African Things To Do
Tunisia Travel Guide

Things to Do in Tunisia

Tunisia is one of the easiest North African countries to travel for a “culture + coast + desert” mix. You can explore the medina of Tunis, visit ancient ruins at Carthage, enjoy the blue-and-white beauty of Sidi Bou Said, and then head south for Sahara landscapes around Douz and Tozeur. Tunisia is also famous for Roman heritage like El Jem and for beach resorts along the Mediterranean.

Medinas Roman Ruins Sahara Beaches Food

Top Destinations in Tunisia

Tunisia is easy to combine: capital + Roman heritage + Sahara + a coastal finish.

Tunis (Medina + Museums)

The capital—medina streets, markets, and a great base for day trips.

CityMedinaCulture
Read more ↓

Carthage

Ancient ruins with deep history—one of Tunisia’s most famous heritage sites.

HistoryRuinsUNESCO
Read more ↓

Sidi Bou Said

Blue-and-white coastal village—beautiful viewpoints and a relaxed vibe.

ScenicCoastPhotography
Read more ↓

Bardo Museum

One of the best places to see Tunisia’s Roman mosaic heritage in one stop.

MuseumMosaicsCulture
Read more ↓

El Jem Amphitheatre

A major Roman amphitheatre—dramatic, photogenic, and one of Tunisia’s must-sees.

RomanIconicHistory
Read more ↓

Kairouan

One of Tunisia’s great cultural cities—architecture, history, and medina atmosphere.

CultureHeritageCity
Read more ↓

Tozeur & Chott el Jerid

Desert gateway—palm oasis scenery and the famous salt lake landscapes.

SaharaOasisSalt Lake
Read more ↓

Douz (Sahara Experiences)

“Gateway to the Sahara”—great base for dunes and desert adventures.

SaharaDunesAdventure
Read more ↓

Djerba Island

Mediterranean island feel—beaches, relaxed pace, and culture.

IslandBeachesRelax
Read more ↓

Matmata (Troglodyte Homes)

Unique underground homes and landscapes—an iconic south Tunisia stop.

UniqueCultureSouth
Read more ↓

Tunis (Medina + Museums)

A lively capital with medina energy and a great base for day trips to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

  • Best experiences
    Medina walk, shopping, cafés, museum visits
  • Best for
    Trip start and culture orientation
  • Recommended time
    2–3 days
  • Good to know
    A guide improves the medina experience and saves time

Carthage

Ancient ruins with big history—best visited as part of a “Tunis day trip” route.

  • Best experiences
    Ruins exploration, history storytelling, sea views
  • Best for
    History lovers
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Combine with Sidi Bou Said on the same day

Sidi Bou Said

The famous blue-and-white village—easy, photogenic, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

  • Best experiences
    Viewpoints, cafés, walking streets, photography
  • Best for
    Scenery + relaxed vibe
  • Recommended time
    2–4 hours
  • Good to know
    Late afternoon is great for light and atmosphere

Bardo Museum

A high-value museum stop—excellent for understanding Tunisia’s history through mosaics and artifacts.

  • Best experiences
    Roman mosaics, history overview, cultural context
  • Best for
    Culture and museum travelers
  • Recommended time
    2–3 hours
  • Good to know
    Go early for a quieter visit

El Jem Amphitheatre

One of North Africa’s most impressive Roman amphitheatres—dramatic and very photogenic.

  • Best experiences
    Amphitheatre visit, photos, nearby museums (optional)
  • Best for
    Roman history fans
  • Recommended time
    2–4 hours
  • Good to know
    Works well on a southbound road trip day

Kairouan

A cultural highlight with historic architecture and medina atmosphere—often paired with El Jem.

  • Best experiences
    Architecture, medina wandering, local craft shopping
  • Best for
    Culture-focused itineraries
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Plan a guide for the best local context

Tozeur & Chott el Jerid

A desert gateway city with oasis scenery and access to the famous salt lake landscapes.

  • Best experiences
    Oasis strolls, desert roads, salt lake viewpoints
  • Best for
    Sahara landscapes + photography
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Midday heat can be strong—plan early/late outings

Douz (Sahara Experiences)

The classic Sahara base for dunes—ideal for desert time, golden light, and adventure moments.

  • Best experiences
    Dunes, desert excursions, sunset scenes
  • Best for
    First-time Sahara trip
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Sunset is the best time for the dunes

Djerba Island

A relaxing island finish—beaches, local life, and a slower pace after road trips.

  • Best experiences
    Beach days, local markets, relaxed cafés
  • Best for
    Rest and relaxation
  • Recommended time
    2–6 days
  • Good to know
    Perfect to end a culture-and-desert itinerary

Matmata (Troglodyte Homes)

A unique stop in southern Tunisia—underground homes and striking landscapes.

  • Best experiences
    Troglodyte home visit, cultural storytelling, photos
  • Best for
    Unique culture experiences
  • Recommended time
    2–4 hours
  • Good to know
    Great as a stop between desert areas and Djerba/coast

Top Things To Do in Tunisia

Tunisia is a perfect “mix-and-match” destination: history, medinas, desert, and Mediterranean beaches.

  • Explore Tunis medina
    Markets, cafés, and classic old-city atmosphere
  • Visit Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
    Ruins + scenic village in one day
  • See Roman Tunisia at El Jem
    One of the region’s most impressive amphitheatres
  • Discover Kairouan
    Architecture and heritage city vibes
  • Go south for Sahara landscapes
    Douz, Tozeur, and Chott el Jerid
  • Relax on the coast (or Djerba)
    End with beaches and a slower pace

Sample Tunisia Itineraries

Use these as a framework and adjust based on your pace and whether you want more coast or more desert.

Trip Length Route Idea Best For
4–6 Days Tunis + Carthage + Sidi Bou Said + (El Jem day trip) Short culture & history
7–10 Days Tunis + Kairouan + El Jem + Tozeur/Douz (Sahara) Classic Tunisia route
10–14 Days Full route: Tunis + Roman sites + Sahara + Djerba Best first-time mix
14+ Days Full route + extra coast time (Hammamet/Sousse) or extra desert days Slow travel + beach finish

Best Time to Visit Tunisia

Tunisia works year-round, but the Sahara and inland routes are most comfortable when temperatures are milder.

  • Desert comfort
    Plan Sahara days for early morning / late afternoon
  • Photography
    Golden hour is best for ruins, medinas, and dunes
  • Coast time
    Add beach days as a relaxed finish
  • Trip pacing
    Keep buffer time for long drives south

Tunisia Travel Tips

  • Start in Tunis
    Best gateway for culture and day trips
  • Combine ruins smartly
    Carthage + Sidi Bou Said is an easy same-day pairing
  • Use guides in medinas
    Better navigation and better understanding
  • Plan Sahara logistics
    Long drives—start early and keep buffer time
  • Dress for variety
    Coast, city, and desert can feel very different
  • End with beaches
    Djerba or the coast is perfect after the Sahara

FAQ – Tunisia Tours

How many days do I need in Tunisia?

For Tunis + nearby highlights, 4–6 days works. For a proper “north + Sahara + island/coast” trip, 10–14 days is ideal.

What’s the best first-time Tunisia route?

Tunis → Carthage/Sidi Bou Said → Kairouan → El Jem → Tozeur/Douz (Sahara) → Matmata → Djerba (finish on the island).

Tunisia: coast or Sahara first?

Most travelers do culture and Sahara first, then finish with coast days to relax.

Plan Your Tunisia Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and interests (medinas, Roman ruins, Sahara, coast), and we’ll help you plan a smooth Tunisia itinerary.

Email

info@mtravelandtoursbi.com

Tell us your dates + priorities: Tunis, Carthage, El Jem, Sahara, or Djerba.

M Travel and Tours Burundi

Official website: https://mtravelandtoursbi.com

African Things To Do is owned and operated by M Travel and Tours Burundi.