Tunisia's Best Attractions
Roman ruins, a genuine Star Wars filming trail, and the Sahara itself.
The two headline days out: the Carthage ruins plus El Djem's Roman amphitheater (the third-largest in the world, after Rome's Colosseum and Capua), and a Sahara trip from Douz or Tozeur — which also happens to be where several original Star Wars scenes were filmed. Entry fees are low by international standards (a few dollars per site); the desert trip is the bigger investment of time, typically 2-3 days round-trip from the coast.
This is where Tunisia quietly outperforms its reputation: a genuinely enormous, well-preserved Roman amphitheater that most people have never heard of, ancient ruins scattered along the coast, and a real slice of the Sahara reachable without a specialist desert expedition. Here's what's actually worth the drive.
Carthage and El Djem: Tunisia's Roman Ruins
An ancient capital and the world's third-largest Roman amphitheater.
Sahara Desert Trips: Douz, Tozeur & Star Wars Locations
Real Sahara dunes — and the actual Tatooine filming sites.
Dougga: North Africa's Best-Preserved Roman Ruins
A whole Roman town, largely intact, on a hilltop with almost nobody around.
Matmata: Troglodyte Homes & Star Wars Filming Sites
Real underground Berber homes — and Luke Skywalker's actual childhood home.
Bardo National Museum
Home to one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics.
Kairouan Great Mosque
A stunning example of Islamic architecture and spirituality.
Sousse Medina
A UNESCO World Heritage site buzzing with life and culture.
Chott el Jerid
A breathtaking salt flat known for its shimmering beauty and vastness.
Carthage National Museum
A treasure trove of artifacts from the ancient city of Carthage.
Medina of Tunis
A UNESCO World Heritage site bursting with history and local charm.
Bardo Museum
Home to one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics.
Zaytuna Mosque
A stunning example of Islamic architecture and a center of learning.
Borj Nouvelle
A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city.
Sidi Bou Said
A charming village known for its stunning blue and white architecture.
Café des Néréides
A café with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
The Baroque Palace
An architectural gem showcasing exquisite art and history.
The Sidi Bou Said Museum
A treasure trove of Tunisian culture and history.
The Sidi Bou Said Artist Village
A vibrant community filled with art and creativity.
The Sidi Bou Said Waterfront
A picturesque spot to unwind by the sea.
Kairouan Aqueduct
A stunning reminder of ancient engineering skills.
Bir Barouta
An ancient water reservoir steeped in history.
Zaouia of Sidi Sahbi
A beautiful shrine with deep cultural significance.
Medina of Kairouan
A UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with history.
Sidi Oukasha Mosque
A hidden architectural treasure in Kairouan.
Ribat of Sousse
A fortified monastery with breathtaking views.
Sousse Beach
A beautiful beach with golden sands and clear waters.
Museum of Sousse
A cultural gem showcasing Tunisia's ancient history.
Great Mosque of Sousse
An architectural marvel with stunning minarets and history.
Medina of Sousse
A vibrant market and UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with culture.