Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is the small city of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia – a beautiful place full of picturesque blue and white buildings that is often compared to the more famous Chefchaouen in Morocco or Santorini in Greece.
Sidi Bou Said is an absolute must-visit when it Tunisia. It is one of the most beautiful places in Tunisia, and you’ll find so many Instagrammable places just walking along the streets.
Elaborate and unique doorways, bougainvillaea flowers climbing the walls, idyllic market stalls, stunning architecture and breathtaking views, Sidi Bou Said is a charming and captivating place.
There’s so much to see here, and it’s such a tranquil place full of natural beauty.
As Sidi Bou Said sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, the views are stunning, and the sunsets are particularly impressive.
Here’s all you need to know to be able to enjoy a day in Sidi Bou Said – The Blue And White City of Tunisia!
Why A Visit To Sidi Bou Said Is A Must When In Tunisia
The distinctive whitewashed buildings, adorned with vibrant blue doors and windows, make Sidi Bou Said a must-visit place in Tunisia.
Wander through the quaint narrow alleyways lined with bougainvillea-draped walls, and discover hidden treasures at every turn, whether it’s the artisanal workshops or the quaint cafes.
From the charming cobblestone streets to its panoramic vistas, Sidi Bou Said captivates the hearts of both locals and travellers. Plus, it’s so close to the capital – Tunis, that you can easily visit on a half day trip.
Must-See Attractions and Photo Spots In Sidi Bou Said
There are no shortage of picturesque viewpoints and photo spots in Sidi Bou Said, with every corner offering postcard-worthy shots. The best thing to do is just wander around the streets and take in all the sights.
Get photos of the beautifully intricate colourful doorways, the beautiful architecture, and make sure to visit some cafes as they offer stunning panoramic sea views.
One of Sidi Bou Said’s most iconic landmarks is the Dar El Annabi, a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion that offers a really interesting glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Tunisia’s elite in years gone by.
The entrance price is low and you’ll be given a cup of Tunisian mint tea to enjoy as you wander round.
If you want to browse for some souvenirs, the idyllic and bustling market stalls at Des Metiers and D’Art Lella Salha & Des Metiers sell a variety of handmade items, clothes and paintings.
Best Cafes In Sidi Bou Said For Views
Sidi Bou Said is home to numerous cafes, and no visit here is complete without visiting a cafe or restaurant that offers stunning views.
Many cafes and restaurants in Sidi Bou Said specialise in Tunisian specialties, from savoury couscous dishes to freshly caught seafood.
There are lots of cute rooftop cafes along Rue Habib Thameur such as Dar Dallaji where you can look down onto the white and blue buildings below.
Cafe Des Nattes, on Rue Hedi Zarrouk, also offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape.
The best place however to come for a tea and watch the sunset over the harbour is the iconic Cafe des Delices. Here is the Google maps location. If there’s only one cafe you visit when in Sidi Bou Said, it has to be this iconic one.
This place features the famous view of Sidi Bou Said and the views are absolutely breathtaking.
The prices are a bit higher than other cafes in the area but it is worth it for the view! Get a mint tea and enjoy the sunset from here.
How To Get To Sidi Bou Said From Tunis
Sidi Bou Said is located 18km north of Tunis, and it is very easy to get there on public transport. You can easily visit it on a day trip or half day excursion.
Take the TGM light rail to Sidi Bou Said from Tunis Marine Station, located at the end of Habib Bourguiba. Don’t go to the Gare de Tunis station. The train is very affordable – a single ticket costs 0.7 dinar and the journey from Tunis to Sidi Bou Said takes 35 minutes.
Other Places To Visit Near Sidi Bou Said
Besides Tunis, there are a couple of other places nearby to Sidi Bou Said that are really worth exploring:
Carthage
Carthage is a stunning town 3km from Sidi Bou Said and you can easily visit the two sights in one day. There are so many archaeological sights and things to see in Carthage, such as the ancient Roman amphitheatre ruins and Roman baths.
It takes 10 minutes to get to Carthage on the train from Sidi Bou Said. It’s on the same train line that goes back to Tunis – the TGM light rail, making it easy to combine them in a day trip.
Carthage is closer to Tunis than Sidi Bou Said, so most people like to visit Carthage in the morning, then enjoy Sidi Bou Said for lunch and the afternoon and stay for the sunset.
Both towns are so picturesque yet so different and I really recommend to visit both when you’re in Tunisia!
La Marsa
Located just past Sidi Bou Said is La Marsa – the fancy part of Tunisia. Lots of expats live here and you’ll find lots of bars that serve alcohol. Perfect for a night out if you still have the energy after your day of sightseeing!
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Caterina McGrail is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.