What to See in Tunisia

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Tunisia has 8 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. They are all located in the northern part of the country:

Carthage ★★★ (1979)
On the outskirts of Tunis, Carthage is both an upscale suburb and the site of the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of the same name.

Dougga ★★★ (1997)
A UNESCO-listed site, Dougga is a major Roman archaeological site with exceptionally well-preserved ruins.

El Jem Amphitheatre ★★★★ (1979)
This 3rd-century Roman structure is one of the best-preserved in the world in its category. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts over half a million visitors each year.

Ichkeul National Park ★ (1980)
Located not far from Bizerte, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of marshes, a lake, and small mountains that are home to many bird species.

Old Town of Kairouan ★★ (1988)
The old part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its medina, souks, mosques, and other religious buildings.

Kerkouane ★ (1985)
This UNESCO-listed site on the Cap Bon peninsula features the ruins of a Punic city and necropolis.

Medina of Sousse ★★ (1988)
The historic heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a prime example of the cities of the early centuries of Islam in the Maghreb.

Tunis Medina ★★★★ (1979)
This is the historic heart of the capital, with its souks and UNESCO-listed old buildings. It’s also the most visited place in the city.

The Interior

Warning: Some areas near the Algerian border are currently not recommended for security reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bulla Regia ★★
This is one of the ancient sites in northwestern Tunisia. Another, less significant site, Chemtou, is not far away.

Dougga ★★★
A UNESCO-listed site, Dougga is a major Roman archaeological site with exceptionally well-preserved ruins.

El Jem ★★★★
This town, located at the gateway to the Sahel, is home to one of the most magnificent Roman amphitheatres still in existence, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can round off your visit with the town’s archaeological museum.

Gafsa ★
The town, not particularly touristy, is primarily a road hub between the north and south of the country.

Kairouan ★★★
A holy city of Islam, Kairouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its old quarters and its Great Mosque. It is also known as the city of carpets.

El Kef ★
A mid-sized highland city near the Algerian border, completely off the tourist trail. It has a medina and Roman ruins.

Makthar ★
This is a well-preserved archaeological site located next to the town of the same name.

Sbeïtla ★★
One of the major Roman antique sites in Tunisia. It is located next to the small town of the same name.

Thuburbo Majus ★
These Roman ruins are located about sixty kilometres from Tunis.

Natural Heritage

Jugurtha Tableland ★★
A desolate high plateau at 1,271 m altitude on the Algerian border, with sheer cliffs overlooking the surrounding plain.

The Coast

Bizerte ★★
The largest city on Tunisia's northern coast. Visit its kasbah and the remains of an old Spanish fort, and enjoy the nearby beaches.

Carthage ★★★
On the outskirts of Tunis, Carthage is both an upscale suburb and the site of the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of the same name.

Djerba ★★★
This is the large island off the coast, internationally known for its beaches, tourist infrastructure, and package holidays. Beyond that, Djerba still has some quiet spots locally.

Houmt Souk ★★
The "capital" of Djerba, the city features traditional architecture and a few buildings from the colonial era.

Gammarth ★
One of the last seaside resorts built near Tunis.

Hammamet ★
One of Tunisia’s main seaside resorts, with long beaches and numerous hotels.

Kerkouane ★
This UNESCO-listed site on the Cap Bon peninsula features the ruins of a Punic city and necropolis.

La Goulette ★
One of the country's main ports, next to Tunis. It's also where cruise ships dock.

La Marsa ★
It’s both a seaside resort and an upscale suburb of Tunis, located about fifteen kilometres northeast of the capital.

Mahdia ★★
A stunning fishing port with a charming historic centre and beaches.

Monastir ★★
One of the main tourist destinations on the coast. Beyond the beaches and hotel complexes, you can also visit the Bourguiba Mausoleum and an impressive ribat (fortified monastery) built by the sea.

Nabeul ★★
Built on the Cap Bon peninsula, not far from Hammamet, it's the city of potters. A must-see for its medina, souk, and beaches.

Port El Kantaoui ★
North of Sousse. It is one of the main seaside resorts on the coast, with beaches, shops, and a marina.

Sfax ★
The medina and the kasbah are the main attractions of this historic coastal city. This is also where ferries depart for the Kerkennah Islands.

Sidi Bou Said ★★
The small town north of Tunis is known for its beautiful white houses with blue doors and windows. It is very touristy.

Sousse ★★
On the coast and highly popular with visitors from Eastern Europe, Sousse is known both for its beaches and its UNESCO-listed medina.

Tabarka ★
The last coastal town before Algeria. It’s mainly visited for its beaches and diving opportunities. Hiking in the surrounding area is also possible.

Tunis ★★★
Tunisia’s capital offers a wide range of sights, from its museums and souks to its UNESCO-listed medina and other "typical" neighbourhoods.

Utica ★
Roman and Punic ruins at this archaeological site north of the capital.

Natural Heritage

Cap Bon ★★
A large peninsula south of Tunis known for its beaches and landscapes.

Ichkeul National Park ★
Located not far from Bizerte, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of marshes, a lake, and small mountains that are home to many bird species.

The Saharan Zone

Warning: Certain areas in the (far) south of Tunisia, near the borders with Algeria and Libya, are currently not recommended for security reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chebika, Mides and Tamerza ★★★
A group of three small mountain oases near Algeria, quite tourist-oriented. They are known for their palm groves, traditional architecture, and the surrounding desert landscapes.

Douz ★
This town at the edge of the desert has built its reputation on camel treks. Every year, Douz also hosts the International Festival of the Sahara.

Ksar Ghilane ★
This is the southernmost oasis in Tunisia and the starting point for camel treks or desert hikes.

Matmata ★★
This village in the "Deep South" has become a must-see tourist destination thanks to its troglodytic dwellings (and hotels).

Medenine ★
A fairly large city in the south and the starting point for various excursions in the surrounding area. Medenine is also home to several beautiful ksour.

Nefta ★★
A small town located on the edge of the Chott el-Jerid, near the Algerian border. Like many oases, it features typical architecture and a vast palm grove perfect for strolling.

Ksour Route ★★★★
A tourist route between Matmata and Tataouine that lets you discover numerous fortified granaries (ksour) and Berber villages, including Ksar Hadada, Ksar Hallouf, Ksar el Ouled Soltane, Ksar Ouled Debbab, Douiret, and Chenini.

Tataouine ★
This is often the base camp city for many travelers visiting the Deep South. From here, you can discover numerous ksour (fortified granaries) and Berber villages (Chenini, Douiret, etc.). The city also boasts beautiful traditional architecture and a lively souk.

Tozeur ★★
The "big city" of the South with traditional oasis architecture. It most often serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area (villages, desert, salt flats, camel rides).

Natural Heritage

Chott el-Jerid ★★
This is the most famous chott (saltwater expanse in the desert) in Tunisia. Visitors come for its landscapes and the surrounding oases (Nefta, Tozeur, etc.).

Selja Gorge ★★
A stunning steep-sided valley north of Chott el-Jerid, which you can explore aboard the "Lézard Rouge", a tourist train running from Metlaoui.

Great Eastern Erg ★★★★
This is the Saharan part of Tunisia with its dunes and oases. It has become a major tourist destination in Tunisia.