Combine Fascinating History And Beautiful Beaches In Sousse, Tunisia

Explore the Ribat and Great Mosque of Sousse Medina

Sousse’s ancient Medina is a great place to start when exploring the area. A World Heritage Site, it offers a bustling atmosphere and lets you imagine how life was in times gone by.

At the heart of the old city, there are many fantastic things to do and see within the Medina walls. Brimming with religious and historic sites, you could easily spend a few days exploring the maze-like streets, museums, and marketplaces.

Climb the old walls of the Ribat for sweeping views of the hustle and bustle all around. The remains of the defensive building are great for exploring and taking nice photos. Admission costs 4 TND (approximately 2 USD), although you will need to pay an additional 1 TND (approximately 0.50 USD) if you want to use a camera.

Non-Muslims are allowed to go inside the Great Mosque, although you will be given robes to wear if your clothing is deemed inappropriate. It is a fairly simple mosque with a big courtyard, but the peaceful atmosphere in the otherwise chaotic city makes it really nice. Admission costs 5 TND (approximately 2.50 USD).

Browse colourful market stalls and watch artisans at work

The streets in the Medina are alive with lively souks and traditional marketplaces. You can buy a great selection of souvenirs, clothes, and trinkets. You will need to haggle! When haggling, bear in mind the price that you want to pay, the price the same item would cost you at home, and don’t get too serious; it is part of the fun! Also, try not to haggle over what essentially works out to be a few cents and remember that the sellers still have to make a living. Look out for skilled craftspeople making metal bangles, weaving, engraving, or carving.

Every week there is a large market that is popular with locals. It is called the Camel Market, but you won’t see any camels! Instead, you will find fruit, vegetables, clothing, electronics, household items, and similar. Whilst you may not want to buy anything, it’s a perfect place for observing the local way of life at a traditional market.

Watch a cultural show at Friguia Park

Home to various animals, such as lions, tigers, camels, monkeys, and birds, Friguia Park is mainly a zoo. Guests can swim with dolphins and ride a camel if they choose (additional fees apply). It also hosts a fantastic evening dinner and cultural show.

At the time of visit, many animals did not look very well-cared for … you may want to skip the zoo and just pay for show tickets. The Zulu show, however, is sure to captivate and enthrall. There is something rather hypnotic about the rhythmic drum beats, and the traditionally-clothed dancers are amazing! There is also Tunisian belly dancing, and guests are invited to try out some of the moves.

Located near Hammamet, admission to the park is 5 TND (approximately 2.50 USD). It appears as though the only way to enjoy the show, however, is by booking a package tour. Prices vary depending on operator, but you should expect to pay around 105 TND (approximately 52 USD) per person, including return transport and a Tunisian dinner.

Explore the well-preserved ruins of El Jem

El Jem (also sometimes spelt as El Djem) is famous for its huge amphitheatre. In a great state of preservation, the large and impressive amphitheatre is said to be better preserved than that in Rome! The mighty amphitheatre at El Jem was built in the 3rd century AD by the Romans. Allow time to climb the high steps and walk around the walls. With great views and many nooks and crannies to discover, make sure that your camera batteries are fully charged! It is 10 TND (approximately 5 USD) to enter the amphitheatre, plus an additional 1 TND (approximately 0.50 USD) if you wish to use a camera.

Visit the sacred Great Mosque of Kairouan

One of the top four holiest sites in Islam, Kairouan is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also one of the first mosques to be built on the African continent. It was a major centre of learning in the past, and used to attract many Muslims who wanted to undertake serious religious studies.

The Great Mosque in Kairouan is interesting in terms of both culture and religion. A spectacular building, it features many grand columns and intricate details. Although non-Muslims cannot go inside the main prayer hall, there are still plenty of other parts of the complex to explore. Admire the soaring minaret, stroll through large courtyards, and enjoy the solemn atmosphere of the holy site. Robes are provided for visitors. The admission fee is 7 TND (approximately 3.50 USD), with an extra 1 TND (approximately 0.50 USD) charged if you want to use your camera.