Sidi Bou Said is known for charming white-blue houses and cobblestoned streets. But this photogenic town is also much more. Today, I share Sidi Bou Said travel guide with you. Get to know everything about traveling to Sidi Bou Said. After reading this article, you will be convinced to add this hidden gem to your list of must-visit destinations. Now, shall we start?
What is Sidi Bou Said?
So, let’s start the Sidi Bou Said travel guide with the most relevant thing: introducing the destination. Sidi Bou Said is a small town built on high ground, about 20 km from Tunis. It is famous for its buildings being painted in blue and white colors. In 1920 French painter and baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger decided to paint his palace in blue and white colors, and the rest of the village followed his example. The town is so beautiful that most of the time you will admire the stunning landscapes and architecture. Also, tourists have found this beauty, and the town has become one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist attractions.
Where is Sidi Bou Said?
Sidi Bou Said is a town by the Mediterranean sea in the northern part of Tunisia. It’s situated about 20 km northeast of the capital Tunis, 80 km from Hammamet, and 160 km from Sousse. Note to yourself that there is no airport at Sidi Bou Said. Take a flight to the closest international Tunis-Carthage airport or any other airport.
Tunis-Carthage airport 16km
Carthage National Museum 3km
Azur City mall 30km
Bardo National Museum 23km
How to get to Sidi Bou Said? - Sidi Bou Said travel guide
The closest airport to Sidi Bou Said is the international Tunis Carthage airport. From the Tunis airport, the best way to get to Sidi Bou Said is by taxi. A taxi or car ride will take about 25 minutes.
There is a TGM train connection between Tunis city center and Sidi Bou Said. The train ride will take about 30 minutes, and tickets are very affordable. Another option to reach Sidi Bou Said from the city center is a taxi. It’s definitely the smoothest way of traveling and costs about 5 euros. I have also written an ultimate Tunis travel guide. Check it out, if you are planning to visit the stunning capital of Tunisia.
Especially during the summer, Sidi Bou Said is crowded as it’s a beloved destination among tourists and locals. For this reason, I don’t recommend getting there by car. But if you do, be prepared to park your car quite far.
The town itself is small, and driving a car inside the small cobbled stoned streets is allowed only for residents. Walking is the best way to get around Sidi Bou Said.
As Sidi Bou Said is one of the top attractions in Tunisia, there are several organized tours for tourists to discover this beautiful town. Contact a tour organizer or hotel, and they will help you find a suitable excursion.
How big is Sidi Bou Said? - Sidi Bou Said travel guide
Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque small town, has a population of ca.7000 people. In addition, the town is small in size as well, a little over 2 square kilometers. You won’t need more than just a couple of hours, and you have discovered all streets of Sidi Bou Said.
Things to do? Sidi Bou Said travel guide
Eat Bambalouni
Donut Bambalouni is a traditional and popular sweet pastry in Tunisia. Bambalouni is made of flour, water, dried yeast, and a pinch of salt. Prepared donuts are fried in oil and served with sugar or chocolate sauce. This pastry is popular in Sidi Bou Said when discovering this beautiful village buy one Bambalouni from street vendors. Super delicious! I promise that you will be hooked! The Sidi Bou Said travel guide wouldn’t be complete without this tip.
Go to marina
Take stairs from the top of the Sidi Bou Said and descend to the harbor. Enjoy the beautiful sea view and have lunch in Le Nautique Club Sidi Bou Said or coffee in Café Glacier.
Spend a day at the beach - Sidi Bou Said travel guide
Sidi Bou Said isn’t an actual beach holiday destination. But if you feel like swimming, you will find a beach just next to the harbor. So, pack your swimsuits and be prepared to dip yourself in the Mediterranean sea.
Enjoy stunning architecture and landscapes
Ready to admire a view of charming cobbled stoned streets, colorful wooden doors, blue and white houses, and a beautiful Mediterranean sea? So, make your camera ready, as this town will fill up your Instagram feed.
Visit Art Gallery
Through the years, the town has been a home for many artists. If you are interested in arts, I recommend visiting the art gallery Galeri A.Gorgi and Selma Feriani Gallery.
Galeri A.Gorgi is located just in the heart of Sidi Bou Said. It was created by Tunisian painter Abdelaziz Gorgi. You might come across the old name of the gallery Ammar Farhat, so do not get confused! Galeri A. Gorgi is a large and active art gallery focused on contemporary art. This gallery shares artwork of Tunisian artists. Therefore, I encourage you to visit Galeri A. Gorgi if you are interested in the art of Tunisian artists.
Selma Feriani Gallery was established in 2013 by gallerist Selma Feriani. Its artworks represent artists from the MENA region and also other international artists. The goal of the Selma Feriani Gallery is to support young artists and share their works with the public. Selma’s idea is to follow her taste in contemporary art, and she chooses the artworks that she could imagine owning.
If you are looking for more options, check the list of the best art galleries in Tunis.
Visit Palace Ennejma Ezzahra - Sidi Bou Said travel guide
Palace Ennejma Ezzahra is one of the top attractions in Sidi Bou Said. This palace was owned by French painter and baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger. He was the first one who decided to paint his palace in blue and white colors, and the rest of the village followed his example.
Nowadays, the Palace Ennejma Ezzahra works as a museum, monument of Arab-Islamic architecture, and center of Arabic and Mediterranean music.
Visit Museum Dar El-Annabi
Museums Dar El-Annabi is giving you a chance to discover an old traditional Sidi Bou Said residence. Visitors can admire the private library, prayer room, living room, bedrooms, garden, and terrace with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Tunis. A great spot for a person who is interested in architecture. Dar El-Annabi gives an insight into life before.
Where to stay? Sidi Bou Said travel guide
There are not too many hotels in the area due to the small size of Sidi Bou Said. But the selection of the hotels includes wonderful boutique hotels. In addition, you will find a good amount of Airbnb options. In general, the price level of the accommodations is slightly higher than elsewhere in Tunisia. I highly encourage you to book a hotel or Airbnb for one or two nights and enjoy the stunning views.
La Villa Bleue
La Villa Bleue is located in the heart of Sidi Bou Said. The hotel offers its guests a selection of 13 rooms and suites. All the rooms are decorated differently, following modern and traditional designs.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast on the terrace and enjoy the stunning view of the Mediterranean sea. If you want extra relaxation, try traditional Hamman with Spa treatments or spend time by the pool. The hotel has a great restaurant that is worth trying. Have a dinner of Tunisian and Mediterranean dishes with an elegant touch.
Hotel Dar Said
A stay in Hotel Dar Said gives you a view of the Gulf of Tunis, an outdoor swimming pool, a hammam, and breakfast prepared with local ingredients. Start a day with breakfast calmly in the hotel’s garden. The hotel’s location in the center of the town gives you easy access to the town. Willing to swim? The closest beach is about 1km away.
Villa Kahina - Sidi Bou Said travel guide
Stunning white and blue colored Villa Kahina is located at the tip of Sidi Bou Said. The villa has been renovated and opened for accommodation use quite recently. This six-room villa offers its visitors complete relaxation and a calm atmosphere. The villa is close to everything, but there is not too much traffic and wandering tourists. The location “at the end of the street” is perfect.
Are you hesitating about which hotel to choose in Sidi Bou Said? I really recommend choosing Villa Kahina… I guess it has enchanted me.
La Demeure
La Demeure is a guest house located in the historical Sidi Bou Said. You are welcomed to the luxury guest house, where you can choose to stay in one of the five suites and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean beachfront. Check pictures of La Demeure, and you might choose this one for your next stay in Sidi Bou Said.
Airbnb
The hotels’ prices tend to increase in the summertime. The other great option for accommodation is Airbnb. Sidi Bou Said has a great selection of Airbnb options to choose from. Check their website and pick one that fits your standards, and you might find a real gem at a good price.
How many days should I spend in Sidi Bou Said?
You should spend at least one day or night in Sidi Bou Said. Then you will have time to discover the cultural attractions, eat in a pleasant restaurant, and enjoy the stunning view in one of the cafes. But if you have a limited schedule, a couple of hours in Sidi Bou Said is enough to see all the top attractions and eat one Bambalouni.
Are you planning to spend one week or more in Sidi Bou Said? I would say that there aren’t enough things to do in Sidi Bou Said for one week. If you are looking for a holiday filled with activities. But the town’s location is excellent, and places such as Carthage, Medina, and Tunis are nearby.
The best time to visit Sidi Bou Said is in spring and autumn. The temperature isn’t too hot from March to May and September-November, and the town is not so crowded. Also, finding reasonably priced accommodation is easier.
Where to eat - Sidi Bou Said travel guide
Even if you are not going to stay in Sidi Bou Said overnight, you should have enough time for lunch or dinner. Try one of the listed restaurants, and you will have a happy tummy.
Villa Bleue
La Villa Bleue is five stars hotel that offers outstanding facilities and views. The place itself is already worth visiting but they also serve delicious food. The menu contains Tunisian and Mediterranean dishes with an elegant touch. If you are looking for a sophisticated restaurant, this is the perfect place. La Villa Bleau is a high-end restaurant where food, atmosphere, facilities, and service are 5/5. I must add that this place has an excellent price-quality ratio.
Au Bon Vieux Temps
A restaurant, Au Bon Vieux Temps, serves Tunisian and French cuisine. In the world culinary awards 2011, the restaurant was a nominee in Africa’s best restaurant category. Au Bon Vieux Temps offers high-quality food with a stunning sea view. A perfect restaurant for special occasions: birthdays, celebrations, dates, and business meetings.
Restaurant Dar Zarrouk
Dar Zarrouk is a high-end restaurant in the heart of Sidi Bou Said. Here you fill your stomach with French cuisine, tapas, desserts, and also Tunisian specialties. Their wine menu contains mostly Tunisian wines as well Champagnes. A perfect restaurant for a little celebration or date. If you are not feeling hungry, have a cocktail or cup of warming tea in their bar.
Best cafes - Sidi Bou Said travel guide
Maybe you have just a couple of hours to enjoy in Sidi Bou Said or looking for a spot for a cup of coffee. I am here to share three great cafes with you.
Cafe Des Delices is the most well-known cafe in Sidi Bou Said and is popular among tourists. The reason why you should go here is the location and spectacular views. Unfortunately, the prices are slightly more expensive, and the service is not top-notch.
Cafe Des Nattes is another popular cafe. Enjoy your cup of mint tea or lemonade surrounded by blue and white houses. In addition, the cafe is decorated in the traditional Tunisian way. Note that this cafe does not have a sea view, but a wonderful view anyway.
The restaurant Blu Blu Sidi Bou serves dinner, but they have a wide selection of sweets and beverages. The decoration and atmosphere are more modern. A great place to spend your evening!
This was my ultimate Sidi Bou Said travel guide. Are you convinced to travel there? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. I will be glad to help. See you again next week, take care and enjoy the beginning of September.