Sidi Bou Said
Save21 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Main cobbled lane of blue-and-white houses climbing into the village.
3 tips
- Arrive before 10am to beat tour groups
- Look for studded blue doors
- Shops sell birdcages and ceramics
📷 Photos
- 2
Legendary hilltop café with mats and pine-nut mint tea atop the steps.
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Order thé aux pignons
- Its steep green-red steps are iconic
📷 Photos
- 3
Baron d'Erlanger's palace, now the Centre of Arab and Mediterranean Music.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
- Tip: At night
2 tips
- Stunning carved plaster ceilings
- Check for evening concerts
📷 Photos
- 4
Traditional 18th-century house museum with courtyards and a rooftop view.
3 tips
- Climb to the rooftop terrace
- Mannequins show old family life
- Small entry fee includes tea
📷 Photos
- 5
Terraced cliffside café overlooking the Gulf of Tunis and marina.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best at sunset
- Try a fresh lemonade or mint tea
- Weekends fill up fast
📷 Photos
- 6
Vast seaside ruins of Africa's largest Roman baths in Carthage.
3 tips
- Ticket covers several Carthage sites
- No photos toward the presidential palace
- Bring sun protection
📷 Photos
- 7
Carthage's ancient acropolis with Punic ruins and sweeping bay views.
3 tips
- Combine with the National Museum
- Views over the Punic ports
- Shared Carthage pass ticket
📷 Photos
- 8
Yacht harbour below the cliffs with seafront cafes and a small beach.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Steep stairs lead down from the village
- Fish restaurants along the quay
- Nice evening stroll
📷 Photos
- 9
Circular military harbour and lagoon remains of the Punic naval base.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Small museum on the islet
- TGM station Carthage Byrsa is close
- Peaceful at sunset
📷 Photos
- 10
World-class collection of Roman mosaics in a Tunis palace, 20 km away.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
- Tip: Allow a few hours
1 tip
- Take a taxi from Sidi Bou Said
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Sidi Bou Said tips
Transportation
- Take the TGM train: The light rail from Tunis Marine station reaches Sidi Bou Said; it is a short uphill walk to the village.
- Use licensed taxis: Yellow taxis from Tunis or Carthage should use the meter; ask the driver to switch it on.
- Walk the village: The steep cobbled lanes are pedestrian; take your time and wear good shoes.
Security
- Beware of persistent sellers: Some vendors in tourist lanes can be pushy; a polite no thanks is enough.
- Keep valuables secure: Crowds on weekends and holidays can attract pickpockets; keep bags closed.
- Agree prices first: Before buying souvenirs or taking unmetered rides, agree on the price upfront.
Saving
- Visit on weekdays: Weekends bring crowds from Tunis; weekdays are quieter and easier.
- Eat beyond the main street: Cafes and eateries off the main lane often have lower prices.
- Combine with Carthage: The TGM train also stops at Carthage, letting you see both on one ticket-friendly day trip.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for hot summers: June to September is hot and sunny; bring a hat, sunscreen and light clothing.
- Bring a jacket in winter: Winters are mild but can be windy and rainy; layers help.
- Dress modestly: Light clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful when visiting the village.
Cultural
- Visit Cafe des Delices: Sip mint tea with pine nuts at this famous cafe overlooking the Gulf of Tunis.
- Admire the blue and white: The village's whitewashed houses and blue doors and shutters are its signature look.
- See Dar Ennejma Ezzahra: Baron d'Erlanger's palace is now a centre for Arab and Mediterranean music.
Local Hacks
- Try bambalouni: Grab a sugar-dusted bambalouni doughnut from a street stall as you wander.
- Go at sunset: The views over the marina and the gulf at sunset are best enjoyed from the cliffside cafes.
- Walk down to the marina: The path down to the harbour offers quieter views and seafood restaurants.
1-day itineraries in Sidi Bou Said
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Dar El Annabi and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops
- 1Dar El Annabi
- 2Café des Nattes
- 3Dar Ennejma Ezzahra
- 4Café des Délices
- 5Sidi Bou Said Marina
Day 2 of 2
Antonine Baths and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops
- 1Antonine Baths
- 2Acropolium (Saint Louis Cathedral)
- 3Carthage National Museum
- 4Byrsa Hill
- 5Punic Ports of Carthage