Taxi is a very common way to get around in cities and towns. You'll spot them easily – yellow color and you'll find them on the street. They are generally quite affordable. It's a good idea to make sure the driver turns on the meter ("compteur" in French) at the beginning of your ride to ensure you're charged a fair price based on the distance.
While pedestrians technically have the right of way, traffic can be pretty lively. It's also worth noting that sometimes traffic lights and lane markings aren't always strictly followed. A little extra vigilance can go a long way in making sure you have a safe and enjoyable time. Like any tourist destination, it is good to be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Couscous Shakshuka Ojja Slata Mechouia Brik Lablabi Tagine Seafood Etc..
Sfax, Tunisia, offers a blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. Here are some things you can see and do in and around Sfax: -Medina of Sfax: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Medina is a well-preserved example of a 9th-century Arab city. Explore its narrow alleyways and impressive ramparts, busy souks (markets) like Souk Rbaa for traditional clothes and carpets. Once in Medina, do not miss the Great Mosque, dating back to the same period, showcasing Islamic architecture, then visit Dar Jellouli Museum showing old Sfaxian families. You can also stop at Café Kemour and/or enjoy a traditional Tunisian lunch at one of the local restaurants and specialities within the Medina such as: Dar-Baya - Restaurant Café-Hotel, Chouaib-Le Pêcheur, Saffoud Abid. Beb Eddiwen, Beb Jebli and Beb Kasbah: These are three of the historical gates of the Medina, offering a glimpse into the city's past fortifications and architectural splendor. Please check opening hours with hotel reception before going to Medina. - Island of Kerkenah (Part of Sfax): Take a ferry to the Kerkennah Islands. These islands offer a peaceful retreat with serene landscapes, palm trees, and beautiful sunsets over the sea. You can enjoy the small villages, and savor fresh seafood. - Sfax is famous for its food. Some authentic seafood restaurants: La sirène, Le Corail, Baghdad and also Saint-Tropez. Cercina (local fisherman traditional bar & restaurant to visit during day-time). - Cafe/Fast-food close to the ibis hotel: TonTon, Cafeine and Mado. - For Tunisian pâtisserie: "Pâtisserie Masmoudi" at Sfax EL Jadida (a 10 min walk from hotel ibis). Also you can visit Madame Rekik, Madame Charfi. - Pottery / souvenir shopping at "Magasin de poteries" (a 15 min walk from ibis, put this in maps: PQV3+7V2, Sfax, Tunesien). - Pottery Slama + Rustica Bois d’olivier at Sfax-mall.
The currenty is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Prices are usually written with three decimals (referring to millimes). Example: 20000 millimes = 20 Dinars (Approx. 6 EUR) Payments are usually in cash while credit-cards are more accepted by larger establishements.
In restaurants and cafes prices are set. Bargaining is common and often expected in the souks (markets). It can be a fun part of the experience!
While Tunisia is a relatively liberal Muslim country, it's still wise for women to consider dressing more conservatively when visiting religious sites, rural areas, or local markets. Scarf is required when entering Mosque.
While the sale and consumption of alcohol are permitted in Tunisia, drinking alcohol in public areas (such as park, public spaces) is not accepted.
TunisiaTourism.info (tunisiatourism.info/en): It offers information about destinations, experiences (beaches, culture, nature, flavors, sports, World Heritage sites, golf), and also lists hotels. You can find practical details, content and videos. Discover Tunisia (discovertunisia.com/en/): discover Tunisia by theme (beach, culture, Sahara, well-being, flavors, activities, arts & crafts) and also provides practical information like weather and entry requirements. Inspiring Tunisia (explore-tunisia.com/uk-en): highlighting activities in different regions like Tozeur and Tabarka. Visit Tunisia DMC (visittunisiadmc.com/): offers insights into planning events and travel in Tunisia and has a blog with some destination information. Tunisia Travel Guide (tunisia-travel-guide.com/): focusing on cultural and other experiences. It provides information about different cities and regions and also offers options for tailor-made tours. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-tunisia
- El Jem Amphitheatre: Take a day trip (approximately 70 km from Sfax) to visit the impressive Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, one of the largest and best-preserved in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site. - Mahdia: Explore the former Fatimid capital of Mahdia (within a 2-hour drive), known for its dream beaches and large fishing port. - Sousse: Visit Sousse (within a 2-hour drive), a lively holiday resort with a UNESCO-listed Medina and historical sites like the Ribat. - Monastir: Discover Monastir (within a 2-hour drive), featuring lovely beaches and the impressive Ribat fortress. - Kairouan: Explore Kairouan (within a 2-hour drive), the first capital of Muslim Tunisia and a UNESCO World Heritage site with significant religious monuments.
Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia is rich in culture and history, please enjoy visiting: - Ruins of Carthage: Just outside Tunis, explore the remains of this ancient Phoenician city, once a powerful rival to Rome. Wander through the archaeological site featuring Roman villas, the Antonine Baths, Punic ports, and the Carthage National Museum. - Sidi Bou-Said: Visit this charming blue and white village perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll through its cobbled streets, admire the Andalusian architecture, browse art galleries, and enjoy a mint tea at the famous "Café des Délices" for stunning views. End the day on positive note and try Bambalouni ;) - Medina of Tunis: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, bustling souks (markets), and historic buildings. Discover traditional crafts, spices, perfumes, and local life. Don't miss the Ez-Zitouna Mosque (Olive Tree Mosque), one of the oldest and most important mosques in Tunisia, known for its impressive architecture. You can wander through the various souks like Souk El Attarine (perfumers) and Souq des Chechias (traditional red felt hats). - Bardo National Museum: Housed in a former Beylical palace, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Roman mosaics, considered one of the best in the world. You'll also find Phoenician artifacts, early Islamic ceramics, and other historical treasures showcasing Tunisia's diverse cultural influences. - The Cathédrale Saint Vincent de Paul in Tunis, Roman Catholic church. For traditional food: Fondouk El Attarine: Offers traditional Tunisian cuisine in the heart of the Medina. Dar El Jeld: Known for its traditional Tunisian dishes served in an opulent setting. Dar Zarrouk: Located in Sidi Bou-Said Other traditional restaurants: See options in La Goulette. Good Longes/party are recommended in Gammarth.
Nabeul is the third largest city in Tunisia after Tunis and Sfax. Known for Pottery and mediterranean beaches. Nabeul and the surrounding "Cap-Bon region" are significant areas for citrus fruit production in Tunisia, including oranges. Nabeul pottery is a renowned Tunisian craft with a rich history and distinctive characteristics. it dates back to Roman times, around 148 BC, and even earlier to the Phoenicians. The city became a significant center for ceramics, influenced by Berber, Egyptian, Punic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Andalusian, Ottoman, and European styles. It is leading in the production of artistic pottery and tiles. Where to buy: Local Markets in Nabeul + Some shops specialize in Tunisian handicrafts and ceramics. Hammamet is a town in Nabeul known with its charming coastal resort town in Tunisia, known for its beautiful beaches, jasmine-scented air, historic medina, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular tourist destination.
Sousse is a vibrant city with a touch of history, culture, and beautiful beaches. Here are some things to do when visiting Sousse: - Medina of Sousse: This UNESCO World Heritage site features narrow streets and traditional markets. - Ribat of Sousse: Learn about Islamic military architecture at this ancient monument. - Port El Kantaoui is a tourist-oriented area with a boat harbor, waterfront esplanades, stores, restaurants, and cafes. - Sousse is a good option for party and night life.
El-Jem is a town in Tunisia, best known for its remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater/colosseum, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit to the Great Mosque of Kairouan
Tozeur and Douz are two distinct regions in Tunisia, each known for its unique characteristics: -Tozeur: Oasis City: Tozeur is a large oasis city with hundreds of thousands of palm trees and dates. It's known for growing the best dates in Tunisia, which are exported worldwide. -Douz: Douz is referred to as the "Gateway to the Sahara" and is a popular destination for experiencing the desert. It serves as a base for camel trips, desert treks and large palm oasis. Great idea to visit in November. If interested, we can recommend a travel-agency in Sfax for 2 or 3 days organized visit. *Recommended hotels: - Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas: www.anantara.com/en/sahara-tozeur - Diar Abou Habibi: www.diarhabibi.com - Palm Beach Palace Tozeur