Known for its cobbled streets and blue-and-white houses, Sidi Bou Said is a charming town on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, with al fresco cafes, Tunisian eateries, and small art galleries. Early-20th-century Ennejma Ezzahra Palace features arches, ornate stucco, and patterned tilework, while Dar El Annabi is a historic house with wax figures in traditional costume. A marina sits beside a sandy beach.
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Pleasant weather (~18–26°C), blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.
Avoid: July–August (hot, crowded), and December–February (cool, rainy)
From Tunis:
By Train: Take the TGM light rail from Tunis Marine station to Sidi Bou Said station (~30 min).
By Taxi: 20–25 min from Tunis city center (negotiate fare or ask for meter).
By Car: Easy drive along the coast, with parking near the entrance of the village.
Café des Délices – Iconic clifftop café with panoramic Mediterranean views.
Ennejma Ezzahra Palace – Former mansion of Baron d’Erlanger, now a music museum.
Main Street & Medina – Wander the cobbled streets lined with art galleries, souvenir shops, and traditional blue-and-white homes.
Sidi Bou Said Lighthouse (Phare) – Short walk with fantastic photo ops.
Marina – Scenic area for a stroll by the water.
Sip mint tea and eat pastries at Café Sidi Chaabane or Café des Nattes
Watch the sunset over the bay
Shop for handmade ceramics, perfumes, and paintings
Attend a live traditional music performance at Ennejma Ezzahra (check schedule)
Try a local Bambalouni (fried dough snack) from a street vendor
La Villa Bleue – Luxury boutique hotel with stunning sea views, spa, and refined decor.
Dar Said Hotel – Traditional-style with a pool and Andalusian garden.
Hotel Sidi Bou Fares – Cozy and well-priced, located in the old village.
Nearby options: More affordable hotels and hostels in Tunis, La Marsa, or Gammarth.
Dar Zarrouk – High-end, gourmet Tunisian cuisine with sea views.
Au Bon Vieux Temps – Elegant French-Tunisian fusion in a romantic setting.
Café des Délices – Famous for tea, sweets, and panoramic photos.
Local Treats to Try:
Bambalouni (sweet donut)
Brik (crispy egg pastry)
Couscous poisson (fish couscous)
Ojja merguez (spicy sausage stew)
Architecture: Uniform white walls and blue shutters – mandated since the 1920s to preserve the village’s aesthetic.
Arts: Home to painters, musicians, and poets. A long-time favorite of artists like Paul Klee and Auguste Macke.
Lifestyle: Peaceful and slow-paced; locals are warm, and hospitality is central.
Shopping: Artisanal markets for ceramics, rugs, perfumes, and traditional jewelry.