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Planning a trip to Tunisian? Compare 4 tours and activities from licensed local guides, read genuine reviews and book online in minutes. Prices start from €44 per person.
People who type "things to do in Tunisian" into a search bar are usually after the same thing: the history, markets and Mediterranean light of Tunisia, with a beach within reach. This guide covers the central-east coast, the Sahel, where our tours run. Sousse, Monastir, El Jem and Kairouan sit close enough to combine in a few days.
It suits curious travellers who want more than a sun lounger: couples, families with teenagers, history readers and anyone who likes a walled medina over a shopping mall. What sets the area apart is the range. You can climb a ribat tower in the morning, stand inside a Roman arena by lunchtime and be back by the sea for dinner.
The old walled medina of Sousse is a UNESCO-listed maze of lanes, workshops and stalls, and the ribat, a fortified monastery from the early Islamic period, anchors it. You can climb its watchtower for views over the rooftops and the harbour. Our Sousse Heritage half-day tour puts the medina, the ribat and the museums into about four hours with someone who knows the shortcuts. Go in the morning, wear flat shoes for the worn stone, and keep your bargaining for the end of the walk.
The archaeological museum is housed in the old kasbah, and its Roman mosaics are the reason to go. They come from villas and public buildings across the region, and many are large enough to cover whole walls. Allow an hour if you enjoy detail, less if you only want the highlights. It is a good midday stop when the sun is at its strongest, since the rooms are cool. Check the current opening days before you go, as museum schedules change.
Monastir's ribat sits right by the sea and is one of the most photogenic old buildings on this coast. Its courtyard, cells and tower are easy to explore on foot, and the view from the top takes in the cemetery, the water and the town. Film fans may recognise it from a famous British comedy about a mistaken messiah. Our half-day Monastir tour covers it in around three and a half hours. Bring a hat, because there is little shade on the ramparts.
Habib Bourguiba, the first president of independent Tunisia, was born in Monastir and is buried here. The mausoleum, with its golden dome and tall minarets, is the most recognisable landmark in town. It is part of the same Monastir tour, so you do not need to arrange a separate visit. Dress respectfully, as it is a place of remembrance, and expect the light to be best in the morning or late afternoon when the gold catches the sun.
El Jem's amphitheatre dates from the Roman era and is among the best-preserved in the Roman world. Much of the structure still stands in the middle of an otherwise ordinary town, and you can walk through the tunnels and up into the seating. The El Djem Express takes about four hours and adds a local experience to the arena visit. Go early if you can, before the stone heats up, and bring water and sunglasses for the glare.
Kairouan is counted among the holy cities of Islam, and its Great Mosque, with a vast courtyard and a sturdy square minaret, is the centre of that story. Rules for non-Muslim visitors vary and can change, so ask your guide on the day what is open to you. Our full-day Kairouan and El Jem excursion takes about eight hours and pairs the mosque with the arena. Cover shoulders and knees, and bring something easy to slip on and off at doorways.
Away from the mosque, the medina of Kairouan is known for carpets, copperwork and pastries. Prices are rarely fixed, so take your time, compare a few shops and do not feel pushed to buy on the first visit. If you are on a day trip, ask your guide to point you to workshops where you can see things being made. A relaxed hour here is enough for most people, and a small bag for purchases is more useful than a large one.
On the edge of Kairouan, these large circular reservoirs from the early Islamic period once supplied the city with water. They are a short stop rather than a full outing, and they show how seriously the region took water management long before modern plumbing. Late afternoon light is flattering. Combine them with the mosque and medina rather than making a separate trip.
North of Sousse, Port El Kantaoui is a purpose-built marina resort, and an evening walk along the quay is a pleasant way to end a heritage day. You will find cafes, boats and plenty of places to sit with a mint tea. It is more polished than the medina and gives your feet a rest. Go around sunset when the heat drops and the promenade fills with local families.
Do not skip the food. Look for fresh grilled fish near the coast, brik pastry filled with egg and tuna, and strong sweet mint tea in the medina cafes. Lunch spots near the main sights can be touristy, so ask your guide or hotel for somewhere that locals use. Eat your biggest meal at midday on touring days and keep dinner light.
Spring, roughly April to June, and autumn, September to October, are the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing. Days are warm rather than fierce, the sea is pleasant, and the roofless sites of El Jem and the ribats are manageable even at midday.
Summer is hot and busy on the coast, with beach crowds at their peak. If you travel then, start tours early, plan indoor stops for the afternoon and keep water with you at all times. Evenings are lively and often the best time to be outside.
Winter is cooler and quieter. Some days are bright and good for walking, others are grey and rainy, so pack a light jacket. The medinas and monuments are less crowded, which suits photographers and anyone who dislikes queues. Swimming is for the brave.
You will normally arrive by air, and a private airport transfer saves you from negotiating a fare after a long flight. You can book a private airport transfer in advance so a driver is waiting when you land.
Once you are on the coast, the simplest way to see the main sights is on a guided tour. Our four excursions each run a defined length of time, from about three and a half hours for Monastir to a full eight-hour day for Kairouan and El Jem. That removes the need to work out routes, parking or entry arrangements yourself. For short hops within a town, local taxis are widely available, but agree the fare or check the meter before you set off. Check each tour page for meeting points and what is included.
If Roman history matters more to you than Sousse, swap the morning for the El Djem Express and keep the evening plan.
If you have a fourth morning, use it for markets, last-minute gifts or simply a long coffee.