After you’ve experienced all the things to do in Tunis, from wandering through the ancient medina to marveling at the Bardo Museum’s treasures, day trips from Tunis offer a gateway to Tunisia’s diverse landscapes and rich history. These excursions extend your adventure to ancient ruins, seaside towns, and desert oases, providing a deeper understanding of Tunisia’s cultural heritage.
Venturing beyond Tunis reveals a wider array of things to do in Tunisia, including exploring the amphitheater of El Jem, the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, and the vast Sahara Desert. Each destination outside the capital invites travelers into a world of historical exploration, natural beauty, and culinary discovery.
Selecting where to stay in Tunis is crucial for those looking to seamlessly blend urban exploration with historical adventures. The right accommodation places you at the heart of the action, ensuring easy access to both the city’s attractions and the starting points for your day trips, making every moment of your stay memorable.
Discover Best Day Trips from Tunis, Tunisia
1. Carthage, Tunisia
Carthage, once a major ancient city and rival to Rome, is steeped in history with its ruins showcasing the Punic and Roman periods. The site includes the Antonine Baths, Carthage Museum, and Byrsa Hill.
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ancient ruins, Antonine Baths, Carthage Museum, Byrsa Hill
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Carthage Archaeological Site: $6
- Carthage Museum: $3
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Byrsa Hill, Punic Ports, Roman Villas
Travel Tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the area can get quite sunny and has limited shade.
2. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Sidi Bou Said is famous for its blue and white Mediterranean architecture and stunning sea views. This picturesque village is perfect for leisurely strolls, art galleries, and enjoying Tunisian mint tea.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Blue and white Mediterranean architecture, art galleries, sea views
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Dar El Annabi Museum: $2
- Café des Nattes: Free (but you can enjoy tea or coffee for $2-$3)
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Cliffside views, narrow streets with vibrant doors, traditional cafes
Travel Tip: Try the local specialty, bambalouni, a sweet, deep-fried pastry.
3. The Bardo Museum, Tunisia
The Bardo Museum, located in a 15th-century palace, is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region. It is renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts from various periods of Tunisia’s history.
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Travel Time: About 15 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Roman mosaics, historical artifacts, 15th-century palace
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Bardo Museum: $5
- Photography Permit: $1
Budget: Approximately $15-$30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Museum gardens, palace architecture
Travel Tip: Allocate several hours for your visit to fully appreciate the museum’s vast collection.
4. Hammamet, Tunisia
Hammamet offers sandy beaches, a bustling medina, and a historic fort. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration, with its coastal resorts and traditional Tunisian markets.
Distance: Approximately 60 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Sandy beaches, bustling medina, historic fort
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Hammamet Fort: $3
- Medina: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Hammamet Beach, Yasmine Hammamet, Medina of Hammamet
Travel Tip: Visit the medina in the evening when it’s lively and full of local character.
5. Dougga, Tunisia
Dougga is an ancient Roman town that has been remarkably preserved. Its highlights include the Theatre, the Capitol, and the Temples of Saturn and Juno Caelestis.
Distance: Approximately 110 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ancient Roman ruins, Theatre, Capitol, Temples of Saturn and Juno Caelestis
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Dougga Archaeological Site: $5
Budget: Approximately $40-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Dougga Theatre, Capitol ruins, panoramic views of the countryside
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site is expansive and involves a lot of walking on uneven ground.
6. Kairouan, Tunisia
Kairouan is an Islamic cultural center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Great Mosque, the Mosque of the Three Doors, and the city’s medina are key attractions.
Distance: Approximately 160 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Great Mosque, Mosque of the Three Doors, medina
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Great Mosque of Kairouan: $3
- Mosque of the Three Doors: Free
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Medina of Kairouan, Aghlabid Basins, traditional souks
Travel Tip: Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites – dress modestly and inquire about photography permissions.
7. Bizerte, Tunisia
Bizerte, known for its natural beauty and historic sites, offers a charming old port, Kasbah, and beautiful beaches. The Ichkeul National Park nearby is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.
Distance: Approximately 65 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Old port, Kasbah, beaches, Ichkeul National Park
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Ichkeul National Park: $2
- Kasbah: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Bizerte Beach, Ichkeul Lake, Old Port of Bizerte
Travel Tip: Try the local seafood, considered some of the best in Tunisia.
8. Testour, Tunisia
Testour is famous for its Andalusian architecture and heritage, a legacy of the Moors who settled there. The town is particularly known for its unique Great Mosque with its reversed clock.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Andalusian architecture, Great Mosque with its reversed clock
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Great Mosque of Testour: Free
- Andalusian Gardens: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Andalusian Gardens, Great Mosque, traditional streets
Travel Tip: Visit on a Friday if possible, to experience the vibrant weekly market.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Tunis, Tunisia
What are the best day trips from Tunis?
Notable day trips from Tunis include the ancient ruins of Carthage, the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, the Roman amphitheater in El Djem, and the Medina of Tunis for a deep dive into local culture and history.
Is Carthage worth visiting?
Absolutely! Carthage is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich history and ancient ruins. A visit to Carthage offers insight into the Phoenician and Roman eras through its archaeological sites.
Can I take a guided tour of the Bardo Museum?
Yes, guided tours of the Bardo Museum are available, offering an in-depth exploration of one of North Africa’s most significant collections of Roman mosaics, along with other artifacts from various periods of Tunisian history.
What can I see in Sidi Bou Said?
Sidi Bou Said is famed for its blue and white buildings, stunning sea views, and quaint cafes. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, photography, and enjoying Tunisian tea and pastries.
Are there any day trips to the Sahara from Tunis?
While the Sahara Desert is a bit far for a day trip, shorter excursions to the fringes of the desert can be arranged. For a true Sahara experience, an overnight trip is recommended.
Is a visit to the Dougga Archaeological Site recommended?
Definitely! Dougga is considered one of the best-preserved Roman towns in North Africa. Its ancient theater, temples, and public baths offer a glimpse into life over a thousand years ago.
Can I explore Tunisian cuisine on a day trip?
Yes, culinary tours are available in Tunis and its surroundings, offering a taste of traditional Tunisian dishes such as couscous, brik, and seafood, along with visits to local markets.
What activities are available at Cap Bon Peninsula?
The Cap Bon Peninsula is great for wine tasting, exploring the Korbous hot springs, hiking, and enjoying the beaches. It’s a diverse region with something for everyone.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/tunis-l304?activity_type=dayTrip
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