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• The Top 10 Things To...

The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Sfax

The city of Sfax is the capital of the Governorate of, you guessed it, Sfax. And it’s a pretty big place, so you’ll never be short of views to admire, activities to try your hand at, and general things to go get doing.

1. Shop til you drop at the Souks

Mosque, Market, Shop

2. Explore the Medina

3. grande mosque.

4. Musee Archeologique – Hotel de Ville

5. musee dar jallouli, 6. la kasbah.

Architectural Landmark

7. Sfax Beach

Natural Feature

8. Site Archeologique Thyna

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

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

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Sfax Travel Guide

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It might be located centrally, but unless you know Tunisia very well there’s a chance that you may never have even heard of Sfax.

Despite it’s relatively unknown-status to tourists, it’s actually the second largest city of Tunisia, with only Tunis coming ahead of it. It also happens to be the second economic center of the country and considering the fact that Tunis is located over 270km away, it would be fair to say that it carries a lot of importance for the nation.

Boasting around 450,000 inhabitants, the main sectors of Sfax include fishing, service and manufacturing. The three of these have an equal market share in the city, and total about 75% of its work. To throw some additional numbers into the mix, its understand that fishery products result in 24,000 tons being export every year, while oil is equivalent to 1.18m tons. Clearly, the fact that Sfax is a port city means that these trades are crucial to its economy.

Of course, there is plenty more to Sfax than work, and we will now take a look at some of the city’s history, culture and exactly what is on offer for tourists.

What is the history of Sfax?

If we turn back the clock, Sfax is based on Berber origin. Some of its historic features still exist. For example, in the 9th century the Aghlabids built ramparts, and to this day they are still standing on both the east and west side.

Sfax is a city which has been at the center of war a lot over history as well. For example, in 1864 there was a revolt of Ali Ben Ghdaham, while a similar revolt occurred against the French in 1881.

During the Second World War it came under fire as well. This time, it was the Allies that were the enemy.

What sort of culture is within Sfax?

The bulk of this guide has shown how Sfax prospers so much from a business perspective. However, away from this there is a lot of culture to take in.

There’s no doubt that the bombings which were outlined in the previous section have taken their toll on some areas of culture. For example, for nearly forty years between 1903 and 1942 the city had a municipal theater. Unfortunately, this was victim to the bombs which were initially directed towards the commercial port in the city.

Fortunately, areas of Sfax have recovered. Both a Medina and Thyna are based there, with both of these attracting hordes of visitors every single year. A lot of people find that a lot of the sites are very much spread out, with Sfax spanning an area of around 220km 2 . This is much bigger than Tunis – even though there are a lot fewer people who reside in Sfax.

What are the main tourism areas in Sfax?

While it’s true that Sfax doesn’t have as many tourism opportunities as other cities in Tunisia, it still has some that should be taken advantage of. As we have already alluded to, the Medina is very much worth a visit – particularly as it is impeccably preserved and is surrounded by ramparts.

The olive industry is large in Sfax (it’s the capital of olive oil in Tunisia) and this can be seen through the huge olive groves which are based in the South of the city.

In terms of where to eat, the city has an abundance of high-quality restaurants. Baghdad, The Coral, Masmoudi Pastry and Mermaid are all recommended and like a lot of things in relation to Sfax, there’s plenty of variety. Of course, there does tend to be a little more emphasis on fish-based food due to its industry, but in general there is something for everyone.

Bearing the above in mind, it won’t come as a surprise to read that hotels are very easily accessible in Sfax as well, with the establishments varying between budget and premium. In other words, there’s plenty of variety again.

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Olivia Marsh - Author - Professional chef and Travel enthusiast. Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate. Chef Marsh has traveled the globe from France, Italy, Germany to China, Thailand, India, Tunisia and more. Olivia lived in Tunisia for almost 10 years now. Follow me on Twitter

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The city of Sfax

The city of Sfax, the second city and economic center of Tunisia, is a port city in the east of the country located about 270 kilometers from Tunis . Rich in its industries and its port, the city plays a leading economic role with the export of olive oil and fresh or frozen fish. Sfax is a business city and has some tourist sites, such as the medina and Thyna, despite the presence of phosphate processing plants.

Greater Sfax, with approximately 600,000 inhabitants, presents itself as a very extensive agglomeration (over 220 km2, i.e. as much as the agglomeration of Tunis, which has nearly five times as many inhabitants), flat and included in an urban fabric structured by cobweb communication axes. It is bordered to the east by the Mediterranean Sea and the beginning of the Gulf of Gabès.

Sfax is, like most Tunisian cities, of Berber origin formerly called Syphax (fortified place), then Roman named Taparura. In the 9th century the Aghlabids built the ramparts which gave the Medina its configuration. majestic. These ramparts exist today and have two well-preserved gates, Bab Diwan (west side) and Bab Jebli (east side). It came under the domination of the Norman Prince Roger of Sicily in 1148 before being reintegrated into the Muslim Empire by the Almohads in 1159. It experienced the revolt of Ali ben Ghdahem in 1864 opposing the Bey and that of 1881 to refuse the French protectorate.

We must not forget that Sfax is the country of our two great militants, assassinated by the colonial terrorist organization “La Main Rouge”, the great trade unionist and patriot leader Farhat Hached (native of Kerkennah ) killed on December 5, 1952 and the responsible Destourian Hédi Chaker, native of Sfax, killed on September 13, 1953.

The city of Sfax in pictures

The city of sfax in video, where to stay in sfax.

In Sfax, the choice of accommodation is so vast that it can meet all needs and all tastes! Between hotels, guest houses and vacation rentals you are spoiled for choice.

Hotels in Sfax

Guest Houses

Holiday Rentals

Top visits in Sfax

Sfax is the place where there is no risk of getting bored! Between its beaches, its medina, its museum and the Kerkennah islands, we have enough to fill a week. Discover with us the essentials of Sfax.

The medina of Sfax

The Kerkennah Islands

The Archaeological Museum

Sfax on the map

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sfax

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 22, 2023

Bustling Sfax is one of Tunisia's major commercial centers and the country's second largest city.

Although it doesn't have the sandy attractions and multitude of things to do offered by other Tunisian towns, Sfax is ripe for sightseeing and is a great place to take in local Tunisian culture, with a beautiful walled medina area to explore.

It's also a good base for day trips and excursions. Both the famous underground architecture of Matmata and the amphitheater of El Jem can be visited on day trips, while Sfax is also the hopping-off point for longer excursions to the Kerkennah Islands – one of the best places to visit in Tunisia for both scuba diving and to experience tranquil island life.

Check out what to do and where to go with our list of the top attractions in Sfax.

1. Sfax Medina

2. dar jellouli museum, 3. archaeological museum, 4. great mosque, 5. sfax new town, 7. plage de chaffer, 9. kerkennah islands, 11. sfax markets, map of tourist attractions in sfax, sfax, tunisia - climate chart.

First built in 1306, the mammoth main gateway (known as Bab Diwan) into the medina is one of Sfax's most prominent points of interest. It has been much altered during its long history, was nearly completely destroyed by bombing in 1943, and subsequently rebuilt in its original form.

Sfax's medina is relatively small, measuring only 400 meters by 500 meters and is enclosed by a well-preserved circuit of walls. The original mud brick walls were made by the Aghlabids in the 9th century and were strongly fortified in the 12th century. The kasbah at the southwest corner of the walls was added in the 17th century.

Unusually, compared to the medinas in Tunis and Sousse , the streets here are laid out in a grid plan, presumably inherited from the Roman town.

Sfax's medina remains a very local scene and is one of the best places to visit to see the contrast with more tourist-oriented medinas, such as in Sousse. Here, you'll find alleys of traditional artisan workshops and busy souk streets catering for local grocery needs with butchers, bakers, and fresh produce.

The Great Mosque sits basically right in the center of the medina, making it easy to get your bearings while exploring the lanes. From here, Souk El Rbaa, crammed with handicrafts and traditional clothing stalls, runs north up to the main souk (market) area.

Dar Jellouli is the highlight of a stroll inside Sfax's medina. This two-story mansion, dating from the 18th century has been immaculately restored and is a wonderful example of traditional medina architecture.

Once home to a wealthy Andalusian merchant family, Dar Jellouli's rooms are built around an internal courtyard, intricately decorated with tile work and carved door and window frames made from Gabès stone, and surrounded by horseshoe arches.

The rooms are now home to exhibits portraying traditional Tunisian daily life and include clothing, jewelry, wooden furniture, and everyday objects.

Location: Rue Ahmet Bey, Sfax medina

The ground floor of Sfax's Municipalité (Town Hall) building is home to the city's small but very interesting Archaeological Museum, which holds exhibits of Punic, Roman, and Byzantine antiquities.

Most people come here to view the mosaic collection, which includes mosaic artworks unearthed from the local archaeological sites of Thyna (Ancient Thaenae), Taparura, and La Skhira.

The museum's most famous piece is the Daniel in the Lion's Den mosaic, dated from the 5th or 6th century and noted for its fine artistry. Also make sure to see the 3rd century Ennius Surrounded by the Muses mosaic.

Address: Avenue Habib Bourguiba

In the center of the Sfax medina stands the Great Mosque, founded in 849 CE and rebuilt during the 10th and 11th centuries. It was finally finished in 1759 under Ottoman rule.

Non-Muslims may enter the inner courtyard as long as they are modestly dressed.

At the end of the courtyard is the nine-aisled prayer hall with its vaulting borne on antique columns. The graceful minaret is made up of three successively smaller sections and richly decorated with Kufic inscriptions and ornamental bands.

Address: Rue de la Grande Mosquée, Medina

Sfax's new town district (ville nouvelle in French) lies between the harbor and the medina.

It was constructed during the French protectorate, though only a few buildings from the colonial period now survive. One of the most distinctive of these is the Town Hall (Place de la République), built in neo-Moorish style with a tall minaret-like tower.

From here, head farther east up Avenue Habib Bourguiba to the old French Consulate building, with its grand late-19th-century brick facade.

Sfax's new town neighborhood is a great place to come to sample the city's café culture, particularly in the early evening when it sometimes seems like everyone in town is here promenading along the main street.

El Jem is only 75 kilometers north of Sfax so is easily visited as a day trip from the city.

The amphitheater of El Jem is probably Tunisia's most famous and most photographed tourist attraction, as well as the country's grandest remnant of the Roman era.

Built in the 2nd century, during the heyday of ancient Thysdrus (modern-day El Jem), the amphitheater is a massive monument to the prosperity of this town thanks to its prominent olive growing industry during the Roman era.

Today the amphitheater's remaining sections of 40-meter-high seating tiers soar above El Jem's modern rooftops.

The best way to visit El Jem from Sfax on a day trip is by private driver, shared taxi, or your own hire car as although there are five trains daily between the towns, the departure times don't work very well for day trips.

Read More: Exploring El Jem: A Visitor's Guide

For a local beach experience, Plage de Chaffer can't be beaten.

This beautiful strip of sand, about 25 kilometers southwest of Sfax, is much frequented by the population of Sfax, and on the weekends becomes a vibrant and buzzing hub of family fun.

Plenty of roaming vendors sell snacks and soft drinks, and you'll find sun loungers and sun shades, too.

If you're looking for a quiet beach scene, this probably isn't the patch of sand for you, but if you want to check out how the locals have a day at the beach – complete with soccer games and picnics – you've come to the right place.

The most-visited troglodytic village in Tunisia, Matmata came to fame after scenes from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope were filmed in the village's unique underground homes and around the cratered landscape here.

The inhabitants first went underground to seek shelter from the sun, excavating circular pits in the land some 12 meters in diameter and between six and 12 meters deep, and digging out living quarters hewed from the surrounding rock.

Many of these old homes are now uninhabited, and most villagers live in the new town of Matmata Nouvelle, 15 kilometers away.

Some of the traditional houses now function as very simple hotels and museums and can be visited by tourists and sightseeing day-trippers.

Matmata lies about 200 kilometers south from Sfax, so if you're on a day trip, start early.

The Kerkennah Islands lie off the Tunisian coast, between 20 kilometers and 40 kilometers east of Sfax. Plan to spend a couple of nights here if you want to explore.

The archipelago consists of seven islands with only the principal two (Gharbi and Chergui) inhabited. The island inhabitants make a living mainly by fishing, sponge diving, and selling their craft products.

The sandy beaches, most of them still mainly unfrequented, offer excellent conditions for diving.

From Sfax there are, depending on the season, between two and five daily car ferries to the islands.

The site of ancient Thaenae (Thyna), 11 kilometers southwest of Sfax, was the most southeasterly outpost of Carthaginian territory.

The Fossa Regia, constructed by the Romans in 146 BCE to mark the frontier between the Roman province and the kingdom of Numidia, began just south of the town.

Excavations here have revealed the remains of various buildings from the 4th and 5th centuries, including baths, dwelling houses, and a Christian church.

To the east of the site is a necropolis centered around an octagonal mausoleum.

Shoppers will enjoy poking about in Sfax's colorful market districts.

In the medina, between the Great Mosque and the northern gate (known as Bab el Djebli) is the old town's souk (market) quarter.

Plenty of shops sell Tunisia's famous vibrantly hand-painted ceramics here, as well as local embroidery, leather items, and metalwork. You'll also find prices for handicrafts cheaper in Sfax than in the more tourist-orientated souk quarters of Sousse, Hammamet, and Djerba.

Outside the medina walls is the new market area, where locals come to do their shopping. There's everything here from fresh produce to plastic trinkets, and it is great fun for people watching, as well as for picking up a bargain or two.

More on Tunisia

• 1.1 By plane
• 1.3 By train
• 1.5 By louage
• 1.6 By boat
• 2 Get around
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge

Sfax is on the east coast of Tunisia , approximately midway on the highway between Tunis and the border with Libya .

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by car [ edit ].

A highway connects Sfax to northern cities like Tunis and Sousse.

By train [ edit ]

Train connections are available from the train station in the centre of Sfax to most major Tunisian cities. The main station, 34.734808 10.766601 2 Gare de Sfax is located just north of the city centre.

Trains go south to Gabes for the Ksour district or sites where Star Wars was filmed, or north to El Djem, Sousse or Tunis. Trains have 3 classes of travel: 2nd class, 1st class and Confort. The last is recommended, especially when the train is crowded, since the inspector will move passengers out of seats where they don't belong. The Confort class is a separate section within one of the 1st class coaches, the smaller section, with about 24 seats. (Often locals do not realise this, and will sit there until moved on by the inspector, or wiser souls.)

By bus [ edit ]

There are two has bus stations in Sfax. Soretras , which is the regional bus company, and may not offer A/C buses, is on Rue Commondant Bejaoui, a few blocks past the central market.

SNTRI Bus [dead link] station, which offers long distance buses, may be marked incorrectly on some travel guide maps. It is not across from the regional bus station, but is roughly 400 m to the south, over the train tracks. It is probably best to take a taxi there, especially in the summer (less than 2 DT from the Medina/Blvd Republique). The bus station is in the same building as the Tunisair office.

By louage [ edit ]

The louage is a minibus of about 9 passengers. The 34.728425 10.753559 3 Louage station is located beyond the western end of Avenue Bourguiba, about 1½ km from the railway station (and so is worth a taxi fare). The louage driver will wait until the bus is full, which may mean an hour or more at quiet times, or to infrequent destinations. A wait for a ride to Tunis, El Djem or Sousse should not take too long, but if you are in a hurry and there is only one or two seats left, offer to pay for an extra seat or two.

By boat [ edit ]

Sfax is the gateway to the Kerkennah Islands, 20 kilometers off the coast. Sonotrak has up to eight daily departures. The 34.727355 10.763553 4 Ferry terminal is located on 5 Ave Mohamed Hédi Khefacha.

Get around [ edit ]

Public transport is easily available in Sfax.

Taxis are economical, and getting around in the downtown area should cost less than 2 DT per ride. For example, this would include from Bab Bhar (south of the Medina) to Sfax Jdiid (north of the Medina), or from the Railway station to Hotel Syphax.

Buses are rarely used by tourists, since they are irregular, slow and crowded. If you are going to a destination on one of the roads that radiate out of the city, a taxi might cost about 3.500 DT to kilometer 8, for example. A bus would only cost 0.510 DT. These buses depart from locations around the Medina (mostly to the north or to the east). The site www.ecfi-t.com has a useful map of bus routes, and other information about Sfax.

See [ edit ]

• Kasbah ( Southwest corner of the Medina ). The kasbah was a military garrison before and during the French Protectorate (1881-1956). The French influence (buildings, etc.) has been removed and the Kasbah now hosts rooms of displays relating the industry for which Sfax is famous; construction, metalwork and the famous Bourj and Djenes of Sfax all have their own rooms. Additionally there is a display of religious architecture and some documents in another room, with an underground mosque area also worth a visit. Definitely a highlight is the view from the top of either of the towers that form part of the Kasbah. 3 DT .  
• 34.736793 10.762566 2 Dar Djellouli . The Djellouli family has provided Sfax with a number of its governors over the years, particularly during the 1700s and 1800s. Dar Djellouli is also referred to as the Governor's Mansion, and is an example of traditional Medina architecture. It is built around a courtyard that is open to the sky, with two floors of balconies on four sides looking down on it. The rooms open onto these balconies, and house cultural items from the 1800s and even earlier. Costumes from the period can be viewed, as can examples of cooking, calligraphy, embroidery, perfume distillation and furniture. 3 DT . ( updated May 2022 )
• Blacksmith's Souk ( Souq des Forgerons ) ( inside the Medina, near Bab Jebli ). It's a location for The English Patient movie. Inside this souk is where Almasy gave Katherine a silver thimble of saffron. It no longer houses the blacksmiths, and has bern remodeled around retail.  
• Dar Siala and Maison de la photographie (Dar Kammoun), cultural centres and art galleries

Do [ edit ]

Wander around the fascinating Medina (which has an easily mastered and logical layout) where life and business go on much as they have for years and where tourists, although welcome, are few and far between.

Ride to Kerkenna on the ferry, with 8 trips a day costing about 800 millimes each way. In Kerkenna, get a taxi to the Hotel Cercina where you can walk the beach, or sit on their patio and enjoy tea looking over the bay. Check the times of the ferry's return, and make sure you get a taxi back in time! From the Grand Hotel you an also walk the beach, with your destination, the old Bourj, visible in the distance. About 1½ km each way, so give yourselves time to enjoy it. The Roman ruins beside the Bourj are opened to public as well.

Buy [ edit ]

You can find a lot of shops in downtown area.

Eat [ edit ]

• La perla .  
• Le Corail .  
• Ciao Ciao .  
• Pizzeria Mechmecha , route de Gremda km 0,5 , ☏ +216 25 179 444 . Tunisian cuisine Daily 07:30-24:00 .  
• Chez Chouaib , sea food restaurant in the medina.

Drink [ edit ]

• 34.734092 10.761104 1 Café Diwan , Rue de La Kasbah ( Built into the Medina ramparts between Bab Diwan and Bab Kasbah ). The Tea House is just inside Bab Diwan is one of the best places to sit back and relax in friendly and comfortable surroundings. Cafe Diwan is located in the wall, literally, between Bab Diwan and Bab Kasbah, so it can be reached from either side. The stairs from the street will take you into the main room, but the roof is the place to sit and enjoy the view. Thé with pine nuts (‘pignons) or Café Turc (Turkish coffee) can be enjoyed there, as well as the regular offerings. Cafe Diwan was a fort, Bourj Al Resace, until the arrival of the French in 1881. On the roof you will notice a circular wall, about waist height. This wall was the foundation of a water tower in the late 1800s. On your way out, slip into the circular room with the dome-shaped roof that supported the water tank, and listen to the reverberation as you speak. (Note: pay for you drinks as you leave, and consider leaving your change as a tip.) ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 34.736184 10.760666 2 Café Kamour ( Just north of the Grande Mosquée inside the old town ). Rooftop coffee shop. Multiple rooms and levels, and occasional music performances too. ( updated May 2022 )
• Café Terrasse ( located in Zephyr building ). It's a good Salon de thé.  
• My House .  
• Café Lemdina , a cultural coffee shop in the medina as well

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

Budget accommodations include several hotels immediately inside the medina from the main gate (Bab Diwan), just off to the right. Of these, Hotel Besbes is considered as the least worst of these.

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Hotel Thyma , 37 rue Habib Maazoun ( parallel to Blvd Republique ), ☏ +216 74 225 317 , fax : +216 74 225 773 , [email protected] . What Hotel Thyma lacks in charm it makes up for in cleanliness, powerful hot showers, and friendly management (who all speak French, and some English). Rooms include balconies, private bath, and television. Regular/during special events: single 55/80 DT, double 85/110 DT, triple 100/130 DT .  
• Naher El Founoun , ☏ +216 74 444 421 , +216 74 442 910 , fax : +216 74 442 915 . 3 stars.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 34.732999 10.764897 1 Golden Tulip Sfax , 15 Ave Habib Bourguiba ( walk straight out of the train station, about 5 blocks, on your left ), ☏ +216 74 225700 , toll-free: 800 358 0846 , fax : +216 74 225521 , [email protected] . Listed as four stars. May be overpriced. From 250 DT . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 34.730881 10.76553 2 Les Oliviers Palace , 25 Ave Hedi Chaker ( In downtown, near the harbor ), ☏ +216 74 201 999 . 5 stars ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 34.724998 10.724015 3 Hôtel Borj Dhiafa , Route Soukra Km 3, 3052 ( on the road to Soukra ), ☏ +216 74 677 777 . 30 rooms. Business hotel built in the 2010s. It has a swimming pool with massage column. Take a relaxing stay in a hotel with architecture typical of the region. (5 stars) ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 34.732831 10.740301 4 Sangho Syphax , 20 Route Soukra , ☏ +216 74 243 333 . 4 stars. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Dar Baya , a restored old house in the medina of Sfax.

Go next [ edit ]

• Catch the ferry out to the Kerkennah Islands , where traditional fishing methods are still practiced today.
• Head south for Tataouine and its Berber influences.
• If you have a visa which permits, continue on the coast road into Libya.
• Travel southwest (via Gabes ) to the town of Matmata and its Star Wars film-set hotel.

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Sunday in San Francisco: 14 Fun Things to Do Including Free Museum Days, Farmer's Markets, & More Every Week

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: September 6, 2023

Sunday is a perfect day to explore San Francisco. Every Sunday in San Francisco, you will find fun things to do, including free walking tours, farmer's markets, and the relaxing Champagne Cruise.

You can also catch a Broadway show, see a concert, or cheer on the SF Giants.

Read on to find out more fun activities for this and every week!

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1. Asian Art Museum's Free First Sundays

On the first Sunday of the month, you can visit the Asian Art Museum for free, sponsored by Target. In this museum, you will find thousands of pieces from countries such as Japan, Indonesia, and Nepal.

You will also find exciting works from China, Tibet, and Korea.

Doors open at 10 am, so get in line early to secure your spot. Click here for more photos of what you will see during your visit .

Find a full schedule of free days for all SF museums here .

Go San Francisco Card : If you want to visit this museum and other top attractions, check out the Go Card. It's a discount card that allows you to save on your visits. Check out all the details here . 

2. Champagne Cruise

Every Sunday afternoon, you can catch a two-hour champagne and mimosa cruise in the afternoon around the SF Bay starting at 1 pm, 2:45 pm, or 4:45 pm.. This relaxing ride offers amazing views of the SF Bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge , Alcatraz Island and Sausalito .

You will also ride past the Palace of Fine Arts , Angel Island and Fort Point National Historic Site .

Your ticket includes two drinks of your choice. Your options range from Champagne, Mimosas, white wine, beer and soda.

>> Find tickets here

3. Comedy Showcase

Every Sunday in San Francisco, you can head over to the Punch Line Comedy Club for the SF Comedy Showcase. This low-key event features local comedians and other lesser-known comics you can see before they get famous.

It starts at 8pm and usually lasts a couple of hours. It's an 18 and older show with a two-drink minimum.

>> Find out more here

4. Free Walking Tours

Another fun activity for Sunday in San Francisco is to take a free walking tour given by the SF Public Library. Every Sunday, you can stroll along the Golden Gate Bridge, learn more about the history of the Haight Asbury district, and uncover facts about the colorful Castro .

All tours are free, although they do request a small donation at the end to help keep the program running.

You do not need to register in advance; show up 5 to 10 minutes before the tour begins at the designated meeting area and sign in with the guide. Click here for more details .

5. Sunday Streets

From March to October, you can enjoy car-free streets during SF's annual Sunday Streets events. Each month, a select district hosts a one-day festival with live entertainment, healthy living activities, and plenty of room to run, walk, bike, or skip to your heart's desire.

Click here for this year's full schedule .

6. Live Music

If you love live music, then you are in luck! Every Sunday night, you will find at least four of five live shows in San Francisco.

Larger shows are at venues such as The Warfield , The Fillmore , and The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium . However, you will also find smaller shows at The Independent, Slim's, and The Great American Music Hall.

Click here for a schedule of live shows for the next two to three months .

7. Film Festivals

San Francisco is one of the best places in the world for independent movie buffs. The city sees more than 40 film festivals every year. This means almost every Sunday afternoon and evening, you can catch a number of new and intriguing film.

Festivals range from the large International Film Festival to smaller ones, such as the Arabic Film Festival. Each theme offers independent films from talented up and coming directors.

Click here for a current list of film festivals this year in San Francisco .

8. Other Festivals and Street Fairs

In addition to film festivals, you will find dozens of other festivals each year in San Francisco. They range from wine-tasting festivals to outdoor street fairs.

Many run all weekend long, with several events planned on Sunday in San Francisco. Click here for a list of upcoming festivals .

9. Stern Grove Festival

Summers bring an additional fun activity every Sunday in San Francisco. The Stern Grove Festival is a free music-in-the-park event.

Shows start at 2 pm and they run from the middle of June to August. Click here for a list of performers and dates for this year's festival .

10. Farmer's Markets

Farmer's Markets are an essential start to Sunday in San Francisco. Each week, you will find several throughout the city.

Here are the details on the largest and most favored ones (all are year around unless noted):

• Heart of the City in the UN Plaza in Civic Center : 7 am to 4 pm (they are also open from 7 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays)
• Thrive City Farmer's Market : 1 Warriors Way, 8 am to 1 pm
• Divisadero's Farmer's Market at 1377 Fell Street: 9 am to 1 pm
• Fort Mason Center Farmer's Market : 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
• Inner Sunset Farmer's Market in the parking lot between 8th and 9th Avenue south of Irving Street: 9 am to 1 pm

11. Cruise Around the SF Bay

In addition to the weekend Champagne cruise, you will also find several other fun cruises on Sunday in San Francisco. This weekend, explore the SF Bay on the popular 60-minute bay cruise.

You can also head out on a Sunset cruise, the Bridge 2 Bridge cruise (which also takes you under the Bay Bridge), or take the Escape from the Rock cruise. All offer a fun experience as you learn more about San Francisco and its surrounding communities.

12. Taste Local Wines

Another fun thing to do on Sunday in San Francisco is to sample local wines. You will find plenty of excellent wine tasting rooms right here in San Francisco .

You can also head north to visit Sonoma and Napa Valley . Both are only about an hour to an hour and a half north of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can either head up on your own or with a guided tour .

This is a wonderful tour that takes you north to Napa and Sonoma on a day tour. It's a great way to experience these wine regions in just one day.

If you prefer something a bit more laid back, then don't miss the chance to head to one of our popular wine bars . They offer a large variety of wines from local vineyards as well as those from around the world.

13. See a Show

Every Sunday in San Francisco, you will find dozens of shows on stage at local performing arts buildings. You can see a Broadway show at either the Orpheum Theater or the Golden Gate Theater . You can also catch a smaller theater production at one of more than a dozen theaters around town. Find a full calendar here .

The SF Symphony also offers year-round performances. They play both classical pieces as well as the scores from popular movies. In addition, they provide several family and kid-friendly performances throughout the year.

The SF Opera and SF Ballet also offer several performances on Sundays. The SF Opera is on stage in June and from September to December. They share the stage with the SF Ballet , which offers performances from December (The Nutcracker) to May each year.

14. Cheer on the Giants

You can also head over to Oracle Park to catch a Giants game . Our Major League baseball team takes the field from April to the end of September every year. They play more than a dozen games at home each month. This means that they offer a game almost every other Sunday in San Francisco during the season.

At Oracle Park, make sure to gobble up some of the best garlic fries in town and make friends with your neighbors. It's one of the most beautiful parks to see a game in the US.

Here is a schedule of the upcoming Sunday games in SF.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

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You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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