10 Best Things To Do In Tunisia - Updated 2024

Celeste
Celeste  
Updated
| 4 min read

Tunisia is a country in North Africa about 1380 miles (2220 kilometers) from Morocco. Referred to as the Republic of Tunisia, its official language is Arabic. The country in the Maghreb region of North Africa uses Tunisian dinar (‎TND‎) as its currency. If you are planning to visit Tunisia, look out for some of its top sights such as El Jem Amphitheatre, Djerba Explore Park, and Bardo National Museum. Meanwhile, a visit to Islamic monuments and museums such as Sousse Ribat, Antonine Baths, and the Great Mosque of Kairouan will give insights into the country’s culture and tradition. Stay on this page if you want to know more about the best things to do in Tunisia.

1. Visit the ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa (from USD 71.0)

Here’s your chance to tread the grounds of the largest colosseum in North Africa. From the heart of Tunisia, El Jem Amphitheatre is about a three-hour drive away. El Jem Amphitheatre is a highly frequented historical landmark with rare artefact displays and events all year round. If you can’t find your own transport to the well-preserved colosseum, consider taking a half-day excursion with Viator. Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged if your hotel is located within 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) of Sousse.

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Half-day excursion from Sousse to the amphitheater of El Jem

Duration: 4 hours

34 reviews

2. Spend a night in the desert from Douz (from USD 290.0)

How does a night in the desert sound? City dwellers who have been born and raised in the metropolis will find this experience a unique one. Compared to ordinary vehicles, travelling in a sturdy land cruiser will give you a chance to access off-road locations. So what’s in it for you? You will get to spot wildlife, eat your fill of a four-course dinner, and fall asleep while looking at the stars in a Bedouin-style campsite. Hotel pick-up and drop-off can be arranged from your accommodation in Douz.

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Overnight Tunisia Sahara Desert Safari by 4x4 from Douz

Duration: 1 day

3 reviews

3. Explore the grounds of Great Mosque of Kairouan

Courtyard of the Great Mosque, Kairouan
Source: Photo by Flickr user benfound used under CC BY 2.0

Great Mosque of Kairouan is within a four-hour ride from the centre of Tunisia. If you are looking for a way to connect your destinations, the well-known mosque is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from El Jem Amphitheatre. Explore and spot the hulking fortress walls, a square minaret, and the ornate architectural details while you are here. Also, pay close attention to the geometric and floral motifs carved in fine marble in the interiors.

Great Mosque of Kairouan

Address: Rue Sidi Abdelkader, Kairouan, Tunisia

Website: Great Mosque of Kairouan

Opening hours: 16th Sep - 31st May: 8am - 2pm; 1st Jun - 15th Sep: 7:30am - 2pm; Ramadan timetable: 8am - 2pm

Price: From 5 USD

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4. Stroll around the white and blue Sidi Bou Said seaside suburb

Tunisia
Source: Photo by Flickr user Dennis Sylvester ... used under CC BY 2.0

Sidi Bou Said is situated in Tunis and about a 20-minute drive from Tunis-Carthage International Airport. You will identify the charming town through its blue and white houses. It overlooks the ocean, giving you a stunning panoramic view of the Gulf of Tunis. There are alfresco cafes, Tunisian restaurants, and mini art galleries set within the area. Local residents live in the area so remember to be respectful as you tour the town.

Sidi Bou Said

Address: Carthage, Tunisia

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5. Visit the filming locations of Star Wars in Tozeur (from USD 148.0)

Let the force be with you as you visit the filming locations of Star Wars in Tozeur. The tour will take approximately six to eight hours with a pickup from Tozeur or your preferred location. Tozeur, a city towards south-west Tunisia, is about 109 miles (176 km) from Tunisia. You will depart for the filming locations in the morning at about 9:30am. Expect stops at Chott El Jerid salt lake, Sidi Bouhlel Canyon, and Decor Star Wars Tunisie. This is a private tour so only your group is allowed to participate.

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Full day Star Wars Tour

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

8 reviews

6. See the world's most renowned mosaic collection at The Bardo Museum

Bardo National Museum (112)
Source: Photo by Flickr user János Korom Dr. ... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Bardo National Museum is a museum in Tunis, Tunisia. Opened in May 1888, it has the biggest collection of mosaics including one that is representative of Virgil, a poet. You can look forward to a display of Punic jewels and a gallery of Roman sarcophaguses and Christian baptisteries. Check their website for ongoing events if you are keen to participate in seasonal showcases.

The Bardo National Museum

Address: P7, Tunisia

Website: The Bardo National Museum

Opening hours: From 01/06 to 15/09: 9am - 5pm; From 16/09 to 30/05: 9:30 to 4:30pm

Price: From 4 USD

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7. Wander the ancient streets and alleyways of The Medina (from USD 48.87)

things to do in tunisia | wander the ancient streets and alleyways of the medina

The Medina in Tunis has been labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It has ancient monuments, palaces, mausoleums, and fountains with a rich history. Take on a guided walking tour if you want to wander the streets and alleyways while listening to stories on Tunis’ rich architectural heritage and Tunisia’s pride in its education system. The tour will depart from somewhere close to Hotel Royal Victoria. Lunch is not included in this tour.

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Tunis: Medina Guided Walking Tour

Duration: 4.0 hour

98 reviews

8. Learn scuba diving and discover the aquatic world in Djerba (from USD 72.76)

learn scuba diving and discover the aquatic world in djerba

Since you find yourself touring Djerba, why not add on another experience? Learn scuba diving and discover the aquatic world in Djerba with a professional instructor. The adventure is specifically designed for first-timers so fret not even if you don’t have any experience in scuba diving. The activity will start in the morning at 9am and end in about 2 hours. You will have approximately 30 minutes for the actual dive experience. Hotel pick-up and drop-off will be available in Djerba Midoun or Houmt Souk region.

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Djerba: Introductory Scuba Diving Session

Duration: 2.0 hour

4 reviews

9. Go horseback riding along the coastline of Djerba (from USD 43.54)

go horseback riding along the coastline of djerba

Djerba is an island in Tunisia well-loved by people for its beaches and desert towns. It is about a two-hour drive from the heart of Tunisia. How about a unique horseback riding experience along the coastline of Djerba? See the resplendent beauty of the island on horseback and enjoy stunning landscape views around the lagoon. Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged from your hotel in Djerba. Helmets will be provided for your safety so just be in comfortable wear and proper shoes for the experience.

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Djerba: 2-Hour Horse Riding Experience

Duration: 2 hour

10. Sail the high seas and party like a pirate in Hammamet (from USD 50.0)

Hammamet is about a four- to five-hour drive from the heart of Tunisia. Those who are looking for a family-friendly activity can book a boat cruise via Viator. Get onboard a pirate-themed boat and cruise around Yasmine Hammamet Port. The whole experience will take you about four hours. You will sail the high seas along with a crew of pirates, buccaneers, and landlubbers. Bring along your swimsuit if you have plans to take a dip into the waters. If luck is on your side, you may even spot dolphins and other wildlife.

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Pirate Boat Cruise in Hammamet

Duration: 4 hours

Make wonderful memories with unique experiences in Tunisia

As you’ve probably seen for yourself, Tunisia is huge and you will probably need to plan a long holiday to slot in the things you want to try out in different regions. For the unique experiences that you will remember for a lifetime, we highly recommend you take a trip here. Other than visiting top sights in Tunisia, we suggest you consider experiences like spending a night in the desert, sailing on a pirate-themed boat, and horseback riding along the coastline of Djerba. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have a safe and fabulous time in Tunisia. Enjoy!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Celeste, a writer and traveler, embraces the transient nature of life. She believes that life is a fleeting mist that lingers briefly and then dissipates. Celeste also encourages savoring every...Read more

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