruins of Carthage/Baths of Antoninus Sidi Bou Said.. where do we Base if we rent a car other choice if we take day trips where do we base perfect for us one of the city (Sidi Bou Said) seems like Santorini? My wife will love to see that town she cant get visa for EU countries because of her Passport country . Do you think it is worth staying in town of Sidi Bou Said for 3 Days just to relax? I like history but she like to rest in beach town we both trying make each other happy.😁. Regards. Usman

Hi Usman – thank you for the comment!

If you’re able to, I’d definitely recommend renting a car as it will give you a lot more flexibility in your itinerary. (Though do be warned that Tunisian drivers can be quite aggressive!)

As to where you base yourself… I’d say ultimately it’s about what you’re most interested in. Sidi Bou Said is very picturesque, but we personally didn’t feel there was very much to do and preferred spending time elsewhere. It’s also a little far from the other spots (El Jem, Kairouan, etc.) if you want to make day trips. That said, it’s also very close to Tunis so you can just take the tram there if you want a bit more variety.

Otherwise, if your wife would like a beach town and you want good access to history, maybe consider Hammamet or Sousse? Both cities have lots of beach resorts around and are quite a bit closer to the other day trips you want to do.

If you have any other questions, let me know. Otherwise, hope you have a great trip!

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Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

VOICE OF GUIDES

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

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

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

Visa to Tunisia

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

Travel insurance to Tunisia

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

Getting to Tunisia

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

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

Here you can check flights with Tunis Air .

Air France also has several flights to Tunis from Paris.

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

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

You can also check flights on Skyscanner and Google Flights .

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

Ferry  

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

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

– Marseille (France) to Tunis (Tunisia)

– Palermo (Italy) to Tunis (Tunisia)

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

You can book your ferry ticket to Tunisia  here.

What is the best time to visit Tunisia?

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

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

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

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

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

Books to read about Tunisia

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

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

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

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

Interesting facts about Tunisia

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

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

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

–    The first Arab country to adopt a constitution in 1861

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merguez:  spicy lamb or goat sausages

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

by Agnes Simigh

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

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Our one-week Tunisia itinerary and Tunisia travel tips

As an exciting and vibrant destination, Tunisia has been well-loved for its unique culture that blends the contemporary with the traditional. Located on the Mediterranean Sea in Northern Africa, Tunisia is a land of great beauty and contrast. With ancient ruins, golden beaches, and bustling cities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a one-week stay. This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of where to visit and what to do in Tunisia during a limited time frame as well as useful tips for travelers to make your journey even more enjoyable. Here are our one-week itinerary in Tunisia and our best Tunisia travel tips!

Why visit Tunisia?

If you are looking for a unique and inspiring destination to visit, then Tunisia is definitely the place for you. This Mediterranean North African country is full of historical sites and stunning landscapes that will provide endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. With its mix of culture, natural beauty, and rich history, Tunisia offers something for everyone.

Tunisia’s warm climate makes it an ideal destination throughout the year – from sun-filled days on the beach to exploring ancient ruins in the city. The capital Tunis is a great place to start your journey; this bustling metropolis is also home to incredible Islamic architecture. For those interested in nature, there are plenty of parks and reserves such as Cape Bon National Park where you can hike amidst olive groves and take in amazing views of the Mediterranean sea. If you’re looking for more adventure than just sightseeing, then head inland and explore some of the caves such as Matmata Cave or even venture out into the Sahara Desert on a jeep safari!

No visit to Tunisia would be complete without a trip along its northern coast where you can find charming mediaeval towns like Hammamet or Sousse surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just soaking up some sun! And don’t forget about all the delicious local food that awaits – from traditional tagines (stew with vegetables) to brik (deep-fried pastry filled with tuna), you won’t go hungry here!

Tunisian hospitality

Tunisia is a nation renowned for its hospitality. From the moment a visitor arrives, they will be welcomed with open arms by the locals. The culture of Tunisian hospitality is rooted in their traditional values and beliefs in generosity, respect, and honouring guests. This can be seen through their custom of offering tea or coffee to visitors, as well as providing items such as dates, olives, and fruits in abundance. It is not uncommon for those visiting to receive invites to meals at local residences and to take part in social gatherings.

Tunisians also take great pride in showing off their local attractions; they will arrange guided tours of historical sites, provide insight into the culture, and even invite tourists to join them on excursions outside of the city limits. As a result of this incredible hospitality, travelers often find themselves feeling at home in Tunisia’s warm embrace. Let’s find out how we experienced the embrace of Tunisia on our one-week trip.

One-week itinerary in Tunisia

Tunisia is a beautiful country filled with captivating culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling towns of Sfax and Tunis to the secluded Tataouine desert, there are countless sights and activities that make for an unforgettable vacation. Here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip in Tunisia that is pretty much our own itinerary in the country!

This blog post contains some affiliate links to services and products we like. If you book through those links, we’ll get a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep The Magic of Traveling going!

Day 1 – Sfax

Start your journey in Sfax, the second largest city in Tunisia. This vibrant port city has been historically important since the Phoenician era and its old town of Medina still retains much of its mediaeval charms. Explore the old lanes lined with palm trees or take a peaceful stroll along the ridged beaches. Don’t forget to try some of the local seafood dishes or visit one of the many outdoor markets where you can buy spices, fabrics, and souvenirs. Walking around the souk in the morning, watching it wake up was the highlight of our visit to Sfax.

Stay in Sfax: Ibis Sfax

Day 2 – Djerba Island

Travel over to Djerba Island, located just off the southern coast of Tunisia. This small island is home to some picturesque beaches and winding roads plus plenty of exotic wildlife. Take a day tour around Djerba to explore its charming coastal villages or relax on some of its famous stretches of sand such as Sidi Mahrez beach or Cheikh Yahya (if you’re looking for a more secluded experience). In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there are also golf courses, spas, and restaurants for you to enjoy and explore. We recommend visiting Djerbahood, El Ghriba synagogue, Houmt Souk, and Amghar Mosque and Djerba Ajim for the Star Wars fans.

Stay on Djerba Island: Sentido Djerba Beach

Day 3 – Tataouine to Sahara desert 

Go on a tour through Tataouine – the gateway between North Africa and Sub-Saharan regions – where ancient Berber architecture has remained untouched since time immemorial. While here, be sure not to miss out on Ksar Ghilane – an oasis located between two dunes where you can go swimming before venturing further into desert landscapes littered with rock formations known as ‘troglodytes’. You can choose to stay at a desert camp – as we did – and enjoy the hospitality of the locals by the fire in the evening and some amazing sunrises amogst the dunes!

Day 4 – Matmata

Head south further into southern Tunisia towards Matmata – an ancient village built inside primitive troglodyte dwellings surrounded by rocky hillsides with lush vegetation sprouting from them. The villagers continue living according to their ancestral traditions so make sure not to miss out on any local cultural events! We visited such a house and were welcomed by tea, honey, and many smiles! Also nearby is El Jem – a large amphitheatre which could originally seat up to 35000 people making it one of the most preserved Roman ruins across Africa. Definitely worth a visit, and the sunset from the amphitheatre is just unforgettable!

Day 5 – Monastir

Make your way back north towards Monastir – once home to ancient Carthaginian settlers who used this site as their central port harbouring ships from far off lands like Libya and Egypt during ancient times! Today Monastir is home to several Mediterranean resorts boasting tranquil beaches perfect for relaxing after a busy day exploring all that this area has to offer! Make sure to check out Ribat fortress!

Stay in Monastir: Marina Cap Monastir

Day 6 – Carthage

Spend your sixth day visiting Carthage – once home to Queen Dido who founded this legendary city before it eventually grew into one of the most powerful empires in human history! Today Carthage lies partly in ruins with several archaeological sites scattered around giving visitors spectacular views across this unique region near the capital Tunis! After exploring these historical sites, spend some time strolling along waterfront promenades where locals come together under shady palm trees before stopping at any one of the many cafes serving traditional Tunisian delicacies!

Day 7 – Sidi Bou Said and Tunis

Complete your trip by spending your last day exploring Sidi Bou Said – a beautiful hilltop village overlooking stunning azure waters full of sail boats bobbing around against colorful sunsets! Wander along alleys shaded by bougainvillaea blooms or take a relaxing break at any of the local cafes offering aromatic teas accompanied by light snacks before heading back towards Tunis. In Tunis, explore the capital nightlife or get lost in the winding streets of the souk – we felt like in a real-life escape room.

Stay in Tunis: Golf Royal Hotel

Travel tips – what do we need to know to visit Tunisia

Tunisia is one of the gems of North Africa, and it offers a unique experience for travelers. Renting a car and driving in Tunisia can be an exciting and cost effective way to explore the country and we couldn’t be more happy with the flexibility and freedom to explore it gave us, however, there are some important tips to consider before venturing out on the roads of Tunisia.

General Safety Tips

The best way to ensure your safety while driving in Tunisia is to familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and regulations. Additionally, always lock your vehicle when it’s not in use, don’t leave any valuables inside the car, and pay extra attention around major cities as they tend to have higher crime rates. Finally, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage before setting out on your road trip.

Road Trip Tips

When planning your road trip through Tunisia be sure to plan out rest stops along your route so that you won’t encounter fatigue from long stretches of driving without proper breaks. Make sure you check the condition of the roads ahead of time as certain areas are known for having poor quality roads or slow traffic due to construction projects. Also, we recommend checking the locations of gas stations and planning refilling your tank ahead. Bring some Tunisian dinars for the toll taxes.

What To Eat In Tunisia 

Tunisian cuisine has been influenced by its Arab neighbours over the years but also takes influence from Italy and France as well. While travelling through Tunisia be sure to sample some of their delicious dishes such as couscous, shakshuka (eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce), mechouia (grilled vegetables and peppers with olive oil), harissa (chilli paste served with nearly every dish), brik (meat pies) and kaak warka (a type of pastry flavoured with rosewater).

Tours To Book

If you’d like to get an even better understanding of Tunisian culture then why not book one of the many tours that are available? Some popular tour options include visiting historical sites like Carthage or Dougga which offer fascinating insight into Roman history; or go on a desert safari where you can ride camels across sand dunes and enjoy sunset barbeques under star-filled skies; or take a cooking class which will teach you about traditional Tunisian recipes so that you can recreate some amazing meals at home!

Our favourite tour we can highly recommend is the tour to the desert, Matmata and Tataouine . If you’re based in Djerba, this is the best tour to explore further afield, or find an alternative below. 

The currency in Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). The dinar has been in use since 1960 and is divided into 1000 millimes. It is distributed in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 millimes, as well as ½ dinar. The notes are 5, 10, 20 and 50 dinars. In addition to its local circulation, currencies of other countries such as euros and US dollars can be used for some transactions in Tunisia. The exchange rate of one dinar to one euro was about 3.2 when we visited, and around 3 dinars for 1 US dollar. The Tunis-Carthage airport doesn’t accept the local currency, so make sure you spend all your dinars before you pass the security check when you leave the country.

General Cleanliness

Prepare to see not so many clean places. Unfortunately, although cleanliness is deeply valued in Tunisian culture, there are so many public and open spaces that are full of trash. We didn’t enjoy seeing the sides of the roads littered, or jumping around hundreds of pieces of garbage while walking around Tunis Medina after dark.

No matter what kind of traveller you are – adventurer, historian or foodie – Tunisia has something for everyone! Whether you choose to rent a car or embark on an organised tour we hope these tips will help make your visit truly memorable!

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One week Itinerary Tunisia

Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa, is part of the Maghreb region, bordered by Algeria and Libya. Know for its bustling souks, beautiful doors, ancient architecture and friendly people.

If you want to have a glimpse of the country one week is great, If you want to go deeper into de desert and visit off the beaten path locations, two weeks is perfect.

Tunisia is a small country, so is pretty much easy to cruise around with trains, louages (how mini-vans are called on long distance trips) and buses (found on the main routes).

I chose to do only the coast, but I skipped important destinations such as Kaiouran (Mosque of Uqba), Tozeur (Desert and Oasis) and El Jam (Amphitheatre of El Jem). I also skipped some Star Wars filming locations in Tunisia, you can check how to go here .

How to get there

By plane: Tunisia is really well connected to Europe. Flights specially from Paris start at 50 euros towards Tunis or Djerba. Some cheap connections from south of Italy as well, since they are very close between each other. The flight price range between 50 and 200 euros, depending on how much in advance you book. Also remind that the season is high in the Desert in Tunisian winter, and high on the coast in Tunisian summer.

By boat: I strongly recommend not to go by boat, as I did. Unless you are traveling with a camper-van or motorbike, and the ferry is your only option, I would come next time by plane. This trip takes between 24 and 28 hours in a kind of small run down cruise-ship. I first booked a boat with GNV from Civitavecchia to Tunis and paid 65 euros. I used the website Ferries Direct to book. My mistake, I came way to late for check-in, and they asked me for flight out and booking of accommodations for my whole stay. I had the flight to Mauritania, but I would not book 18 days of accommodation since I had couchsurfing hosts. So, in Italy in the harbor they didn’t even let me board, and no refund at all. My second attempt was with the company Grimaldi from Salerno to Tunis, I have paid 45 euros plus 3 euros to reserve a seat, that I ended up not using.

I booked one night in a hostel and a fake ticket for Germany for 3 days later. To board the boat went smooth in Italy, no questions asked at all, but on arrival in La Goulette harbor in Tunis, was another story. I even meet a Swiss guy that was send back on the same ferry because he could not prove the reservations and had no internet to purchase them. Every foreigner is stopped by immigration, they usually call the chief police that comes to talk to you and ask random questions, making it like you were in trouble. I have heard that Italians and French usually leave a 20 euro bill inside the passport, but I was totally against this practice. He asked me what was my job, I said deckhand on boats, he asked If I wanted to work in Tunisia, I said not. I showed him the bookings, he looked, looked, wait, looked and he let me go.

How to move around Tunis

In the city of Tunis, you have shared taxis ( collectif ), price usually is 1 to 1.5 dinar (0.30 to 0.45 eur). They are vans colored in yellow, or white with a stripe. Individual taxis are yellow and they have taximeter, short trips are cheap around 2 dinars (0.60 eur). When the front sign is red means the taxi is free, if if green, is busy (a bit illogic, but it is how it works). You also have unreliable metro system and tram. The tram goes from TGM Marine station in Tunis city centre to the costal districts (Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, La Marsa). The price is under 1 dinar, according to distance travelled and is totally unreliable, it leaves every half an hour after it gets full, no timetable at all. Runs from early morning and the last one is around 11pm.

Is important to know that individual taxis charge an expensive fee at night that can be double to triple the price from the day time.

How to move around Tunisia

You have many options to cruise around the cities but is hard to find information online. Trains are cheaper and slower, louages are faster but more uncomfortable.

Trains don’t leave on time and louages leave only when full. Every major city has a louage terminal and a train terminal.

If you take louage, you have to buy the ticket in the ticket booth, and then find the one for your destination. The earlier you are in the terminal, the fastest you leave.

Prices December 2023 by Louage: Tunis to Sousse 13 dinar (4 eur), Sousse to Sfax 12.4 dinar (4 eur), Sfax to Djerba 26 dinar (8 eur), Djerba to Tunis 43 dinar (13 eur). By bus from Djerba to Tunis is 33 Dinar (10 eur).

Top things to do in Tunis

Sidi Bou Said is the highlight of the capital, it is a town only in white and blue, by law, and looks like Santorini in Greece.

The medina of Tunis  is the historic heart of Tunis, considered as one of the best preserved Arab-Muslim cities, and has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage since 1979. The medina is built around the religious center of the Grand Mosque Ezzaitouna, surrounded by a rich market place, private houses and narrow streets. During day time is extremely busy, at night extremely empty and can be dangerous.

Hammam is a must go if you come to Tunisia. It is like thermal baths where you can get massage and scrub for 10 dinar (3 euros). They are all over the country and usually you have a certain time for woman and another time for men. Sometimes men from 7h to 12h and woman 13h to 18h, sometimes woman from 10h to 18h and men from 19h to 22h, every Hammam has its own schedule. I went to Hammam El Kachachine in Tunis Medina and Marsaoui Hammam in Sidi Bo Said.

Carthage was one of the most important trading hubs of the Ancient Mediterranean and one of the most affluent cities of the classical world. If you like ruins, this coastal district is a must visit.

Top things to do in Sousse

Ribat of Sousse most likely founded in the 8th century and reconstructed or completed in its current form during the early 9th century, is a kind of fort inside the Medina of Sousse. From there you have the best view on the entire city. For tourists, it cost 8 dinar (2.4 eur) to enter the Ribat, visit the museum and climb to the top.

Port El Kantaoui , built in 1979 is a tourist complex 10 kilometres north of Sousse. It is a large artificial harbour that provides mooring with 340 berths for yachts.

Top things to do in Monastir

Monastir marina and cliffs . The marina of Monastir is the most live from the entire country. Sailors from all over the world make a stop over in the harbor that has a lot of restaurants and night life. From there is also possible to book scuba diving trips. Just around the corner you can have a walk and watch natural cliffs of Monastir, from where you can see other cities of Tunisia from far.

The  Hanafi Mosque of Bourguiba  is a Mosque dedicated to the first president of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba.

Top Things to do in Hergla

Hergla is a small village north of Sousse, you can visit with a shared taxi from Sousse on a day trip. Tourism is starting there and some people say in the future it will look like Hammamet, a very touristy town in Tunisia. It has similarity with Sidi Bou Said, with while and blue architecture. There is a main mosque, beautiful doors, a tradicional cemetery on the hillside and a small harbor. It is also possible to swim in the beach on the summer.

Top things to do in Sfax

Sfax Medina was the most interesting Medina in whole Tunisia, because the city has always been industrial and the Medina is full of little workshops and factories.

Special thanks for @houcem.boudaya that showed us around and @kmarbenhmida that invited me for a tradicional Tunisian feast.

Eat Ice-cream inside the bread in one of the most famous Patisserie in Sfax.

Top things to do in Djerba

Djerba is an island in Tunisia accessible by plane, ferry or bridge. In the summer is high season there and plenty of all inclusive resorts are fully booked in the famous touristic zone, that starts in Radisson and follows the beach coast. The best place to stay is Houmt Souk , in the center, where you have the beautiful Medina and busy streets.

Djerbahood  was a street art event where artists from all over the world gathered in the village of Erriadh to create 250 mural paintings.

Horse riding or camel riding in the beach is a common activity in the touristic zone of Djerba. The price offered was 30 dinar (9 euros), but after negotiating a lot I have paid 15 dinar (4.5 euros) for 20 minutes.

I swim at the ocean and was quite cold since I visited in the winter, end of December. In summer is pretty fair temperature, and the city is busy. There is a bit of nightlife in Medina, but the big night life scene happens in the hotels in the touristic zone.

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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American Airlines to Debut New Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club in Philadelphia — What We Know so Far

The lounge and club will open in 2025.

Courtesy of American Airlines

American Airlines is upping its lounge game with a new Flagship lounge and Admirals Club set to open in Philadelphia next year.

The new lounges will open in the A-West terminal at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), American Airlines shared with Travel + Leisure . 

“The new lounges, in American’s trans-Atlantic gateway, are thoughtfully designed to allow our customers to rejuvenate and feel their best ahead of their flight,” American said in a statement shared with T+L. “The opening of the new Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club lounge will continue to create a harmonized design experience across all newly opened lounges that customers will instantly recognize.”

When complete, the lounge will feature warm finishes and fireplaces. But details on the new spaces were sparse beyond that.

In addition to these new lounges, American Airlines already runs several Admirals Club locations at the airport, including in Terminal A-East. There is also an American Express Centurion lounge and a British Airways Galleries Club lounge in Terminal A-West, according to the airport .

For its part, American has been on a mission to overhaul its lounges across the United States. Each redesigned Admirals Club lounge is meant to evoke a sense of homeyness complete with natural woods and open spaces.

The new lounges come as American changed its loyalty program , introducing "members-only" benefits for AAdvantage frequent fliers , including the ability to purchase one-day Admirals Club and Flagship First lounge passes. Travelers can access the lounges several other ways , including with an Admirals Club membership, a qualifying credit card, or a qualifying first or business class ticket.

The airline is also revamping its onboard experience with a new first row Flagship Suite Preferred seat that will offer more space, several storage areas, and exclusive amenities. The seat will be available on the airline's new Boeing 787-9 aircraft and on retrofitted 777-300 aircraft. 

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