Unsplash Tunisia
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”— Lao Tzu
Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.
Tunisia is one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets — Carthage ruins, the clifftop village of Sidi Bou Said, medieval medinas, and Saharan landscapes all packed into one affordable, compact country.
Why I Want to Visit
Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and the French have all left their mark here. I want to walk through Carthage’s ruins, explore living medinas, and see Saharan desert just hours from the coast — all at a fraction of typical Mediterranean prices.
Draft itinerary
- Tunis & Carthage (2 days) - Medina of Tunis, Bardo Museum mosaics, Carthage ruins, Sidi Bou Said
- Dougga (1 day) - Best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa on a hilltop with valley views
- Sousse & El Jem (1 day) - Fortified medina of Sousse and third-largest Roman amphitheatre
- Tozeur & Sahara (2 days) - Desert oasis, Star Wars filming locations, Chott el Jerid, night under Saharan stars
- Hammamet (1 day) - Mediterranean coast, old medina, fresh seafood
What I’m Most Excited About
- Standing in El Jem’s amphitheatre imagining Roman crowds
- Getting lost in the Tunis medina’s winding souks
- Visiting Star Wars filming locations in the southern desert
- Tasting brik fresh from a street vendor
Food spots on my radar
- Dar El Jeld (Tunis) — Refined restaurant in a restored 18th-century medina palace. 📍 Maps
- Au Bon Vieux Temps (Sidi Bou Said) — Clifftop terrace restaurant with panoramic Gulf of Tunis views. 📍 Maps
- Cafe des Nattes (Sidi Bou Said) — Legendary hilltop cafe serving visitors since the early 1900s. 📍 Maps
- Restaurant Neptune (La Marsa) — Popular beachside seafood restaurant in the upscale Tunis suburb. 📍 Maps
- Fondouk El Attarine (Tunis) — Restaurant in a converted medieval caravanserai with a stunning courtyard. 📍 Maps
Hotels I’ve shortlisted
- La Maison Bleue ★★★★ (Sidi Bou Said) — Boutique guesthouse in the clifftop village with traditional blue-and-white interiors. View →
- Hotel Dar Said ★★★★ (Sidi Bou Said) — Palace-style hotel with pool. View →
- Hotel Belvedere Fourati ★★★ (Tunis) — Affordable hotel in central Tunis near the medina. View →
- Dar Ben Gacem ★★★★ (Tunis) — Restored 17th-century medina house with hand-painted tiles. View →
Experiences I’m considering
- Tunis Medina Walking Tour — Guided walk through the UNESCO-listed medina’s centuries-old souks. 3h. View →
- Carthage & Sidi Bou Said Day Trip — Ancient Carthage ruins followed by a stroll through the blue-and-white hillside village. 5h. View →
- Sahara Desert Tour from Tozeur — 4x4 through Chott el Jerid. 2 days. View →
- El Jem & Sousse Day Trip — The remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre. 8h. View →
- Djerba Island Tour — El Ghriba Synagogue. 8h. View →
Getting Around & Where to Stay
Airports, transport, taxis, hotels & useful apps for Tunisia
Places on my radar
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unforgettable experiences await in Tunisia
Local guides, skip-the-line tickets, and unique adventures you won't find on your own.
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