When you plan to journey Tunisia, then right here’s 11 issues you must know earlier than you go.
From what to eat and methods to discover the perfect lodging, by way of to one of the best ways to get round, what to pack and a few high ideas for solo feminine travellers, that is my full information to prepping, planning and having fun with your travels on this implausible nation.
Whereas Morocco and Egypt could also be stealing the lion’s share of vacationers in north Africa, Tunisia’s allure lies exactly in the truth that massive [arts of the country remaining undiscovered by foreign tourists.
And from beaches to deserts, ancient historic sites to quaint cobbled-street towns, trust me when I say there’s a lot to discover here!
So if you’re heading to this fab country soon, take a read of my following top Tunisia travel tips…
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My trip to Tunisia was sponsored by the Authentic Tunisia campaign but, as always, all views are my own.
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#1 When to Travel Tunisia?
I really recommend travelling Tunisia in either the spring or autumn months.
As with other countries in North Africa, May June, September and October are ideal months to visit Tunisia because temperatures are still warm enough for sightseeing and the beach, but you’ll avoid the scorching temperatures of the summer months.
Winter months are a great time to travel Tunisia if you want to avoid the crowds and get a real bargain, but do beware that, especially in the north of the country, it can be wet and cold during these months.
Learn more in this article I wrote all about the best time to visit Tunisia.
#2 How to Get to Tunisia?
Unless you’re travelling overland from Algeria (which while is possible, is certainly not popular), the vast majority of travellers arriving into Tunisia will come by air.
There’s several international airports in the country, but the main ones are…
#1 Tunis-Carthage – best if you want to begin your travels in the capital Tunis or nearby Sidi Bou Said
#2 Enfidha – Hammamet International Airport – best option if you’re heading for a beach holiday at the Hammamet resort or nearby
#3 Djerba Zarzis International Airport – located on the beautiful island of Djerba
#4 Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport – situated near the coastal city of Sousse
#5 Sfax Thyna International Airport – best for exploring the south of the country
The great news is that from most European cities, flights to Tunisia only take around 2-3 hours.
As always I use Skyscanner to find the best prices.
#3 How Best to Travel Around Tunisia?
In the Tunis-Carthage area, there is a handy metro and regional light train service that gets you between the main areas.
The Bolt rideshare app (like Uber) also exists in this area and is a great idea for getting around without having to worry about language barriers and confusing prices!
Beyond that, long distance trains service major cities including Sousse, El Jem, Sfax, Bizerte and Gabès and for smaller towns buses or shared minivan taxis, known as louage, as are common modes of transport.
Bookaway is a great site for booking train, bus and private transfer options in Tunisia.
Public transport can be a bit patchy however and isn’t always idea for getting around if you’re on a short itinerary.
As such, I really suggest hiring a car to explore this country – especially the north and east – and always recommend Discover Cars for the job.
Alternatively, if you feel more confident travelling Tunisia as part of a group, or with a guides, check out these top Tunisia tours.
#4 How Long to Travel Tunisia For?
I really recommend a minimum of 7 days to travel Tunisia, this will allow to you to enjoy a couple of destinations located close to each i.e. Tunis, Carthage, Bizerte and Dougga.
If you want to travel more widely across the north of country, including to explore fab destinations such as Al-Huwariyah, Sousse and Zaghouan, then I suggest at least 10 days.
Check out this epic 10 day itinerary for the north of Tunisia here.
If you’d also like to explore the south of Tunisia – including the islands of Djerba and some of the key Star Wars sites in the dessert, then you’ll need to allow at least 2 weeks for your travels here.
#5 What to Pack for Your Tunisia Travels?
What many people don’t realise is that temperatures in Tunisia can be mild across the country even in the late spring and early autumn months.
This is especially true in the more mountainous north of the country, but even in the desert at night.
As such, I certainly advise bringing some warmer layers with you, including a wind and water proof thin jacket.
Trainers or sneakers are a great idea so you can enjoy sightseeing and some active pursuits in this country and don’t forget some longer trousers for cooler days too.
For beach days you’ll need swimwear, sunscreen, sunhat and a sarong, while for deserts and religious sites, thin light clothing that covers the knees, chest, shoulders and upper arms is required.
Outside of these, don’t forget a good day pack, a filter water bottle, a good camera, a decent guidebookand a Arabic or French phrasebook.
Learn more in this complete Tunisia packing guide I wrote.
#6 Travel Insurance for Tunisia
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
#7 Best Things to Do in Tunisia
As most people are aware, Tunisia is filled with some fantastic beaches and stunning stretches if the Sahara, so if you want to get a good dose of sun, sea and sand (especially outside of the peak summer months), this country makes a good base.
But did you know travelling Tunisia also offers tons of great stuff to do away from these classic pursuits, including a huge range of active and historic attractions.
Heading to ancient UNESCO-listed sites, such as the Carthage ruins, El-Djem amphitheatre, Dougga archaeological site and Kairouan’s Grand Mosque are some great examples, but between these you can also enjoy a range of outdoor adventures such as kayaking, climbing, caving, cycling , hiking, sailing and diving.
My favourite spots of outdoor activities include the region of Cape Bon, Zaghouan and Siliana.
The latter of these also boasts an amazing array of traditional craft workshops with local women, from cooking to weaving.
Learn more about all these in this list of top 21 things to do in Tunisia.
#8 Is Tunisia Safe to Travel?
I found Tunisia incredibly safe to travel and never felt hassled, watched or pestered when adventuring here, even as a solo female.
In smaller towns especially, I felt comfortable wandering around in the evening and, generally speaking, found the country to be more liberal than other countries I’ve visited in North Africa.
In particular, alcohol was available in hotels across the country and I found wearing three quarter-length trousers with singlets and a thin scarf to be totally adequate.
While there was been some events that have targeted tourists in the past, in general, I’d say Tunisia feels very safe to travel as long as you follow the usual common sense precautions.
Taking a SIM card is a great way to feel reassured when travelling in less familiar parts of the world too. It’s also super handy for Google maps, Whatsapp and rideshare apps to help keep you safe.
aloSIM is a great solution as you buy it online before you arrive and then ensure you’re connected as soon as you touchdown in Tunisia.
#9 Is Tunisia Expensive?
I found Tunisia incredibly cheap to travel, inf act I’d rate it as one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever been to (probably only behind Armenia, Georgia, Egypt and Turkey).
Food here is very affordable, as is accommodation and getting around via public transport costs next to nothing.
As nightlife isn’t a big deal in this country (and is, infact, non-existent in many towns!), you won’t spend much on alcohol or going out in the evening.
The places you will spend a bit more as flights to the country (sadly no budget airlines fly here) and car hire or tours if this is how you choose to get around the country.
At the most basic end of things, you can easily travel Tunisia on $50 USD a day.
And when it comes to spending money in Tunisia, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card here, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.
The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card in Tunisia… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here.
#10 Where to Stay in Tunisia?
While Tunisia doesn’t have any hostels, it does however have a good selection of hotels and resorts across its main cities and resort areas.
For the best accommodation outside of these major destinations however, I high recommend the network of traditional guesthouses known as “dar”.
These are homestay like settings, usually in a traditional Tunisia home or guesthouses.
Small and boutique, they usually feature a few rooms, modern comforts and tend to offer homecooked meals in the evening, as well as breakfasts, which makes them even better in my opinion!
I really loved staying in these Dar properties across Tunisia because they all give a wonderful sense of the culture of this country, as well as comfortable and unique stays.
My top picks include…
Dar Villa Zembra in Al Huwariyah
Message them direct through the Instagram links above for the easiest booking process – it’s really hard for small Tunisian business to register with Booking.com or Airbnb.
#11 Food and Drink in Tunisia
If you weren’t in the know about Tunisian food then you’re in for a great surprise when you travel this country, because it’s honestly fantastic!
Spicy, fresh and delicious, a huge amount of food is produced in this country, which makes for a wonderful culinary tradition and almost everywhere you adventure here, you’ll get to enjoy seriously great meals.
With most of Tunisian food containing either meat or fish you’ll need to make sure you specify you don’t want either if you’re a vegetarian, but this is simple to do and most places are very happy to cater for non-meat and fish eaters I found.
Bread is a huge sample here (so non-gluten folk beware) and spice is too, with homemade harissa being heaped on every meal here… much to my delight!
Most meals are a few course long – soup, then salad, then main, then fruits, the tea and cakes! – and you’ll quickly learn Tunisian meal sizes are not small, so you have been warned!
As a majority Muslim country, alcohol is not commonly served in Tunisia and most meals are accompanied by water and finished with sweet tea.
Alcohol is not easy to find across the country, but can be sourced across restaurants and in hotels in most of the major towns and cities.
Tourist-dominated areas, as such as the resort of Hammamet, have hotels with bars for alcohol-seeking holiday makers.
You can’t drink the tap water in Tunisia, but bringing a Water To-Go bottle with you, will allow you too safely!
Learn more about these amazing travel products here.
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So there you have it, my top travel Tunisia tips.
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track in north Africa and away from the tourist crowds of Egypt and Morocco, then this country is for you!
Have any questions about travel in Tunisia still?
Then don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments box below and I’ll get back to you.