Things to Do in Sousse, Tunisia: Medina, Ribat and Day Trips

What are the best things to do in Sousse? Explore the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 9th-century Ribat and Great Mosque, see the Roman mosaics in the Sousse Archaeological Museum, walk the souks, take a boat trip along the coast and spend time on the beaches of Boujaafar and Port El Kantaoui. Sousse is also the best base for the amphitheater of El Jem, Monastir and Kairouan. It is one of Tunisia’s most popular resorts, close to Enfidha and Monastir airports. This guide covers the top sights, day trips, how to get around and tips for your visit.

Planning a trip? Start with our complete Tunisia travel guide, our Tunisia visa guide and is Tunisia safe?

Sousse at a glance

The medina of Sousse

The walled medina is the heart of Sousse and its main sight. It was the port of the Aghlabid rulers in the 9th century, and UNESCO lists it as a typical example of a town of the first centuries of Islam, with its walls, fortress and mosques.

• The Ribat: a fortified monastery from the 9th century, built to defend the coast. Climb the watchtower for a view over the medina and the sea.
• The Great Mosque: a fortress-like mosque founded in the 9th century, next to the Ribat. Visitors can look into the courtyard outside prayer times.
• The souks: covered lanes of spices, leather, ceramics and textiles.
• The Kasbah: the fortress at the top of the medina, which houses the Archaeological Museum.

Top things to do in Sousse

Beyond the medina, Sousse mixes history, beaches and a lively seafront.

1. The Sousse Archaeological Museum: one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in Tunisia, inside the Kasbah.
2. The Catacombs of Sousse: early Christian underground burial galleries from the city’s Roman past as Hadrumetum.
3. Dar Essid: a traditional house-museum in the medina showing how a wealthy family lived.
4. Dar Am Taieb: a private art museum in an old house, where you can also try leather painting.
5. Boujaafar beach and the Corniche: the city beach and seafront promenade, busy on summer evenings.
6. Port El Kantaoui: the marina resort north of the city, with cafés, boat trips and golf.
7. A boat trip at sunset: cruises along the coast with swimming stops and music.
8. Quad biking and camel rides in the countryside outside town.

Day trips from Sousse

Sousse is the best base in Tunisia for day trips to the Sahel and the center of the country.

• El Jem: the huge Roman amphitheater, a UNESCO site, about an hour south. See our guide to Roman ruins in Tunisia.
• Monastir: its Ribat and the Bourguiba Mausoleum, about 30 minutes away. Read our Monastir guide.
• Kairouan: the holy city and its Great Mosque, about an hour inland.
• Mahdia: a quiet fishing town with a beautiful old quarter and beaches.
• Dougga: the best-preserved Roman town in Tunisia, as a long full day.

Getting to and around Sousse

Sousse is easy to reach by air, train or road, and easy to get around by taxi.

• By air: Monastir airport is closest; Enfidha-Hammamet handles many international flights.
• By train: trains run between Tunis and Sousse, and the Sahel metro line links Sousse with Monastir and Mahdia.
• By louage: shared minibuses connect Sousse with most Tunisian towns.
• In town: taxis are cheap and plentiful; insist on the meter.

Tips for visiting Sousse

• Visit the medina in the morning before the day-trip crowds.
• Dress modestly in the medina and when visiting mosques.
• Bargain politely in the souks.
• May, June, September and October are the best months for beaches without the peak summer heat and crowds.
• Carry cash for the souks and taxis.

Travel with a local guide

Simsem’s Tunisia host, Mohamed Ben Naceur, lives in Sousse and runs these experiences:

Meet Mohamed Ben Naceur and see all Tunisia experiences on Simsem.

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