About twenty minutes from Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said are easy to visit on the same day: ruins by the sea in the morning, a blue-and-white village in the afternoon, and mint tea overlooking the gulf to finish.
Morning: Carthage, three thousand years of history
Founded by the Phoenicians, destroyed and then rebuilt by Rome, Carthage is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start with Byrsa Hill and its museum overlooking the gulf, then walk down to the Antonine Baths, among the largest Roman baths in Africa, right on the water's edge. The Punic ports and the tophet complete the visit.
Lunch
Between Carthage and the neighbouring seafront of La Marsa, there are plenty of places for grilled fish or couscous.
Afternoon: Sidi Bou Said
Perched on its cliff, the village is famous for its white houses, studded doors and blue window screens. Climb the main street to the terrace cafés overlooking the bay, then lose yourself in the lanes. Don't miss Dar Ennejma Ezzahra, the former palace of Baron d'Erlanger, now the centre for Arab and Mediterranean music.
Our tips
- Sidi Bou Said's streets are steep and cobbled: wear good shoes.
- Late in the afternoon the light is softer and the lanes quieter.
- Staying in Hammamet or Sousse? The tour picks you up at your hotel and brings you back.
One more day in Tunis? The Tunis medina and the Bardo Museum round off the visit perfectly.
By L’équipe Magnific Transfert · Published October 5, 2026
