Simsem Country Guide · Updated for 2027
Aslema! Welcome to Tunisia. North Africa’s smallest country packs in more than most: the ruins of Carthage, one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world at El Jem, the medinas of Tunis, Sousse and Kairouan, the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, the island of Djerba and the dunes and salt lakes of the Sahara, all within a day’s drive and about two hours’ flight from much of Europe. This pocket guide covers where to go, visas and money in 2027, food, transport, safety and the local host who will show you his country.
- Best timeMay–Jun and Sep–Oct; Sahara Oct–Apr
- VisaVisa-free for US, UK, EU (90 days)
- CurrencyTunisian dinar (can't be exported)
- Trip length7–14 days
- LanguageArabic; French widely spoken
- Travel adviceUS Level 2; avoid border areas
Start here
Tunisia at a glance
Tunisia quick facts
All quick facts
Why visit Tunisia?
Because it combines Mediterranean beaches with some of the best ancient sites in the world and the Sahara, in a country small enough to see in a week or two. More than 11 million international visitors came in 2025, a record, and it is about two hours by air from Paris, Rome or Frankfurt.
Safety
Is Tunisia safe? For the places visitors go, yes. Tunisia is not at war, and more than 11 million international tourists visited in 2025. As of November 2026, the US rates Tunisia Level 2, “Exercise increased caution,” the same level it gives France and the UK, and advises against travel only to the Chaambi mountains and nearby military zones in Kasserine province and within 16 km of the Libyan border. The UK gives similar advice, with wider “all but essential travel” zones near the Algerian and Libyan borders. Tunis, Carthage, Sousse, Monastir, Hammamet, Djerba, El Jem, Tozeur and Douz are all outside these areas. Read our full answer to is Tunisia safe to visit?
Discover
Where to go
Top things to do in Tunisia
Eight places that belong on a first trip to Tunisia, each with its own complete guide.
Where to go in Tunisia
Most first trips combine Tunis and Carthage in the north with the Sahel coast around Sousse and the amphitheater of El Jem. With more time, travelers head to Dougga, Kairouan, the Sahara and Djerba. Here is the country region by region.
Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
The capital’s UNESCO medina, the Roman mosaics of the Bardo Museum, the ruins of Carthage and the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said are all linked by the TGM light railway. Read our guide to things to do in Tunis.
Sousse
Tunisia’s busiest resort has a real historic heart: a UNESCO medina with a 9th-century Ribat and Great Mosque, plus a superb mosaic museum and long beaches. It is the best base for El Jem, Monastir and Kairouan. Read our guide to things to do in Sousse.
Monastir
A calm seaside town with the oldest ribat in North Africa, founded in 796 and later a set for “Life of Brian,” and the golden-domed mausoleum of President Bourguiba. Read our Monastir guide.
El Jem, Dougga and the Roman sites
El Jem’s amphitheater held around 35,000 spectators; Dougga is the best-preserved Roman town in North Africa; Bulla Regia’s villas were built underground. Read our guide to Roman ruins in Tunisia.
Kairouan
Tunisia’s holy city, founded in 670, is home to the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and most important mosques in North Africa, along with a medina known for its carpets and makroudh pastries. It is about an hour from Sousse.
Djerba
A UNESCO-listed island of beaches, whitewashed villages, the ancient El Ghriba synagogue, pottery and street art. Read our Djerba guide.
The Sahara
The palm groves of Tozeur, the salt lake of Chott el Djerid, the dunes of Douz, the hot spring of Ksar Ghilane, the underground homes of Matmata and the Star Wars sets of Tatooine. Read our guide to the Tunisian Sahara.
Map of Tunisia
Tunis is in the north. Sousse and Monastir are about two hours south, El Jem an hour further, the Sahara four to five hours south-west and Djerba in the south-east. Tap a number on the map to open that place’s guide.
Tunis is in the north. Sousse and Monastir are about two hours south on the coast, El Jem an hour further, Tozeur and Douz four to five hours south-west, and Djerba in the south-east, a one-hour flight from Tunis.
Tunisia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Tunisia has nine sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List:
- Amphitheatre of El Jem (1979): see our Roman ruins guide
- Archaeological Site of Carthage (1979)
- Medina of Tunis (1979): see our Tunis guide
- Ichkeul National Park (1980), a lake and wetland for migrating birds in the north
- Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis (1985)
- Medina of Sousse (1988): see our Sousse guide
- Kairouan (1988)
- Dougga / Thugga (1997)
- Djerba (2023): see our Djerba guide
People and culture
Tunisians are known for their hospitality, humor and pride in a history that runs from Carthage to the 2011 revolution that started the Arab Spring. About 12 million people live in Tunisia, most of them along the coast.
- Heritage: Amazigh (Berber) roots, Phoenician Carthage, Rome, Arab and Ottoman rule, Andalusian refugees and the French protectorate have all left their mark.
- Languages: Tunisian Arabic (Derja) in daily life, Modern Standard Arabic in official use, and French widely spoken. English is common in tourism and among young people.
- Religion: most Tunisians are Sunni Muslims, and Djerba has one of the oldest Jewish communities in the Arab world.
- Society: Tunisia has long been one of the most progressive countries in the region on women’s rights, with its 1956 Code of Personal Status.
- Music and crafts: malouf music, pottery from Nabeul and Guellala, carpets from Kairouan and the chechia hats of the Tunis souks.
- Everyday life: cafés full of mint tea and conversation, Sunday beach days and long evenings in Ramadan.
Experience
Tours and videos
Tunisia experiences with local hosts
Tours with Simsem’s local host in Tunisia, Mohamed Ben Naceur:
Sousse Medina Walking Tour
A walk with Mohamed through the UNESCO-listed medina of Sousse, its souks, the Ribat and the Great Mosque.
Monastir: History, Medina and Coastal Walk
The Ribat of Monastir, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, the medina and the seafront with a local guide.
El Jem Amphitheater Private Tour
A private trip from Sousse or Monastir to the great Roman amphitheater of El Jem, a UNESCO site.
Dougga, Bulla Regia and Testour
A full day to the Roman city of Dougga, the underground villas of Bulla Regia and Andalusian Testour.
Sunset Boat Cruise from Sousse
A boat trip along the coast with swimming, music and the sunset over the Gulf of Hammamet.
Quad Bike and Camel Ride near Sousse
Quad biking and a camel ride in the countryside outside Sousse and Monastir.
Dar Am Taieb and Leather Painting Workshop
A visit to a private art museum in an old Sousse house and a hands-on leather painting workshop.
Which experience is right for you?
| Experience | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sousse Medina Walking Tour | 3 hours | A first look at the UNESCO medina, souks and Ribat |
| Monastir History, Medina and Coastal Walk | 3 hours | The Ribat, the Bourguiba Mausoleum and the seafront |
| El Jem Amphitheater Private Tour | 4 hours | Tunisia’s most famous Roman monument |
| Dougga, Bulla Regia and Testour | 8 hours | Roman towns in the green north-west |
| Sunset Boat Cruise from Sousse | 3 hours | Swimming, music and the sunset |
| Quad Bike and Camel Ride | 2 hours | An adventurous afternoon outside the resort |
| Dar Am Taieb and Leather Painting Workshop | 5 hours | Art, craft and an old Sousse house |
Watch: Tunisia on film
See Tunisia before you go, from the medinas and the coast to the Sahara.
Discover Tunisia (official tourism film)
Tunisia (UN Tourism)
Tunisia: like you've never seen before (The Dreamer Wild and Free)
Journey through Tunisia (Stef Hoffer)
Plan
Plan your trip
How to get to Tunisia
Most visitors fly into Tunis, Enfidha-Hammamet, Monastir or Djerba, usually from Europe.
Essential travel information
Tunisia is one of the easiest countries in North Africa to visit: many nationalities need no visa, and the main thing to know is the currency rule.
Visa and entry
US, UK, Canadian and most EU citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Border officials may ask for your accommodation details and a return ticket. Other nationalities should check with the Tunisian embassy. Full details in our Tunisia visa guide.
Money
The Tunisian dinar is a closed currency: you cannot take it out of the country. Change money at banks, exchange offices or hotels, keep your receipts and declare foreign currency on arrival if required. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and tourist areas, and ATMs are common in cities and resorts.
Best time to visit
Read more in the best time to visit Tunisia.
First-time visitor guide: what to expect
Tunisia is relaxed and welcoming, and a few local habits help first-time visitors.
- Hospitality: expect to be offered tea or coffee, especially in shops and homes.
- Bargaining: expected in the souks; be friendly and patient.
- Dress: beachwear is fine at resorts; dress modestly in medinas, villages and religious sites.
- Mosques: most are closed to non-Muslims, except for viewing areas at the Zitouna in Tunis and the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
- Language: a few words of French or Arabic go a long way. “Aslema” means hello and “yaishek” thank you.
- Photography: ask before photographing people and avoid police and military sites.
How many days? Sample itineraries
Seven days covers Tunis, Carthage, Dougga, Kairouan, Sousse and El Jem. Add three days for the Sahara and three or four more for Djerba. See all our Tunisia itineraries.
7 days: the north and the Sahel
- Days 1–2: Tunis: the medina and the Bardo Museum.
- Day 3: Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.
- Day 4: Dougga.
- Day 5: Kairouan, then on to Sousse.
- Day 6: El Jem.
- Day 7: Monastir and departure.
10–14 days: add the Sahara and Djerba
- From the Sahel, drive to Tozeur and the mountain oases.
- Cross Chott el Djerid to Douz and spend a night in the dunes or at Ksar Ghilane.
- Visit Matmata, then finish on Djerba.
Getting around Tunisia
Tunisia is compact, so getting around is straightforward.
Typical journeys: Tunis to Sousse about 2 hours, Sousse to El Jem about 1 hour, El Jem to Tozeur 4–5 hours, Matmata to Djerba about 2 hours.
Eat and drink
Food
Food: the taste of Tunisia
Tunisian food is bold, spicy and full of olive oil. Couscous is the national dish, and both couscous and harissa are on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Try brik, lablabi, ojja, grilled fish on the coast, makroudh from Kairouan and mint tea with pine nuts. Read our full guide to Tunisian food.
2027
Events and fun facts
Calendar highlights 2027
Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar; the dates below are expected dates.
Did you know?
Travel with locals
About Simsem
Why travel with Simsem?
Local. Authentic. Community-driven.
From the founder
Raf Sarawi, CEO and Founder, Simsem
In 2014, I founded Maramiya Centre, a cultural center in Brussels, with a simple dream: to share the beauty and richness of Middle Eastern and North African culture with the world. I watched as strangers became friends over shared meals, traditional music and heartfelt conversations. Those moments showed me the transformative power of authentic cultural connection.
That’s how Simsem was born: a platform that connects travelers directly with locals, from the medina of Sousse to the amphitheater of El Jem. Our name, Simsem (سمسم), means “sesame” in Arabic, a humble ingredient that adds flavor and depth to countless dishes. Just like those tiny seeds, we aim to add authenticity and richness to your travels.
When you travel with Simsem, you’re not just seeing Tunisia’s ruins and beaches. You’re sharing mint tea, brik and stories with the people who call it home.
Meet our local guide in Tunisia
Book directly with the people who live there. Each profile shows the host’s experiences.
- Mohamed Ben Naceur — Sousse, Monastir, El Jem, Dougga and the Sahel coast
Every Simsem guide to Tunisia
Go deeper with our in-depth guides to Tunisia.
Plan your trip
- Is Tunisia safe to visit?
- Tunisia visa: visa-free entry and currency rules
- Best time to visit Tunisia
- Tunisia itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 days
Tunis and the north
The Sahel coast
The south
Tunisian food
Official resources
Questions
FAQ
Tunisia travel FAQ
Is Tunisia safe to visit?
Yes, for the main tourist areas. The US rates Tunisia Level 2, “Exercise increased caution,” and advises against travel only to a few mountain areas near the Algerian border and the zone along the Libyan border.
Do I need a visa for Tunisia?
Not if you hold a US, UK, Canadian or most EU passports, for stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check with the Tunisian embassy.
What is the best time to visit Tunisia?
May, June, September and October for the coast and sightseeing; October to April for the Sahara.
How many days do you need in Tunisia?
Seven days for Tunis, Carthage, the Roman sites and the Sahel coast; 10 to 14 days to add the Sahara and Djerba.
What currency is used in Tunisia?
The Tunisian dinar, a closed currency. You can’t take it out of the country, so keep your exchange receipts.
What are the must-see places in Tunisia?
Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Sousse, El Jem, Dougga, Kairouan, Djerba and the Sahara around Tozeur and Douz.
How do I get to Tunisia from the US or Europe?
Fly to Tunis or a resort airport such as Enfidha, Monastir or Djerba. There are direct flights from many European cities, about two hours from Paris. From the US, connect through Europe or Istanbul.
What language is spoken in Tunisia?
Arabic, mostly Tunisian Arabic in daily life. French is widely spoken, and English is common in tourism.
Sources
- US Department of State — Tunisia Travel Advisory (Level 2, May 21, 2026)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Tunisia travel advice (updated July 24, 2026)
- UK FCDO — Tunisia entry requirements
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Tunisia
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — Harissa
- APA News — Tunisia passes 11 million tourists in 2025
- Wikimedia Commons — photographs credited in each caption
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