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Best things to do in Tunisia

Tunisia calling? Here are the best things to do there.
Tunisia’s toasty temperatures and Caribbean-esque white sand may fool you into thinking it’s a beach-only destination. But, there’s a whole lot more on offer in this colour-popping pocket of North Africa.

In fact, it’s home to plenty of medinas, museums, and ancient monuments ripe for exploring – we’re talking everywhere from the Amphitheatre of El Jem to the Bardo National Museum. And the best bit? Tunisia’s just around a three-hour flight from the UK. Here’s what to see when you get there…

Shop for souvenirs at the medina in Sousse

Sousse is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that doubles up as a prime shopping spot thanks to its centuries-old medina. Head to its twisted backstreets to find glittering wares and alleys packed with artisans busy at work. Here, you’ll find sellers hawking everything from traditional Tunisian jebba dresses to colourful ceramics from Nabeul. Refresh between shopping sprees with a traditional mint tea and eye up the architecture while you relax. As space within the medina’s original walls ran out, residents built upwards, constructing vaults and rooms above the streets that create towering examples of Islamic design at its best.

Check out our holidays to Sousse.

The inside of a Medina in Sousse.

Feel like a gladiator at the Amphitheatre of El Jem

Forget Rome’s Colosseum, El Jem is the one of the best preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world. It's capable of holding over 35,000 spectators, and the sheer scale of the monument makes it more than worth a visit. Roam the Gladiatorial Arena where many a gruesome battle took place and walk through the same winding tunnels that fighters would have been led through before entering the arena. For panoramic views across the surrounding valley, climb high in the stands to snap some pics.

A view of El Jem Amphitheatre.

Tuck into traditional dishes at Port El Kantaoui

Whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets and a sleek marina take centre stage at the resort of Port El Kantaoui. While you’re here, pick from its generous serving of restaurants and taste some traditional Tunisian dishes. Dig a fork into Brik, crispy pastry parcels filled with onion, parsley and tuna, or opt for lamb served with mountains of harissa-seasoned couscous.

Be impressed by Port El Kantaoui.

Sailboats and yachts moored in Port El Kantaoui.

Go back in time at Carthage

Head back in time to the Roman Empire with a visit to Carthage, an ancient town destroyed in 146BC. This UNESCO-listed World Heritage site offers up the well-preserved ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre and the Antonine Baths, one of the greatest bath complexes in the Roman world. Don’t forget to save some time for Carthage Land when you’re done sightseeing. This theme park offers spinning teacup rides, a 5D cinema and a log flume.

Head on a day trip here from Yasmine Hammamet.
Ancient ruins viewed through a weathered archway.

Go diving in Hammamet

Hammamet is Tunisia’s go-to beach spot, with 10 kilometres of talc-soft sand. And, it’s just as impressive underwater. Dip below the surface to snorkel among coral reefs, old shipwrecks and hidden deep-sea caves. Once you’ve dried off, you’ll find Hammamet’s medina perched just along the coastline. Here, you’ll uncover North Africa’s oldest mosque and an ancient Kasbah ripe for exploring. 

Have a look at our holidays to Hammamet.
Small boats sailing by a sandy beach.

Kick back on Djerba’s Sidi Mahres beach

Another must-visit is the Tunisian island of Djerba, which you can fly to directly with TUI Airways. Its main beach, Sidi Mahres, runs for 13 kilometres and is close to the town of Midoun – which hosts an open-air market every Friday. And in the island’s capital, Houmt Souk, stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to traditional rugs spill out onto the cobbled streets. With a curated selection of All Inclusive hotels, Djerba makes a great Tunisia holiday option – with the bonus of some serious desert island vibes.

Staying elsewhere in Tunisia? If you’ve hired a car for your holiday you can drive to Jorf on the mainland then catch the public ferry across to Ajim on Djerba – the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Or take an internal flight, which takes just under an hour.

Take a look at holidays to Djerba.
A sunny beach resort with thatched umbrellas on a sandy shore.

Get your culture fix at the Bardo National Museum

Often touted as one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean, the Bardo National Museum doesn’t disappoint. Packed with intricate mosaics, this place offers up serious interior goals. You’ll spot everything from marble statues and Roman jewellery to ancient artefacts excavated from famous shipwrecks – including a bust of Aphrodite carved out of marble. You’ll find it in Le Bardo, close to the capital of Tunis.

Check out our top experiences in Tunisia.
A gold domed ceiling inside Bardo Museum.

Take in the views at Sidi Bou Said

The entire town of Sidi Bou Said is perched on the top of a steep cliff overlooking the Med, so it’s not hard to imagine why people come here for the views alone. The town itself is a bit of a looker, too – in fact, it’s the face of most postcards from Tunisia. Pretty much every house is whitewashed with blue-painted doors and window shutters – so photo opportunities come thick and fast. It’s no surprise, either, that many artists have lived in Sidi Bou Said in the past to get inspiration from their surroundings.

Team Sidi Bou Said with a visit to Carthage.
A view over Sidi Bou Said.

Fancy it?

Take a look at our deals to Tunisia.

Or, for more inspiration, take a look at our essential guide to Djerba, browse our Tunisia tour holidays or check out the top All Inclusive hotels in Africa.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 20.08.2026

Holiday Type

Destination

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