If Tunisia’s on your travel list, you’re in for an unforgettable trip.
While it may not be the most popular holiday destination, it has so much to offer for all kinds of travellers and is well worth checking out. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, here are the must-see places that will make your first visit truly special.
1. Explore the ancient ruins of Carthage.
Once the heart of a powerful empire, Carthage still whispers its stories through the ruins scattered along the coast. You’ll find yourself wandering through ancient Roman villas, massive cisterns, crumbled amphitheatres, and even the remnants of what was once a bustling port. It’s surreal to stand among structures that have watched over centuries of human history and realise how much life once filled these empty stones.
There’s a beautiful melancholy to Carthage, especially if you catch it in the softer light of late afternoon. It’s a place where history lovers can easily lose hours, camera in hand, feeling the pull of a civilisation long gone. Don’t miss the Byrsa Hill area and the Antonine Baths — both deliver some of the best views across the Mediterranean Sea, with history and scenery coming together perfectly.
2. Wander the blue-and-white streets of Sidi Bou Said.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, Sidi Bou Said is a little slice of Tunisian dreaminess. With whitewashed walls, bright blue doors, and cobbled alleyways covered in vibrant bougainvillaea, it’s the kind of place where every turn feels like it was made for a postcard. The village’s charm isn’t just in the way it looks — it’s in the slow, easy pace that invites you to linger and soak it all in.
It’s worth spending a few leisurely hours here, grabbing a mint tea at Café des Délices or browsing the art galleries tucked into tiny streets. Every doorway, every painted window frame seems to beg for a photo. If you’re lucky enough to catch the sunset, the entire town is bathed in soft golden light, and it’s nothing short of magic.
3. Get lost in the medina of Tunis.
The medina of Tunis is a swirling mix of old-world charm, bustling markets, and hidden courtyards that feel like stepping into another era. You’ll find spice stalls perfuming the air, craftsmen hammering out intricate metalwork, and shopkeepers beckoning you to admire their wares. It’s chaotic, it’s colourful, and it’s completely enchanting once you surrender to the rhythm of it all.
Part of the magic lies in getting lost. You’ll stumble upon ancient mosques with glittering tilework, secret gardens tucked behind heavy wooden doors, and tiny cafés where you can sip sweet coffee and watch the world pass by. The medina isn’t just a tourist spot — it’s a living, breathing heart of the city that’s been beating for over a thousand years.
4. Visit the holy city of Kairouan.
Often overlooked by first-time visitors, Kairouan holds a quiet dignity that deserves attention. As one of Islam’s holiest cities, it’s home to the incredible Great Mosque of Kairouan — a stunning, peaceful complex that feels heavy with centuries of devotion. Walking through its sunlit courtyards, you get a real sense of how important spirituality has been to Tunisian culture through the ages.
Beyond the mosque, Kairouan offers winding souks famous for their intricately woven carpets and bustling streets that seem largely untouched by mass tourism. It’s a slower, deeper kind of experience compared to the coastal hubs — and one that leaves a lasting impression of Tunisia’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
5. Marvel at the amphitheatre of El Djem.
The sheer size of El Djem’s amphitheatre hits you the moment you step inside. It’s enormous, incredibly well preserved, and almost eerie in its quiet grandeur. Built in the third century, it once held up to 35,000 spectators — and wandering through the labyrinthine tunnels underneath, you can almost hear the distant echoes of a roaring crowd.
Unlike the Colosseum in Rome, you won’t have to jostle with throngs of tourists here. You can take your time exploring every nook and cranny, sitting on ancient stone benches and imagining the gladiators preparing for battle. It’s one of Tunisia’s most unforgettable experiences and one that tends to leave visitors feeling genuinely humbled by history.
6. Relax on the beaches of Hammamet.
After all the sightseeing, there’s nothing quite like flopping down on a sun-drenched beach — and Hammamet offers some of the best stretches of sand in the country. With soft golden beaches and calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to see why this town has been a beloved holiday spot for decades.
But Hammamet isn’t just about the beaches. The old medina, surrounded by thick white walls, is full of charm, and the seafront promenade is ideal for lazy afternoon strolls. Whether you’re up for water sports, a relaxed spa day, or simply sipping cocktails while watching the sun dip into the sea, Hammamet delivers a perfect pause between your adventures.
7. Discover the desert landscapes of Douz.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Sahara, Douz is your gateway. This sleepy desert town feels like a true frontier, where you can swap the buzz of city life for the vast, endless stillness of the dunes. Camel rides, quad biking, or simply trekking across the golden sands — there are so many ways to embrace the surreal beauty of the desert here.
Timing your visit with the Douz Festival of the Sahara is an extra treat. It’s a lively celebration of desert culture, complete with traditional dances, poetry competitions, and camel races. Even outside festival time, Douz offers a glimpse into a slower, elemental way of life that feels a world apart from the coastal resorts.
8. Explore the troglodyte houses of Matmata.
Matmata feels like a scene from another planet — and for good reason, since parts of Star Wars were filmed here. The traditional Berber houses dug into the earth create a unique and fascinating landscape, where homes are cool, cave-like sanctuaries built to survive the unforgiving desert heat.
You can tour several of these homes and meet families who still live in them today, offering a rare look at ancient traditions that endure in modern times. Matmata isn’t just quirky — it’s a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and resilience in the face of a harsh environment.
9. Stroll through the oasis town of Tozeur.
Tozeur is a lush, green marvel hidden in the middle of arid land. Its thousands of date palms cast dappled shadows across dusty streets, and the old town’s beautiful brickwork makes it one of Tunisia’s most architecturally unique destinations. It’s a place that feels both sleepy and full of secret wonders.
It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for nearby adventures — the salt flats of Chott el Jerid, canyon hikes, and desert villages that seem to rise from the sand. Add in a few visits to old Star Wars film sets if you’re a movie buff, and you’ll find Tozeur quietly becomes one of your favourite stops.
10. Step into history at Dougga.
For history lovers, Dougga is pure magic. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by green fields, this sprawling Roman city feels almost untouched by time. Its theatres, temples, and public baths are incredibly well preserved, and often, you’ll have entire sections almost to yourself — a rare luxury when exploring ancient sites.
Climbing the steps of the old theatre or standing among the columns of the Capitol building, it’s easy to imagine the hum of everyday life centuries ago. Dougga isn’t just a sightseeing stop — it’s a full-on journey back through the layers of history, made even sweeter by its peaceful, pastoral setting.
