/GettyImages-575664325-59704d2922fa3a001031bc5d.jpg)
What are the best places to visit in Tunisia? The top attractions combine ancient Roman history, Mediterranean coastal towns, and Saharan desert landscapes. Key highlights include the cliffside village of Sidi Bou Said, the UNESCO Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem, the ancient city of Carthage, the desert oasis of Tozeur, and the island of Djerba.
Navigating Tunisia by car offers maximum flexibility, with modern highways connecting northern cities to southern desert regions. You can compare options on our main car rental page or pick up your vehicle directly upon arrival via a car rental at Tunis-Carthage Airport. Below is a complete 2026 guide breakdown of the 10 best destinations, complete with route logistics, entrance fees, and driving times.
Quick Summary: Top Destinations at a Glance
| Destination | Region | Primary Highlight | Average Entrance Fee | Driving Time from Tunis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidi Bou Said | North Coast | Blue & White Cliffside Village | Free (Cafés 5–15 TND) | 25 mins (20 km) |
| Carthage Ruins | North Coast | UNESCO Roman & Punic Ruins | 12 TND (~€3.50) | 20 mins (15 km) |
| Tunis Medina | Capital | Historical Souks & Architecture | Free | 0 mins (Center) |
| El Jem Amphitheatre | Sahel | 3rd-Century Roman Colosseum | 12 TND (~€3.50) | 2 hrs 15 mins (205 km) |
| Kairouan | Central | Great Mosque & Medina | 12 TND (Joint Ticket) | 2 hrs (160 km) |
| Dougga | Northwest | Best-Preserved Roman City | 8 TND (~€2.40) | 1 hr 45 mins (110 km) |
| Tozeur & Chebika | Southwest | Desert Oasis & Canyon Trails | 80–150 TND (4x4 Excursion) | 5 hrs 30 mins (430 km) |
| Matmata & Tataouine | South | Troglodyte Homes & Star Wars Ksour | Free–10 TND | 5 hrs 45 mins (450 km) |
| Chott el Djerid | South | Giant Salt Flat Mirage | Free | 5 hrs (400 km) |
| Djerba Island | Southeast | Mediterranean Beaches & Djerbahood | Free | 6 hrs 30 mins (500 km) |
1. Sidi Bou Said: The Blue and White Village
Located 20 km north of Tunis on the Gulf of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said is famous for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and cobalt-blue wooden doors.
- Must-See Highlights: Views from Café des Délices, historic architecture at Dar Ennejma Ezzahra (5 TND entry).
- Driving & Parking: Paid parking is available at the hill base for 2–3 TND. Avoid driving up the narrow pedestrian-heavy streets. Secure your vehicle using our car rental in Tunis hub before heading up the coast.
2. Archaeological Site of Carthage
Carthage features ancient Punic and Roman ruins along the Mediterranean coast.
- Ticket Price: A single combined ticket costs 12 TND (~€3.50) and grants access to 8 historical sites, including Byrsa Hill and the Antonine Baths.
- Pro Tip: Self-driving is ideal, as sites are spread across 3 km. Picking up your vehicle with a Tunis airport car rental makes touring Carthage and Sidi Bou Said in a single day effortless.
3. Medina of Tunis & Bardo National Museum
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Medina features over 700 monuments, palaces, and vibrant craft markets. Nearby, the Bardo Museum holds one of the world's largest collections of ancient Roman mosaics (30 TND entry).
4. El Jem Amphitheatre
Built in the 3rd century AD, El Jem is the third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world and one of the best preserved.
- Location: 205 km south of Tunis along the A1 highway.
- Ticket Price: 12 TND ticket includes entrance to the adjacent El Jem Archaeological Museum.
- Road Trip Connections: Stop off here while driving down to the Sahel coast via car rental in Sousse or car rental in Mahdia.
5. Dougga (Thugga)
Situated in northwestern Tunisia near Teboursouk, Dougga is considered the most complete ancient Roman city in North Africa.
- Key Features: The Capitol Temple, Roman Theatre, and Libyo-Punic Mausoleum set among olive groves.
- Driving Note: Accessible via the P5 highway from Tunis (110 km, ~1 hr 45 mins) or as part of a northwestern circuit using car rental in Beja or car rental in El Kef.
6. Kairouan: The Holy City
As the fourth holiest city in Islam, Kairouan features the Great Mosque of Kairouan (built in 670 AD) and historical carpet markets. Reserve a car rental in Kairouan to easily combine this spiritual stop with trips to central Tunisia.
7. Tozeur and the Mountain Oases (Chebika, Tamerza, Midès)
Tozeur is a Saharan oasis town famous for its yellow-brick architecture and 200,000 palm trees.
- Excursions: From Tozeur, take a 4x4 drive to the canyon waterfalls of Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, or visit the Mos Espa film location.
- Travel Logistics: Fly into the region and pick up a car rental at Tozeur-Nefta Airport or use local car rental in Tozeur service.
8. Chott el Djerid Salt Lake
North Africa's largest salt flat stretches across 5,000 square kilometers between Tozeur and Douz. The P16 highway cuts directly through the lake, offering surreal mirage views. Plan your route between Tozeur and desert gateways with a car rental in Kebili.
9. Matmata & Tataouine (Troglodytes & Ksour)
- Matmata: Famous for its underground cave homes excavated from sandstone.
- Tataouine: Surrounding fortified granaries (Ksour) such as Ksar Ouled Soltane and Chenini offer dramatic views of desert heritage. Book a car rental in Tataouine to navigate remote desert roads safely.
10. Djerba Island
Connected to the mainland via the Roman Causeway or the El Jorf ferry, Djerba features Mediterranean beaches, the open-air Djerbahood street art project in Erriadh, and the historic El Ghriba Synagogue.
- Exploring Djerba: Arriving by air? Grab a car rental at Djerba-Zarzis Airport or book through our car rental in Medenine fleet to explore the island's coastal roads.
Essential Road Trip Driving Rules in Tunisia (2026)
- Speed Limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on expressways/highways (A1, A3, A4).
- Highway Tolls: Toll booths accept cash (TND). Tolls between Tunis and Sfax cost between 2 TND and 5 TND.
- Driving License: EU, UK, US, and Latin-script licenses are legally accepted without an International Driving Permit.