Ready for your best Tunisia vacation? From the medinas of Tunis to the desert oases of Tozeur, the beaches of Djerba to the ancient ruins of Carthage, this guide outlines the ultimate Tunisia itinerary.
These easy-to-use and curated itineraries help you find the top things to do in Tunisia—featuring Roman amphitheaters, Saharan adventures, blue-and-white seaside towns, and desert film sets.
Want to make your Tunisia trip even more special? Learn basic Arabic or French before you go
- Tunis: A vibrant mix of Arab, French, and Mediterranean influences—wander the medina, sip mint tea, and dive into ancient history at the Bardo Museum.
- Sidi Bou Said: Tunisia’s most photogenic village—whitewashed walls, blue doors, cliffside cafés, and bohemian seaside charm.
- Carthage: Explore ancient ruins with sea views where Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine layers tell a story older than time.
- Hammamet: A laid-back beach town with soft sands, luxury resorts, and a charming medina just steps from the sea.
- Djerba: A dreamy island escape with Berber villages, desert mosques, local art, and gorgeous beaches steeped in tradition.
- Sousse: A resort town with golden beaches, a UNESCO-listed medina, and lively markets full of color and culture.
- Kairouan: One of Islam’s holiest cities with centuries-old mosques, tiled courtyards, and North Africa’s spiritual heart.
- Tozeur: A gateway to the Sahara, palm-fringed oases, ancient medinas, and otherworldly Star Wars filming locations.
- Matmata: Step into the earth with troglodyte homes carved into the hillside—raw, surreal, and totally unique.
- El Djem: Home to one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters—massive, majestic, and crowd-free.
- Douz: Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” this desert town is your launch pad for camel treks and dune adventures.
- Bizerte: Northern Tunisia’s underrated gem—a charming old port, relaxed pace, and authentic local life on the sea.
💡 Tunisia Tips
- Cash is essential: The Tunisian dinar is used everywhere, and while cards are accepted in hotels and large shops, local markets, taxis, and small cafés are cash-only — always carry small change.
- Tipping is expected: Service charges are often included in bills, but it’s customary to tip waiters (5–10%), hotel staff, and guides.
- Dress modestly: Tunisia is fairly liberal, but dressing modestly — especially in rural areas or religious sites — is appreciated. Cover shoulders and knees in mosques or traditional neighborhoods.
- Fridays are holy days: Many businesses close or reduce hours for Friday prayers — plan accordingly.
- Avoid political discussions: Tunisia has seen political shifts in recent years. It’s best to avoid sensitive political topics in conversation.
- French is widely spoken: In addition to Arabic, most Tunisians speak French fluently. English is growing, but less common outside tourist zones.
- Tap water is not always safe: Drink bottled water, even in cities, and avoid ice in rural areas.
- Public transport is cheap: Louages (shared taxis) are the most efficient way to travel between towns. Trains and metro systems exist in major cities like Tunis.
- Markets are great for shopping: Haggle respectfully in souks for spices, crafts, and textiles — it’s part of the culture.
- Respect local customs during Ramadan: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting.
- Pack for the climate: Summers are very hot, especially inland; coastal and northern areas are more temperate. Winters can be surprisingly cool.
- Stay alert in cities: Petty theft and scams do occur — especially in crowded medinas or tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure.
🇹🇳 Tunisia Menu
- Couscous: Tunisia’s national dish — steamed semolina grains served with lamb, chicken, or fish, and vegetables in a spiced tomato-based sauce. Often eaten on Fridays.
- Brik: A crispy deep-fried pastry filled with egg, tuna, capers, and herbs — folded in a thin sheet of pastry (malsouka) and fried until golden.
- Harissa: A fiery chili paste made from dried red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices — served as a condiment or used to flavor stews and meats.
- Ojja: A spicy tomato and harissa-based stew with eggs poached directly in the sauce, often served with merguez sausage — perfect with crusty bread.
- Lablabi: A comforting chickpea soup flavored with cumin, garlic, olive oil, and harissa — usually topped with egg and stale bread.
- Merguez: Spicy lamb or beef sausages seasoned with cumin, chili, and coriander — grilled or cooked into stews and couscous dishes.
- Tunisian Salad (Salata Tounsia): A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and olives, often topped with tuna and boiled egg.
- Makroud (Northwest Tunisia): A semolina pastry filled with dates and nuts, fried or baked and soaked in honey — a traditional dessert.
- Kafteji: A fried vegetable medley (usually including peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant) chopped together and topped with egg or sausage.
- Chorba: A light but flavorful soup made with lamb or chicken, tomatoes, herbs, and sometimes pasta — commonly eaten during Ramadan.
- Bambalouni (Coastal Towns like Sidi Bou Said): A round, fried doughnut sprinkled with sugar — eaten hot and fresh, especially by the sea.
- Kamounia: A rich stew made with liver (often beef or lamb), cumin, garlic, and olive oil — deeply spiced and traditionally served with bread.
- Mechouia Salad: A smoky grilled pepper and tomato salad mixed with garlic, olive oil, and tuna or egg — often served as a starter.
- Dates and Almond Sweets: Tunisia is known for its date-based confections and pastries like baklava, kaak warka, and almond-stuffed makrout.
- Mint Tea with Pine Nuts: A popular drink served sweet and hot — pine nuts are often floated in the glass for extra richness.
📅 Tunisia Calendar
- Yennayer (Amazigh New Year) (January, South Tunisia & Amazigh communities): Amazigh cultural celebrations with dance and food
- Festival of the Medina (March–April, Tunis): Concerts, poetry, and cultural shows in the old city during Ramadan
- Festival of Sidi Bou Said (early May, Sidi Bou Said): Local art, music, and community celebrations
- International Festival of Carthage (July–August, Carthage): Big-name music and theater performances in a Roman amphitheater
- Dougga Festival (July, Dougga): Classical music and drama performed among ancient ruins
- Djerba Ulysse Festival (July–August, Djerba): A mix of music, dance, and food celebrating the island’s diversity
- El Djem Symphony Nights (late July, El Djem): Classical music concerts in the ancient amphitheater
- Tabarka Jazz Festival (late October, Tabarka): International jazz acts in a seaside amphitheater
- Sahara Festival (December, Douz): Camel races, Bedouin traditions, and desert folklore in Tunisia’s Sahara heartland
- Tozeur Oasis Festival (December, Tozeur): Celebrates oasis life with parades, music, and palm culture
- New Year’s Eve in the Sahara (December 31, Tozeur or Douz): Desert bonfires, drums, and stargazing