17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Tunisia
Often seen as simply a beach destination, Tunisia has a bucketful of surprising tourist attractions and things to do for those that venture off the sandy shores.
This is North Africa wrapped up into one bite-sized package.
There are alleyways of pastel-washed houses and crowded souk streets to explore in the cities; ancient ruins to discover out in the countryside; and the vast desert expanse of the Sahara to the south with its sweeping dunes, craggy mountains, and hidden, palm-tree-filled oases.
Tunisia was Rome's breadbasket, and the cultural riches the Romans left behind are more than enough reason to visit. But the history of Arab Empires has also bestowed the country with some of the region's most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.
When you've craned your neck at Kairouan's minarets and played gladiator at El Djem, it's time to head into the Sahara to sample the raw, empty beauty of the desert.
The sun-soaked beaches of the Mediterranean coastline, fringed by palms and lapped by gentle waves, will still be waiting for you when you get back.
Discover where to go and what to see in this diverse country with our list of the top tourist attractions and places to visit in Tunisia.
1. El Djem Amphitheater

The walls of the mighty Roman amphitheater of El Djem dwarf the surrounding modern town.
This incredibly well-preserved Roman relic is Tunisia's big sightseeing highlight, one of the most popular things to do on day trips from the coastal resorts, and one of the best examples of amphitheater architecture left standing in the world.
The monumental bulk of the walls are a reminder of Rome's once-mighty grip across North Africa.
You can still walk the corridors under the arena, just like the gladiators did. Or, climb up to the top seating tiers and sit staring across the arena, imagining the battles that took place below.
2. Djerba
If you're looking for the picture-perfect beach escape, then the island of Djerba checks all the right boxes.
The island town of Houmt Souk is the main point of interest off the beach, with an old town district that is a muddle of whitewashed houses.
Houmt Souk's shopping is an attraction in itself, with plenty of handicraft vendors for browsing and haggling opportunities off the beach.
But it's those sandy strips of shoreline out of town that are the island's most popular highlight. Pristine and trimmed by date palms, the beaches are relaxing, get-away-from-it-all settings where summer daydreams are made. Read More…