Tunisia gets overlooked and I don’t know why. Roman ruins without the crowds, Sahara dunes that change color at sunset, and Mediterranean beaches where locals bring you fresh figs. Everyone heads to Morocco, but Tunisia packs just as much punch.
From ancient medinas that smell like jasmine to Star Wars film locations in the desert, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia. Here are 12 spots that prove this country deserves way more attention than it gets.
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Tunisia
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Tunisia
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Tunisian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Tunis for just $370 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local restaurants serving traditional dishes like lablabi and brik. A filling meal usually costs 5-10 dinars ($1.50-3). Visit the neighborhood markets for fresh bread, olives, and harissa. The food stalls in the medina offer great value street food. Skip the tourist restaurants in Sidi Bou Said – they’re often four times the price!
- Transport: Get a transport card for Tunis’s light rail system (TGM). For intercity travel, the louage (shared taxis) are cheaper than trains and run frequently between cities. Book long-distance SNTRI buses in advance. Between using public transport and shared taxis instead of private drivers, this has saved me hundreds of dinars on each trip.
Tunisia is quite affordable compared to European destinations across the Mediterranean. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this fascinating country for even less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Tunisia:
1. Sidi Bou Said
- 📍 Location: Northern Tunisia, overlooking the Mediterranean
- 🏆 Best For: 🎨 Art lovers, 📸 aesthetic travelers, 🧿 culture seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Sipping mint tea at Café des Nattes, strolling along Rue Habib Thameur, photographing the blue-and-white buildings
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for sunny spring vibes 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dar Said Hotel – Elegant traditional stay with sea views and Andalusian design
Sidi Bou Said is the kind of place that feels like it was made for postcards. Perched on a cliff just outside Tunis, the town draws you in with its signature blue-and-white buildings, cobbled lanes, and colorful bursts of bougainvillea. You’ll want to take your time walking through the alleys, each corner offers a perfect photo and a fresh breeze off the Mediterranean.
It’s more than just a pretty place though. The town has long inspired artists and writers, and you’ll still find galleries and small museums tucked between cafés and homes. Try the mint tea with pine nuts at Café des Nattes, a local favorite with a killer terrace view.
Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, snapping shots, or just watching the sea fade into the sky, Sidi Bou Said wraps you in calm. It’s a gentle, gorgeous introduction to Tunisia’s coastal charm.
2. Medina of Tunis
- 📍 Location: Central Tunis, the capital city
- 🏆 Best For: 🕌 History buffs, 🛍️ market explorers, 🧿 cultural wanderers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Zitouna Mosque, shopping in Souk el Berka, discovering ancient palaces
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for cooler weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa – Stylish riad inside the medina with rooftop views
Wandering into the Medina of Tunis feels like flipping through the pages of a living history book. It’s a place where every turn leads to a new layer of culture, from intricately tiled courtyards to vibrant stalls selling everything from silver teapots to leather slippers. The scent of spices and the hum of haggling fill the air, creating an atmosphere that’s both energetic and timeless.
You’ll find the Zitouna Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant in the city, nestled among centuries-old buildings. The narrow alleys are packed with local artisans, bustling souks, and architectural gems that date back to the 8th century.
What makes the medina special isn’t just its age but how alive it still is. Locals sip mint tea in hidden cafés while merchants handcraft wares in open-air workshops. It’s an immersive dive into Tunisia’s soul and history.
3. Djerba
- 📍 Location: Southeastern Tunisia, island in the Gulf of Gabès
- 🏆 Best For: 🏖️ Beach lovers, 🕍 cultural travelers, 🧳 relaxed island stays
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling Houmt Souk markets, visiting El Ghriba Synagogue, sunset boat rides in the lagoon
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm, sunny days ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dar Dhiafa – Boutique hotel with charm and traditional Djerban style
Djerba has an easy charm that draws you in slowly. This sun-soaked island is full of contrasts, from bustling market streets to peaceful stretches of sand and sea. The vibe is relaxed, yet the island’s layers of history and culture give it real depth.
You can explore the old town of Houmt Souk, where stalls overflow with spices, ceramics, and handwoven rugs. Nearby, the El Ghriba Synagogue offers a glimpse into the island’s Jewish heritage and still welcomes pilgrims today. Local life hums steadily, whether it’s fishermen heading out at dawn or artisans crafting pottery in sunlit courtyards.
In the evenings, the coast comes alive with calm breezes and glowing skies. Whether you’re drifting on a boat, sampling grilled octopus, or watching flamingos in the lagoon, Djerba is a slow and soulful escape worth savoring.
4. Carthage
- 📍 Location: Suburb of Tunis, Northeastern Tunisia
- 🏆 Best For: 🏛️ History lovers, 🌊 coastal explorers, 🧭 archaeology fans
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Baths of Antoninus, exploring Byrsa Hill, walking the Punic Ports
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to November 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Residence Tunis – Elegant beachfront resort with Carthaginian flair
Carthage is one of those places where the past feels surprisingly close. Once a rival to Rome, this ancient city now rests in ruins scattered across the coast just outside Tunis. You can climb Byrsa Hill and imagine what it was like when Phoenician ships sailed into its legendary harbors.
The Baths of Antoninus are massive and impressively preserved, overlooking the sea with salty breezes cutting through the heat. Around the corner, the Punic Ports show how advanced Carthage was, with its naval dockyards and circular military harbor. You’ll also spot bits of Roman villas and mosaics tucked between modern houses.
What’s cool about Carthage is that it’s not just a museum. Locals live here, kids play soccer near centuries-old ruins, and the Mediterranean sparkles just like it did thousands of years ago. It’s a quiet but powerful window into Tunisia’s layered history.
5. Ichkeul National Park
- 📍 Location: Bizerte Governorate, Northern Tunisia
- 🏆 Best For: 🐦 Bird watchers, 🏞️ nature seekers, 🚶♀️ low-key adventurers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting flamingos at the lake, hiking Mount Ichkeul, enjoying panoramic views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for peak bird migration 🐤
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dar Salama – Tranquil countryside guesthouse near Bizerte
Ichkeul National Park is a peaceful escape with one of the most unique landscapes in North Africa. At the center is Lake Ichkeul, the last of a once-vast chain of lakes where thousands of migratory birds still stop each year. Think pink flamingos, herons, and ducks floating across the shallows.
A hike up Mount Ichkeul rewards you with a quiet view over wetlands, mountains, and fields that shift colors with the seasons. In winter, the park bursts with life as birds nest and feed. Spring brings wildflowers, while the dry months feel like a desert dream.
What makes this park stand out isn’t just the scenery, but how untouched it feels. Trails are quiet, wildlife is everywhere, and there’s a real sense of discovery in the air. It’s an underrated gem if you’re into nature and want to experience a different side of Tunisia.
6. The Amphitheatre of El Jem
- 📍 Location: El Jem, Mahdia Governorate
- 🏆 Best For: 🏛️ Ancient history lovers, 🎭 architecture fans, 🎶 cultural travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Standing in the center arena, exploring the underground tunnels, climbing to the top tier
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall (March to May, September to October) 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Julius – Clean, simple hotel steps from the amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre of El Jem feels like stepping onto a movie set, except it’s the real deal. This colossal Roman arena once held up to 35,000 people, and walking through its arches today still gives you chills. You can wander freely through the tunnels beneath the arena, climb up to the nosebleed seats, and imagine the roar of the crowd.
What’s wild is how quiet it gets now. You’ll likely share the place with just a few other travelers, which adds to the eerie atmosphere. The sunlight cuts through the stone in all the right ways, especially during golden hour.
At night, the amphitheatre even hosts concerts during the El Jem International Symphonic Music Festival, blending ancient stone with modern music. Whether you’re here for the views, the history, or just a surreal photo spot, this site is unforgettable.
- Read next: Amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites
7. The Sahara Desert
- 📍 Location: Southern Tunisia (around Douz and Ksar Ghilane)
- 🏆 Best For: 🐫 Desert lovers, 🌌 stargazers, 🧭 adventure seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Camel trekking at sunset, stargazing, overnight camping
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March 🌵
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Camp Mars – Comfortable desert camp with tents under the stars
The Sahara Desert in Tunisia is where things get quiet in the best way possible. Picture golden dunes stretching out forever, the crunch of camel steps on sand, and a sky so big it feels fake. This isn’t just a backdrop, it’s an experience.
Most people head out from towns like Douz or Ksar Ghilane, then venture deep into the dunes by camel or 4×4. Sunset paints everything gold, and when night falls, it’s just you and the stars. A night in a traditional desert camp, complete with local meals and a campfire, makes you forget about phone service and concrete buildings.
What hits hardest is the silence. It’s calming, a little humbling, and completely different from Tunisia’s cities. If you’re into moments that feel timeless, the Sahara will leave a mark. Just pack layers as it gets cold when the sun drops.
8. Kairouan
- 📍 Location: Kairouan, Central Tunisia
- 🏆 Best For: 🕌 Sacred heritage, 🧵 traditional crafts, 🍬 sweet local treats
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Great Mosque, wandering the medina, trying makroud pastries
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Continental Hotel Kairouan – Classic pick near historic sites
Kairouan is often called Tunisia’s spiritual heart, and walking through its medina really makes you feel it. The atmosphere is peaceful, the architecture is grand, and the city moves at its own steady pace. The centerpiece is the Great Mosque of Kairouan, a massive structure built in the 7th century that’s one of the oldest in the Islamic world.
The medina is filled with narrow alleys, quiet courtyards, and shops selling handwoven rugs, pottery, and copperware. It’s easy to spend hours just getting lost, ducking into workshops where artisans still use age-old techniques. The city also has a strong tradition of religious schools and historic buildings with beautiful tilework.
And don’t skip the local treat: makroud, a semolina pastry filled with dates and dipped in honey. Sweet, sticky, and totally worth it. Kairouan is a place where culture, religion, and daily life blend into something deeply grounding.
9. Sousse
- 📍 Location: Sousse, Eastern Tunisia
- 🏆 Best For: 🏖️ Beach time, 🏰 history lovers, 🧿 shopping in souks
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the medina, climbing the Ribat tower, visiting the Archaeological Museum
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June or September 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Paris – Simple hotel near the medina and beach
Sousse blends beach town energy with serious historical charm. At the heart of the city is the UNESCO-listed medina, a labyrinth of whitewashed alleys, arched doorways, and shops full of spices, ceramics, and colorful textiles. The vibe feels more local than touristy, which makes wandering here extra fun.
One of the best spots is the Ribat, an old seaside fortress where you can climb up and look out across the coast. For museum lovers, the Sousse Archaeological Museum inside the Kasbah holds some of Tunisia’s best Roman mosaics. It’s cool, quiet, and a nice escape from the heat.
After soaking up the culture, head to the beach or make your way to Port El Kantaoui, a nearby marina with cafes and smooth sea views. Sousse feels lived-in and layered. It’s a great base if you want Tunisia’s coast without losing its character.
10. Matmata
- 📍 Location: Matmata, Southern Tunisia
- 🏆 Best For: 🌌 Star Wars fans, 🕳️ unique stays, 🐫 desert culture
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting troglodyte homes, exploring caves, joining a local tea session
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Diar El Barbar – Atmospheric stay built into the hillside
Matmata feels like another planet in the best way possible. Known for its underground homes carved straight into the earth, the town was made famous by Star Wars as Luke Skywalker’s Tatooine. But beyond the sci-fi fame, the place holds centuries of Berber tradition.
Locals still live in troglodyte homes, built to escape the desert heat. Visiting one gives you insight into how people survive and thrive in tough landscapes. You might get offered mint tea or homemade bread while learning about life below the surface.
The scenery is wild and quiet, with rocky hills and dusty paths that feel untouched. Evenings are especially magical, when the sun dips low and stars flood the sky. Matmata isn’t flashy or crowded. It’s a place that rewards curiosity and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden corner of Tunisia most people never reach.
11. Douz
- 📍 Location: Douz, Kebili Governorate
- 🏆 Best For: 🐪 Camel rides, 🔥 desert festivals, 🌅 Sahara adventures
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding into the dunes, shopping at the souk, attending the Sahara Festival
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sahara Douz Hotel – Desert hotel with camel trek access
Douz is where Tunisia’s desert story truly begins. Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” this small town is wrapped in sand and tradition. Camels outnumber cars, and the dunes feel like they stretch forever. The vibe is quiet but rich in detail.
At the town’s core is the weekly souk, where locals sell everything from Berber jewelry to camel saddles. It’s the kind of market where you’ll hear stories with every purchase. If you time your visit right, you might catch the International Festival of the Sahara, a lively celebration with camel races, drumming, and desert dance.
Just outside town, a camel ride at sunset is unforgettable. The golden dunes ripple in the light, and by night, the sky fills with stars. If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic desert base, Douz is the place to let the pace slow and the silence sink in.
12. Tozeur
- 📍 Location: Tozeur, Southwest Tunisia
- 🏆 Best For: 🌴 Palm oases, 🧱 traditional brickwork, 🐫 desert escapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the medina, visiting Chott el Djerid, touring Star Wars sites
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ksar El Jerid – Palm-lined stay with desert views
Tozeur sits at the edge of the Sahara and feels like a real-life mirage. The town is surrounded by a giant palm grove that holds over 200,000 date palms, and the medina is famous for its patterned sand-colored brickwork that glows at golden hour.
Wander the Ouled el-Hadef district to see the intricate designs that cover homes and alleys, then head to the massive salt lake Chott el Djerid, where mirages dance across the cracked ground. If you’re a movie buff, nearby desert villages were filming locations for Star Wars scenes on Tatooine.
Tozeur also makes for a great launch point into the deeper desert. You can take a 4×4 into the dunes or hop on a camel for a sunset ride. It’s calm, atmospheric, and full of moments that feel otherworldly without ever trying too hard.
