Are you looking for the ultimate Tunisia bucket list? Keep reading for 40 suggestions. I have spent months in Tunisia. But still, I haven’t seen all this country has to offer! I have seen and experienced a lot in Tunisia, and that’s why I wanted to share these things with you too. I have put together this Tunisia bucket list – 40 things to do and see in Tunisia. So, now you don’t need to spend ages researching things to do. From the charming Sidi Bou Said to camping in the Sahara Desert, this list includes all the must-do activities in Tunisia. I hope you find this Tunisia bucket list handy on your trip.
Tunisia bucket list - 40 things to do and see in Tunisia
1. Wander around La Medina, Tunis
La medina literally means city or town, which are known for narrow and maze-like streets. From La medina, you will find hundreds of little boutiques (=souks) that sell products from handcrafted jewelry to colorful carpets and vases. It’s easy to spend hours or even days wandering around La Medina. Visiting charming boutiques, stop at one of the many restaurants and cafes, admire brightly painted doorways, hammams, mosques, and madrassas. Visiting La medina is a mandatory place to visit. That’s why it is on this Tunisia bucket list – 40 things to do and see in Tunisia.
2. Tunisia bucket list: Have a day trip to Sidi Bou Said
Your trip to Tunisia won’t be complete without seeing Sidi Bou Said. It is one of the most famous and beautiful places in Tunisia. It’s known for blue and white houses and cobblestoned streets. This charming seaside town is located about 20km north of Tunis. This popular tourist attraction is definitely worth visiting. Stroll through the old town and explore art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and small boutiques. And do not forget to eat a well-known Bambalouni, a delicious Tunisian doughnut. At the end of the day have dinner in the restaurant La Villa Bleue: stunning view, beautiful milieu, and delightful food.
3. Tunisia bucket list: Visit Ez-Zitouna Mosque
I didn’t know much about Tunisia when I had my first trip there. But I had one thing in my mind: To visit the famous Zitouna mosque. This absolutely gorgeous mosque is located in the heart of Tunis Medina. If you are a non-Muslim then you have a right to visit just the courtyard, but it is definitely worth visiting. This place has an amazingly peaceful atmosphere, which makes it a great escape from the hectic Medina. Remember to dress correctly for the Mosque visit. Tip: women need to cover their hair. At the entrance, there are boutiques where you can borrow a scarf if you don’t have one with you.
4. Discover the Bardo National Museum
If you love culture and you are interested in the history of Tunisia, you should visit the Bardo National Museum. It happens to be one of the most important museums on the African continent. Additionally, they have a stunning collection of mosaics and sculptures. You can easily spend one day there and a lot of people say that it is a must thing to do in Tunisia.
5.Tunisia bucket list: Drink Tunisian coffee in one of the thousands of cafes
Tunisia has a really strong café culture. The atmosphere is really unique, which I have never experienced in any other country. It is a perfect opportunity to experience how Tunisian people live their everyday life. The cafes are the meeting points for Tunisian people and it’s really common to visit your local café many times per day. You will see cafes full of all kinds of people: a young, old, group of friends, foreigners, females, and males. On your visit try Tunisian espresso, capucin, direct, and qahwa Arbi (Arabic coffee). Here you find more information about Tunisian drinks.
6. Eat Bambalouni in Sidi Bou Said or La Goulette
Bambalouni is one of the traditional Tunisian sweets that you have try to on your trip. Famous Tunisian doughnut Bambalouni is usually served with sugar or chocolate sauce. You can buy this mouthwatering pastry from street vendors in Sidi Bou Said or La Goulette. If you have a big sweet tooth here you find a list of Tunisian sweets you should try on your trip.
7. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea
When I asked my husband what are the must things to do in Tunisia. The first thing he said is to swim. Tunisia has a long coastline with some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches. That is why Tunisia is a perfect destination for beach-lovers! Some of the best beaches are located in Hammamet, Monastir, Djerba, El Haouaria, Cap Angela and Sfax.
8. Go to see Flamingo Island (Ras R’mal)
Djerba is an island that is also a very popular tourist destination. It’s known for stunning beaches and picturesque villages with whitewashed houses. There is also a very magical place that you should visit without question. The exotic Flamingo Island is a mandatory place to visit when on Djerba. If you are willing to see thousands of beautiful flamingos then go to this island in the winter months October-February. During the summer the flamingos are not there. But with flamingos or not, this beautiful island is still worth visiting and a boat ride to this island is also a great experience.
9. Tunisia bucket list: Pay a visit to the Sahara Desert
If you are looking for an adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experience, visiting the Sahara Desert is one of the best things to do in Tunisia. I would say that to have a full experience you should stay overnight in Sahara. There is nothing more magical than eating dinner around a campfire, under the sky full of stars. If you are planning to have a day trip you can discover the dunes and oasis with camel ride, quad bikes, or 4W ride.
10. Party!
There are many great clubs, bars, and lounges to party in Tunisia. I am sure that you will find one that fits your wishes and expectations. If you are looking for a place to have fun, there is a great app called Ija, that you should download on your phone. You will see a list of clubs, bars, restaurants…Then you pick the place that suits you and you can do a reservation and hopefully, you got it accepted. Then when you enter the place, you simply show the accepted reservation.
11. Eat!
One of the greatest things about traveling is to discover new food cultures. I love Tunisian food and I don’t mind that eating out is very affordable also. Tunisian cuisine is full of magical dishes, so you can easily try a new delicious meal every day. Here I have written guides for Tunisian dishes, sweets, and drinks. Those will help you at the beginning if you don’t know where to start. Tunisia is a perfect destination for foodies and people who love to eat.
12. 40 things to do and see in Tunisia: Go to Hammam
Hammam known also as the Turkish bath is a communal bathhouse. Hammams are an important part of Tunisian culture. I really recommend visiting a local Hammam during your trip as it is an experience that you don’t want to miss. So how does it work? Shortly answered, first you will sit in a steam room that will soften your skin. After that, the professional washers will give your full body scrub and wash your body. You will be shocked how much dead skin will get off. Men wear boxers or towels around their hips and women wear panties but you can also put a towel around your chest if you don’t feel comfortable. After the Hammam drink something refreshing like lemonade or Fanta.
13. Ride the camel
In Tunisia, you will see camels a little bit everywhere: at the beach, the Sahara Desert, or even in front of the café. There are many tour operators offering camel rides in the Sahara Desert, which will be a great experience for sure. Often, you will see people selling camel rides at the beach, which is a more affordable option than heading to the Sahara. If riding a camel is not a thing for you at least you can take a picture of this majestic animal.
14. Enjoy the live music
Now is your perfect opportunity to discover traditional and newer Tunisian music. Music is very important for Tunisian people, and it plays a big role in their lives. The Tunisian weddings and other celebrations are filled with traditional Tunisian music. So, if you have an opportunity to go to a live music concert, you really should go! In the concerts, the atmosphere is always very good and listening to traditional music is a great way to understand Tunisian culture. In addition, Tunisian people love to dance and have fun.
15. Tunisia bucket list: Go to the Arabic disco
If you are fed up with westerns style nightclubs, I recommend going to the Arabic disco. I remember my first time in the Arabic disco, and it makes me laugh. In the Arabic disco, they play traditional Arabic music, and Tunisian people have their own kind of way to dance these songs. The evening was also filled with oriental dancers and fire performances. So, it’s totally a new experience if you are not familiar with Arabic culture beforehand.
16. Buy a handcrafted Tunisian product
On your stay in Tunisia, you will explore unique markets and souks in medinas with a wide variety of beautiful products. Tunisia has a long history with handcrafts, and there are numerous amounts of local specialties. Leave some space in your suitcase as you are surely heading home with a suitcase full of beautiful Tunisian souvenirs. In this article, I have listed 13 things to buy from Tunisia.
17. Visit Tunisian bakery, and buy a box full of goodies
Tunisia has a strong love for sweets. Tunisia offers a great range of handmade sweets, crunchy cookies, and delightful pastries. Visit one of the many Tunisian bakeries, and start testing all the delicious Tunisian sweets. Try at least: Samsa, Zouza, Baklava and Makroudh. I wrote a blog post about 10 popular Tunisian sweets you need to try. If you are looking for high-quality and Instagram-worthy sweets then go to Patisserie Masmoudi.
18. Drink refreshing Tunisian lemonade
During hot summer days, there is nothing more refreshing than a glass of cold citronnade/lemonade served with an almond biscuit. The Tunisian lemonade is made of fresh lemons, water, white sugar, and vanilla sugar, this creates juice that is super sweet, fruity, cloudy, and less bitter if compared to the American lemonade. It can be seasoned with mint. It is super delicious, and kids will love it also. This thing is really at the top of my Tunisian bucket list! This drink is so yummy!
19. Go to see amphitheater El Djem
El Djem is a must-place to see in Tunisia. Especially, for a history lover. Every year thousands of tourists visit the biggest historical tourist attraction in Tunisia. A very well-preserved Roman amphitheater is one of the biggest in the world. It’s located in a small village called El Djem. If you are in Tunisia mainly to enjoy swimming and sunbathing, this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site is something that you should not miss.
20. Take pictures of the colorful doors of La Medina, Tunis
If you are looking for free things to do in Tunisia, this is a great tip for you! Might be that you have seen pictures of beautiful colored wooden doors in Instagram or Pinterest feeds. One of the greatest spots to see these beautiful wooden doors is in La Medina, Tunis. Now, fill up your social media feed with stunning pictures also.
21. Go to the market square and buy plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
I am not sure if it’s only me but I truly enjoy visiting the market squares. I love the fresh and organic products, talking with the sellers, and the atmosphere in general. I understand that you don’t necessarily want to fill your hotel room with tomatoes and cucumbers. But you should go and buy fresh dates instead.
22. Visit Tunisian spice store. Tunisia is a great place to buy spices
Here, I wrote a guide about the most traditional and popular Tunisian spices. So, check it out! It will help you to decide what spice you should buy. The spice stores filled with piles of colorful spices are very beautiful, so you can also spend a day simply window shopping without buying anything.
23. Try harissa, Tunisian hot chili pepper paste (must thing on your Tunisia bucket list)
This Tunisian bucket list- things to do and see in Tunisia wouldn’t be complete without harissa. On your stay in Tunisia, very fast you get to know this hot chili paste as it’s served everywhere and all the time. It’s an important ingredient in many Tunisian traditional dishes. If you a fan of spicy food, buy a couple of cans of this hot goodness. Harissa is a very useful product in your pantry as there are multiple ways to use it. How could I write the Tunisia bucket list without including harissa?
24. Tunisia bucket list - 40 things to do and see in Tunisia: Eat Tunisian dates
Tunisia is one of the world’s biggest producers and exporters of dates. There are hundreds of date types that are divided into groups: soft, semi-dry, and dry depending on how moist is the date. The most produced date in Tunisia is Deglet Nour “finger of light” other typical dates are Allig, Khouat Allig, and Kenta. Buy a packet of dates as a souvenir or maybe one of the many date products like honey, vinegar, oil, or powder. Fascinating fact: maybe you have heard about a belief among Muslims, that dates should be eaten in odd numbers to gain the maximum amount of health benefits.
25. Go for a long beach walk
Having long beach walks is one of my favorite things to do in Tunisia. It’s an amazing way to start a morning, and it’s so relaxing. If you are a sporty person, the long coastline is a perfect place for running. During the summer it’s better to go for a run, in the early morning or late evening when the weather isn’t too hot yet. This thing is a great addition to your Tunisia Bucket list.
26. Have a coffee at Panorama Medina Café, Tunis
Next on this Tunisian bucket list- 40 things to do and see in Tunisia..Panorama Medina cafe! If you are looking for a café with a stunning view visit the Panorama Medina Café. The rooftop café itself is also amazingly beautiful with all the mosaic details. The place might be a little bit tricky to find, so my advice is to take a screenshot of the place and show it to the people and they will kindly show you the way.
27. Tunisia bucket list wouldn't be complete without this: Get to know Tunisian people
One of the most beautiful things in Tunisia is the Tunisian people and their hospitality. There are so many amazing people who are incredibly generous and warm-hearted. So, my advice is to get to know Tunisian people. There might be a little language barrier with some of the people but it does not matter. With Tunisians, you will learn about the Tunisian culture and lifestyle. This is the best way to discover the real Tunisia.
28. Eat Mezza and plenty of seafood
Is there anything better than fresh seafood with a very affordable price? In Tunisia, you will have a great opportunity to eat seafood that has been caught in the morning. So delicious! Other, great tip is to eat Mezza: a selection of grilled meats and seafood. If you are in Tunis, go to the restaurant Omek Sanafa and eat mouthwatering Mezza at a good price. They also offer a good selection of traditional Tunisian meals if the Mezza isn’t for you.
29. Places to see in Tunisia: Visit Star Wars filming spot
You need to head towards southern Tunisia to see the original sets where the famous Star Wars were filmed. Some of the filming spots are destroyed by time but there are still many places worth visiting. Some of the well-preserved places are located in Matmata, Tozeur, Tataouine, and Djerba Island. Most of the filming spots are located in the desert and might be hard to find. So, contact one of the many tour operators and make the most out of this experience. It is a must place to visit, and a very popular attraction among tourists, especially if you are into Star Wars. So of course this place found its’ place on my Tunisia bucket list.
30. Dive
Tunisia’s beautiful and long coastline has many wonderful diving spots. People say that going under the sea is one of the best things to do in Tunisia. Clearwater, colorful coral reefs, shipwrecks, and lively sea life make Tunisia a perfect destination for a diving holiday. There are many great places to start discovering life under the sea in Tunisia. So, here is just a couple of options to get you started: Tabarka, Hammamet, Bizerte, Port El Kantaoui, Mahdia and Djerba.
31. Discover Matmata caves
Matmata is a small town located in southern Tunisia. It’s famous for being one of the few Berber villages and their special way of housing. Its unique architecture makes it a popular destination among tourists. Matmata was one of the locations where the legendary Star Wars movies were filmed. You need to have Matmata caves on your Tunisian bucket list.
32. Go for a road trip
One of the greatest ways to explore a new country is to rent a car and go for a road trip. Tunisia is a really versatile destination: mountains, the Sahara Desert, long coastline, small villages, and big cities. It’s also an amazing way to find hidden beaches and try the area’s food specialties! If you are planning to have a road trip during the summer, I highly recommend renting a car with an AC. Tunisian traffic is also a bit chaotic, so pay attention when driving.
33. Tunisia bucket list: Experience Ramadan
If your visit to Tunisia takes a place during the holy month of Ramadan, you should make the most out of the experience. During the daytime, the country is really calm and very lively during the night. Cafes, patisseries, and restaurants are open during the night and all kinds of music are played on the streets. To get the real experience, I advise you to visit a Tunisian home: cook many beautiful meals with them and when the time comes to break the fasting with the meals you cooked before.
34. Places to see in Tunisia: Visit the pottery capital Nabeul
Nabeul is a town located 65 km from Tunis. It’s famous for pottery and handcrafted ceramics. You can find all kinds of ceramic items: glazed, unglazed, colored, neutral. Walk around the streets and you won’t find only pottery boutiques but also other handcrafts: stone, gold, silver, fabric, perfumes. It’s a great place to fill up your luggage with Tunisian products.
35. Visit Tunisian family place
The best way to get a full Tunisia experience is to visit a Tunisian home. It’s a great way to see their everyday life. Especially old Tunisian homes are very stunning: high room heights, vivid tilework, and colorful window frames. And get ready for Tunisian hospitality. You will eat and drink a lot!
36. Barbeque
In Tunisia, you will find special barbeque restaurants. In the restaurant, they have a selection of fresh meat and you will choose the pieces you want. They will barbeque those for you in a charcoal grill. Fresh meat combined with smokey flavor is so delicious! At Tunisian homes or boutiques, you might see small clay pots filled with charcoal. A metal rack is placed over the pot and then we grill! You will wave a hand fan and keep fire in charcoals. This way of grilling is very popular on Eid-al-Adha when sheep and goats are slaughtered as a sacrificial gift.
37. Try Henna
Henna has a big role in Tunisian culture. It’s said that it brings good fortune to a bride. Henna party is one of the most important days for Tunisian women. Henna is a natural dye that is used to decorate hands and feet with beautiful patterns. On the steers, you will see women painting beautiful patterns for their customers. Often, they use Harkous instead of Henna. The easiest way to tell the difference between Henna and Harkous: Harkous smells good and it’s much thicker compared to Henna.
38. If you get the chance visit the Tunisian wedding
If you ever get invited to a Tunisian wedding, you should definitely go. It’s an amazing combination of culture, hundreds of people, beautiful outfits, traditional music and a lot of food. Before the wedding was week-long celebrations, so you can imagine that Tunisian people take wedding very seriously.
39. Things to do in Tunisia: Hiking
Might be that the first thing that comes to your mind about Tunisia is not hiking. But actually, Tunisia has many breathtakingly stunning hiking spots to offer. You can also rent a bike or go for a horse ride. A couple of beautiful spots to mention: Lake Ichkeul, El-Haouaria, Zaghouan and Kairouan.
40. Have a beauty treatment
On Monday manicure, Tuesday pedicure, Wednesday facial, Thursday hairdresser, Friday massage… During your holiday you have a great opportunity to have many beauty treatments at very affordable prices. Maybe Tunisia will be your next destination for a girls’ trip.
I hope you enjoyed this Tunisian bucket list – things to do and see in Tunisia. I am sure that from these 40 things you will find something new for yourself! There are so many great things do and places to see in Tunisia. Is there something else that you would add to your Tunisian bucket list?