Top 10 Unique Experiences in Tunisia That Will Speak to Your Soul
The first time I went to Tunisia, I had no idea what to expect. But I left completely changed. So much so that I went back again. And on both adventures, the first one alone and the second leading a Trekking Pals group, I found moments that stayed with me forever: quiet mornings in the Medina, tea with pine nuts, tiny jasmine mechmoums in Sidi Bousaid, and the glorious feeling of sleeping in the middle of the desert under a sky full of stars.
Tunisia is one of those places that surprised me. It might be small in size, but it's bursting with life, history, beauty, and romance. You can feel the layers of civilizations everywhere, from the native Amazigh, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs, Ottomans, and the French. There’s something special about how it all blends in a way that’s uniquely Tunisian.
This blog post isn’t about ticking boxes or listing every tourist spot. These are the kinds of experiences that touched my heart and made me fall in love with Tunisia.
Wander Through the Old Medina of Tunis
There’s something magical about the Medina in Tunis. It’s old, really old, and walking through it feels like stepping into another time. You hear the sound of craftsmen tapping on copper, the scent of spices fills the air, and every doorway seems to have a story.
But unlike many historic medinas I’ve visited, this one is alive. Especially in the summer, the Tunis Medina turns into a buzzing, colorful maze of energy. Young people gather in tiny tea salons tucked into corners of centuries-old buildings. Music spills from radios and young performers. It feels like a living, breathing thing that doesn’t go to sleep, even late into the night.
What makes it so special for me is that it’s not just a place for tourists; it belongs to Tunisians. Local families come out after work or school. Students sip mint tea and study under soft lights. There’s an openness and vibrancy that makes it feel like more than a monument; it’s a shared community space.
There is no shortage of things to do in the Meidna, but here are a few things you should not miss:
Visit Zaitouna Mosque
Grab mint tea with pine nuts at a tea salon (Salon de Thé)
Eat a slow lunch in one of the quiet courtyards hidden behind wooden doors
If you're visiting in summer, stay out after dark (sometimes as late as 02:00 am), and you’ll see the Medina in a completely new light. There’s something magical about the Medina in Tunis.
Bike Through the Ancient Ruins of Carthage
A short ride from Tunis takes you to Carthage, once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. You can feel the weight of history here; it’s fascinating.
The first time I visited Tunis, I explored Carthage on foot and by taking taxis from one site to another, but the second time, I did it on bikes, which honestly felt epic. There’s something surreal about riding past ancient ruins on two wheels, especially with the sea right there. The salty air, the breeze in your hair, and these grand, crumbling structures make you feel like you’re in a movie.
The Punic Ports, where ancient ships once docked, are still visible, and riding alongside them felt like straddling two timelines at once.
There are no dedicated bike lanes, so you have to be a little cautious, especially when cars are around. But it’s worth it. The biking route we followed connected some of the most impressive sites, without having to sit in traffic or rush from one spot to the next. We stopped often, parked the bikes, and kept moving at our rhythm.
Highlights:
Baths of Antoninus, where you can sit on a ledge and look out to the sea
Tophet, a sacred Phoenician site. The history of this site is somber but worth knowing about
Byrsa Hill, with sweeping views and Roman mosaics. This is my favorite site in Carthage
It’s one of the most unique ways to experience a UNESCO site.
Sip Mint Tea in Sidi Bou Said
You’re probably noticing a pattern? Mint tea is so important in North African culture. In Morocco, where I’m originally from, it’s called the Whiskey of Morocco. Tunisia is no different. Mint tea is so loved and deeply rooted in the culture.
I think everyone who visits Tunisia falls in love with Sidi Bou Said. It’s that blue and white hilltop town you’ve probably seen in photos, and yes, it’s just as dreamy in real life.
You’re welcomed by vendors carrying trays of Jasmine flowers. Ah, Tunisia and its Jasmine flowers. The most wonderful smell in the world for me. Sidi Bousaid is small enough to walk around for a half day, but if you have time, it’s a wonderful place to linger and enjoy its magic.
Things to do:
Order tea with pine nuts at a rooftop café
Take photos in the blue alleys (they’re irresistible)
Visit Dar El Annabi
Take the Long Road to Tozeur
Tozeur is far from Tunis. But the road there is a journey in itself. You’ll pass olive groves, small villages, roadside melon stalls (when it’s the right season), and open stretches of desert that make you want to roll the window down and just feel it.
By the time you get to Tozeur, you’re deep in Tunisia’s desert culture. The air is drier, the sunsets are richer, and life slows down. There are palm trees everywhere, and the buildings look like they were sculpted from sand. The doors and facades in the old neighborhoods are made with intricate brickwork unique to this region.
Tozeur is known as the gateway to the Sahara, and most desert adventures begin here. You can base yourself in Tozeur and explore:
Medina of Tozeur charming small old town with beautiful brick architecture and a slower pace.
Eden Palm is a heritage museum dedicated to the date palm, a symbol of Tunisia. This is a wonderful place to learn so much about palm trees and taste a variety of date products like coffee, jams, marmalades, etc.
Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides: dramatic desert oases with waterfalls, palm groves, and canyons.
Ong Jmel: where scenes from Star Wars were filmed, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet.
Chott El Jerid: a vast salt lake that changes color depending on the light, it’s surreal and photo-worthy.
Dar Cheraït Museum: a glimpse into traditional life in southern Tunisia.
Tozeur is not just a stop, it’s a launchpad for some of the most soul-stirring landscapes in Tunisia.
Hike Through Bouhlel Canyon (aka Star Wars Canyon)
This place blew my mind. We went hiking through Bouhlel Canyon, and the entire landscape looked like another planet. No wonder filmmakers love it. Star Wars and The English Patient were both filmed here.
But what made this experience stand out wasn’t just the landscape; it was the remoteness. Our group was the only one on the trail that day. It felt like we had this wild, dramatic terrain all to ourselves. There was no noise, no crowds, just us, the sandstone cliffs, and the wind. It was the kind of silence that makes you stop and take a deep breath.
We saw dinosaur tracks fossilized into the canyon floor, a reminder of how ancient this place is. As we walked, the sun began to set behind the canyon walls, casting long golden shadows and painting the rock in deep reds and oranges. We all stopped at one point just to watch in silence. That sunset was one of the most cinematic and emotional moments of the whole trip.
And yet, despite how epic it was, it felt like a secret, like we had stumbled onto a sacred place that not many travelers get to experience.
Camel Trek and Camp Under the Sahara Stars
If you’ve never watched the sun set while riding a camel, please add that to your bucket list.
After a day exploring desert oases like Chebika and Tamerza, we headed deeper into the Sahara.
We rode our camels (nomadic style), slowly making our way across white dunes as the colors of the sky shifted around us. When we reached camp, our team started pitching large tents to sleep in, we helped prepare dinner over a fire (from scratch), sat in a circle under the stars, danced, and sang late into the night.
That night, I slept under the open sky surrounded by silence and starlight. It was one of the most peaceful nights. The kind of moment you don’t try to capture, you just live it.
Sleep in a 1000-year-old Cave in Tunisia
In many old Amazigh regions like Douiret, Chenini, and Matmata, families built troglodyte homes, caves carved into the earth or dug deep into the mountains. These homes weren’t just practical, keeping cool in summer and warm in winter, they were also strategic. Hidden away from view, they offered protection from intruders and extreme desert conditions.
Some of these underground dwellings date back thousands of years and are still inhabited or preserved today. In Matmata, especially, you’ll find underground homes that open into circular courtyards. In Tataouine and the surrounding areas, these structures are often carved into hillsides, complete with storage rooms, low archways, and cool stone interiors.
We spent the night in one of these homes in the Dahar mountains. The space was cozy, quiet, and naturally insulated. No AC needed, no distractions, just warm blankets, shared food, and heartfelt hospitality. Many of the rooms had carved niches for oil lamps, thick earthen walls, and smooth stone floors. It wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was a living reminder of a way of life that honors the earth and the culture.
These homes may be simple, but they hold deep stories. They’re a reminder that comfort doesn’t have to be modern, and connection doesn’t need WiFi. It’s all right there in the quiet, in the stillness, and in the warmth of shared bread.
Waking up to an epic sunrise, freshly baked bread, and homemade cheese with tomatoes was a highlight.
Hike From Douiret to Chenini
This was my favorite hike in Tunisia. We started in the village of Douiret, then made our way through dry ridges and valleys to Chenini, a village still alive with Amazigh culture. The trail winds through dramatic cliffs and wide open plateaus, and every step carries you deeper into the soul of southern Tunisia. Not s single soul, just us and our local guide. Hiking there was pretty relaxed, but the heat can make it more difficult.
As for any hike, make sure you have enough water and sun protection.
What makes this hike special is what it represents. The Amazigh (Berbers in older history books) are the Indigenous people of North Africa, with a history that predates even the Roman Empire. Their presence stretches across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and beyond. In Tunisia, many Amazigh communities still live in remote villages like Douiret and Chenini, where homes are carved into mountainsides and traditions are preserved through language, food, and daily rituals.
Walking this trail feels like walking through a living museum. You see the remains of homes, olive terraces, and storage granaries (called ksours), all built with local materials and ingenuity that have helped these communities survive for centuries.
If you care about history that hasn’t been polished for tourists, about resilience and earth-rooted wisdom, this hike will speak to you. This was my favorite hike in Tunisia. We started in the ghost village of Douiret, then made our way through dry ridges and valleys to Chenini, a village still alive with Amazigh culture.
Step Into Ancient Rome at El Jem
I didn’t expect to find a Roman amphitheater in the middle of Tunisia, but El Jem is real and huge. It’s actually the third-largest amphitheater in the world.
The first time I visited, I had done almost no research. I knew it existed because my hostel mates had mentioned it; they told me it was impressive, but nothing could have prepared me for walking into it. Just a few weeks earlier, I had been in Rome visiting the Colosseum. It was incredible, of course, but also packed with people. It felt almost impossible to really connect with the space, with all the crowds, barriers, and noise.
But El Jem? I went on a Friday afternoon, and I was almost completely alone. I walked through massive arched entryways, ran my fingers along the stone walls, and stood in the center of the arena in silence. Complete, echoing silence.
I could feel the weight of history here in a way I couldn’t in Rome. N
You can walk the upper levels, sit in the shade of the corridors, and wander the tunnels beneath the arena floor. The entire structure is so well-preserved that it almost doesn’t feel real.
This is one of those places that reminds you how layered Tunisia’s history is, Roman ruins in North Africa, still standing strong after all this time.
Don’t skip it. Go, walk slowly, and let it take your breath away. I didn’t expect to find a Roman amphitheater in the middle of Tunisia, but El Jem is real and huge. It’s actually the third-largest amphitheater in the world.
You can walk through the tunnels where gladiators waited before battle, climb to the top for views, and sit in the stands imagining what 35,000 cheering people once sounded like.
It made me think about how much Tunisia has seen and how much it still holds.
Visit the Holy City of Kairouan
Kairouan is quiet, spiritual, and full of charm. Even if you’re not religious, this city has a way of slowing you down and making you feel grounded. It’s considered one of the holiest cities in Islam, and when you walk through the Old Medina or step inside the Great Mosque of Kairouan, you can feel the weight of history and peace.
But one of my favorite things about Kairouan? The makrout. It’s a traditional pastry made with dates, semolina, and honey, and I promise you, it’s the best you’ll ever taste here. I can’t go through Kairouan and not buy a box.
Kairouan is also known as the place to buy carpets in Tunisia. The craftsmanship is next level. Silk carpets, wool carpets, etc. Even if you’re not buying, just walking through the carpet shops is a beautiful experience. Plus, here's a trick: most of the carpet shops in Kairaouan have incredible rooftops to get a full 360 view of Kairouan, including epic views of the great mosque and the old medina.
Highlights:
Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan
Wander through the medina and stop at carpet cooperatives
Try makrout fresh and warm from the old medina
Take your time: Kairouan isn’t a place to rush through. Kairouan is quiet and deeply spiritual. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll feel it. It’s considered one of the holiest cities in Islam, and walking through the streets, you understand why.
The Great Mosque is peaceful and powerful. There’s a sense of calm in the old medina. And the rugs, woven by hand, are works of art.
If You Have Extra Time in Tunisia
Tunisia is much more than the experiences mentioned above. There is so much to see and explore, which is so fascinating for such a small country in size. If you have more time to explore, here are a few more adventures worth undertaking.
Explore Djerba Island
Tunisia’s largest island is the perfect blend of beach, culture, and history. Djerba is known for its laid-back vibe, colorful markets, traditional white-and-blue homes, and rich Jewish heritage. Spend time at the beach, explore the Guellala pottery village, or visit the El Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest in the world. The island also has a thriving arts scene and a beautiful medina in Houmt Souk.
Visit the North: Bizerte & Cap Bon
The northern coast of Tunisia feels completely different from the desert regions. Bizerte is a charming harbor town with a French-colonial vibe, fresh seafood, and quiet beaches. Cap Bon is a lush peninsula known for citrus orchards, hot springs, and the cliffside ruins of Kerkouane, an ancient Punic city that’s beautifully preserved.
See the Ruins of Dougga
Often called the "best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa," Dougga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like an open-air museum. You can walk through Roman temples, theaters, baths, and homes without the crowds you’d find in Italy. It’s peaceful, majestic, and perfect for travelers who love history.
Hike in Ain Draham or Tabarka
If you want to experience Tunisia’s green side, head to the northwest. Ain Draham is a forested mountain town known for its red-roofed houses, cool weather, and pine-scented air. Nearby Tabarka offers coastal hikes, coral diving, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great way to end your Tunisia trip with some nature and quiet time.
Final Thoughts
Tunisia is full of contrasts. Sea and desert. Ancient and modern. Adventure and rest. It’s not always the easiest place to describe, but it’s a place that stays with you forever.
If any part of you feels curious, go. Let yourself be surprised.
And if you want to hear about my next women’s trip to Tunisia, sign up here.
