This 5-day Tunisia itinerary will show you some of the best places to visit in the country. With many attractions and things to do, it will help you focus on one area so you can make the best of your visit.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey that transcends the ordinary? Welcome to Tunisia, a fascinating destination where Mediterranean charm seamlessly melds with the magic of North Africa.
Encased in its compact geography are stunning coastlines, sprawling deserts, verdant mountains, and timeless cities, each a treasure trove of culture, history, and adventure.
This captivating North African nation, is a medley of influences, offering experiences as varied as exploring ancient ruins, navigating bustling souks, trekking through lush forests, and basking in azure Mediterranean views.
Unravel the allure of Tunisia through our meticulously curated 5-day itinerary that promises to transform travel enthusiasts into lifelong Tunisia aficionados.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a journey brimming with enriching encounters and unforgettable experiences.
Experience the harmonious blend of history, culture, and adventure as you traverse the enticing landscapes of Tunisia.
Our 5-day Tunisia itinerary will take you to the north of the country. It’ll guide you through the historic and buzzy streets of Tunis, the nature-rich environs of Tabarka, and the enticing coastlines of Sousse and Hammamet.
If you have more than 5 days in Tunisia, you could visit other places in the country, such as the island of Djerba, Kairouan, considered one of the most important places in Islam, and the amazing desert oasis of Tozeur, just to name a few.
Table of Contents
5-Day Tunisia Itinerary
Days 1-2: Explore Tunis
Delve into the Ancient Culture at Bardo Museum
Begin your Tunisian adventure at the Bardo Museum, a treasure trove of artefacts spanning millennia.
It is a testament to the country’s rich history, boasting one of the most extensive mosaic collections in the world.
Journey Through Time in Medina of Tunis
Next, dive into the historical heart of Tunis at its old city or Medina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 7th century.
Its labyrinthine alleyways boast over 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, and traditional souks.
The Medina is a vibrant place heaving with people and shops selling clothes, homeware and souvenirs.
Unlike other countries in the region, store sellers are friendly and not pushy. If you don’t want to buy something, just say “no” and they’ll respect it.
Tunis Modern City: A Glimpse into Contemporary Tunisia
Next, you should explore the modern aspects of the Tunisian capital. The Ville Nouvelle (New Town) serves as a stark contrast to the historic Medina.
Spend time in the bustling Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Tunis’s central thoroughfare lined with cafes, shops, and colonial-era buildings.
See the Cathedral of St Vincent and St Olivia, the building of the French Embassy and the famous Clock Tower, among other landmarks.
Don’t forget to stop at one of the many streetside cafes, where you can enjoy a cappuccino, as the Tunisians call it, a café direct.
Visit the Central Market
Experience the vibrancy of local life at the Tunis Central Market. Dive into the hustle and bustle, and let the rich aroma of spices guide you through the stands laden with fresh produce.
The market is fairly large and separated into different sections. The most fascinating one – if you’re not a vegetarian – is the fish market. Here you’ll find all sorts of freshly caught fish, including shellfish, squid and octopus.
The other section is the vegetable one. Here you’ll see stalls selling different types of vegetables and spices. They make this part of the market more colorful and rich in different aromas.
See Also: What To See at Spain’s Costa del Sol
Marvel at the Majestic Al-Zaytuna Mosque
Find a moment of tranquillity amidst your busy itinerary at the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world, which opened in the year 698AD.
It reflects Tunisia’s rich Islamic heritage. Serving as a center for religious and intellectual activities for over a millennium,
Discover the Upscale Neighbourhood of La Marsa
As your second day in Tunis dawns, head towards La Marsa. This upscale neighbourhood, with its palm-fringed boulevards, charming villas, and a plethora of restaurants, offers a different perspective of Tunis.
Explore the Blue and White Village of Sidi Bou Said
Finally, visit the cliff-top village of Sidi Bou Said. This charming town is known for its distinct blue and white colour palette, this ‘blue pearl’ of Tunisia offers a unique blend of stunning sea views, charming cafes, and art studios.
Where To Stay in Tunis
Four Seasons Tunis: Located 15 km of Carthage Roman Ruins and Sidi Bou Said, the Four Seasons Hotel Tunis is one of the best luxury hotels in the country. The hotel boasts a tennis court, garden, an on-site restaurant for dining, and a bar for relaxation. Tunis Medina is 20 km away, while Tunis Airport is conveniently located just 11 km from the hotel.
Campanile El Mectel Tunis: Located 1.2 km from Tunis Medina, this 3-star hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness centre, free parking and business centre, among other faciliteis. It has a restaurant serving international cuisine with halal options, a 24-hour multilingual front desk, and is near Belvedre Parc and Victory Square. It’s 10km from Tunis-Carthage Airport with a paid shuttle service.
See Also: What To Visit in Muscat, Oman
Tunisia Itinerary Day 3: Explore Tabarka
The third day on your Tunisia itinerary will take you to Tabarka, a seaside resort close to the Algerian border.
It’s something of a detour from the other destinations in this itinerary, but totally worth visiting. It’s a lesser-known part of the country – at least for Western tourists – offering small urban beaches as well as long stretches of sand further away from the city.
It also has sites of historical importance and can be used as a base to explore the nearby mountain communities. In such communities, you can learn more about the local way of life and visit workshops run by local cooperatives that help the local economy.
On the way from Tunis to Tabarka, stop outside the town of Beja. There, you’ll marvel at the Zaghouan aqueduct.
Built during Roman times, it supplied the city of Carthage with water, which flowed 132km from Zaghouan. It was one of the longest aqueducts in the whole Roman Empire.
Start You Visit by Eating With a Local Family
Food can bring some of the best cultural experiences to any destination. You can start your visit to Tabarka by meeting with a local family and savouring local dishes.
On my trip with Discover Tunisia, I was welcomed at a warm home with a huge table with plenty of local delicacies.
Tunisian cuisine is rich in flavours and mixes traditional Arab dishes and local North African, Berber ones.
Not only was the food absolutely delectable, but the presentation, the warm reception and the friendliness of our host made for one of the highlights of my last visit to the country.
You can book your homestay or home lunch with Dar El Ain., a local sustainable tourism company.
Explore the Genoese Fort
Start your visit to Tabarka at the Genoese Fortress. Perched atop a cliff in Tabarka, the t stands as a testament to the town’s medieval past.
Built in the 16th century by the Lomellini family from Genoa, this fortress offers a glimpse into Tabarka’s historical importance in the Mediterranean trade routes.
Its strategic location provides breathtaking coastal views., perched on a small peninsula, awaits exploration.
Its historic charm combined with the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea makes for an unforgettable experience. From there, you can see the whole city, some small beaches and some of the towns new touristic developments.
Take a Picture by the Aiguilles of Tabarka
The Aiguilles (Needles) of Tabarka are striking geological formations by the coast, a few minutes away from the city centre.
These eroded rock columns, some reaching over 20 meters in height, jut dramatically from the sea, creating a unique and photogenic landscape.
A great way to see these natural sculptures is on a boat tour, especially at sunset when they create captivating silhouettes against the sky.
Adventure in the Ain Drahem Mountains
Wrap up your stay in this part of Tunisia by visiting the mountain town of Ain Draham. With a more pleasant microclima, this is the perfect place to escape from a hot summer day.
In winter, this is the only place in Tunisia to see snow. For that reason, many locals book their stay here to enjoy the weather, staying in smaller guesthouses.
Here, you can also visit a number of small handicraft workshops. From olive woodwork to intricate tapestry, the local community joined in cooperatives to create jobs in the area, especially for women, who historically struggled to get a job.
Where To Stay in Tabarka
Magic Hotel Thabraca & Thalasso Diving: Located 200 metres from Thabarka Beach and 3km from the city centre, the hotel offers spacious rooms, a large swimming pool and a restaurant offering a vast buffet.
Day 4: Beach and History in Sousse
Unravel History at the Sousse Archaeological Museum
Start your day in Sousse with a visit to the Archaeological Museum. Located within a historic Kasbah, the Sousse Archaeological Museum showcases Tunisia’s rich heritage.
Its vast collection, dating back to Punic and Roman times, features stunning mosaics, sculptures, and ceramics. Its highlight, the “Triumph of Neptune” mosaic, offers a glimpse into ancient Roman aesthetics and mythology.
Meditate at the Great Mosque
Spend the afternoon exploring the Great Mosque. Its austere and yet captivating design serves as a refreshing contrast to Tunisia’s typically intricate religious architecture.
Established in 851 AD, the Great Mosque of Sousse is a prominent example of Aghlabid architecture.
Not originally intended for public prayer, it served as a fortress-like religious school.
Today, it’s a place of worship, retaining its original design and tranquility. Its grand prayer hall and unique minaret attract numerous visitors.
See Also: The Best Places To Live in Turkey
Unwind at a Traditional Hammam
Add an authentic touch to your travel by relaxing in a traditional hammam. This age-old wellness ritual will rejuvenate you and provide a truly immersive experience.
The best option is going to a traditional hammam, where you can have a scrub massage after going through rooms with different temperatures.
Some high-end hotels also have their own hammams, but the experience is more similar to your average spa, lacking a real local element.
Relax at the Sousse Beaches
Conclude your day by unwinding on the pristine Sousse beaches. Here, the azure Mediterranean Sea meets soft sands to create an idyllic setting for relaxation.
Bou Jafaar Beach is located close to the city centre and is the busiest in town. It’s close to most hotels, cafes, and restaurants and is an easy-to-go place if you don’t want to move around that much. It’s well kept and has shallow waters, making it good for families with children.
Las Vegas Beach, is a quiet beach, despite its name, where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the sea breeze and the sun.
Where To Stay in Sousse
Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa: The hotel is located 400 metres from Bou Jafaar, close to restaurants and other attractions. Guests can enjoy a luxury experience in the modern and spacious guest rooms. The hotel has 4 swimming pools, restaurants a spa and.
Dar Lekbira Boutique Hotel: This traditional riad is located inside the historic Medina. This budget option is designed in traditional arabesque-Andalusian style and offers a charming courtyard and comfortable rooms.
Take a Day Trip to El Jem
A visit to El Jem maks for a great day trip from Sousse. Known in Roman times as Thysdrus, The trip can take up to 2 hours by car but is totally worth-it!
There, you’ll marvel at the grandeur of the ancient Roman Colosseum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 3rd century AD, it served as a venue for gladiator shows and chariot races, mirroring the grandeur of Rome’s imperial ambitions in North Africa.
The colossal structure, capable of seating about 35,000 spectators, stands as a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Romans.
It was used as a filming location for the Holywood blockbuster Gladiator and, i you visit during the summer months, you can watch a series of classic music concerts.
Day 5: Discover the Allure of Hammamet
Roam the Streets of Hammamet Medina
The last day of your Tunisia itinerary will start in the enchanting Medina of Hammamet. Encapsulated by 15th-century fortress walls, offers a vibrant cultural experience.
A labyrinth of narrow streets guides visitors through traditional souks teeming with local crafts, spices, and textiles.
The Medina’s architecture, mixing Andalusian and Ottoman styles, and its stunning sea views, make it a must-visit destination in Tunisia.
Compared to the Medinas in Tunis and Sousse, the Hammamet one is fairly small, but still worth-visiting.
Explore Hammamet Fort and Cultural Centre
Next on your itinerary, you should visit the Hammamet Fort and Cultural Centre for a dose of history and art, located right by the Medina.
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the fort is a historical landmark located within Hammamet’s Medina. Constructed in the 15th century, the fort served as a protective barrier against invasions.
Now a popular tourist attraction, it offers panoramic sea views and a unique perspective on Tunisia’s past. The fort’s austere architecture contrasts beautifully with the azure backdrop of the sea.
The fort offers a panoramic view of the town and the sea, while the cultural centre hosts a myriad of artistic events.
Hammamet Beach: A Fitting Finale
End your 5-day Tunisia itinerary by soaking up the sun at Hammamet Beach. As you bask in the radiant Mediterranean glow, reflect on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken.
Where To Stay in Hammamet
Magic Hotel Manar: Located right by Mrezga Beach, the hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and a garden. Boasting a kids’ club, 3 restaurants, a water park, and a terrace, the 5-star hotel provides room service and breakfast options.
Dar Hammamet Guest House & Hammam: This 4-star guest house provides air-conditioned rooms. Some of them have balconies and coffee machines. Amenities include a shared kitchen, lounge, restaurant, tour organisation, continental and American breakfast options, a sauna, hot tub, and hammam.
Special thanks to Discover Tunisia, Tunisair and Magic Hotels.
Pin It For Later!
