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Bab ech Chouhada and around
A day in Kairouan · 9:30–17:00 · 6 stops
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mapvivid.com/kairouan/itineraries/bab-ech-chouhada-and-aroundA walking day around Bab ech Chouhada, Medina of Kairouan and Mosque of the Three Doors, with a lunch break nearby and Mosque of the Barber (Zaouia Sidi Sahab) to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Grand southern gate of the medina walls, a good starting point.
- Good spot for photos of the walls
- Taxis drop off near here
↓ 7 min walk
10:302UNESCO-listed walled old town of whitewashed lanes, souks and carpet shops.
- Avenue Habib Bourguiba is the main spine through it
- Carpet shops will invite you in; no obligation to buy
↓ 3 min walk
11:453Mosque of the Three Doors ↗1 h
Small ninth-century mosque with a richly carved Kufic facade.
- The facade is the main attraction, viewable from the street
- Interior is usually closed to non-Muslims
↓ 2 min walk
12:454Legendary well where a camel turns a wheel to draw holy water.
- Legend says drinking here means you will return
- A small tip is expected
Lunch
13:45Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 6 min walk
Afternoon
15:005Bab Tunis ↗30 minSunset
Decorated northern gate of the medina walls with striped stonework.
- Leads toward the Aghlabid Basins
- Nice at golden hour
↓ 20 min walk
16:006Mosque of the Barber (Zaouia Sidi Sahab) ↗1 hDress code
Shrine of a companion of the Prophet with superb tiles and stucco.
- The tiled courtyards are the highlight
- A 15 minute walk northwest of the medina
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Kairouan tips
Transportation
- Use louages: shared minibuses called louages link Kairouan with Tunis, Sousse and other cities; they leave when full from the louage station.
- Walk the medina: Kairouan's old town is compact and best explored on foot, from Bab ech-Chouhada to the Great Mosque.
- Take a taxi to outer sites: the Aghlabid Basins and the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahib are outside the walls; yellow taxis are cheap, so check the meter.
Local Hacks
- See the Barber's Mosque: the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahib has beautiful tiles and stucco, often quieter than the Great Mosque.
- Go early to the Great Mosque: arrive in the morning to see the courtyard in soft light and avoid tour groups.
- Visit during Mawlid: Kairouan hosts big celebrations for the Prophet's birthday with lively crowds and special sweets.
Saving
- Buy the combined ticket: a single ticket covers several monuments, including the Great Mosque and Aghlabid Basins; buy it at the first site you visit.
- Eat at local cafés: simple places serve couscous, brik and lablabi for much less than tourist restaurants.
- Bargain for carpets: Kairouan rugs are famous, but first prices are high; haggle patiently and compare several shops.
Security
- Beware carpet shop invites: friendly locals may lead you to carpet shops for a view of the mosque; politely decline if not interested.
- Dress modestly: covering shoulders and knees avoids unwanted attention in the conservative city, especially for women.
- Carry small change: keep small dinar notes for taxis and markets, as change can be scarce.
Cultural
- Respect the Great Mosque: non-Muslims may visit the courtyard but not the prayer hall; visits pause during prayer times.
- Taste makroudh: Kairouan is famous for these date-filled semolina pastries soaked in honey, sold fresh in the medina.
- Visit Bir Barouta: the historic well in the medina is drawn by a camel; legend links its water to Mecca.
Weather/Clothing
- Summers are very hot: June to September is scorching inland; visit monuments early and carry water and a hat.
- Winters can be chilly: December to February has cool nights; pack a jacket for evenings.
- Wear easy-off shoes: you remove shoes in religious buildings, so slip-ons make visiting mosques and mausoleums easier.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/kairouan/itineraries/bab-ech-chouhada-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–17:006 stops
Bab ech Chouhada and around
A walking day around Bab ech Chouhada, Medina of Kairouan and Mosque of the Three Doors, with a lunch break nearby and Mosque of the Barber (Zaouia Sidi Sahab) to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hGrand southern gate of the medina walls, a good starting point.
3 tips
- Good spot for photos of the walls
- Taxis drop off near here
- Start your medina walk heading north
📷 Photos
7 min walk
210:30 · 1 hUNESCO-listed walled old town of whitewashed lanes, souks and carpet shops.
3 tips
- Avenue Habib Bourguiba is the main spine through it
- Carpet shops will invite you in; no obligation to buy
- Try makroudh date pastries from local bakeries
📷 Photos
3 min walk
311:45 · 1 hSmall ninth-century mosque with a richly carved Kufic facade.
3 tips
- The facade is the main attraction, viewable from the street
- Interior is usually closed to non-Muslims
- Easy to miss, look for the three arched doors
📷 Photos
2 min walk
412:45 · 1 hLegendary well where a camel turns a wheel to draw holy water.
3 tips
- Legend says drinking here means you will return
- A small tip is expected
- Usually quick, 10 minutes is enough
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:45
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps6 min walk
Afternoon
515:00 · 30 minDecorated northern gate of the medina walls with striped stonework.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Leads toward the Aghlabid Basins
- Nice at golden hour
- Free to see anytime
📷 Photos
20 min walk
616:00 · 1 hShrine of a companion of the Prophet with superb tiles and stucco.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- The tiled courtyards are the highlight
- A 15 minute walk northwest of the medina
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Kairouan. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.