What To Do In Sidi Bou Said | Tips For First-Time Travelers

Sidi Bou Said is endlessly charming, the perfect place to stay and relax for a few days in Tunisia. This cliffside village is known for its lovely whitewashed houses with arched cobalt doors, iron-grilled windows, and carved wooden balconies draped in bougainvillea, all overlooking the glittering Mediterranean. This is where the wealthy citizens of Tunis built their summer residences. The Moorish-influenced architecture and narrow, winding lanes evoke daily life from the late 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore, visit houses that are now museums, try some Tunisian food and drink mint tea at one of its many cafes. On top of this, the nearby coastal ruins of Carthage add a touch of ancient history. This post covers what to do in Sidi Bou Said.

What To Do In Sidi Bou Said

Wander Its Narrow Lanes

As soon as you arrive in Sidi Bou Said, you will be awed by its charm. You’ll immediately want to wander the narrow, bougainvillea dotted lanes around the top of the hill to see the picturesque houses overlooking the sea here. These whitewashed houses, trimmed in brilliant blue, are a mix of the Moorish (Andalusian), Ottoman, and Italian influences that were popular for the summer homes of wealthy Tunisians in the 18th and 19th centuries. You don’t need a plan to discover great photo spots, cafés, and impressive sea views.

Beyond its postcard-like looks, Sidi Bou Said is historically significant: its unified blue-and-white palette and well-preserved streetscape reflect centuries of cultural exchange and traditional craftsmanship. This village has been a refuge for artists and writers, and is on Tunisia’s UNESCO Tentative List as a cultural ensemble that inspired creative and spiritual life. It may become fully UNESCO Listed later in 2026.

Have Tea at Café des Delices

Sidi Bou Said has a laid-back, café culture with many cafés. One of its most famous is Café des Delices, also known as Café Sidi Chaabane. It’s best known for its stunning view.

A popular menu items is mint tea (the à la menthe), but you can also order crepes, hamburgers, and a variety of sweets. The name Café des Delices means “Café of Delights”.

The lovely view makes this café very popular, and although some complain about the prices, I still recommend visiting at least once.

Visit Dar el-Annabi Museum

Along the row of houses that are now artist and souvenir shops, on Rue Hedi Zarrouk, there is one house that is now a museum, Dar el-Annabi. This 3-story house was once the summer home of the Annabi family, a prominent Tunisian family. It dates back to the late 18th century and showcases Andalusian-inspired architecture and lifestyle.

For a small fee, you can explore its many rooms and the views of the sea from its rooftop.

Explore Ennejma Ezzara Palace

Visiting Ennejma Ezzara Palace is another one of the top things to do in Sidi Bou Said. This historic 20th century mansion is renowned for its Arab-Andalusian architecture, exotic decor, and stellar views of the sea.

It was built for Baron Rudolphe d’Erlanger, a wealthy French painter, musicologist, and patron of the arts. It soon became a hub for musicians, scholars, and artists.

The rooms are lavishly decorated with ornate tiles, carved wood, and sumptuous textiles. You can also visit Rudolphe’s painting room and a small museum of historical musical instruments.

Sidi Bou Said Viewpoint

There are many viewpoints tucked around the hilltop, but one is formally noted on Google Maps: Sidi Bou Said Viewpoint. It offers a wide open space to enjoy the views of the harbor and beyond. This viewpoint faces south and east, so is a good place to watch the sunrise.

Plage Sidi Bou Said

The beach of Sidi Bou Said is at the bottom of the hill. This sandy beach sits right next to the harbor and is surrounded by many cafes and restaurants.

Beach season starts at the end of April, but when I was here, in December, it was still warm enough for several people to be in the water windsurfing and paddle boarding.

The 365 Steps

To get down to the beach you can either walk along Avenue de l’Environnement, which offers lovely coastal views, or you can take the shortcut and walk down the 365 Steps. These steps start south of Rue Hedi Zarrouk and head down to the Marina. Google 365 Steps in Sidi Bou Said to find them on Google Maps.

I suggest walking down the 365 Steps and, for the return, walking up the Avenue de l’Environnement (as it’s not as steep).

Discover The Ruins of Carthage

Very close to Sidi Bou Said are the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Carthage. You can walk to one of its main sites in about 30 minutes, but it’s better to hire a taxi or take a tour as there are multiple sites covering a wide area.

These ruins tell the story of one of the most powerful empires in the ancient Mediterranean, the Phoenicians. It started as a Phoenician settlement in the 9th century BCE and grew to become a formidable empire. At its peak, Phoenician Carthage stood as Rome’s largest rival until, after a series of wars, Rome defeated them. The Romans rebuilt the city as Roman Carthage over the rubble.

Today, many of the ruins have been pillaged for other projects, but several sites still offer glimpses of its former grandeur. You can explore the Imperial Baths of Antoninus, the old Roman villas, the Roman Theater and amphitheater, as well as ruins of ancient Phoenician homes, the controversial Tophet sanctuary, and more.

To learn more about how to get here and what to expect, see my post Timeless Treasures | Discovering the Ruins of Carthage.

Visit La Marsa

La Marsa is also close to Sidi Bou Said. This coastal town offers a much larger beach than Sidi Bou Said. It’s on the coast north of Sidi Bou Said, just a short taxi ride away. If you prefer to walk, it will take a little over 30 minutes.

Many locals and tourists visit for the long, sandy beach, the La Corniche promenade, and the many restaurants and cafes in the area. It’s the perfect place if you love the sun and sea.

There is also a lively market, Marche Centrale de La Marsa. If you like historic architecture, you can see the exterior of Palais El Abdelliya, a palace dating back to the Hasidic dynasty (16th century), and Qobbet El Hwa, on the coast (17th century). While both are currently closed, many still visit to take photos.

Want To See More Of Tunisia?

Tunisia is a fascinating place to visit, with great cultural history, many archaeological ruins, multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sunny beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Here are some of my favorite places in Tunisia.

• Top Things To Do In Tunis | Ancient Ruins & Hidden Gems
• Timeless Treasures | Discovering the Ruins of Carthage
• El Jem Amphitheater | Incredible Roman History In Tunisia

Safe Travels!

Julie