Although Tunisia is a small country located in Northern Africa, it has so much to offer. I got the opportunity to visit the beautiful country of Tunisia for 1 month during July of 2024. During the month, many locals brought us to amazing places around Tunisia, and we discovered so many different places and hidden gems. I will be forever grateful for the kindness and the hospitality of all the Tunisians because without them, we wouldn’t have been able to see all the incredible places.
I’m super glad to now be able to share some of the places with you. So, here are the 10 best places to visit in Tunisia.
Table of Contents
- General Information
- 1. Sahara Desert
- 2. Tunis
- 3. El Haouaria
- 4. Kairouan
- 5. Bizerte
- 6. El Jem
- 7. Matmata
- 8. Cap Serrat
- 9. Zaghouan
- 10. Chebika Oasis
General Information
How do I get around Tunisia?
I highly recommend getting around the cities using taxis. Their taxis are super affordable. A 30 minute ride will be approximately 20 TND (it varies a lot on the time of the day), and if you split it between 4 people, it really isn’t much. Tunis does have public transit, but it isn’t developed, so I recommend using taxis.
I used two apps for taxis: Bolt and InDrive. I would switch between both apps to see which one would offer me the cheapest fare, because sometimes it varied between both. In addition, if you do get the local taxi, it will be even cheaper, but what’s great about Bolt and InDrive as a foreigner is that you will have the set price before you even begin your ride on the app.
If you feel comfortable renting a car, you can do so to save money, but personally, I would not have felt comfortable driving in Tunisia because the streets can be a bit chaotic. Instead, I would recommend either taking their bus, their train, or booking a tour that includes the transportation.
Should I get an eSIM before getting to Tunisia?
There are a lot of eSIM options available for Tunisia. Getting an eSIM before you land can be a very comforting thing because you know that when you land, you will immediately have data, and you do not have to go around searching for a place that sells SIM cards.
However, when I travelled to Tunisia, I was told that the SIM cards there are super inexpensive. Therefore, I opted for the physical SIM cardwhen I arrived. I got my SIM with the company called Orange. I paid 14 CAD for 30 GB of data. The kiosk is located right after you exit baggage claim in the Tunis airport. My flight also landed at almost 1 am, and when I left baggage claim they were still open, so if your fear is that they might be closed early, know that they were opened until pretty late when I was there.
Should I go on tours or explore by myself?
Tours or self visit depend on your travel style. Although I know that in some cities, it can feel safer to visit with a guide, I felt safe overall in Tunisia. As long as you stay in the more touristic cities and take general precautions, you will be okay.
Guided tours can be helpful though in Tunisia because they can help explain some of the interesting history of Tunisia. In addition, if you are afraid of the language barrier, having a guide can make sure that your needs are met.
How much cash should I bring to Tunisia?
The amount of cash really depends on the amount you typically spend on a trip and how long you are staying. I would say that Tunisia is a country that relies a lot on cash, at least a lot more than where I live in Canada. For example, for taxis, you need to pay cash. In addition, if you want to order food or grocery delivery, you will have to pay cash. A lot of local shops for example in the Medina also only accept cash. If you want to go shopping at bigger brand malls or eat at restaurants, they generally do accept credit cards.
What language do they speak in Tunisia?
The official language of Tunisia is arabic. Many people also speak French. You can get around easily if you speak arabic and/or French, although their arabic is a different dialect from other arabic countries. Some Tunisians know English, but not everyone does.
1. Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert covers lots of countries in Africa, including the southern region of Tunisia. I recommend spending a few days here to really be able to enjoy all of the activities. There are many towns that you can stay at, but I recommend staying in Douz or in Tozeur. From these cities, there are lots of Sahara tours that you can do, such as ATV rides, camel rides, jeep tours in the desert, multi-day tours, and much more.
When I visited the Sahara Desert, we visited in 3 days/2 nights.
Near Douz, we visited the “Cafe Douar Selma,” which is where there are quad, camels and horses. The rides are about 30 minutes each. As mentioned in the name, it is also a cafe where you can buy drinks.
Near Tozeur, we visited the “Ong Jmal,” which actually means “the neck of the camel” due to its shape that looks exactly like that. To get there, you will need a 4×4 because you will be driving in a roadless desert for quite a bit before reaching your destination. We also visited “Star Wars: Mos Espa,” which is where one of the scenes from Star Wars was filmed. The place is free for you to roam around. There are also vendors selling drinks and gifts, and others offer quick camel rides.
2. Tunis
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and will most likely be the city that you fly into. It is actually a very big city to my surprise, and there is so much to do there. I recommend spending at least 2-3 nights here to be able to discover Tunis the best that you can. I have a whole blog post on the best things to do in Tunis, so click here for more information.
Tunis is also a great city base to stay in for day trips to close by cities. Since it is the biggest city in Tunisia, you can find more tours that can bring you to the different places you want to go to outside of Tunis.
3. El Haouaria
El Haouaria is a town located on the coast of Tunisia, only 2 hours away from Tunis by car. It’s known for its beaches and stunning coastal landscapes. The water is super clear, and you can find beaches with almost nobody, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet.
There are also some nice hiking spots, although I don’t recommend going during the peak of summer due to the heat. I recommend going to “Jebel Sidi Abiod” if you love mountains and/or sunsets. Although we didn’t go hiking there, we went there to watch the sunset, and it is a very great spot because it is in the perfect position where you see the sun descending in the horizon and going “under” the sea.
4. Kairouan
Kairouan is small town located 2 hours away from Tunis. The Medina is gorgeous, and I highly recommend for you to visit and to just wander around. There are lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and gift shops in the Medina. The Medina is quite small so you can see everything by walking around. It also hosts the presence of a few mosques such as the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
When travelled to Kairouan as a stop for when we went to the Sahara. Because you can explore a lot of the town in only a few hours and because it is in the direction of the Sahara, it is a great place to make a stop at if you are heading in that direction.
5. Bizerte
Bizerte, located 2 hours away from Tunis, is known for being a fishing town. I highly recommend visiting the Old Port and going to “Marché aux Poissons.” There, you can buy your own fresh sea food. There are so many options to choose from, from fishes to shrimps to octopuses.
With the sea food that you bought at “Marché aux Poissons,” you can bring it over to “Eddrina,” where they will be able to grill it for you for a small fee. You can then sit down at their seating area near the sea to enjoy your meal. They also have small appetizers on their menu that you can get to accompany your fish. For example, when I went, along with my sea food from the market, I also got a Tunisian salad and a Tunisian Brik.
6. El Jem
El Jem is a small town with an amazing presence in history. At first glance, it feels quiet and unassuming, but it is one of the most astonishing Roman monuments in North Africa.
The main attraction of El Jem is the Amphitheatre of El Jem. Built in the 3rd century AD, this colossal structure once held around 35,000 spectators and rivals Rome’s Colosseum in scale and grandeur. Unlike many ancient sites, you can freely explore much of the amphitheatre. The honey-colored stone glows beautifully in the late afternoon light, making sunset one of the best times to visit. We were there exactly for sunset, and it was such a perfect timing!
7. Matmata
Matmata is a Berber village that feels like it belongs to another planet. Carved into the earth rather than built upon it, Matmata is famous for its underground homes, dramatic desert scenery, and unexpected Hollywood connections.
One of the best-known examples is Hotel Sidi Driss, a traditional underground house that now operates as a simple guesthouse. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth a visit to see the courtyard and whitewashed cave rooms up close.
Fans of cinema will instantly recognize Matmata from Star Wars. Several scenes from the original film were shot here, including the interior of Luke Skywalker’s childhood home on Tatooine — filmed inside Hotel Sidi Driss. Standing in the cave rooms where movie history was made is a surreal experience, especially with the desert stretching endlessly outside. Even though I’m not a Star Wars fan, it was really amazing to see the village in real life.
8. Cap Serrat
On Tunisia’s wild northern coast, far from the polished beach resorts, lies Cap Serrat, a quiet headland where forested hills tumble into the Mediterranean and golden sand stretches almost endlessly without crowds. If you’re looking for raw nature, sea air, and a sense of peaceful isolation, Cap Serrat delivers.
The main draw is the wide, untouched beach that curves along the bay beneath the headland. The sand is soft and clean, and the water is usually clear and calm in summer. Unlike Tunisia’s busier coastal towns, you might share the shoreline with only a handful of other visitors — or sometimes no one at all. We spent the weekend in Cap Serrat, and it was such a nice way to relax and take in the sun.
In the picture above, every human in it was from the big group I was travelling with. If we weren’t there, there wouldn’t have been another human.
9. Zaghouan
About an hour south of Tunis, lies Zaghouan, a town where Roman engineering, Andalusian charm, and mountain air come together in a refreshingly low-key setting.
There are lot’s of things to do in Zaghouan, but you can easily just do everything in a day from a day trip from Tunis. We spent the day exploring, zip lining, and kayaking.
For a real adrenaline rush above forested valleys and rocky terrain, you can try zip-lining (tyrolienne) near Sidi Medien in Zaghouan. It’s usually set between two mountain points, letting you glide through nature with sweeping views all around. The activity is offered by local outdoor groups and associations that provide equipment and guidance — great if you’re looking to mix thrills with beautiful panoramas.
If water adventure is more your pace, there are kayaking experiences available on Lake Sidi Medien (just outside town). Paddling here feels leisurely yet scenic, with the mountains as a backdrop and tranquil water often ideal for beginners and those looking to soak up nature from a new angle. Local outfitters offer guided launches and gear — perfect for a half-day outdoor escape.
10. Chebika Oasis
Hidden between the golden vastness of the Sahara and the rugged mountains of western Tunisia lies Chebika Oasis, a place that feels almost mythical. Palm trees sway beneath dramatic cliffs, freshwater trickles through desert rock, and the silence of the surrounding sands makes every sound feel amplified. If you’ve ever imagined a true desert oasis, Chebika is exactly that vision brought to life.
Located near the Algerian border, not far from Tozeur, Chebika is one of Tunisia’s most spectacular mountain oases, and easily one of its most photogenic.
We spent a whole day driving around the desert in a jeep, and one of our stops was Chebika Oasis. It was honestly my favourite stop of the day. You can bathe in the water which I did, but I also had a friend that had a leech that was on her. If I were to go back, I honestly wouldn’t go in the water now that I know this lol.
Jessie Across the World 
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