Located some twenty kilometers from the capital Tunis, Sidi Bou said is a quaint and unspoiled village perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
What Makes Sidi Bou Said So Special?
It is nothing short of a mesmerizing town famous for its blue doors and white-washed walls. Its old-world charm, with meandering streets and rambling lanes had captured the hearts of tourists flocking to explore this dream destination.
Tourists and locals visit this village for a magical bird’s eye view, a refreshing walk and a perfectly Tunisian cup of fresh mint tea.
Quite calm and serene during daytime, Sidi Bou Said takes on a different vibe in the evening with its bustling cafes, bars and popular ”Bambalouni“ selling shops.
Sidi Bou said is also included into the UNESCO world heritage together with the Archaeological site of Carthage. Well, no wonder Sidi Bou Said is one of the most magical cliff-side towns in the world worth adding on your bucket list.
How to Get There
You can use low-cost transportation to get to Sidi Bou Said, whether by hopping on the train from the capital or by hailing a cab!
These are the best ways to get to Sidi Bou Said while passing by La Goulette and the city of Carthage.
Things To Do
In Sidi Bou Said you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life by sipping a good coffee or a well-made cuppa with a panoramic view in the famous Café des Nattes.
You can also stroll along the cobbled streets of Sidi Bou Said which are lined with cafés, ice cream shops, stalls of pastries and small shops selling a variety of souvenirs and mingle with locals. The vivid colors and the enchanting vibes will take your breath away.
Make sure to eat one of those famous sugary Tunisian donuts “Bambalouni” that you will find anywhere in Sidi Bou Said.
You can also take a walk along the marina which is dotted with impressive yachts gently bobbing on blue waters and soak in the beauty of a unique sunset.
Get a taste of Mediterranean cuisine at Sidi Bou said’s fanciest restaurants including Dar Zarrouk, Le Bon Vieux Temps and the hotel la Villa Bleue.
For history buffs, visiting the palace of Ennejma Ezzahra, Dar El Annabi and ezaouia mosque are a must!
There are other plenty of stuff to do and see in this unique town. Check out these great things to do in Sidi Bou Said to enjoy your trip to the fullest!
Where to Stay
If you have fallen under the charm of Sidi Bou Said, you can opt for a guesthouse or a hotel. We highly recommend Villa Kahina, Dar El Fell, Maison Dedine, Villa Sidi Bou said, Dar Fatma, dar Said, the Boundless Blue House…
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Sidi Bou Said is by walking because the streets can be quite bustling and crowded. In fact, it is one of the best walking towns in Tunis as there is a lot to see and to explore.
Biking is also a good idea to soak in fresh air and enjoy most of the town’s charming sights.
When to Go
The best time to discover this gem of a town is at the end of Fall or during springtime when the weather in Tunisia is still warm and the city is not teeming with tourists especially that tourists pour into the city in Summer.
This time of the year would be just great for walking, sightseeing and discovering Sidi Bou Said. No worries, restaurants, cafés and the famous Tunisian Bambalouni shops stay open all year-round to bless your trip.
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2 comments
Sidi Bou Said is a must see!
In the year 67 as young girl of 20 I stayed at the Hotel Amilcar for 1 week. Does it still exist? 2 weeks before I came, the filming of the slave market in the movie “L’indomptable Angeliqe” had taken place. Since then the changes are tremendous, I would love to come back one of these days. I would like to see the ruins of Carthage, beeing very interested in archeology. Fond greetings from Anne Smith, Germany