Four Ways To Spend A Day In Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia – One Day Itinerary
The popular “blue and white” village in Tunisia’s formal name is Sidi Bou Saïd, a settlement that winds up the mountain and leaves visitors with a sweeping view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the beginning of 2025 I visited the area and discovered some of the best things to do in Sidi Bou Saïd on a day trip. Though tiny, the town offers travelers a glimpse into local art, lavish living, and the flavors of Tunisian fusion cuisine.
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When To Visit Sidi Bou Saïd
We visited the blue and white village on a rainy morning mid-January. Purposely getting there earlier than most other visitors, the craftsmen were just opening their shops and many businesses had not yet opened their doors for the day. Thanks to a light drizzle and chill in the air we had the place mostly to ourselves, aside from the locals who call Sidi Bou Saïd home. Regardless of which season you visit in, try to get there between 7:30 to 8:30 in the morning for a more relaxed and pleasant experience.
How To Get To Sidi Bou Saïd From Tunis
It’s easy to get to Sidi Bou Saïd from Tunis, with some travelers taking the local metro and others getting there by taxi or Bolt (similar to an Uber). At first we tried to take the metro which only costs around $0.30 USD a piece, but upon arriving at the station we learned that the metro was down and the only other public transport option was the bus. After our unsettling experience in the Tunis Medina we were hesitant to take the packed bus (it also looked like an excellent way to get catch a sickness), so we called a Bolt and were dropped off at the entrance of the Medina for 26.3 dinar, or $8.28 USD. From there it’s a short climb to the top but I recommend taking your time to admire the meticulously crafted doors and colorful Tunisian art along the way.
Sidi Bou Saïd is fairly small and can be done within a half day, perhaps combined with a Carthage visit if you’re a speedy traveler. (There are also multiple guided tours that cover Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd in one day.) If you like to go at your own leisure, I recommend bringing a journal or book so that you can relax and settle in when you’ve seen all there is to see.
What To Do In Sidi Bou Saïd
Aside from strolling the streets and noticing the fine details, you’ll run into different shops and cafes along the way. If you climb to the top of the village you may be tempted to patron Cafe des Delices, but enter at your own risk; it’s a well-ran tourist trap.
1) Recommended Cafes In Sidi Bou Saïd
If you’re looking to get your caffeine fix Bleue! seems like a place worth visiting with great reviews, located on the main vain of the Medina. When you get hungry check out L’Arbre a Couscous (The Couscous Tree), about a 20 minute walk from the blue city, where we experienced warm service and a truly unique dinging experience. As soon as we walked in we felt like we were in someone’s home, greeted by a kind smile and warm atmosphere. At L’Abre a Couscous you’ll find a hearty vegan option that’s as delicious as it is lovingly made, at the reasonable cost of 36 dinars, or $11.15 for two meals. The bonus was that the couscous dish was bottomless: we were able to ask for as many servings as we liked for the same price.
Avoid Cafe des Delices
While they do guard one of the best viewpoints, the way they go about getting tourists to come in and patron their cafe is deceptive. With no menus displayed or prices to be found, they’ll verbally offer you tea, coffee, and other common drinks. Thinking that they cost the same as a regular cup of tea, you’ll unwillingly commit to paying a little less than ten times the amount you would in the rest of the country (we spent almost twenty bucks on two drinks and some sweets). They’ll also bring you pastries under the notion that they’re complimentary, but they’re not. If Cafe des Delics was honest about their prices and intentions it could be a much better experience. While it’s not the worst thing that can happen to a tourist, we left the place feeling deceived and deflated about the whole scheme.
2) Soak In The Soft Mediterranean Sea Blues
One of the best views of the ocean outside of Cafe Des Delices can be found for free by turning right out of the cafe and walking downhill. Not too far along you’ll see the view open on your right, a great place to take a seat for a while and take photos. Again, getting there before other tourists is your best bet if you want a calmer experience.
3) Visit Museum Dar el-Annabi
Museum Dar el-Annabi made our visit to Sidi Bou Saïd worth it in the end. A wealthy family’s home turned museum, it’s a glimpse into the glamorous side of Tunisian living in exchange for5 dinars ($1.58 USD) per person. Decorated in a mix of eccentric and tradition art, the home is a gem nestled into the narrow and winding streets that surround it. Be sure to take your time in the museum, stopping to notice unique artistic flair in the details that are not only up close but also make up the background. Some of my favorite pieces of art in the home hung behind the main art setups, so widen your field of vision to get a better grip on the family’s personality.
The house has multiple floors including a courtyard (where mint tea is offered, included in the price), second floor with living quarters, and rooftop where you’ll have access to sweet views of the city. Touring Dar el-Annabi is unguided, so wander at your own pace and follow your curiosity down the halls.
4) Take Splendid Photographs In Sidi Bou Saïd
Sidi Bou Saïd is a fun place to take photos due to the epic doors, fresh color scheme and whimsical detail. If you’re a photographer be sure to bring your camera and wonder into the nooks and crannies of the place to take excellent photos. As a side note, always be respectful of people’s homes and privacy; though a hotspot tourist destination, there are many Tunisians who call the blue and white city home.
