Kairouan
Save17 hand-picked places in 7 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
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Tips
7 places on the map
Instagrammable
- 1
Ninth-century Mosque of Uqba, one of Islam's oldest and holiest mosques.
3 tips
- Buy the combined monuments ticket for main sites
- Non-Muslims may enter the courtyard only, not the prayer hall
- Closed to visitors during Friday prayers
📷 Photos
- 2
Huge ninth-century circular water reservoirs built by the Aghlabid rulers.
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Covered by the combined monuments ticket
- Climb the tourist office roof for the best view
📷 Photos
- 3
Shrine 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
- 4
UNESCO-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
- 5
Small 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
- 6
Grand 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
Decorated 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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1-day itineraries in Kairouan
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.