ONE DAY IN SIDI BOU SAID TUNISIA: 12 THINGS TO DO

Perched above the Mediterranean, Sidi Bou Said invites you to slow down and wander through a dream of blue doors, whitewashed walls, and sunlit cobblestone streets. In just one day, we’d advise two because you won’t want to leave, this coastal Tunisian gem reveals its charm through sea views, quiet cafés, street entertainers, a glistening marina, bougainvillea covered Mashrabiya  windows coupled with moments that feel beautifully unhurried. Popular with local and international visitors, read our guide to discover how to spend one day in Sidi Bou Said, soaking in the colours, culture, and gentle rhythm of life when the majority of visitors have left for the day.

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Where is Sidi Bou Said Located? 

Situated around a 25 minute drive from Tunisia’s capital city, Tunis, Sidi Bou Said was part of Carthage, once the capital of the country and a very important trading port during the Roman Empire. 

The town has a picture perfect location on a cliff with breathtaking views over Carthage and provides a haven from the busy capital with a beautiful quaint ‘village’ style character and heritage.

A lot of Tunis’s well to do residents head to Sidi Bou Said in the evenings and weekends to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and  to enjoy the  coastal air and walk the cobblestone streets, promenade overlooking the Marina, head to the local art galleries and grab a seat at some of the finest eateries in town, with rooftop views.  

WATER COLOUR & RUG STALLS

When to Visit Sidi Bou Said

We visited in December with temperatures ranging between 18°C-20°C. The skies were blue everyday but early mornings and evenings a light jacket was required. December is technically counted as the winter months but we would generally advise going in shoulder season, so spring and autumn would be perfect. If you intend to swim in the sea at any point, visit between April-November. May, June and September has the most sunshine days and little rainfall, so aim for these, plus it’s not school holiday season so should be a lot quieter, bar local visitors.

If you’re visiting wider Tunisia on a 14 day itinerary or more traversing the length and breadth of the country it’s good to note that there are huge shifts in temperatures between the different landscapes and areas. 

Be-lavie Tip: Early summer to early autumn though can see, hoards of tourist buses, which bring in a deluge of tourists who will be around for a couple of hours during the day, and as we’ll explain later, staying in Sidi Bou Said means you’ll get an opportunity to explore ‘after hours’. More on this later.

CHARMING COBBLE STONE ALLEYWAYS

How Long to Spend in Sidi Bou Said

We based ourselves in Sidi Bou Said for 3 days, rather than Tunis, as it’s calmer and possible to get to Roman Carthage, Punic Ports, Tunis, Dougga and the Bardo Museum from here.  We’d recommend this as it’ pretty busy in Tunis as you’d expect with most capital cities. 2 days would also be a good length of time to stay.

How to Get to Sidi Bou Said 

We arrived in Sidi Bou Said, via a prearranged airport transfer and were accompanied by a local guide and driver during our stay through Tunisia from Tunis. The drive took 25 minutes in early evening traffic. We thought that as we’d be flying into Tunis Carthage airport it makes sense to explore the area first and decided on heading to the coastal town at the beginning of the itinerary.  

It’s very easy to get a taxi but beware of scams so maybe you can ask your accommodation to organise pick-up, Unfortunately since the middle of 2025 Bolt no longer exists in Tunisia.

There are a few flights, check via Skyscanner, that go in and out of Tunisia. The most popular are from Bristol/Gatwick to Enfidah, near Hammemet, but we opted for an Air France route from London Heathrow via Paris through to Tunis Carthage as the timings were better for us on our desired dates.

DISCOVERING THE ALLEYWAYS IN SIDI BOU SAID

How to Get Around Sidi Bou Said

The centre is rather small and compact so it’s very easy to walk around at leisure and go at your own pace. Much of Sidi is also pedestrianised so it’s perfect to explore on foot safely. 

If you want to explore further afield like Tunis, Carthage, Bardo Museum and haven’t booked a day tour then it’s possible to use public transport like the TGM railway Line 1 by Transtu, which can take you to Carthage but we’d suggest asking at your accommodation about times as delays were reported.

Be-lavie Tip: If you are planning to visit Carthage, Tunis, Bardo Museum or even Dougga from Sidi Bou Said, we’d recommend booking a day tour. A lot of the Roman history is quite complicated and having a guide to talk you through the exact timelines and details makes the sites come into their own. Also you’ll get some great local food and drinks suggestions from them too.

A Little History

Sidi Bou Said is named after Abu Said Ibn Khalef Ibn Yahi El-Beji, who spent his life teaching at the Zitouna Mosque in Tunis Medina, he was a Muslim saint. He travelled to the Middle East and made a pilgrimage to Mecca , then returned to El-Manar, a village on the outskirts of Tunis on a cliff. Abu Said spent the remainder of his life praying and meditating here until he passed away in 1231. His tomb went on to become a pilgrimage site for many Muslims with the town expanding around his tomb which later was named after him, Sidi Bou Said. Sidi means ‘Saint’ in Arabic.

It was in the 17th century that the town started to attract wealthy Tunisians, mainly for the sea air surrounding the coastal location after which came the need for the current style of houses with a hint of Arabic designed grilled windows, studded doors with sex specific door knockers and the white washed Andalucian walls.

Why is Sido Bou Said Blue & White

The French painter and music scholar, Rodolphe D’Erkanger championed a number of decrees in the 1920s to ensure Sidi Bou Said’s blue and white aesthetic can be protected as part of its historical charm, making sure the white washed houses and studded blue doors remain, together with preserving height restrictions. Rodolphe actually painted his own house, which is now a museum, Dar El-Annabi Museum in the colours of the town. The municipality are now involved in ensuring the that residents maintain the traditions of the village’s blue windows and doors and white paint work. Many of the residents also take this very seriously and actively participate in restoration and upkeep of the buildings using traditional methods and materials,

The blue and white colour scheme, which today gives it the picture perfect ‘Santorini’ style look. The delightful setting has attracted many artists and philosophers from North Africa and Europe.

If you’re travelling through Tunisia, you may be spending time in Djerba, a large Island in the south, which also has a similar blue and white aesthetic, which was inscribed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site in September 2023. Djerba is a great place to spend 2 days relaxing as it has many things to see and do. in and around the island

Be-lavie Fact: Note the Mashrabiya windows which have grilles, these were intended to provide privacy for the women of the house on hot days when they’d sit looking out of the window. Note the black Fatma hand door knockers on many of Sidi Bou Said’s studded doors. These represent protection against the evil eye and in Berber traditions as a lucky charm and symbol of divine power. It refer to Fatima Zahram the daughter of Prophet Muhammad.

HANDS OF FATMA DOOR KNOCKERS & MASHRABIYA WINDOW

Be-lavie Fact: Another cool fact to watch out for are the 2 sets of door knockers, one would have a deeper knock for men and the smaller one would be a lighter knock. This would let whoever was inside to know if a male of female was visiting and that they should return when the man or lady of the house would return. Women would not let a man in and vice versa.

Is Sidi Bou Said Safe?

We found the town really safe during our visit. Although we returned back to our guesthouse by 21:00 most evenings, on some nights it seemed like some of the younger local crowd were only going out then! Although everyone is really friendly and helpful, we would always advise not walking around alone late at night or carrying too many valuables incase of opportunistic incidents.

12 Things to Do in One day in Sidi Bou Said

The best way to discover the coastal town is by walking it’s cobbled stone alleyways, taking things slow popping into the cute cafes, feeling the coastal breeze, walking past studded doors yellow and blue doors, smelling the bourgainvillaea. 

Morning Activities

1. Capture Photography 

Start the day early around 7:30 am (in the winter), check times for summer if you plan to capture the town glistening in beautiful sunrises and at its quietist. The cobble stones and white washed bougainvillea are covered in a beautiful light and the mountains across the Mediterranean have a magical hue. Watch the locals going about their business, heading to work, opening their shops on the main shopping street, kids chattering on the way to school and fresh bread being carried to the local Dars (Guesthouses). It’s a really special time of the day.  Walk along the Rue Hedi Zarrouk, and you’ll spot a beautiful bougainvillea surround on a blue door to the left, you can’t miss it. 

Rue Taieb Mhiri is a lovely little alley with local houses and those beautiful blue studded doors complete with the bourgainvillae backdrop. Going early in the morning means you can enjoy the streets to yourself. Later on in the day you’ll see other tourists here as the tours start to come in, more so in the peak months.

There is also a viewing platform up from Rue Taieb Mhiri, which is great for panoramic photos with the white washed houses and blue of the ocean.

Be-lavie Tip: We’d recommend having a walk around Sidi Bou Said prior to breakfast, especially if you’re staying in one of the lovely Guesthouses like us. We stayed at Dar Said and breakfast went on until 10:00am so perfect to enjoy a wander before the area starts bustling!

2. Walk Along Sidi Bou Said Beach & The Marina

If you’re a beach lover, then Sidi Bou Said has a lovely long sandy beach, perfect for leisurely strolls, and sunset is a great affair here. Locals and visitors alike gather here to see a orange red sun turn into multiple shades until the sky turns dark.

Walk straight down Rue Hedi Zarrouk away from the main stalls and galleries, and down the steep short road and you’ll be close to the marina and beach. The beach is completely free and there are no ‘private / sections as such where you can hire parasols and loungers if you plan to spend some time hanging out here. We visited in December so swimming in the sea or sunbathing was out, as temperatures were warm but it wasn’t really bathing suit weather!

Those into water sports, can hire paddle boards and wet suits at places along the beach if you prefer less sunbathing and more adventure!

SIDI BOU SAID MARINA (BEJAL) & WHITE WASHED STREET (ALEX VASEY./ UNSPLASH)

3. Mooch around the Shops

There are many boutique style shops that sell locally made pottery such as plates, bowls and tagines which are beautifully painted in multi-coloured traditional designs. They can be packed so you can fly home safely with them but you’ll have to be very careful as they’re delicate. We personally loved the watercolours that featured the white washed houses, doors and alleyways of Sidi Bou Said. Look out for the colourful Tunisian slippers too. 

4. Lunch at Blu Blu Mediterranean Restaurant

By now, you’ll be wanting some food so we recommend heading to a Blu Blu, a rooftop restaurant serving a few traditional Tunisian dishes as well as Mediterranean offerings. We opted for the Tunisian Pizza, which are great if you’re not too hungry, and have a more crispy base than the Italian version. 

The top floor has some lovely views over Sidi Bou Said and the restaurant has really contemporary decor with touches of Tunisian ornaments.  They also have a lovely lounge area on the ground floor and outside courtyard.

BLU BLU RESTAURANT

Be-lavie Tip: We noted that the menu didn’t have any vegetarian dishes but after speaking with our server they said that they don’t usually feature these on their menu however had plenty of dish suggestions based on our likes. 

Afternoon Activities

5. Visit a Traditional Tunisian Home at Dar el-Ammabi Museum

For around 5 TND or £1.20, you can experience the Dar e;-Ammabi Museum, a home of a wealthy family which, although now is a museum, was once owned by a cardiologist, related to the original family that lived here. He is thought to have had a clinic here and a library. The house blends heritage and history with its traditional Tunisian style as well as some quite eccentric finishes! Peruse the artworks, sip on some mint tea which is offered in the courtyard and just take in what it would’ve been like back in time when the original family resided here. 

6. Visit the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace

Meaning ‘Star of Venus’ in  Arabic, Ennejma Ezzahra Palace is the first historical monument to have been listed since Tunisia’s independence and has been hailed as the jewel of Arabic-Islamic architecture in the country. The house is stunning and is linked to Rodolphe d’Erlanger who is responsible for the white washed blue and white colour scheme of Sidi Bou Said. You’ll have to visit to find out how! 

Entry is around 10 TND (£3.00). They hold music concerts here which are around 30 TND (£9.50) so be sure to check the schedule if you fancy going during your visit. They are generally in the evening so provides another great reason to stay overnight in one of the Dars.

7. Enjoy a classic Tunisian Hammam at Marsaoui (Hammam Sidi Bou Said el beji)

We ran out of time but for a traditional Tunisian Spa experience, a Hammam should be on your list. We’ve heard the Marsaoui Hammam is a good place to enjoy one but if you’ve never had one, it can be rather a vigorous scrub and sauna affair. It’s done in a communal same sex room and you do have to strip bar some underwear. Personally we don’t find it relaxing but it does make you feel like you’re walking on air afterwards! 

• Details: Open Daily, closed Tuesdays. 
• Timings: females 10:00-18:00 and male 19:00-22:00. 

8. Walk Up to Sidi Bou Said Lighthouse

Head for Sidi Bou Said Lighthouse, which is close to the towns cemetery and it’s a peaceful area where you can see across the ocean and just make out Sicily in the far distance on a clear day. You can get here by walking up towards Rue Taieb Mhiri and then walking up the winding alleyways and cobble stoned streets.

Evening Activities

9. Watch The Sun Setting Over The Town

You have to end the day together with a lot of the locals, especially at the weekends, and watch the sunset. You can go down to the beach or marina but actually there is a platform area, just above the Cafe des Delice where you’ll see people gathering and listening to street artists busking. Be quick though, we noted the sun goes down very fast in Tunisia!

10. Have Dinner at Au Bon Vieux Temps

This restaurant has great views out to the sea, and is situated right at the top of the town and serves a great range of French and Tunisian dishes. We had couscous with vegetables and a lovely thick spicy tomato gravy. They do an impressive mint tea complete with impressive pouring too! 

The interiors of the Au Bon Vieux Temps are beautiful and downstairs there’s a courtyard with seating.  You know it’s a great find as it’s hosted many influential people over the years, you can see all the photos on the stairs on the way up to the main dining space.

AU BON VIEUX TEMPS

 If you don’t fancy dessert, then we have another Sidi Bou Said institution for you! The Bamboulini Shop!

Be-lavie Tip: We’d recommend making reservations or having your accommodation reserve a table for you as it’s quite popular with locals and visitors.

11. Peruse Beautiful Art at The Aly. C Gallery

For a post dinner stroll, head to the Aly C Gallery which is a couple of minutes walk down the street from Au Bon Vieux Temps. It’s full of local Tunisian art displayed in the beautiful old vaulted ceiling building. 

ALY C GALLERY

12. End The Evening With a Bamboulini

You have to try Sidi Bou Said’s speciality doughnut and although the place doesn’t have a name, you’ll easily find it as having the longest queue in the village! You can’t really miss it! They’re made fresh, deep fried and rolled in sugar-they are very moreish. They cost a few Tunisian Dinars so less than a GBP, such great value for money. The Bamboulini Shop here has been serving Bamboulini’s since 1932 as well as other bakery products. 

Sidi Bou Said Bamboulini Shop

Day Trips From Sidi Bou Said

The location of the town means that it’s a good location not only to base yourself to explore the seaside, calming vibes but to take a day trip to explore the ancient city of Carthage including the famed Bardo Mosaic Museum, the Medinas and city of Tunis or even take a day trip out to Testour, the town with Andalusian connections, and the ancient site of Dougga.

DOUGGA RUINS & BARDO MUSEUM MOSAID CIELING

Be-lavie Tip: Note that many tours to Carthage, Bardo Museum and Tunis end with some time in Sidi Bou Said so if you are staying here, you can always leave the tour here if you let your guide/driver know.

We recommend these tours:

Notable Places to Eat in Sidi Bou Said

As well as the places we’ve included in this itinerary, you may want to try the below, especially if you’re staying in the town for a bit longer, as we did. 

Cafe des Nattes

Café des Nattes is a really popular cafe on Sidi Bou Said. It was the meeting place for the towns many artists and philosophers with the interior remaining as it did all those years ago. It feels really special nibbling on a pastry or sipping on some mint tea or Turkish style coffee here. 

Café des Delices (Café Sidi Chaabane).

For sweeping views over the mediterranean sea, Café des Delices is a great choice. It undeniably has the best views in the town and has a great range of drinks and food items on their menu with plenty of seating looking out towards the sea. Great location to sip on a drink and enjoy the sunset too.

We noticed a lot of photographers here with their fancy cameras capturing the sea views, you’ll no doubt see their images in the media or big prints around the world as well as in local shops in Tunis.

VIEW FROM CAFE DES DELICES

Be-lavie Tip:  many tourists have reported scams here that where they are offered free tea and sweets and when accepted and want to leave following the drinks, they are presented with a cheque. We’d recommend going and not accepting anything that’s potentially complimentary but ordering from the menu and then paying for that so you know exactly what you had and how much it should cost! It’s just one of those things you have to be aware of and hopefully that won’t ruin your experience of enjoying the atmosphere and views here. 

Where to Stay in Sidi Bou Said 

Tunisia has such a beautiful aselection of locally owned boutique hotels and luxury guesthouses. We would advise staying in the local guesthouses or Dars as they’re well known in Tunisia. You’ll find a few beautiful ones in Sidi Bou Said, like Dar Fatma and La Villa Bleue that serve great breakfasts and are very comfortable with stunning gardens and a traditional Tunisian style inside.

DAR SAID

We stayed at the nineteenth century residence, Dar Said Hotel with 24 en suite rooms decorated with antique chandeliers, stucco work, Turkish style bathrooms plus inner open courtyards that provide an authentic Tunisian house experience. There is also an onsite Hammam service, an outdoor pool and stunning bourgainvillea filled gardens.

DAR SAID

The inner open courtyard has rooms off it as does the small quirky little communal areas with seating to just relax and enjoy the splendour of the house.

DAR SAID COURTYARDS

They serve a delicious continental breakfast and additional cooked to order eggs and other items to. Our room had sea views, which served as a great private viewing platform for a wonderful sunrise every morning. 

We stayed here for 3 nights as we used Sidi Bou Said as a base whilst exploring the surrounding ancient ruins and capital city of Tunis.

One Day In Sidi Bou Said Roundup 

We enjoyed spending a day in Sidi Bou Said, more in our case with being based there, by letting ourselves get a little lost in its blue and white streets, following bursts of bougainvillea draping over houses and catching glimpses of the sea. We lingered longer than planned over mint tea at cafés, browsing small art shops, and slowly making our way toward the marina or marvelling along the clifftop views. Sidi Bou Said draws people who want to slow down because it shows, gently and beautifully, that a full day doesn’t need to be busy to be meaningful. If this is the seaside vibe you’re looking for then we hope this itinerary helps with crafting your own visit here.

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