{"id":51911,"date":"2024-06-03T12:09:08","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T10:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/?p=51911"},"modified":"2024-06-05T12:41:20","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T10:41:20","slug":"things-to-do-in-sousse-tunisia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-sousse-tunisia\/","title":{"rendered":"Best things to do in Sousse: Attractions, beaches, food"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in Sousse: Culture and history <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Immerse yourself in history \u2013 the Medina of Sousse:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"sousse
In the blue-and-white alleys of the Sousse medina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"old
Some houses have been beautifully renovated, while others are crumbling away in picturesque fashion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"caf\u00e9
It wasn’t agreed that my colleague Beyza would dress in colours to match the caf\u00e9 ?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"fountain
Nice and empty in November, with lots of opportunities for photos and amazement <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"medina
A photographer’s paradise: the colours of the Medina of Sousse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Great Mosque<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"sousse-old-town-view-of-mosque\"
View of the Great Mosque from the Ribat Tower. It is noticeable that there is no striking minaret.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ribat of Sousse <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"ribat
Very well preserved and worth the few dinars admission: the Ribat of Sousse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"ribat
Many new perspectives and photo opportunities from the walls of the Ribat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"ribat
You can climb the walls and tower of the Ribat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"sousse
View over the medina to the fortress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medieval fortress Kasbah in the old town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"fortress
Sousse’s fortress high above the city<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sousse Archaeological Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"
The Sousse fortress also houses the Archaeological Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information<\/strong>: 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dar Essid Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museum of Kalaout el-Koubba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boujaffar beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insider tip: Sousse catacombs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Port El Kantaoui<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Hammam
Entrance to Port El Kantaoui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"
In November, the streets of Port El Kantaoui are fairly deserted <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"ceramics
Souvenir vendor in Port El Kantaoui: “Cheaper than at Aldi!” <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"port-el-kantaoui-carriage\"
Perfume? I suspect it’s more of a fortune teller.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"port-el-kantaoui-harbour-promenade\"
Marina of Port El Kantaoui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Information:<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activities in Sousse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n