Sidi Bou Saïd was one of my favorite parts of Tunis. You might have seen pictures of it before, or not, then you will see them now. In this article, I will give you my advice and will tell you what I liked and what I did not like....
What to expect in this article:
About my trip to Tunisia
I visited Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, on April 25, and wow – what a mix of culture, chaos, and charm! Never did I expect to visit Tunisia in 2025, but it was a pleasant surprise and all of that with 2 colleagues.
Tunisia is a North African country full of culture, sunshine, and surprises. It’s a mix of Arabic, French, Mediterranean, and African influences – in food, music, architecture, and daily life. The capital city, Tunis, has lively markets, historical sites like Carthage, and the famous Bardo Museum.
Tunisia is great for people who like to witness authenticity, as it still feels like that. It has interesting historic places, but also places that feel like you are in Greece, like Sidi Bou Saïd! There were mostly a lot of French people, and Africans.
Want to know more? Check out my other blogs on Aborntraveller, where I share our full Tunisia itinerary, tips about money, and honest experiences.
When to visit Tunis
Tunis has great weather most of the year, but here’s the best time to go:
Spring (March–May): This is the perfect time! I visited in April and it was sunny, warm (around 25°C), and not too crowded. We had a rainy day, so it is good to take a jacket.
Autumn (September–November): Also a great time — still warm, with fewer tourists than summer.
Summer (June–August): It can get very hot, especially if you plan to walk around ruins like Carthage. Which is not ideal for everyone (like me).
Winter (December–February): Cooler and quieter, but still nice if you prefer fewer crowds. Just bring a jacket!
Don't forget to book an activity in Tunis
Why you need to visit Sidi Bou Saïd
Well, have you seen the pictures? I think that already says enough why you should visit. Also, 1 picture says more than a thousand words, right?
Walking around Sidi Bou Saïd honestly felt like stepping into a postcard. Every corner and door is photogenic, blue and white, with a loot of tourist stores of course, that add color to all. A cat here and there and some wow-worthy views of the Mediterranean Sea. All of this made me feel like I was in Greece at times.
We grabbed a mint tea at a rooftop café (because when in Tunisia, you have to), and just sat there, enjoying the weather, watching the locals.
You’ll find art galleries, local crafts, and little shops selling everything from hand-painted ceramics to sweet-smelling perfumes and sparkly jewelry. And like I said, also numerous tourist stores that all sell the same.
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Where to eat: Try Blueue!
One of our favorite spots was a stylish café called Blueue (yes, with an extra “e”). My colleagues loved it so much, they wanted to visit it 2 days in a row. The food? Delicious. The vibe? Chill, modern, not really Tunisian. The staff spoke English so well, which is not common in Tunisia (most speak French and/or Arabic).
We loved sitting on the terrace, eating a fresh salad and sipping smoothies (you have to try them!) while enjoying the music. They even have an interesting date smoothie. Blueue is great if you want something a little trendy but still local.
Check out their Instagram page.
Be prepared: The crowds & sellers
Okay, let’s keep it real. Sidi Bou Said can get very crowded, especially on weekends or in the afternoon. Beautiful places are almost impossible to keep quiet these days.
My tip? Visit in the early morning or close to sunset for fewer people and better light.
Also, the street sellers can be pushy. A woman once followed me, offering to do a henna tattoo. Even when I said no, she didn’t stop. It made me a bit uncomfortable. Some henna can also be unsafe (I have heard it can be harmful to the skin if used incorrectly), so always say no if you’re unsure – and never accept henna from someone who starts without asking.
Especially in the Medina (not in Sidi Bou Saïd, but I still want to share my experience), sellers won’t let go if you ask one tiny thing. Before you know it, you are fitting dresses in the whole store… And getting offered 20 camels and a Ferrari if you would stay in Tunisia (should we have said yes? ;). One time, we even asked for the way to the mosque. The man wanted to lead the way, but we ended up on a rooftop, a store, met his father, and later in the store of this ‘kind’ man. So be careful who you ask things in Tunis…
One of the most surprising things that happened and made me happy? We met a local guy who loves the Netherlands! He showed us pictures of his holiday in the Netherlands and videos of his brother rapping (I love rap and local music). Turned out his brother is quite famous. It was such a sweet, random connection that made our day.
This is what makes travel beautiful – the places are great, but the people you meet make it unforgettable. Good or bad.
How to reach Sidi Bou Saïd
Getting to Sidi Bou Said is super easy.
From Tunis: Just take the TGM train towards La Marsa. The stop “Sidi Bou Saïd” is only 30 minutes away.
By taxi: A cheap and quick ride from the center of Tunis, also takes around 30 minutes.
By car: There’s some parking available, but it fills up quickly.
Tip: Pair it with a visit to Carthage, the nearby ancient city ruins. You can do both in one day. And read this article for more tips on how to get around and which apps you should use!
Where to stay in Sidi Bou Saïd
If you want to stay near Sidi Bou Said, look for guesthouses in La Marsa, Carthage, or Tunis. These areas are well-connected and have lots of hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs.
For a special experience, book a boutique stay in Sidi Bou Said itself – many houses have beautiful courtyards and sea views.
We stayed in the area of La Marsa and felt very safe there. La Marsa felt like a bit more of a posh area and it was close to both Sidi Bou Saïd and Carthage. Also, Tunis town was just 30 minutes by car.
Want a guided tour?
If you want to explore without stress, try this GetYourGuide day tour of Sidi Bou Said & Carthage. You’ll learn more, skip planning, and enjoy it all with a local guide. Totally worth it if you’re short on time!
Would I go again to Tunisia?
Tunis surprised me. It’s energetic, full of life, and culturally rich. I did not expect Tunis to be so gorgeous! Sidi Bou Saïd felt like I was walking in Greece with the gorgeous views and blue/white streets.
But it’s also a bit intense, so go slow and plan ahead. Explore, but take breaks. Stay by the sea, try the tea, and don’t be afraid to say no to sellers in the souks. 😄
✨ Would I go again? Yes, but next time I’d combine it with more nature, the Star Trek places in the south and quiet towns. Sidi Bou Saïd is the perfect starting point to discover Tunis!
Did you like reading this article? Have you been to Sidi Bou Saïd? I would love to know, so make sure to message me on my social media or leave a comment below.
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