2-Day Local Experience in Sidi Bou Said: Food, Wine, Shopping

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

2 days

View from a cafe's veranda
Whitewashed houses with colorful carpets
Traditional blue door decorated with nails
Souvenir shops and cafes
Balconies and rooftops

About Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

Experience the charm of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, a picturesque village perched atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its distinctive blue and white architecture, this enchanting destination offers a unique blend of Andalusian and Ottoman influences. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, visit the traditional cafes, and explore the local art scene at the Dar el-Annabi Museum. Don't miss the breathtaking views from the lighthouse, and enjoy a serene sunset at the marina. Sidi Bou Said is also famous for its vibrant bazaars, where you can shop for traditional Tunisian crafts. A visit to this tranquil paradise is a journey into a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Charm of Sidi Bou Said

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of Sidi Bou Said, taking in the stunning blue and white architecture that the town is famous for. Don't forget to stop by the local shops to pick up some traditional Tunisian crafts.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Tunisian lunch at a local eatery. Try the local delicacies such as couscous, brik (a kind of pastry), and fresh seafood.

Afternoon

Visit the Dar el-Annabi Museum, a 19th-century palace that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Tunisian elite. Afterwards, head to the Sidi Bou Said Park for some relaxation and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of Tunisian dishes, accompanied by local wines.

Evening

End your day with a romantic walk along the marina, enjoying the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Ennejma Ezzahra, the former home of Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger, a musicologist who played a major role in the revival of Tunisian music. The house is now a museum dedicated to music and hosts a collection of musical instruments.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local café, where you can try traditional Tunisian sandwiches and pastries.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the local markets, where you can buy traditional Tunisian textiles, ceramics, and spices. Don't miss the opportunity to haggle for the best prices!

Dinner

Enjoy a romantic dinner at a local restaurant, trying out different Tunisian dishes and wines.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a local music venue, where you can enjoy traditional Tunisian music and dance.

Attractions in Itinerary (3)

Dar el-Annabi Museum

1
Dar el-Annabi Museum

A 19th-century mansion turned museum, showcasing the traditional Tunisian life through various artifacts and architectural designs.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Sidi Bou Said Park

2
Sidi Bou Said Park

A beautiful park offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Parks
Ennejma Ezzahra

3
Ennejma Ezzahra

The former home of Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger, now a museum showcasing his collection of musical instruments and art.

Attractions
Museums
Cultural Experiences
Architecture

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Brik

Brik

A thin pastry around a filling, often deep-fried. The filling usually consists of tuna, harissa, capers, and egg. It's a popular traditional dish in Sidi Bou Said.

Couscous

Couscous

A staple food throughout the North African cuisines of Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. In Sidi Bou Said, it's often served with vegetables, meat, and sauce.

Lablabi

Lablabi

A soup made from chickpeas and garlic, often eaten for breakfast. It's a common dish in Sidi Bou Said and throughout Tunisia.

Makroudh

Makroudh

A North African sweet pastry that has a diamond shape, the main ingredients are semolina, dates, and honey. It's a popular dessert in Sidi Bou Said.

Chorba

Chorba

A hearty soup often made with lamb, vegetables, and chickpeas. It's a traditional dish in Sidi Bou Said, especially during Ramadan.

Tajine

Tajine

A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices. Despite sharing a name with the Moroccan dish, Tunisian tajine is more like a quiche or Italian frittata.

Harissa

Harissa

A hot chili pepper paste, the main ingredients are red roasted peppers, serrano peppers, and other hot chili peppers and spices such as garlic paste, coriander seed, or caraway as well as some vegetable or olive oil. It's a common condiment in Sidi Bou Said and throughout Tunisia.

Mint Tea

Mint Tea

A traditional Tunisian drink made from green tea and mint leaves. It's often served with pine nuts and is a popular drink in Sidi Bou Said.

Shawarma

Shawarma

A dish in Middle Eastern cuisine consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. It's a popular street food in Sidi Bou Said.

Kaak Warka

Kaak Warka

A Tunisian pastry made with ground almonds, rosewater, and covered with powdered sugar. It's a popular dessert in Sidi Bou Said.

Zgougou

Zgougou

A dessert made from Aleppo pine seeds, milk, and sugar. It's traditionally eaten during the Mouled festival in Sidi Bou Said.

Boukha

Boukha

A distilled beverage produced from figs. It's a traditional Tunisian drink and is often enjoyed in Sidi Bou Said.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, is during the spring months from April to June, or during the fall from September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring the beautiful blue and white village, its beaches, and historical sites. The summer months (July and August) can also be an option if you don't mind the heat, as this is when the town is most vibrant and lively. However, it's worth noting that it can get quite crowded with tourists during this time.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year

March 20

Wed

Independence Day

April 9

Tue

Martyrs' Day

April 10

Wed

Eid al-Fitr

April 11

Thu

Eid al-Fitr Holiday

April 12

Fri

Eid al-Fitr Holiday

May 1

Wed

Labour Day

June 16

Sun

Eid al-Adha

June 17

Mon

Eid al-Adha Holiday

July 7

Sun

Muharram

July 25

Thu

Republic Day

August 13

Tue

Women’s Day

September 15

Sun

The Prophet's Birthday

October 15

Tue

Evacuation Day

December 17

Tue

Revolution and Youth Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Sidi Bou Said is a small town and can be easily explored on foot. The town is known for its blue and white architecture, and walking around allows you to take in the beautiful views and explore the narrow, winding streets at your own pace.

Taxis are a common way to get around in Sidi Bou Said. They are readily available and can take you to different parts of the town as well as to nearby areas. Always make sure to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

The TGM train line connects Sidi Bou Said with Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. The train station is located near the town center, making it a convenient option for those planning to visit other parts of the country.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore areas outside Sidi Bou Said. However, parking can be challenging in the narrow streets of the town, and the local driving style may be different from what you're used to.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Sidi Bou Said and can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around. However, availability may vary, especially during peak tourist season.

There are local buses that run through Sidi Bou Said, connecting it with nearby towns and cities. The bus station is located near the town center. Buses can be crowded, but they offer a cheap and authentic way to travel.

Renting a bicycle can be a fun way to explore Sidi Bou Said. There are several rental shops in the town. However, the hilly terrain and narrow streets may make cycling challenging for some.

For a more comfortable and hassle-free travel experience, you can book a private transfer. This can be particularly useful if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or in a large group.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currencyد.ت.‏ TND

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 190; Fire: 198; Police: 197

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type E

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia as a first time visitor

1

Sidi Bou Said is a small town located about 20 kilometers from the capital, Tunis.

2

The official language is Arabic, but French is also widely spoken due to Tunisia's history as a French protectorate.

3

The local currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's good to have some cash for smaller establishments.

4

Sidi Bou Said is known for its distinctive blue and white architecture, inspired by Andalusian influences.

5

The town is situated on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offering stunning views.

6

The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average summer temperatures range from 70-95°F (21-35°C), while winter temperatures range from 45-60°F (7-15°C).

7

Tunisian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and desert dwellers' culinary traditions. Be sure to try local dishes like couscous, brik (a kind of pastry), and Tunisian salad.

8

It's customary to haggle in markets and shops. Start by offering half the asking price and negotiate from there.

9

Tunisians are generally friendly and hospitable. It's common to greet people with a handshake.

10

The town is quite safe, but like any tourist destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

11

Public transportation is available and reliable. The TGM train connects Sidi Bou Said with Tunis.

12

Taxis are also a common mode of transportation. Be sure to agree on a fare before starting your journey.

13

The dress code is fairly liberal in Sidi Bou Said, but it's respectful to avoid revealing clothing.

14

Tunisia operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).

15

The electrical standard is 220V. The plug type is Europlug (Type C and E). You may need a converter if your devices use a different standard.

16

Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended for those with sensitive stomachs.

17

Healthcare facilities are available in larger cities, but it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

18

Tunisia is a Muslim country, so it's important to respect local customs and religious practices.

19

Alcohol is available in most restaurants and bars, but public drunkenness is frowned upon.

20

The town is pedestrian-friendly, and exploring on foot is a great way to soak in the local culture and scenery.

Basic Arabic to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

مرحبا

Marhaban

Greeting someone

Goodbye

مع السلامة

Ma'a as-salama

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

من فضلك

Min fadlak

Making a request

Thank you

شكرا

Shukran

Expressing gratitude

Yes

نعم

Naam

Agreeing or confirming

No

لا

La

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

عفوا

Afuwan

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

أنا آسف

Ana asif

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟

Hal tatakallam al-ingliziya?

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

أنا لا أفهم

Ana la afham

When you don't understand what's being said

Where is...?

أين هو...؟

Ayna hu...?

Asking for directions

Bathroom

الحمام

Al-hammam

Looking for the bathroom

Help

مساعدة

Musa'ada

In case of emergency

Food

طعام

Ta'am

Looking for a place to eat

Water

ماء

Ma

Asking for water

How much does it cost?

بكم هذا؟

Bikam hadha?

Asking the price of something

I would like...

أود...

Urid...

Making a request

Hotel

فندق

Fanduq

Looking for a place to stay

Taxi

تاكسي

Taksi

Looking for transportation

Beautiful

جميل

Jameel

Complimenting something or someone

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo

  • Travel-size conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor

  • Shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel guidebook for Tunisia

  • Map of Sidi Bou Said

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

  • First-aid kit

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

Weather Conditions

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, is a beautiful coastal town known for its blue and white architecture. The weather here is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. If you're planning a trip to Sidi Bou Said, it's important to consider the weather. The summer months, from June to September, are the hottest with temperatures often reaching up to 86°F (30°C). If you're not a fan of the heat, it might be best to avoid these months. However, if you love the sun and the sea, this is the perfect time to visit. Just remember to pack light clothing, a hat, and plenty of sunscreens. The winter months, from December to February, are much cooler with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C). This is also when Sidi Bou Said receives most of its rainfall. If you're planning a winter visit, be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Despite the rain, this can be a great time to visit if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The spring and autumn months offer a happy medium, with temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). These seasons provide a comfortable climate for exploring the town's winding streets and beautiful gardens. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip. This will help you pack appropriately and plan your activities. Enjoy your trip to Sidi Bou Said!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

16° / 8°

January is the coldest month in Sidi Bou Said, with occasional rain, so pack some warm clothes and a raincoat.

February

17° / 9°

February is still a bit chilly with some rainy days, but the weather starts to warm up towards the end of the month.

March

18° / 10°

March sees a rise in temperature, but it's still cool enough for comfortable sightseeing.

April

21° / 13°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

May

24° / 16°

May is warm and sunny, with very little rain, making it a great time for beach activities.

June

28° / 20°

June marks the beginning of summer with hot days, so don't forget your sunscreen and hat.

July

31° / 23°

July is the hottest month in Sidi Bou Said, with long, sunny days, perfect for enjoying the beaches.

August

32° / 24°

August is equally hot with almost no rain, so it's another great month for beach lovers.

September

29° / 21°

September sees a slight drop in temperature, but it's still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing.

October

26° / 18°

October is a comfortable month with moderate temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and exploring the local culture.

November

22° / 14°

November is a bit cooler, but still pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

December

18° / 10°

December is a cool month with occasional rain, so pack some warm clothes and a raincoat.

Did you know?

Did you know that Sidi Bou Said is often referred to as the 'Blue and White Village' because of its distinctive blue and white color scheme?

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