Sousse travel guide
Sousse Tourism | Sousse Guide
You're Going to Love Sousse
Sousse is a lively city where the past and present meet. You can explore centuries of history, enjoy life at the beach and top off your day with your choice of a hot night life scene. Capital of Sousse Governorate and home to the University of Sousse, the city has a youthful and busy vibe.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sousse
1. Ancient History
Settled since the 11th century BC, you can explore the city's history at the Sousse Archaeological Museum, including artifacts from ancient Rome to the present, or wander through the underground Catacombs, used as a cemetery for Christian refugees in the 4th and 5th century AD.
2. The Perfect Beach
With soft sand and turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean, the beach experience at Sousse is just about perfect, including a pretty waterfront to stroll along, boating and water sports to enjoy.
3. The Medina
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina - or traditional walled city center of Sousse - dates back to about 800 AD and is a gorgeous example of early Islamic architecture, with a casbah, Great Mosque and many other sights along its winding streets.
4. Sizzling Night Life
At the end of a sunny day, Sousse's night life scene is waiting for you to explore, including a range of nightclubs and bars to suit every taste.
5. Local Shopping
Whether you choose the main souk or traditional market, or the Soula Centre just outside, you'll find a treasure trove of shopping, including locally produced textile goods and leather shoes.
What to do in Sousse
1. Ribat of Sousse: The center of Ancient Culture
Before you get lost in the labyrinth of Old City walls, head up the 1988 World Heritage Center at the Ribat of Sousse for some of the best ancient ruins in Tunisia. The religious and military structure was completed in the 8th century in an architectural style inspired by the Byzantine Empire. Due to the city's position along the coast, this fortification and ramparts acted as a defense against foreign sea invaders. Entrance into the Ribat also includes the catacombs and museum, where you can learn more about the long cultural history of Sousse.
2. Kasbah: Get Yourself Some Good Walking Shoes
The Kasbah is unique feature of historic city-planning, with separate quarters giving way to winding narrow alleys. The protected area is a designated pedestrian-only thoroughfare, making it the perfect place to safely explore every nook and cranny and get lost in the city's ancient magic. Its close proximity to museums, shops, and other cultural attractions makes it a popular tourist destination in Sousse. Today, this kind of layout is under threat as new modern architectural styles threaten the chaotic low-level buildings prevalent in Islamic culture.
3. Sousse Archaeology Museum: Understanding the Geographic Context
One of the biggest perks when visiting Sousse is it's centralized access to all main tourist sites. Located again within the walls of the Old Medina, the Sousse Archaeology Museum contains artifacts from the Sahel region up through to the Arab Islamic influences which can be seen around modern Tunisia. Some of the specific exhibits include the Punic Room, the Roman Room, and the Christian Room. The museum also offers a gift shop and a cafeteria for visitors looking to make their museum trip a full-day endeavor. Within the complex there are also several recreational areas which offer picture-perfect views looking up to the Ribat.
4. Port El Kantaoui Beach: Live the Life of Luxury
Located 10km to the North adjacent to the International Golf Course is the luxury Port El Kantaoui Beach. The stretch's sprawling white sand beaches, palm trees, and modern amenities make it a particularly popular tourist destination within Sousse. Here you can indulge is your favorite water-sports like swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, and pedal boating. Travel tip: rent an umbrella and a few beach chairs for the ultimate Tunisian beach-going experience.
5. Sousse Beach: Beat the Heat
When visiting a coastal town like Sousse, there are plenty of beach options to indulge in. The turquoise clear waters and gently lapping waves make it a fun day activity for all-ages. Sousse Beach is an especially popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike due to its close proximity to many downtown hotels, bars, and restaurants. Many flock to the seafront in the summer to have picnics with their families or smoke a traditional water pipe, known as a hookah. The security in recent years has been drastically increased to ensure that visitors remain safe while having fun on the beach.
1. Ribat of Sousse: The center of Ancient Culture
Before you get lost in the labyrinth of Old City walls, head up the 1988 World Heritage Center at the Ribat of Sousse for some of the best ancient ruins in Tunisia. The religious and military structure was completed in the 8th century in an architectural style inspired by the Byzantine Empire. Due to the city's position along the coast, this fortification and ramparts acted as a defense against foreign sea invaders. Entrance into the Ribat also includes the catacombs and museum, where you can learn more about the long cultural history of Sousse.
2. Kasbah: Get Yourself Some Good Walking Shoes
The Kasbah is unique feature of historic city-planning, with separate quarters giving way to winding narrow alleys. The protected area is a designated pedestrian-only thoroughfare, making it the perfect place to safely explore every nook and cranny and get lost in the city's ancient magic. Its close proximity to museums, shops, and other cultural attractions makes it a popular tourist destination in Sousse. Today, this kind of layout is under threat as new modern architectural styles threaten the chaotic low-level buildings prevalent in Islamic culture.
3. Sousse Archaeology Museum: Understanding the Geographic Context
One of the biggest perks when visiting Sousse is it's centralized access to all main tourist sites. Located again within the walls of the Old Medina, the Sousse Archaeology Museum contains artifacts from the Sahel region up through to the Arab Islamic influences which can be seen around modern Tunisia. Some of the specific exhibits include the Punic Room, the Roman Room, and the Christian Room. The museum also offers a gift shop and a cafeteria for visitors looking to make their museum trip a full-day endeavor. Within the complex there are also several recreational areas which offer picture-perfect views looking up to the Ribat.
4. Port El Kantaoui Beach: Live the Life of Luxury
Located 10km to the North adjacent to the International Golf Course is the luxury Port El Kantaoui Beach. The stretch's sprawling white sand beaches, palm trees, and modern amenities make it a particularly popular tourist destination within Sousse. Here you can indulge is your favorite water-sports like swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, and pedal boating. Travel tip: rent an umbrella and a few beach chairs for the ultimate Tunisian beach-going experience.
5. Sousse Beach: Beat the Heat
When visiting a coastal town like Sousse, there are plenty of beach options to indulge in. The turquoise clear waters and gently lapping waves make it a fun day activity for all-ages. Sousse Beach is an especially popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike due to its close proximity to many downtown hotels, bars, and restaurants. Many flock to the seafront in the summer to have picnics with their families or smoke a traditional water pipe, known as a hookah. The security in recent years has been drastically increased to ensure that visitors remain safe while having fun on the beach.
Where to Eat in Sousse
Enjoy classic Tunisian cuisine at the Dodo Restaurant in the Medina, where dishes start at only DT5. You'll love the fresh seafood and Mediterranean flair of La Marmite, where main dishes start at DT30.
When to visit Sousse
With a warm climate, Sousse is a year-round destination. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging between 75°F-88°F between May and August.
How to Get to Sousse
Plane
Sousse is about 12 miles south of the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR) in nearby Monastir. The easiest way to get from here to the city is by electric train service or metro which costs 1DT. Many European flights come to the Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE) which is about 30 miles north up the coast. A taxi to town should cost about 40DT.
Train
Sousse is a major hub in the Tunisian Railway system, with connections to Tunis, Sfax, Kasserine and other major centers.
Car
There are good connections by road from Sousse to Tunis, Zaghouan and other centers. The National Road 1 or RN1 connects Sousse with centers to the south, including Libya. If you intend on driving through the desert, a 4X4 is recommended.
Bus
The city connects to most other major centers in Tunisia via intercity bus service. The louage system of shared taxis is another alternative, both within the city and for travel between cities.
Airlines serving Sousse
Where to stay in Sousse
Stay right where the action is at the Hôtel Medina, with its typical white-washed architecture with blue trim and convenient location. Alternatively, indulge in the beach life at Dreams Beach hotel, a mid-priced property with modern amenities.
Popular Neighborhoods in Sousse
Medina - the old walled city is a must-see and contains many of the city's tourist attractions like the Grand Mosque and the Souk El Ahad (Sunday Market)
Port el Kantaoui - this suburb of the city extends along the beach and it's where you'll find many of the city's luxury hotels.
Cité Rayhan - this central neighborhood is where you'll find government offices, the library and other public buildings.
Where to stay in popular areas of Sousse
Most booked hotels in Sousse
How to Get Around Sousse
Public Transportation
An electric commuter train, known as Sahel Metro, runs through the city. Fares start at 1DT. Intercity buses and microbuses are an alternative.
Taxi
Taxis are yellow and be sure that the meter is on and being used in your taxi; it's best to negotiate your fare before you set out. A typical fare within the city center should cost 5DT or less.
Car
A car can be a good way to explore the areas around Sousse. A compact rental starts at DT95.
The Cost of Living in Sousse
Shopping Streets
The Medina is the place to find the large Souk El Ahad and other street vendors off the Rue d'Angleterre. Be sure to haggle for the best prices.
Groceries and Other
Carrefour and Changuel Market are two supermarket chains that you'll find throughout the city, with reasonable prices and well stocked shelves. A quart of milk costs about DT1.15 and a dozen eggs will set you back about DT2.