Things to do in Tunisia

25 things to do in Tunisia

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Explore the ancient ruins of Carthage

  Wander through the UNESCO-listed Phoenician and Roman ruins of Carthage, including the Antonine Baths and the Tophet, overlooking the Mediterranean. The sprawling archaeological site offers a profound glimpse into a once-mighty empire.

  Carthage, Tunis Governorate

• Stroll through the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said

  Wander the photogenic cobblestone lanes of Sidi Bou Said, famed for its uniform white walls, blue doors, and jasmine-scented balconies. The clifftop village offers stunning views over the Gulf of Tunis.

  Sidi Bou Said, Tunis Governorate

• Trek into the Sahara from Douz

  Begin a camel or 4x4 expedition into the vast dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental from Douz, the 'Gateway to the Sahara'. Sleep under a blanket of stars in a desert camp after watching the sunset paint the sands gold.

  Douz, Kebili Governorate

• See the Roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum

  Housing one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaic art, the Bardo Museum in Tunis displays intricate floor panels depicting mythological scenes, excavated from sites across Tunisia. The building itself is a 19th-century palace.

  Tunis

• Get lost in the Medina of Tunis

  Navigate the labyrinthine alleys of the 7th-century Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with souks, mosques, and historic madrasas. The scent of spices and leather hangs in the air as artisans hammer copper in traditional workshops.

  Tunis

• Stand in the Amphitheatre of El Djem

  Marvel at the colossal Roman amphitheatre at El Djem, one of the best-preserved in the world, capable of seating 35,000 spectators. Its imposing oval walls rise dramatically from the surrounding olive groves.

  El Djem, Mahdia Governorate

• Relax on the beaches of Djerba Island

  Unwind on the soft, white-sand beaches of Djerba, a Mediterranean island connected to the mainland by a causeway. The island blends seaside relaxation with rich Berber, Arab, and Jewish cultural heritage.

  Djerba, Medenine Governorate

• Visit the underground troglodyte houses of Matmata

  Descend into the unique pit-houses of Matmata, where Berber communities have carved dwellings into the soft sandstone for centuries. The surreal landscape famously served as a filming location for Star Wars.

  Matmata, Gabès Governorate

• Pray at the Great Mosque of Kairouan

  Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of the oldest and most important Islamic monuments in North Africa, founded in 670 AD. Its vast courtyard, forest of columns, and imposing minaret evoke centuries of devotion.

  Kairouan

• See date palms and desert springs at Tozeur Oasis

  Wander among the towering date palms of Tozeur, a lush oasis town on the edge of the Sahara. Its distinctive geometric brickwork architecture and nearby mountain oases like Chebika offer stark, beautiful contrasts to the desert.

  Tozeur

• Cross the vast salt flats of Chott el Jerid

  Drive across the shimmering, cracked expanse of Chott el Jerid, North Africa's largest salt lake. In the heat, surreal mirages and salt crystal formations create an otherworldly, moon-like landscape.

  Tozeur/Kebili Governorate

• Discover the fortified Medina of Sfax

  Step inside the exceptionally well-preserved 9th-century medina of Sfax, a living, breathing walled city still inhabited and used daily. Unlike more touristy medinas, it feels authentically local with its active souks and workshops.

  Sfax

• Walk the ramparts of Hammamet Medina

  Stroll along the sea-facing walls of the charming Hammamet medina, where whitewashed buildings meet the deep blue Mediterranean. The Kasbah offers panoramic views, and the central square buzzes with café life.

  Hammamet, Nabeul Governorate

• Climb the Ribat of Monastir

  Ascend the watchtowers of the Ribat of Monastir, an 8th-century Islamic fortress and one of the earliest ribats in North Africa. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the harbor and the modern city skyline.

  Monastir

• Explore the Medina of Sousse

  Navigate the bustling souks and quiet courtyards of Sousse's UNESCO-listed medina, anchored by the imposing Ribat and the Great Mosque. The vibrant market streets are filled with textiles, ceramics, and perfumes.

  Sousse

• Visit the Zaghouan Water Temple

  Discover the Temple of Water at Zaghouan, the monumental springhead that once fed a 132-kilometer aqueduct to supply ancient Carthage. The Roman ruins sit in a serene, verdant setting at the foot of Jebel Zaghouan.

  Zaghouan

• Birdwatch at Ichkeul National Park

  Observe hundreds of thousands of migratory birds—including flamingos, storks, and teal—at Ichkeul National Park, a UNESCO site centered on a freshwater lake and marshland. The surrounding cork oak forests add to the biodiversity.

  Bizerte Governorate

• Roam the Roman city of Dougga

  Wander the remarkably intact ruins of Dougga, a UNESCO-listed Roman city perched on a hilltop with a theatre, capitol, temples, and baths still standing. Its rural setting offers a peaceful, uncrowded exploration experience.

  Béja Governorate

• Descend into the subterranean villas of Bulla Regia

  Explore the unique underground Roman villas of Bulla Regia, where wealthy citizens built subterranean homes to escape the summer heat. The preserved mosaics in their original positions are among Tunisia's finest.

  Jendouba Governorate

• Escape to the Kerkennah Islands

  Take the ferry to the laid-back Kerkennah archipelago, where traditional fishing methods using palm-branch 'charfia' traps are still practiced. The flat, windswept islands offer quiet beaches and a taste of slow island life.

  Kerkennah, Sfax Governorate

• Sample fresh seafood at the Tunis Central Market

  Browse the vibrant stalls of Marché Central in Tunis, where vendors display glistening catches from the Mediterranean alongside piles of olives, spices, and harissa. Pick your fish and have it grilled on the spot at a market counter.

  Tunis

• Eat a crispy brik à l'œuf

  Taste the iconic Tunisian brik—a thin, crispy pastry shell filled with a runny egg, tuna, capers, and parsley, deep-fried until golden. It's served sizzling at countless local restaurants and is a quintessential starter.

  Nationwide

• Taste Makroudh in Kairouan

  Savor Makroudh, a date-filled semolina pastry fried and soaked in honey, a specialty of Kairouan considered the national sweet. The best versions are found in small bakeries near the Great Mosque.

  Kairouan

• Drink mint tea at Café des Nattes in Sidi Bou Said

  Sip sweet mint tea with pine nuts at the legendary Café des Nattes, perched on the hillside of Sidi Bou Said. Sit on traditional woven mats while gazing out over the sparkling Mediterranean below.

  Sidi Bou Said

• Enjoy nightlife at La Marsa

  Experience the lively bars, beach clubs, and late-night cafés of La Marsa, a fashionable coastal suburb of Tunis popular with young locals. The waterfront promenade buzzes with energy on summer evenings.

  La Marsa, Tunis Governorate