When you think of an African adventure, you might picture a Kenyan safari, the wondrous pyramids of Egypt, or the fabulous Table Mountain in South Africa. Tunisia is often overshadowed by other destinations in North Africa, but it makes an incredible trip if you’re looking for a combination of culture, adventure, and history. I was so excited to visit this stunning country with Overseas Adventure Travel and saw some of the best attractions Tunisia has to offer. Check out my guide to all the solo travel must-sees in this North African nation.
Wander Medina of Tunis
After flying to Tunisia, start your trip in the beautiful capital of Tunis and spend your first day wandering the bustling medina. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to wonderful palaces, places of worship, and other landmarks. Be sure to head to one of the local markets to peruse the hand-made crafts and souvenirs! The dollar and euro are very strong here, so you’re bound to find some great deals.
Take an Excursion to Djerba
The island of Djerba is the stuff of legend and super popular with European tourists. It’s popularly thought to be the home of the lotus eaters (as described in the ancient Greek Odyssey), but today, it’s a lively city. Be sure to grab some photos of the white-washed walls and flourishing olive groves. This Mediterranean town, as well as Hammamet, is absolutely beautiful.
Visit with a Tunisian Family
I love diving into the culture of each place I visit, and meeting a local family is an excellent way to do just that. My group and I spent the day with a lovely Tunisian family, organic farmers, who told us about their daily life and treated us to a delicious, home-cooked meal. We even got to tour their beautiful home!
Tour Ancient Dougga
Next, head to North Africa’s best-preserved ancient Roman city—Dougga. You can still see evidence of old villas, baths, and paved roads. The amphitheater here is magnificent. It’s always incredible to walk in the footsteps of historical people!
Sip a Beverage in an Oasis
The historic city of Tozeur is up next on our Tunisia travel itinerary. Built on an oasis, this place features an old town with gorgeous brickwork. Spend a few hours here, learning how the staple bricks are made or sipping a beverage at one of the local restaurants near the medina.
Pose in Front of Sidi Bou Said’s Blue Doors
If you spend any time looking at travel inspiration on Instagram, you’ve seen the deep blue doors of Sidi Bou Said! This is the perfect place for some photo ops and souvenir shopping, not to mention viewing the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Tourism is super popular here, and you’re likely to meet other visitors from the UK, Germany, and France.
Learn About Life in a Berber Village
Tunisia’s cities are lots of fun solo travelers, but if you truly want to experience life here, you have to see a Berber village. The climb to Chenini can be grueling, but the views and sense of accomplishment were worth it! Beyond that, the traditional underground “troglodyte” houses near Matmata are a must-see.
Ride Camels in the Sahara Desert
When in the desert, you simply can’t miss going for a camel ride. It might be the typical touristy thing to do, but this activity is popular for a reason! Seeing the Sahara in photos is one thing, but experiencing it for yourself is awe-inspiring. Even just driving through the sands is a crazy, off-roading experience.
Sample Local Tunisian Dishes
Of course, visiting a new country means trying some new foods. This trip, it was wild boar, and I liked it quite a bit! Seafood is also excellent—SO fresh. While meats like these are certainly available, Tunisia is also perfect for vegetarians. Dishes are made mostly of veggies, and dates are an essential part of the cuisine. Plus, you won’t spend an arm and a leg at a restaurant!
Explore the Ruins of Ancient Carthage
No Tunisia itinerary is complete without a stop at the ruins of Carthage. It was once a formidable city and the site of legend, but was eventually conquered by Rome. You’ll feel a sense of wonder walking through the archways where the historic general Hannibal once stood.
Fill Up Your Tunisia Itinerary
There is no shortage of things to do in this wonderful country. If you’re a fan of amazing photo ops, ancient history, and beautiful cultures, you’ll love to visit Tunisia. My guide only scratches the surface of what you can do in Tunisia, so be sure to check out my Instagram for a few more recommendations. Let me know which places have earned a spot on your bucket list!