Tunisia Travel Guide

My travel guide for Tunisia features the top places to visit, what to expect there, how to get around, safety, common scams, and more to help you plan your visit.

Top Attractions In Tunisia

Tunis

Tunis is the capital and where most international flights arrive. The Medina here is UNESCO Listed and offers glimpses of life here for centuries. It’s best to stay in the medina to explore it for a few days. Explore its narrow, pedestrian alleys, visit its souks, ZitounaMosque , people watch at cafes, and visit the free rooftop of Tunis, like Roofs of Tunis, for a birds eye view of it all.

Outside of the Medina of Tunis, you can see the last remaining gate to the city, Bab el Bhar, and walk along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, which often compared to as the Champs Elysees, to see its French colonial architecture, Saint Vincent De Paul Cathedral, and other key historical sites.

The Ruins of Carthage

The ancient Ruins of Carthage is another one of the top sites of Tunisia. These ruins date back to the 9th century BC, when it was the home of one of the most formidable powers of the ancient world, the Phoenicians. Their power rivaled Rome, Although they were eventually defeated by them in the Punic wars. Rome rebuilt the city into Roman Carthage, which flourished in the 2nd and 3rd century.

Some of the highlights here include the Imperial Baths of Antoninus, the Roman Theater, ancient villas, the Tophet Necropolis, and much more. Note that there are 10 different sites on the entry ticket to this UNESCO Listed World Heritage Site. While there are some sites that you can walk between, it’s best to have transportation to see them all.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said, which sits on the eastern coast of Tunisia, about a 30-minute drive northeast of Tunis, is the perfect place to spend a few days. Wealthy Tunisians started building their summer retreats on the clifftop overlooking the Guld of Tunis back in the 18th century. Stroll the narrow lanes to admire the charming white and blue architecture, stunning coastal views, and enjoy mint tea in its many cafes.

Other highlights include Ennejma Ezzara Palace, an historic 20th century mansion renowned for its Arab-Andalusian architecture and exotic decor, and Dar el-Annabi, the summer home of a prominent family built in the 18th century. Both showcase the the aesthetic, design, and culture of historical Tunisia.

Bizerte

Bizerte is another charming spot in Tunisia. It’s located about an hour drive north of Tunis. Explore the narrow streets of the Medina of Bizerte, and it’s many blue doors, visit the Kasbah of Bizerte for panoramic views of the harbor, the Old Harbor, or “Vieux Port”, as well as its beaches with seaside promenades.

El Jem

El Jem, another top visited ruin in Tunisia, is the world’s 3rd largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. And, since few people visit, this well-preserved UNESCO Heritage Site can be explored without all the frustration of busier tourist sites. Back in the 2nd century, when the El Jem amphitheater was built, this city, Thysdrus, was the second most significant Roman city in Africa. It was a wealthy, agricultural city renowned for its olive oil, or “liquid gold”.

There is also a museum nearby, which houses the intricate mosaics from the luxury villas of Thysdrus. It is well worth the short walk and included with the entry fee to the amphitheater.

El Jem is a 2.5-3-hour drive from Tunis, or a hour from Sousse. Expect to spend 2 hours exploring the amphitheater and museum.

Dougga

Another top archeological site in Tunisia is Dougga Archaeological Park. This site is also UNESCO World Heritage Listed. It’s known as the most well-preserved Roman small town in North Africa. The ruins here span centuries, including Punic (or Phoenician), Roman, and Byzantine history, as in Carthage.

This is a full day excursion from Tunis, located about a 2-hour drive southwest of the city. Top highlights include the Capital Temple, a Roman Theater, that is still used for performances today, public baths, a mausoleum, and more.

Hammamet

For beach lovers, Hammamet is the place to visit. It’s one of Tunisia’s most popular coastal resorts, sometimes even called the “Tunisian Saint-Tropez”. There are two areas to visit. There’s a more modern section, which is filled with luxury hotels and upscale restaurants, and an older, more historical section, which has a 15th century medina with souks and a kasbah to explore. The modern area is where most international tourists visit. Hammamet is about an hour drive southeast of Tunis.

Sousse

Sousse is southeast of Tunis, about a 2-hour drive southeast of Tunis. It sits on the eastern coast of Tunisia. It’s best known for its UNESCO Listed Medina and Ribat. The Medina of Sousse is free to enter and explore, while there is a small fee to enter the Ribat.

The Sousse Archaeological Museum is also a highlight, with the world’s second largest collection of Roman mosaics (after the Bardo Museum). Its most famous relic is a Byzantine baptismal pool, which is covered in intricate mosaics.

Kairouan

Kairouan is another UNESCO Listed medina that is very popular to explore. The Medina of Kairouan was built in the 7th century and became the first capital of Islamic North Africa. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the oldest and most important mosques of the Islamic world. It was an important center of learning and many used to make pilgrimages to this site. The medina is free to enter, but there is a small fee to enter the mosque. Kairouan is about a 2-hour drive southwest of Tunis.

Tozeur

Tozeur is another city that is worth a visit in Tunisia. This was once an important stopping point for caravans crossing the Sahara. Today it’s a blend of oasis life with unique architecture and desert landscape. Explore the 14th century Medina of Tozeur, with its unique geometric brickwork, visit a Palmerie, with hundreds of thousands of date palm trees, and visit Star Wars movie locations. There are also day trips to Chebika, one of the most beautiful mountain oases in Tunisia, and Chott el Djerid, the largest salt lake in the Sahara.

Tozeur is a 6-7 hour drive from Tunis, so it’s best to fly to Tozeur.

Best Time To Visit Tunisia

The best time to visit tunisi is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The summer (June to August) tends to be hot, but is a good time for visiting to coastal beaches.

Languages In Tunisia

Arabic is the official language of Tunisia. Tunisian Arabic is unique, as it contains influences of Berber, Phoenician, French, Italian, and Turkish. Many Tunisians also speak French, and in tourist areas, English is also common.

Tunisia Money Matters

Currency: The currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar, or TND. The following conversation rates are from of January 1, 2026.

• 1 USD=2.918 TND
• 1 Euro=3.428 TND
• 1 CNY=0.417 TND

Credit Cards & ATMs: Cash is king in Tunisia. Some places accept credit card, but research restaurants in advance if using credit card is important. It’s best to get cash at ATM’s, preferably using a fee free card like the Charles Schwab debit card. Note that on paydays, when locals are frequenting ATMs, they may have limited or no cash. It’s best to not run short.

Tipping: They say tipping is expected in touristy areas, but I found people very appreciative of tips. If you do tip, 10%, in local cash is standard.

Tunisia Travel Guide: Safety

Tunisia is relatively safe, but pick-pocketing and petty theft does occur. Especially in touristy areas. There is also the risk of terrorism. Tourist areas are protected, yet are also sometimes targeted. Here is a list of historical terrorist incidents.

Take normal precautions, but always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Avoid large gatherings, especially political ones. Don’t carry too much cash and keep a close eye on your purse or wallet. Always check the latest situation on your government website and stay away from the borders of Libya and Algeria. For more details and a complete list of areas to avoid, visit travel.state.gov. It’s best to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar in your country.

Tunisia Travel Guide: Scams

Generally Tunisia is safe, and I felt safe during my travels here, but there are always a few people that try to take advantage of tourists. Common scams in Tunisia are similar to tourist scams everywhere.

Taxis

Standard taxis are the norm in Tunisia and operate on cash. Most are honest, but some drivers may claim their meters is broken and try to overcharge you. Make sure the meter is working or negotiate a price before getting into the cab. If taking a taxi from the airport, make sure to take one from the designated yellow taxi line. Ask if you are not sure. See Taxis under Getting Around for more details.

Scammy Guides

A local May approach you and offer to be your guide. While this could be genuine, it could also be someone trying to take you to a friend of family’s shop and pressure you to buy or overcharge you. It’s best to book guides through officially sites or with your accommodation. Official guides must carry a Professional Tourist Guide Card, or “carte professionelle” issued by the ONTT (Office National de Tourisme Tunisian).

”Free” Appetizers Or Sweets

If a waiter places an appetizer of sweet treat on your table, it may not be complimentary. Ask before eating it.

”Free” Rooftop View

You may be approached by a local offering a free rooftop view from above their shop, but demand an overpriced purchasing return. Only visit noted free rooftop views in this guide or online.

Tunisia Travel Guide: Getting Around

Fly

Tunis-Carthage (TUN) is the main international airport for arrival. Hammamet and Monastir are other popular international airports. Becuase of the distance of Tozeur, visitors generally take internal flights there.

The Tunis airport is about 4 miles (7 km) northeast of downtown Tunis. Most hotels offer a free shuttle service (check with yours in advance), or, if you are staying in an Airbnb, your host may know someone that can pick you up for a fee.

Other than shuttles, a taxi is the most common way to get to your accommodation. Always get one at official designated yellow taxi rank outside of arrivals. Cost range is typically 15-20 TND. This can be 50% higher at night. Bolt was once a popular ride hailing app in Tunisia, but was suspended in 2025. Indrive is an alternative (see taxis below), but cannot pick up from the airport.

There is a bus, which is very inexpensive, but it tends to be crowded and does not have designated luggage space.

If you are renting a car, the car rental agencies are inside the arrivals hall (but always check in advance).

Drive

Driving in Tunisia is generally safe, but is more chaotic than western countries. Driving is on the right hand side of the road. If driving on freeways between cities, lanes lines are not always followed and traffic patterns can change suddenly. Expect safety checkpoints along your route. You may be asked for your ID if you are stopped. We were stopped on the way back to Tunis from El Jem, but I had a Tunisian driver and we were not asked for any IDs.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle and follow all parking rules. There are many amazing medinas in Tunisia, but they are all pedestrian only. Because of this, it’s common to hire a driver, use a louage (below) or take a tour to visit these cities.

Louage

Louage is a common on way to travel between cities for locals. These are white taxi vans with colorful stripes that leave only when full. The Louage station in Tunis for southern routes is Moncef Bay. The station for northern routes is generally Bab Saadoun. Visit in advance to verify. It is best to arrive early in the morning. Schedules become much less plentiful in the afternoon. Because of this, it’s best to complete louage rides by early afternoon so you do not become stuck. You may need to pay extra if you have luggage.

Taxi

Standard taxis are common and most operate on a cash only basis. Hail them at official yellow taxi ranks. As noted above in scams, make sure the meter is running/operating before getting into the taxi. Bolt was once a common ride hailing app here, but was suspended in 2025. Indrive is an alternative app, but here, you “bid”, or propose, a fair to the driver. They chose to accept your offer or not. Indrive is also cash only.

Tunisia Visa Information

US citizens, and most European countries, do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days with a valid passport. This generously includes over 90 countries, so most citizens can enter visa-free. See Wikipedia for full details.

Tunisia Travel Guide: Top Destination Blogs & Stories

Click the images below for more detailed information on the some of the key sites in Tunisia

Safe Travels!

Julie