Tunisia Sights

Amphitheatre of El Jem

The Amphitheatre of El Jem is a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, which should feature on any history buff’s sightseeing to-do list. This site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for decades and has even been the backdrop in a popular Nike advert, too.

Wander around this oval amphitheatre and take in the history while learning about how the largest colosseum in North Africa used to house 35,000 spectators, who would venture here to watch exciting entertainment. If you are visiting with family, the little ones will love seeing where the gladiators once prepared for battle. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground rooms and corridors here, as well as the old lifts, too.

This iconic site is situated within the town of El Jem and is close to plenty of coffee shops alongside a host of charming eateries. So, stop by one of the many dining spots here, for light refreshments or a filling meal before or after your visit.

Carthage

Carthage is an ancient city in Tunis, which houses intriguing ancient sites and archaeological excavations, dating back to the Roman era. You can see the magnificent history scattered throughout this immersive city at numerous sites. Plus, Carthage offers everything you require, from superb coffee spots to vibrant restaurants.

Walk around the main site, surrounded by pillars stretching up into the sky as well as sand-coloured buildings and impressive monuments. Why not hire a guide to get the most out of this fascinating site? You can then learn about the history here and open your eyes to what this ancient world was once like.

The highlights of this city include the Baths of Antoninus, the Cisterns of La Malga and the Roman Villas of Carthage, where you can take in the wonders of this enlightening civilisation. Don’t forget to visit the Carthage Museum to uncover artefacts from over 2,000 years ago. Also, if you visit here first, you can grab tickets for multiple other sites while you’re in the area.

Dougga

Dougga is a captivating ancient Roman site in Tunisia, which will open up your eyes to this fascinating era as well as the country’s rich history. You will find the site on the summit of a hill with an altitude of 571m, which is actually built on top of an older settlement. Travellers will also discover charming, winding roads before reaching the towering structures here.

The site was once a popular town and meeting point in its heyday and today, visitors can walk around and admire the interesting remains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an exquisite amphitheatre, which once seated around 3,500 people. There are plenty of temples to view, too, where you can gaze at the towering pillars while walking up the many steps.

This impressive site truly feels like stepping back in time to experience one of the most intriguing Roman settlements in Tunisia. Because you can walk around Dougga and see so much, from temples to incredible monuments, this certainly requires a full day to explore.

Kairouan

The holy city of Kairouan is one of the most ancient Arabo-Muslim sites in the country and houses many historic wonders, dating back centuries. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is one site you must visit during your time here; it is one of the most notable in Northern Africa. The southern side of the mosque houses a traditional prayer room, meanwhile, you can admire the marble pillars and explore the stone courtyard.

Walk through the medina in the city to discover local food stalls and other wares for an authentic Tunisian experience. As well as the souvenirs on offer, you can taste local food and spices, before picking up hand-crafted items as well.

Visit Dar Hassine Allani to see this typical Tunisian house, which was made into a museum to showcase local life, dating back to the late-18th-century. A local, English-speaking guide will show you around the ‘dar’ while talking to you about the former culture in the area. You can even finish with tea and pastries on the roof terrace and look out over the city.

Matmata: The Star Wars Set

Matmata is a quaint Berber village located in southern Tunisia, where you can find beautiful stretches of desert and warm weather. This quiet and remote spot just happens to be the birthplace of Luke Skywalker, so when you visit, you can immerse yourself in the set where this iconic film was shot.

When visiting Matmata, you will find photos showcasing the creation of the film, as well as a range of amazing Star Wars memorabilia. In the area, you can also find communal Ksour (protected granaries), with the Ksar Ouled Soltane actually featuring in the epic Star Wars films. Once a meeting point for semi-nomadic people, these fortresses were used to store and protect their harvest. Now, visitors can admire and walk around the stairs, as well as climbing the various levels of these impressive buildings.

Plus, because of the heat of the desert, local people previously built their homes underground, making for fascinating architecture in this small village.

Ribat of Monastir

The Ribat of Monastir is a defensive structure which has been featured in a handful of famous films, including Monty Python's Life of Brian. This well-preserved historical and cultural site is certainly worth a visit; you can ramble up and down the stairs and discover some incredible scenes.

Costing only a small entry fee, a trip over to this site is definitely worth a visit during your Tunisian getaway, and you will even come across the tomb of the former president, Habib Bourguiba. From the top, visitors can enjoy the glorious views of the surrounding area, including the glittering sea and bustling marina.

Make sure to pick up a handy leaflet while exploring the grounds here, which outlines the full layout of this monument, meaning you can make your way around with ease. The small on-site museum here also provides plenty of interesting information and art to view, so you can learn all about the history of Ribat of Monastir, as well as admiring its astounding structure.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said, previously named Jabal el-Menar, is an idyllic northern town found nearby to Tunisia’s capital and is a totally picturesque location, situated right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Tunisians and travellers alike flock to this colourful town, dotted with blooming flowers and beautiful white-washed buildings.

Embark on a walking tour around the winding streets of Sidi Bou Said, where your guide will show the intriguing features and unique sites found off-the-beaten-track. Perched on a clifftop, this charming town has captivating vistas wherever you turn, as well as blissful beaches to unwind and relax on.

Stop by one of the cafes here, or pick up locally-made souvenirs at market stores as you explore the dainty streets. Make sure you sample some of the delicious local cuisines, too, before passing by the many sights the famous artist, Paul Klee, based his popular paintings on during his travels here. Then, enjoy a drink while watching the sunset and make everlasting memories.

The Medina of Sousse

The Medina of Sousse is your perfect chance to uncover the local culture in Tunisia. When you visit this bustling and exciting market, you are bound to find some bargains and haggle to your heart’s content. Get a feel for life here in this charming city, which has been a busy commercial trading place for centuries, dating back to the Byzantine era.

After you’ve feasted your eyes on the 9th-century Medina, swing by the Great Mosque of Sousse, where glorious architecture was adapted from the fort which stood in its place. You can still see the turrets and military architecture here and although only Muslims are allowed to go beyond the courtyard, everyone is welcome to see the prayer hall.

Souq er-Ribba is a fantastic area for shopping if you are visiting the Medina, which feels like an ancient bazaar. You can find all sorts for sale here among the stalls in this laid back souq, where visitors and locals alike come to shop.

The Sahara

In the south of Tunisia, you can find the epic Sahara desert, attracting many travellers each year, from nature lovers to adventure seekers. Why not venture out here on a day trip, or embark on a lengthier experience to seek out green oases hidden among the sand dunes?

There are many incredible towns you can travel to near the Sahara, too, where you can find tour operators and experienced guides, who will then lead you into the desert. An expert guide will show you the many trails which wind across this vast part of Tunisia and, no doubt, you will ride into the Sahara by camel ride to truly enjoy the authentic Sahara experience.

Sit around a campfire as your guide cooks a local dish for you to savour. Sample dates, bread and Tunisia’s tastiest foods while talking with other like-minded travellers (and locals).

There are plenty of exciting adventure activities to try during your day trip to the Sahara as well, from sandboarding to quad biking. Don’t miss out on seeing the truly breathtaking night sky from this iconic desert in the evening, either.