THINGS TO DO IN Sidi Bou Said: 2-DAY ITINERARY
A charming cliff-top village that inspired the likes of Paul Klee, Michel Foucault, and André Gide, Sidi Bou Said needs little introduction. This idyllic seaside town is famed for its jaw-dropping white houses with elegant blue doors/shutters and picturesque cobbled streets lined with souvenir stalls, art galleries, and cute cafes.
The main activity in this quaint coastal town in Tunisia is getting lost in the small alleys, admiring the beauty of the striking blue and white color scheme, and discovering photographic corners and rooftops.
We’ve put together this travel guide which takes you to some of the finest tourist attractions in Sidi Bou Said and includes tips on best places to eat and where to stay.
Day 1
Morning: The Mediterranean Garden of Sidi Bou Said
Your morning walk in Sidi Bou Said begins in Le Jardin Méditerranéen, a beautiful garden located in the heart of the old town. Opened about 20 years ago as a gift to Tunisia from Prince Albert from Monaco, the Mediterranean Garden of Sidi Bou Said is home to a variety of plants and trees including cactus, palm, and Jasmine flower trees. There is a nice fountain in the middle of the gardens, as well as a few shaded benches where travellers can sit down and enjoy nature.
D'Art
Des Métiers De Lella Salha
Walk towards Rue Habib Thameur, the main street in the historical area of Sidi Bou Said. Here, you will find D'Art Des Métiers De Lella Salha, a gallery with a permanent exhibition of original works from local artists. There is handcrafted jewelry, artistic ceramics, silk paintings, and much more. The gallery also does the restoration of old furniture and offers painting lessons.
Ennejma
Ezzahra Palace
The main tourist attraction in Sidi Bou Said is this lavish palace built in the early 20th century. Commissioned for Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger, a French painter and musicologist, and his wife Elizabetta, Ennejma Ezzahra Palace is known for its mix of traditional Andalusian design and Modernist architecture. Nowadays, the palace houses a lovely museum filled with ornate furniture, marble floors, and a vast collection of Baron’s paintings. You can also explore the well-maintained gardens and enjoy majestic views across the Mediterranean Sea.
Centre
des Musiques Arabes et Méditerranéennes
Within the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace, there is a section devoted to music and musical instruments. Step inside the upstairs music gallery to find an assortment of traditional musical instruments on display, as well as gramophones. The Center for Arab and Mediterranean Music also serves as a cultural center that hosts a number of concerts of local and international musicians throughout the year.
Day 1, Morning - Sidi Bou Said Tour Map
Afternoon:
Palais Dar Turki
An extraordinary historic venue designed in classic Arab-Andalusian style, Palaic Dar Turki is probably the most beautiful building in Sidi Bou Said. Today, it is mostly used as a guesthouse and a venue for wedding ceremonies and teambuilding events. Ring the bell to have a peek inside the house and its majestic courtyard.
Rock
the Kasbah
Your next stop is an original concept store situated inside a gorgeous Tunisian house. Run by a Parisian stylist-decorator Philippe Xerri, Rock the Casbah is such a beautiful shop where you can purchase retro furniture inspired by designs from the 1950s, handcrafted jewelry, Tunisian rugs, and different souvenirs. It’s definitely not the cheapest shop in the city, but they do delivery.
Museum
Dar El Annabi
If you wish to know how wealthy people lived in Sidi Bou Said back in the day, pay a visit to this authentic Tunisian house transformed into a fabulous museum. Built near the end of the 18th century, this summer resort showcases several decades of Tunisian history. The self-guided tour includes a visit to the bedrooms, lounges, prayer hall, and a private library. Visitors also have access to a gorgeous Andalusian garden. For panoramic views of the city, climb the rooftop terrace. Upon arrival, guests are served with a cup of complimentary tea.
A.Gorgi
Gallery
We end the day with a visit to this highly regarded gallery in the center of Sidi Bou Said. Founded back in the 80s, A.Gorgi Gallery is one of the oldest art galleries in the city. It is run by Aïcha Gorgi whose mission is to showcase the work of young contemporary Tunisian artists. If you wish to see works of local artists, A.Gorgi Gallery is where you want to go. The gallery participates in many international contemporary art events such as the popular Art Brussels and 1:54 London.
Day 1, Afternoon - Sidi Bou Said Tour Map
Day 2
Morning:
Plage de Sidi Bou Said
Below the hills of the village lies this lovely sandy beach known as Plage de Sidi Bou Said. The secluded beach is protected from the waves, making it an ideal place to go swimming in its shallow waters. There is a beach/snack bar where you can get something to eat and drink. They also rent umbrellas and sun beds. Unfortunately, there is no shower here. Paid parking is available throughout the area.
Sidi
Bou Said Harbour
Located right next to the beach, the town’s port and a yacht harbour is a nice place to walk around and check out luxurious boats. Sidi Bou Said Harbour is where you will find a few beautiful restaurants and cafes.
Sidi
Bou Said Viewing Point
This is definitely the best spot for awe-inspiring views of the village and the Mediterranean Sea. From the harbor, climb the “Chain of the Reformers” stairways until you reach this stunning viewpoint. The panoramic views of the sea, the blue and white buildings, and the fishing boats on the docks are simply breathtaking. Make sure to pack sunscreen if you are visiting the viewpoint in summer, as there is little shade here.
Café
des Délices (Café Sidi Chabaane)
For more jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the harbor, stop for a snack/drink at Café des Délices. It is a touristy spot and definitely much more expensive than other cafes in the city. But, in reality, you are paying for the views when having drinks and food at Café des Delices. The open-air café is spread across two terraces and offers the most amazing views, as well as basic drinks like coffee, juice, and mint tea with almonds. They also have a food menu with favorites such as shawarma and fresh croissants.
Day 2, Morning - Sidi Bou Said Tour Map
Afternoon:
La Mosquée De Sidi Bou Said
Our afternoon walk begins on Place du 7 Novembre where you will find the town mosque. Not that easy to find, La Mosquée De Sidi Bou Said is a small mosque hidden in a tiny alley. You can admire the beauty of its exterior and visit the prayer room.
Galerie
Saladin
A small gallery located in an alleyway in the center of the village, Saladin showcases works of local artists. The owner, Ridha Souabni hosts different exhibitions throughout the year and is always down for a chat with tourists.
Sidi
Bou Said Park
Take a break from sightseeing and spend a few hours in the largest park in Sidi Bou Said. Spread across approximately 15 hectares of land, this green oasis includes a variety of facilities including a soccer field, a small botanical garden, a playground with swings for the little ones, and a few bars where you can sit down for a drink. There is also a beautiful lake with a fountain, a fitness track in case you wish to work out, and an amphitheater.
Day 2, afternoon - Sidi Bou Said Tour Map
Other
things to see in Sidi Bou Said
- Sidi Bou Said Lighthouse: Constructed in the 19th century and nestled on a hill, the lighthouse in Sidi Bou Said is the oldest lighthouse in all of Tunisia. The main purpose of this lighthouse with a cylindrical tower was to guide navigators and guard the coasts against the invaders. Nowadays, it is a popular spot to enjoy mesmerizing sunset views.
- Mashrabiya: As you walk through the historic center of the village, you will notice beautiful blue windows everywhere you turn. These special windows are called Mashrabiya and can often be seen in Arabic residences. The main purpose of Mashrabiya is to provide privacy and allow residents to look out outside the window without being seen by other people. These windows also come with a wooden screen that can be opened and provide shade and fresh air during the hot summer season.
Day
trips from Sidi Bou Said
- Carthage: Located just 2 kilometers from Sidi Bou Said, the archaeological site of Carthage is easily reachable by car and public transport. It is one of the most important historical landmarks in Tunisia. You can explore the giant Roman amphitheater that could accommodate nearly 50,000 spectators, walk through the ruins of the Roman Baths, and see remains of temples, Roman houses, basilicas, and water cisterns.
- La Marsa: A popular summertime destination with a breathtaking coastline, La Marsa makes for an easy day trip from Sidi Bou Said. It takes about 10 minutes by car to reach this beautiful coastal town with verdant hills, a charming boardwalk, and a picturesque beach with turquoise waters. Apart from the beach, La Marsa has a cool fortified palace from the 16th century called Abdalliya Palace. You can also catch a movie at Cinema Alhambra Zéphyr, a beautiful old-fashioned cinema room.
- Tunis: The capital of Tunisia is located just 20 kilometers from Sidi Bou Said. There is so much to do and see in Tunis, from getting lost in the narrow streets in the historical medina and exploring the iconic Bardo National Museum to visiting attractions such as Zitouna Mosque, Dar Lasram Palace, Ksar Said Palace, and the abandoned Hotel du Lac.
- Gammarth: A 20-minute drive from Sidi Bou Said takes you to Gammarth. With its luxuriously designed white villas, all-inclusive 5-star resorts, and gorgeous sandy beaches, this vibrant town on the Mediterranean Sea is an ideal destination for a day trip.
- Hammamet: The coastal city of Hammamet is the number-one tourist destination in the country. It has everything needed for a memorable day trip, from a postcard-perfect beach with crystal-clear waters to a historical medina with a fortress and a modern resort development packed with a theme park, shopping malls, and casinos. If you are going by car, it will take you about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Sidi Bou Said to Hammamet.
Best
golf courses in Sidi Bou Said
- The Residence Golf Course: Located just 10 kilometers from Sidi Bou Said, this stunning 18-hole golf course is set in the heart of a natural reserve and is known for its 14 beautiful lakes, views of the Mediterranean Sea, and pristine greens and fairways. The Residence Golf Course also boasts a modern clubhouse and a restaurant.
Racecourses
in Sidi Bou Said
- Hipódromo de Ksar Saïd: You will find Hipódromo de Ksar Saïd in the nearby town of Den Den, just a 40-minute drive from Sidi Bou Said. The racecourse hosts many major events throughout the year.
Things
to do with kids in Sidi Bou Said
- Parc Sidi Dhrif: An ideal place for kids to play and run around, Parc Sidi Dhrif is located on the outskirts of the town. It is a lovely spot for walking and jogging and offers wonderful sunset views.
- Parc de Loisirs TRAMPOLIA: It takes about 20 minutes by car to reach Parc de Loisirs TRAMPOLIA, a fun indoor trampoline park for both children and adults. There is a café with a place to sit and watch the little ones play on the trampoline.
- Eat Bambalouni: If you are visiting Sidi Bou Said with your kids, make sure they try the popular North African doughnut also known as Bambaluoni. This sweet Tunisian doughnut can be sprinkled just with sugar or with honey. Crispy on the outside and very soft and warm on the inside, Bambalouni can be found just about everywhere in the city center stalls.
- Walk down Rue Habib Thameur: This is the main street in Sidi Bou Said. There are no cars here, so you and your kids can safely walk around and explore the area. Rue Habib Thameur is lined with shops offering all kinds of souvenirs from ceramics and rugs to postcards and magnets.
Where
to eat in Sidi Bou Said
- Dar Zarrouk: A beautiful courtyard garden with twinkling lights and a breathtaking view of the bay of Tunis, delicious authentic Tunisian food, and fast service make Dar Zarrouk one of the best dining establishments in Sidi Bou Said. Start with the octopus appetiser, move on to signature dishes like seafood risotto, lamb couscous, and Tunisiak brik, and for dessert, order a slice of pistachio cake.
- DaPietro Sidi Bou Saïd: If you are in the mood for pizza, go to this charming Italian restaurant in Sidi Bou Said. DaPietro offers a nice selection of reasonably priced pizza and pasta dishes. Service is swift and the portions are more than adequate. We recommend spaghetti with seafood and capricciosa which comes with a generous amount of tasty cheese.
- Restaurant Chargui: Located in the center of the town, this lovely restaurant has one of the best terraces in Sidi Bou Said. It’s all about traditional Tunisian food at Restaurant Chargui. Order ribs with couscous or get the delicious seabream. Book a table on their terrace for the most amazing sea views.
- Restaurant El Bey: A family-run restaurant tucked away on a peaceful street in the student district, Restaurant El Bey is a great choice for travellers who wish to escape the city center and try authentic Tunisian cuisine. The owner, Sami did a fantastic job with this local restaurant. The home bread called tabouna is just perfect, as well as chapati with fries and makloub. Keep in mind that this is a small restaurant with just a few tables. Reservations are recommended.
- Au Bon Vieux Temps: This romantic garden restaurant with majestic views of the Mediterranean Sea is an ideal venue for a date night. They do Mediterranean and Tunisian gastro-style dishes such as Tunisian brik (tuna and vegetables), seafood spaghetti, and vegetarian couscous. For dessert, have a slice of chocolate fondu. The sunset views here are quite spectacular, so it’s best to book a table one hour before sunset and ask for a table close to the window.
- Pizza Positano: With its crispy crust, generous toppings, and mouthwatering tomato sauce, pizza at Positano is crafted to perfection. It is a small restaurant with about 10 tables and a wood-fired Italian oven in the back. Try quattro stagioni and quattro formaggi.
- Malibu Sidi Bou Saïd: Visit a casual eatery that has become extremely popular because of one dish on its menu. Most people come to Malibu Sidi Bou Saïd for their signature shawarma plate with turkey meat. The restaurant also offers crispy fish plates, as well as fresh fruit smoothies.
- Elbarkoun: For more traditional Tunisian food delicacies, go to Elbarkoun. The owner is a lovely lady who does all the cooking here. The restaurant is tiny, the service is not as fast as in touristy restaurants, by the food here is sublime and definitely worth the wait. It basically feels like dining in a private Tunisian home. What should I order? Get the Tunisian brik, seafood spaghetti, and couscous with octopus and squid. They also make their own harissa which is great. Entry to the restaurant is through a small shopping mall, but there are signs so you can’t miss it. We also like the artistic décor and the balcony.
- Bambalouni Sidi Bou Saïd: Covered in either sugar or honey, Bambalouni is the most popular Tunisian street food desert. It is a doughnut with a light texture that you can find anywhere you look on the street. The best place in Sidi Bou Said to try this popular Tunisian doughnut is Bambalouni Sidi Bou Saïd, a hole-in-the-wall eatery that has been around for almost 100 years. The doughnut is fried right in front of you. Order Bambalouni coated in sugar or with a chocolate & hazelnut spread.
Where
to stay in Sidi Bou Said
- La Villa Bleue: With only 13 rooms and suites with breathtaking sea views, La Villa Bleue is a lovely boutique hotel nestled on the cliffside right above the harbor. Decorated by a famous designer, Édoardo Palermo, it is an artistic villa with an outdoor swimming pool, a spa area (hammam and massage), a lovely restaurant, and a romantic lounge.
- Maison Dedine: This luxurious villa was converted into an intimate boutique hotel with only five tastefully decorated suites. Maison Dedine has everything you need for a memorable stay in Sidi Bou Said, from an infinity pool with sweeping views of the bay to generous living room spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary artwork, marble bathrooms, and a delicious breakfast.
- Hotel Dar Said: With its lovely swimming pool, a picturesque garden with a tangerine tree in the middle, and majestic sea views, Hotel Dar Said is a magical boutique hotel. It is situated inside a historical building just a few meters from the center of the town. Rooms are quiet, luxurious, very comfy, and clean.
- Dar Fatma: If you are searching for a traditional Tunisian house, book your stay at Dar Fatma. The house itself looks beautiful with a picturesque courtyard, a lovely blue Arab door, and a roof terrace with a pool where you can cool off. The views of the sea and the cute blue and white houses from the terrace are amazing. Breakfast is included in the price and served daily on the terrace.
- Misk Villa: A chic boutique guesthouse with only 10 rooms, Misk Villa is located minutes from the main drag of the city. The property has a lovely terrace and is known for its cozy rooms with stylish design. After a full of sightseeing, come back to the spa center in the basement where you will find a steam room and a pool.
The
best time to visit Sidi Bou Said
The summer season (June to September) is the peak season in Sidi Bou Said. During this time of year, many holiday package tourists visit the town to enjoy the lovely weather and to go swimming on the beach. The only downside of visiting Sidi Bou in summer is that it can get really hot with temperatures averaging between 27 to 35 °C. Therefore, we believe that the best time to visit this part of Tunisia is during the shoulder season in March to early April, or October to November, as that’s when you can enjoy clear skies, and pleasant temperatures, and get better deals on accommodation.
Sidi
Bou Said Festivals
- International Poetry Festival: Sidi Bou Said is famous for its International Poetry Festival which is usually held every year in June. The festival attracts both local and international poets. There are workshops, poetry performances, and interactive programs.
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