Located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Sousse blends golden beaches with rich history, vibrant markets, and fascinating cultural sites. Whether you’re exploring the UNESCO-LISTED Medina, visiting the Ribat fortress, relaxing on Bou Jaafar Beach, or sampling local Tunisian cuisine, this Sousse Travel Guide gives you practical tips on what to see and do in Sousse.
Where to stay in Soussse?
We stayed in an all-inclusive hotel as Sousse was always our end destination of every trip, where we relaxed, swam, and enjoyed the last rays of the sun. The Jaz Tour Khalef also had an indoor pool, which was nice as we had colder weather on the first days in Sousse. A 10-minute car ride and you’re in the Medina of Sousse.
Things to do
1) Musée archéologique de Sousse (Sousse Archaeological Museum)
Visit the Museum of Archaeology in Sousse. It has the second-largest collection of Tunisian mosaic pieces. Walk from there to the Museum Dar Essid.
2) Dar Essid Museum
This museum shows you what it looked like to live in a Tunisian house back in the day. Go on top of the tower to enjoy the skyline of Sousse. Walk further to the Sousse Medina hereafter.
3) Sousse Medina
Go to the Medina to discover local markets, shop for souvenirs, colorful alleys, beautiful mosaics, and beautiful gates and doors. Spend some time in a typical souk, a local Arab market. Go check out the Ribat, a military fortress from the beginning of Islam, the Kasbah, the Grand Mosque (851), the Bu Ftata Mosque, the Museum Dar Essid, and the catacombs.
Fun Fact: Sousse itself does not have an airport, but Enfidha Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive away. You can also choose to fly to Monastir airport. Monastir is half an hour’s drive from the city.
The Great Mosque of Sousse
When you are in front of the big mosque, you can choose to walk to the left or to the right. When you walk to the left, you go towards the local souks of vegetables, fruits, and clothes. If you walk to the right, you enter the medina, where you can buy rugs, mirrors, and many more nice souvenirs.
The Ribat of Sousse
The Ribat of Sousse is located close to the Grand Mosque. A Ribat in Arab countries is also called a small fortress. Climb the tower of the Ribat to enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
4) Boulevard of Sousse
On the beach of Sousse, you will find a kilometer-long boulevard where you can enjoy a nice walk. It is a 3.5 km route.
5) Relax and go for a swim!
Sousse has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Tunisia, so it is not for nothing that you can relax, sunbathe, and swim here. The beach has white sand, the sea is not too deep, and clear blue. The perfect ingredients for a great holiday in the sun! We also dove in the ocean! The best beaches in Sousse are Bou Jaafar Beach, Port El Kantaoui Beach, and Hammam Sousse Beach.
6) Hergla
The fishing village of Hergla is also called the Greece of Tunisia. The center is completely blue and white. Hergla is also known for its woven baskets, mirrors, and bags made from halfah grass.
7) Sebkhet Halk el Menjel
Near the salt lake Sebkhet Halk el Menjel, you can spot flamingos if it’s the season.
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8) Port el Kantaoui
Port El Kantaoui (harbour) is a photogenic place to enjoy a terrace or lunch/dinner.
9) Excursions from Sousse: Kairouan
Kairouan is one of the most important religious places for Sunni Muslims. Go check out the Mosque of Oqba (or Great Mosque of Kairouan), Mosque of the Three Gates, Mosque of the Barber, Mosque of Ansar, Mosque Al Bey, and the well Bi’r Barouta. Take a break for a tea and a makrouhd (a typical pastry with dates). If you want to buy something from Kairouan, you may choose from the vast offer of traditional Kairouan carpets.
10) Excursions from Sousse: Monastir
Monastir is a holiday resort city where you can combine the beach with culture and history. Some places to visit in Monastir: Medina, Bourguiba Mosque (Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum – the first president of the Republic of Tunisia), Ribat, Cemetery Sidi el-Mézeri, and the Costume Museum.
11) Excursions from Sousse: El Jem
El Jem is known for the Roman Amphitheater (World Heritage site by UNESCO), the second biggest in the world, right after the Colosseum of Rome.
12) Excursions from Sousse: Sfax
Sfax lies on the Mediterranean Coast, and it is the second city of Tunisia, after Tunis. Go check out the Republic Square, City Hall (which is now the Archaeological Museum), Museum Dar Jallouli (a typical 17th-century house of a wealthy trader), the main gate to the Medina – Bab Diwan – and the fortress (Kasbah).
13) Excursions from Sousse: Multi-day desert tour
Do you want to see more of the interior of Tunisia? Take a multi-day tour through the desert, visit different places in the south, or sleep in a tent in the middle of the desert.
What to pack for Sousse?
Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your trip to Hurghada:
- Snorkel set: for seeing all the fish and coral in the sea
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Sunscreen: don’t get sunburned when visiting Egyptian temples!
- Microfiber towel: compact towel to take everywhere with you & that dries quickly!
- Hat or cap: for sun protection
Use my ultimate packing list to have everything in your luggage for your trip.
Transportation in Sousse
Popular transport options for travel within Sousse include minibuses, buses, taxis, and private drivers. We used taxis in Sousse and a private driver to move us to Tunis, Djerba, and the South of Tunisia.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Tunisia
🕒 How many days should I spend in Sousse?
The ideal stay is 2-5 days. A 2-day visit allows for a quick, highlights-focused trip, while 5 days provide a more relaxed pace/ Add some extra days for relaxation.
🏖️ What are the best beaches in Sousse?
The best beaches in Sousse are Bou Jaafar Beach, Port El Kantaoui Beach, and Hammam Sousse Beach.
🛟 Is Sousse safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s generally safe for travelers. Always stay vigilant for pickpockets or scams & dress appropriately where needed (mosques).
Great tips for Sousse. Also El Jem is so beautiful.
Second time that I visit the El Jem, and it is so different from the Colosseum in Rome!