Curious about which places are the best to visit in Tunisia? Look no further than our list! We merge convenience, money, wow-factor, the sneaky author’s preference, and diversity to come to you with our tier list.
1. Sidi Bou Said, convenience-wise, certainly one of the best places to visit in Tunisia.
Did this get 1st place just because it’s accessible? Yes, absolutely. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, Sidi Bou Said is Tunisia’s most photogenic town, and it knows it. With its signature white walls and sky-blue doors, it feels like a North African Santorini but with fewer tourists and way more charm. It’s just a 30-minute drive (about 20 km) from Tunis-Carthage Airport, and you can easily get there by taxi or local train for less than $1. Wander through cobbled streets, sip mint tea at Café des Délices, and just exist in a place made for slow travel and soft aesthetics. Don’t forget your sunglasses when you go, you’ll need pics. You can also lie and said you went to Greece as well, bomb bonus!
2. Djerba Island
I know you don’t want to hear “buy a flight” buuut, soft beaches, white-washed villages, and a surprising mix of Jewish, Muslim, and Berber cultures make Djerba one of Tunisia’s most unique stops, you just have to go. From Tunis, the fastest route is a 1-hour flight to Djerba-Zarzis Airport at around $40–$70 (hey, at least it’s not THAT draining). If you’re road-tripping, it’s a 7–8 hour drive plus a short ferry(ferries are always cool but really, just fly). Once there, taxis are cheap (under $5 for most rides), and budget stays start at $20/night. Be sure to explore the artistic Djerbahood district, and grab seafood by the port (at legit-looking places).
3. Tozeur & Chebika Oasis
Hidden among rocky cliffs and desert sands are the oases of Tozeur and Chebika — lush, otherworldly places that feel like fantasy movie sets. The fastest way there is by flying from Tunis to Tozeur about 1 hour; flights can cost around $50, sorry pals, or you can brace for a 7–8 hour drive (450+ km). Once there, a taxi or tour guide can take you to Chebika, about 30 minutes away. Entry to most oases is free, though 4×4 canyon tours can cost $20–$40. Don’t forget water and a camera and preparing your soul.
4. El Jem Amphitheatre
You don’t have to go to Rome to stand inside a colossal Roman arena. El Jem is home to one of the world’s best-preserved colosseums, and it’s huge, like big-big. It’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Tunis, about 200 km, which is 124 freedom units, and you can either rent a car or take a train from Tunis for under $10. Entry to the amphitheatre is around $3, and you’re free to roam the tunnels, climb the steps, and feel the centuries-old weight of gladiator history. It’s one of Tunisia’s biggest historical sites.
5. Hammamet
If your dream trip is less “backpacking adventure” and more “cocktail by the pool,” Hammamet is the go-to spot in Tunisia. It’s just a 1-hour drive from Tunis-Carthage Airport (around 70 km), and you can get there easily by private transfer, rental car, or even train for under $3. The town is famous for its beachfront resorts, spa hotels, and relaxed atmosphere — think all-inclusive deals starting at $40–$60 per night in the off-season. You can also wander its charming medina, take a dip in turquoise waters, or book a jet ski or boat tour along the coast. It’s clean, safe, tourist-friendly, and just the right mix of local charm and modern comfort.
6. Kairouan
This is for the Muslim people and the religious-culture enthusiasts. Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the holiest cities in Islam and brimming with culture, mosaics, and maze-like souks. It’s only about 2.5 hours from Tunis (150 km) by car or louage (shared minivan), and costs $5–$8. The Great Mosque has a small entry fee ($2–$3), and the medina’s peaceful vibe is free to enjoy. It’s a great day trip if you’re based in Tunis, and way less touristy than other big spots — ideal for quiet wandering and sipping fresh juice in the shade.
7. The Sahara Desert (Douz or Ksar Ghilane)
Look, do I actually think this is the place to go to for a Saharan experience? Sure, if you have no other options, but if you have a trip to another African country planned, you might get your desert experience at a less 7-hour drive price. But to feel the full power of Tunisia’s wild side, head into the Sahara — either through Douz or the more remote Ksar Ghilane. From Tunis, it’s a long journey: about 7–8 hours by car or bus (500–550 km), so flying into Tozeur might be faster. Budget around $20–$30 for bus travel, or more if you’re doing a guided 4×4 tour. Once you arrive, camel rides are $10–$15/hour, and overnight desert camps usually start at $30/night. Golden dunes, Berber tents, and skies full of stars — it’s worth every bumpy mile.
Thank you for reading our list of the best places to see in Tunisia! For more spot-on content, see our Instagram below!
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