Sousse, the third largest city in Tunisia, is less well known than Hammamet, for example, but it certainly doesn’t need to hide behind the other cities in Tunisia. We spent a few days there and took a look around. Let me take you on a journey through the highlights, sandy beaches, historical sites and oriental beauty of Sousse, including insider tips.
Table of contents
Things to do in Sousse: Culture and history
Immerse yourself in history – the Medina of Sousse:
Your first stop when sightseeing in Sousse should be the historic medina. It is surrounded by a kilometre-long city wall. Here you will find narrow streets, magnificent mosques and traditional craft shops.
Let yourself be enchanted by the artistic tiling and the oriental scents as you stroll through the shady arcades of the medina. The traders were not pushy and you could look at souvenirs and spices in peace. Don’t forget to visit the Kasbah fortress, from where you have a breathtaking view over the city and the sea.
The Great Mosque
The heart of the medina is the Great Mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques in North Africa. Built in the 9th century, it is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. The massive stone structure and impressive arches make it one of the city’s most important religious sites. It is particularly worth visiting early in the morning, when the mosque is bathed in a golden light. When it is not prayer time, non-Muslims are also allowed to enter (veils for women are provided free of charge).
The Ribat of Sousse
My favourite attraction in Sousse is the impressive Ribat fortress, which also dates back to the and 9th century. The well-preserved walls and towers offer a breathtaking view over the city, the mosque and the Mediterranean. The climb up to the observation tower is particularly recommended, from where you have a fantastic view.
Information: Admission costs 8 TND (approx. 2 pounds) and the fortress is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-September to the end of March, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer.
Medieval fortress Kasbah in the old town
The Kasbah sits enthroned high above the medina. It is the highlight of the old town of Sousse. Built in 844, it offers a journey back in time to the Middle Ages and at the same time a magnificent view over the city from the 30-metre-high lighthouse. Today it houses the Archaeological Museum. The Kasbah even served as a film set for the biblical film “Jesus of Nazareth” due to its authentic appearance.
Information: Admission costs 10 TND (approx. 3 euros) and the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-September to the end of April, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer. Closed on Mondays.
Sousse Archaeological Museum
The medieval Kasbah of Sousse is home to a hidden treasure: the Archaeological Museum. It presents fascinating finds from the Punic, Roman and Christian-Byzantine eras, giving you a deep insight into the city’s history-steeped past. Let the artistic mosaics and historical artefacts take you back to a long-gone world.
Information: Admission to the Archaeological Museum of Sousse costs 10 TND (approx. 3 pounds) and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-September to the end of April, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer. Closed on Mondays.
Dar Essid Museum
The Dar Essid Museum is a traditional house museum that offers an insight into the life of a wealthy Tunisian family in the 19th century. It displays authentic furniture, decorations and everyday objects.
Museum of Kalaout el-Koubba
Another interesting museum is the Museum of Kalaout el-Koubba, which is housed in an old domed building and contains a collection of Islamic art and artefacts.
Boujaffar beach
Of course, a visit to the beach is a must when you are in Sousse. The Boujaafar beach is the most popular in the city and offers fine, white sand and clear, blue water. Here you can relax, swim or just enjoy the sun and watch the local goings-on. There are numerous cafes and restaurants along the Corniche, where you can treat yourself to a refreshing drink with a sea view. It’s just a short walk from the city center.
Insider tip: Sousse catacombs
The catacombs of Sousse are a real insider tip, located somewhat off the beaten tourist track. These underground burial sites date back to Roman times (3rd century) and house thousands of graves. Take a torch with you, as it can get quite dark in the corridors!
Admission costs 5 TND (approx. 1.50 pounds) and the catacombs are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note: At the time of writing, the catacombs were closed. It is not known when they will reopen. Check Google Maps before you set off.
Port El Kantaoui
The man-made tourist resort of Port El Kantaoui (pronounced “Kuntawee”) is located just a few kilometres north of Sousse. When we visited in November, the modern town was pretty deserted, but in the summer months, groups of tourists stroll past picturesque white houses that house restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and excursion offices. Boat trips with a pirate ship or glass-bottomed boat are offered from the modern marina, along with every imaginable water sport.
Information: From Sousse, you can take a taxi, drive a rental car (paid parking) or do it like a real tourist and take the tourist train, which runs between Port El Kantaoui and the hotel zone “Hammam Sousse” for a few Tunisian dinars. Just stand on the street and wait for the train to come.
Activities in Sousse
- Sousse comes to life in the evening. Restaurants and shops stay open until late at night, the locals stroll leisurely through the streets, drink mint tea, children play… It’s great just to watch!
- A camel or quad bike trip into the desert, if you’ve had enough of the city or the beach.
- Diving and other water sports. Find out more about diving in Tunisia.
- You can go horse riding on the beach between Sousse and Port El Kantaoui. Make sure you choose a reputable provider that treats the horses well.
- Finally, for shopping enthusiasts, a visit to the Mall of Sousse is a must. Located just a few kilometres outside the city centre, this modern shopping centre is a true oasis for shopping lovers. All the well-known fashion and food chains are there, as well as a large supermarket in an air-conditioned environment.
Day trips around Sousse
The area around Sousse also has a lot to offer and invites you to go on exciting discovery tours.
Monastir is just a stone’s throw away and can be easily reached by regional train. The proud Ribat of Monastir, once built as a fortress, is located directly on the sea and invites you to take a journey back in time. Inside, a small but fine museum awaits explorers.
The most famous Roman coliseum in Tunisia is El Jem. It is very well preserved and a particular highlight when events are held in the amphitheatre.
The sleepy village of Takrouna, which sits on top of a hill, promises a view that is second to none.
The historic town of Kairouan, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely worth a visit. Just a short drive from Sousse, the holy city of Kairouan was once closely linked to the city by the “Chemin de fer Decauville” railway.
Where should I stay in Sousse?
The Hammam Sousse hotel zone is located on the white sand beach between Sousse and Port El Kantaoui. We stayed at the TUI BLUE Scheherazade, an adults-only hotel right on the Sousse beach. It has several pools, a large, well-kept garden, several restaurants and a spa.
Book your trip to Sousse!
What should I buy in Sousse?
Typical souvenirs from Sousse are:
- Hand-made carpets: The medina of Sousse is famous for its beautiful, hand-woven carpets.
- Traditional ceramics: Local potteries offer beautiful, hand-painted ceramics that are perfect as souvenirs or gifts. Be sure to transport them in your hand luggage!
- Olive oil: Tunisia is famous for its high-quality olive oil, and Sousse is no exception. There are many shops that offer locally produced olive oil.
My tip: the Sunday market in Sousse
At the large Sunday market (also known as the camel market) south of the bus station, you can buy everything from clothes and spices to household items – but no camels. The term “rummage table” takes on a whole new meaning there. It’s very busy, but nobody is pushy. Definitely a great opportunity to get an authentic insight into everyday life in Tunisia.
Culinary souvenirs from Sousse
- Harissa: a spicy chilli paste that is widely used in Tunisian cuisine. It adds a spicy note to any dish.
- Dates: Tunisia is famous for its dates, especially the Deglet Nour, which are considered to be the best in the world. They are also available at the Sunday market.
- Baklava: A sweet pastry that comes in many varieties and is an excellent take-home sweet treat.
What should I definitely try in Sousse?
Local dishes and drinks
- Brik: A crispy fried dough filled with egg, tuna or minced meat, often with a dash of capers and parsley.
- Couscous: The national dish, which is prepared with various types of meat or fish and vegetables. Find out more about Tunisian cuisine here.
- Lablabi: A savoury chickpea soup often served with bread, egg and a spicy harissa sauce.
- int tea: In reality, Tunisian mint tea is a green tea with mint. Since it remains in the pot, it becomes bitter over time. That’s why it is heavily sweetened, ensuring that Tunisian dentists don’t go out of business ? You can also order it with less or no sugar, but then it’s really too bitter. The spectacle of pouring it from the typical slender jug in a high arc is worth trying it out.
Conclusion on Sousse: Is it worth visiting?
Sousse is worth more than just one visit. If you are looking for a mix of beach and cultural holiday, you will be better off here than on Djerba. The city’s location within Tunisia makes it an even better starting point for excursions to other highlights of the country than Hammamet. All in all, Sousse is suitable for practically every type of holidaymaker. Book your trip to Sousse!
Book your trip to Sousse!
Frequently asked questions about Sousse
Which airport is the closest to Sousse?
The nearest airport to Sousse is Monastir Airport, which is only about 20 kilometres from Sousse. Another option is Enfidha-Hammamet Airport, which is about 30 kilometres northwest of Sousse and also offers regular flights. From the airport, you can either take a taxi or a shuttle service to get to Sousse. If you are travelling outside the season, you will need to fly to the airport of the Tunisian capital, Tunis, which is about 130 kilometres away.
When is the market in Sousse?
The regular market in Sousse is open every day except Sundays. The Sunday market south of the bus station is even more interesting, with a wider range of goods, and is open on Sundays.
How many inhabitants does Sousse in Tunisia have?
Sousse, the second largest city in Tunisia, has an estimated population of around 600,000.
When is the camel market in Sousse?
The camel market in Sousse takes place every Sunday. However, there are no camels or other animals for sale there, but food, household goods, clothing, tools and much more.
How far is the desert from Sousse?
The desert is a must-visit attraction in Tunisia. Sousse is conveniently located for exploring the mesmerizing desert landscapes. The Sahara Desert, about 300 km south of Sousse, is one of the closest deserts. It takes around 4-5 hours by car to reach its edge. The journey is an adventure, with changing landscapes from lush greenery to barren desert beauty. Tour operators offer guided tours and excursions into the Sahara. Activities include camel riding, sandboarding, visiting Bedouin camps, and overnight stays in desert camps for breathtaking sunsets and stargazing.
Is Hammamet or Sousse better?
When choosing between Hammamet and Sousse, both cities offer unique charm and attractions. Your choice depends on personal preferences and what you seek in a holiday. Hammamet is renowned for stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and lively nightlife. Sousse, on the other hand, is ideal for history and culture enthusiasts, with a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I personally found Sousse more interesting and varied, but I wasn’t looking for party.