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Day trips from Tunisia

Best Day Trips from Tunisia 2026

Escape the city with the best day trips from Tunisia.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Sidi Bou Said and Carthage, El Djem Amphitheatre and Zaghouan and Roman Water Temple. This guide profiles 6+ day trips in Tunisia, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Tunisia blends ancient history with Mediterranean charm, from the ruins of Carthage to the blue-and-white streets of Sidi Bou Said. Explore Roman amphitheaters, Saharan oases, and pristine coastal beaches in North Africa's most accessible destination.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

17 km from Tunis city centre

Sidi Bou Said and Carthage

TGM commuter train from Tunis Marine station

Highlights: Iconic blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said · Cafe des Nattes for traditional mint tea · Ruins of ancient Carthage (UNESCO) · Antonine Baths overlooking the Mediterranean · Byrsa Hill and National Museum of Carthage

230 km south of Tunis

El Djem Amphitheatre

Louage (shared taxi) from Tunis Moncef Bey station (12 TND)

Highlights: Third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world (30,000 capacity) · UNESCO World Heritage Site · El Djem Archaeological Museum · Underground chambers beneath the arena · Surrounding olive groves and Sahel landscape

60 km south of Tunis

Zaghouan and Roman Water Temple

Louage from Bab Alioua station Tunis (3 TND)

Highlights: Roman Nymphaeum (water temple) dating to 2nd century AD · Zaghouan mountain fortress ruins · Rose water distilleries (town is famous for roses) · Views across the Dorsal mountain range · Thuburbo Majus Roman ruins nearby

110 km southwest of Tunis

Dougga Roman Ruins

Rental car (recommended)

Highlights: Best-preserved Roman city in North Africa (UNESCO World Heritage) · Capitol temple visible from kilometres away · Theatre with mountain backdrop (capacity 3,500) · Licinian Baths and brothel ruins · Hilltop location with sweeping countryside views

65 km from Tunis

Nabeul and Cap Bon Coast

Louage from Bab Alioua station (3.5 TND)

Highlights: Nabeul pottery market with 200+ workshops · Kerkouane Punic ruins (UNESCO, rarely visited) · Cap Bon coastal drive with swimming stops · Kelibia fort with stunning sea views · Fresh seafood lunch at Kelibia port

165 km west of Tunis near Jendouba

Bulla Regia Underground Roman Villas

Rental car via P5 highway

Highlights: Unique underground Roman villas built to escape the heat · Exquisite in-situ mosaic floors (2nd to 4th century AD) · Hunting Baths with Venus mosaic · Amphitheatre and forum ruins · Almost always uncrowded

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours
Organized day tours from Tunis hotels from $50-80 per person for Carthage/Sidi Bou Said; $90-120 for Dougga
Private
Private driver and car hire from $80-120/day - best for Dougga, Bulla Regia, and multi-site days
Public
TGM train for Carthage/Sidi Bou Said; SNCFT trains for El Djem; louages for Kairouan and Nabeul
Rental
Car rental from $25-40/day (economy); essential for Dougga, Cap Bon coastal drive, and northwest Tunisia

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start any day trip early - leave Tunis by 8AM to beat tour buses at Carthage and have Dougga to yourself before midday heat

Tip

Combine Nabeul pottery market (Friday mornings) with Cap Bon coastal drive and Kerkouane ruins for a perfect day trip

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