Blue and white towns, Roman amphitheaters, and starry desert skies—have a blast in Tunisia for a week
Tunisia is a true hidden gem—half Mediterranean blue, half Sahara gold, where ancient Roman ruins blend with old Arab medinas, all at an affordable price. This guide covers all the essentials; it's the only one you'll need before you go.
🗺️ Highlights and planning
1. Tunis – A journey through time in the medina and museums
· Highlights:
· Medina: A UNESCO World Heritage site founded in the 8th century. The maze-like alleys are filled with the scents of spices, leather, and copper lamps. Every turn brings a surprise, from handmade ceramics and magic lamps to traditional clothing—you won't want to stop exploring.
· Bardo National Museum: Home to one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics. From mythological scenes and daily life to geometric patterns, some mosaics cover entire rooms—it's truly breathtaking.
· Habib Bourguiba Avenue: The "Champs-Élysées of Tunisia." It's lined with trees and colonial-era buildings, and the cafe terraces are always full. It's a great place for an evening stroll to soak up the local atmosphere.
· Al-Zaytuna Mosque: The spiritual heart of the medina, founded in 732 AD. It features 184 stone columns salvaged from Carthage. Non-Muslims can visit the outer courtyard.
· Planning: We recommend 2 days. Spend 1 day exploring the medina and Bardo Museum, and another day walking along the avenue and surrounding areas to get a feel for the rhythm of modern Tunis.
2. Sidi Bou Said – A blue and white fairy tale by the Mediterranean
· Highlights: This blue and white town is incredibly beautiful, with white walls, blue doors and windows, and bougainvillea blooming under the sun. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2025. Find a straw-mat cafe, order a mint tea, and watch the Mediterranean sunset—every photo you take will look like a wallpaper.
· Planning: We recommend 0.5 to 1 day. Take the TGM train from Tunis to Sidi Bou Said station for less than 1 Dinar—it's very convenient. The town is small but worth exploring slowly. In the evening, watch the panoramic view of the Gulf of Tunis from the headland; it's breathtaking.
3. Carthage – The fading glory of a 3,000-year-old empire
· Highlights: A powerful city-state founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC, it was once the hegemon of the Mediterranean. Today, only ruins remain to tell the tragic epic of the Punic Wars. The Antonine Baths are among the largest in the Roman Empire; the massive stone columns and underground heating system are well-preserved, and the view overlooking the Mediterranean is unbeatable.
· Planning: We recommend 0.5 day. The ruins are spread across multiple areas, so you'll need at least 3–4 hours to explore them properly. You can also take the TGM line from Tunis and get off at the Carthage station, which has multiple stops throughout the ruins area.
4. El Jem Amphitheatre – One of the world's top 3 amphitheaters
· Highlights: It is second only to the Colosseum in Rome in terms of preservation! Standing at the top of the spectator stands, you can almost hear the cheers and roars from 2,000 years ago. It's more complete than the one in Rome, less crowded, and perfect for photos.
· Planning: We recommend 0.5 day. You can charter a car or take a train from Tunis or Sousse, and a round trip in 1 day is easy.
5. Kairouan – The fourth holiest city in Islam
· Highlights: The oldest Islamic holy city in Tunisia. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the oldest mosques in North Africa, with solemn and majestic architecture. Non-Muslims can visit the outer courtyard. The carpet souks in the old town are also very distinctive.
· Planning: We recommend 0.5 to 1 day. It's a must-visit stop on the southern loop and is usually visited in conjunction with El Jem.
6. Sousse – A thousand-year-old Mediterranean port
· Highlights:
· Sousse Medina and Ribat: Climb to the roof of the Ribat for a panoramic view of the old town and the Mediterranean.
· Sousse Archaeological Museum: Located inside the Kasbah, it houses exquisite Roman mosaics.
· Port El Kantaoui: An artificial marina surrounded by white walls, blue doors, and palm trees—perfect for a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant.
· Planning: We recommend 1 day. Sousse is an important transit hub for the southern loop and a great choice for a seaside vacation.
7. Sahara Desert – Martian landscapes and starry nights
· Highlights:
· Chebika Oasis: The most famous mountain oasis near Tozeur, with palm forests, natural springs, and abandoned Berber houses. It contrasts sharply with the desolate desert surroundings and was a filming location for "The English Patient."
· Tamerza Oasis: The largest mountain oasis in Tunisia, famous for its waterfalls and abandoned ancient villages.
· Mides Canyon: A spectacular canyon landscape with excellent views overlooking the desert.
· Chott el Djerid: The largest salt lake in North Africa. In summer, it can create mirage spectacles, and the white salt crust makes for dreamy photos in the sunlight.
· Douz: Known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," it's the last supply point before entering the deep desert. You can ride camels, go desert off-roading, and stay in starry tents.
· Planning: We recommend 2–3 days. Start from Tozeur, charter an off-road vehicle to go deep into the desert, and staying 1 night in a Bedouin tent is the ultimate experience. Riding camels to watch the sunset, having a campfire dinner, and gazing at the Milky Way will truly make you forget all your worries.
🍲 Food recommendations
· Couscous: The national dish of Tunisia. Semolina served with lamb and vegetables. The addition of harissa sauce gives it a refreshing kick that you won't forget.
· Brik: A North African spring roll with a crispy outer layer and a filling of egg, tuna, or minced meat. A must-try street food.
· Harissa: A standard accompaniment to every meal. It's quite spicy, and if you love spicy food, you'll absolutely fall in love with it.
· Mint tea: Pine nut mint tea is a classic pairing in the blue and white town. It's incredibly sweet but addictive.
· Fresh seafood: Seaside restaurants in Sousse and Tunis serve grilled fish with lemon—simple but delicious.
📝 Travel tips
· Best season: March–May and September–November. The weather is mild and pleasant, sunny but not hot, and the sea is calm and suitable for swimming. Be sure to avoid the extreme heat in desert areas from June to August.
· Visa and currency: Tunisia is visa-free for Chinese citizens (for stays of up to 90 days). The currency is the Tunisian Dinar; 1 US dollar is approximately 3 Dinars. Cash is king; most places do not accept credit cards, so exchange cash in advance.
· Transportation: When taking a taxi in the city, remember to agree on the price with the driver before getting in. For intercity travel, you can take shared minibuses or trains. The TGM line from Tunis to the blue and white town and Carthage is very convenient.
· Clothing: Remember to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and religious sites; casual wear is fine for daily life. There is a large temperature difference between day and night in desert areas, so bring a jacket. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential.
· Tipping: Tunisia is a tipping country. It is customary to tip in restaurants, for porters, and for drivers/guides, so remember to keep some small change handy.
· Language: French and Arabic are commonly used. English is acceptable in large cities and tourist attractions.