21 Things To Do in Sousse: Ultimate Guide
Things to do in Sousse Reading Time: 30 minutes
Sousse is Tunisia’s third largest city. It sits along the Mediterranean coast and boasts great weather and beachy vibes. Your Tunisia itinerary should not be considered complete without a visit to this beautiful beachside town. If you’re looking for what to do in Sousse, you’ve come to the right place.
I spent one month in the city of Sousse in March 2024. My time in Sousse coincided with Ramadan, so this heavily influenced my experience here. But because I was here for an entire month, I got to know the city very well. I was able to live more like a local, and amongst locals. In this Sousse travel guide, I have highlighted the best things to do, eat, and see. Enjoy!
How do you Pronounce Sousse?
Looking at the word, it seems like it would be like the Dr “Seuss,” with just one syllable. In actuality, the word has two syllables, pronouncing the last vowel: Sous-suh.
Why Should I Visit Sousse?
Sousse is the younger sibling to the more popular Tunis which gets all the attention. Because of that, and because of its proximity to the sea, the atmosphere is very laid back. Just because it’s smaller than Tunis does not mean it’s not worth a visit; very much the opposite. Sousse offers UNESCO World Heritage sites, delicious food, kind people, and so much more. Sousse is a fairly big city with a small-town vibe. It’s a very approachable city. I already loved Tunisia before I arrived in Sousse, but after exploring the downtown, I fell even deeper in love with this country.
When Should I Visit Sousse?
The most popular months for visiting Sousse are the summer months of June, July, and August. For that reason, there are a ton of beachside resorts and hotels. During these months, the boardwalk and medina are full of people. Sure, the weather is warm, but in my opinion, it is not the best time to visit.
I spent the entire month of March 2024 which was ideal. The temperatures stayed around 20-23C degrees (68-74F), with a few days reaching 26C (78F) towards the end of the month. You can go to the beach, and wander around town comfortably. You may need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings.
The winter months of December, January, and February will be cold and rainy. There will certainly be fewer tourists in Sousse at this time, so prices for hotels will decrease. If you’re not a beach person, this may be the perfect time for you to come.
Ramadan in Sousse
One thing to keep in mind is Ramadan. Tunisia is a Muslim country that holds Ramadan in high regard. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. This means that most restaurants and street vendors will be closed. However, as soon as the sun goes down, the Iftar party starts. Sharing a meal once the sun goes down is a big social event. This is a good time to go out at night in Sousse.
Ramadan is based on the Lunar calendar, so the dates change every year. Keep this in mind if you plan to travel to Tunisia (or any Muslim-majority country).
How Many Days Should I Spend in Sousse?
A lot of people come to Sousse just to live that summer resort life for a few days. Others come on a day trip from Tunis, spending only a few hours here. While it is certainly possible to see the majority of the Sousse attractions in one full day, I believe this city deserves more time. It’s a great city with warm people and a good atmosphere. So if you’re not short on time, give yourself at least 3 days.
With three days, you can visit the historical sites, go shopping, walk around the medina, and spend time at the beach in a leisurely fashion. You will not get bored.
Where is Sousse Located?
Sousse is located on the eastern coast of the country of Tunisia. Its beaches fall along the coast of the Gulf of Hammamet, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea. Sousse is the third biggest city in Tunisia, and is just 2.5 hours south of the capital, Tunis.
What’s Sousse like for a Solo Female Traveler?
I’ll be straight up: you will get a lot of unwanted attention. When I was in the Medina or walking along the beach alone, I felt that I could never have a few minutes of peace. Men constantly ran up to me to ask where I was from, if I spoke English/French, and what was I doing later. As I walked down the beach, men would shout nationalities out at me trying to guess where I was from: “Deutsch?” “Russian?” “French?” “Italian?” Teenage boys competed to outcool each other and shouted at me and made kissy faces at me while their friends giggled. On more than one occasion, I was followed while men trailed behind asking for my Instagram account or to see what color my eyes were. Some days were worse than others.
When I walked around with my male friend, none of these things happened. Wearing earbuds was a helpful way for me to tune all of the men out. It’s not a perfect solution, but at least it gave me a little more peace. I’m not saying these to scare you as a solo female traveler, but to prepare you. I rarely felt that something bad would happen, but I did often feel uncomfortable.
Is There a Lot to Do in Sousse?
For a city with a population of 750,000 and a small city center, you may not expect Sousse to be full of things to do. On the contrary, Sousse can easily fill up your entire day, or even week with activities. There is something to do in Sousse for people of all budgets, and all interests, from water activities to shopping, and cultural sites.
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Things to Do in Sousse Tunisia
Take a Photo with the I ❤️ H. Sousse Sign
I didn’t find an “I ❤️ Sousse” but I did find the “I ❤️ H Sousse,” which stands for Hammam Sousse, the northern part of the city. It is a unique sign, as it is constructed atop an old cement structure in the water. I had a peek inside the structure and saw there are a few rooms in there covered in sand, with a few random tables. It is located near Café Charka, in the northern beaches of Sousse.
Stroll the Alleyways of the Medina
Sousse has one of the best Medinas in the country. The high and strong walls feel reminiscent of when they were first built. You truly feel inside a little city while inside the medina. Walking around the Sousee Medina will make you feel you have really gotten to know this place, and that you are part of this living, breathing, city. The Sousse Medina is a UNESCO world heritage site. Visiting the medina is one of the best things to do in Sousse. It’s a great way to see how locals live and how they once lived many years ago.
Things to do in the Sousse Medina
You can spend hours inside the Sousse Medina. Of course, there is the Souk (Sousse Market), where you can go shopping. They have everything ranging from tourist souvenirs of pottery, silver trays, and leather bags to suitcases, kitchen items, soaps, and spices.
You can try new foods from the many stands and cafes – nougat, makroudh, chapati, magloub, etc. for great prices. If you’re a fancy pants, you can also find more upscale restaurants.
The people inside the Sousse Medina are so kind. They are also much less pushy and aggressive than they are in the Tunis Medina. Stay and have a chat with some of the shopkeepers. They are more than happy to have a conversation with foreign visitors.
Inside the Medina walls, you can also find historical sites (Ribat), museums, mosques, and great photo opportunities.
Visit the Great Mosque
This Great Mosque is the most important center of prayer in the city. It was built in the 9th century, 30 years after the Ribat, about 850 AD. If you are not Muslim, you will not have access to all of the spaces, but you can see the courtyard.
The Grand Mosque has strict visiting hours (for non-Muslims), so if you want to go inside, make sure to arrive in the mornings. There are a few time variations, but to simplify things, I’ll say you should aim to arrive between 8 am and noon. There are afternoon opening hours in the summer months. You can buy your entry from a small wooden ticket booth about 50 feet from the Mosque entrance.
Check Out the Views From the Ribat
The Ribat is an old fortress inside the Medina walls that was once one of many fortresses dotting the North African coastline. The Sousse Ribat is the oldest structure in the city and dates back to about 821 AD. The Ribat is still very much intact and feels solid. There is a tower in one corner which you can climb to the peak. From there, you have amazing views of the entire city and the Great Mosque just below you. The cost to enter is 8 TND. It is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
Be Inspired at the Sousse Archaeological Museum
The Sousse Archaeological Museum is the second largest mosaic museum in Tunisia, after the Bardo Museum in Tunis. It is located along the Medina Walls, though the front entrance is on the outside of the walls, facing the main street. The cost to enter is 10 TND (3 USD). The mosaic collection is impressive, though it will feel a little underwhelming if you’ve already been to the Bardo. There are some mosaics from the 3rd Century from Carthage, as well as some from the Byzantine Period.
I found the building where the museum is to be the most interesting part. It is the massive structure on top of the hill that you can see from the tower of the Ribat. The old lighthouse sits in the corner of the courtyard along the Medina Walls. This lighthouse tower is the tallest structure in Sousse.
Admire the Tiles at Museum Dar Essid
I didn’t expect to like the Dar Essid museum as much as I did. It is a typical Sousse home for middle to upper-class families hundreds of years ago. This was once the home of a Sousse official and was privately owned until the 1990s.
There is a main courtyard, bedrooms for the children, first and second wives, a kitchen, bathroom, terrace, and a tall tower at the top. The tower is the second tallest structure in the city after the lighthouse. They have printed information in English, French, German, and Arabic, which was helpful to understand the home better.
The entrance cost was only 5 TND. The sign said taking photos was an additional 1 TND, but the woman working there said “Photos free today.” The museum is open from 10 am – 6 pm every day. It is easy to find, as it is directly next to the Medina walls.
Have a Tea at Dar Lella Khadija
This teahouse is absolutely stunning. It is an example of an old-fashioned typical Tunisian home inside the Medina walls. The center courtyard has several tables to relax and enjoy your tea. Every inch of these courtyard walls is covered with colorful tiles. You can also enter the small bedrooms on each side to see the typical interior design of the times.
I got a mint tea, which was served with three small cookies called makroudh. It came on a beautiful try and had a great presentation. This was 10 TND. It’s a bit more expensive than a regular tea on the street, but you’re also paying for the experience. This teahouse is just a 5-minute walk from the Musee Dar Essid.
Have a Meal at Sousse’s top-rated Restaurant
The most highly rated restaurant on Sousse Trip Advisor is a family-owned eatery called Restaurant Seles. It is located just 2 minutes from the Sousse Archaeological Museum, inside the Medina Walls. The restaurant is simple inside but has great food. There are 3 floors, plus an outside balcony and rooftop where you can enjoy your meal. I got the meat tajine and a fresh squeezed OJ for 28 TND ($9). I went during Ramadan, and they were open.
Try the Local Cuisine
Tunisian food is delicious and should not be missed. Sousse offers both expensive dining experiences, as well as the chance to eat with locals at small shops. Near the beach, you can find many fast food shops with local prices for Mlawi, Chapati, etc. I got a Mlawi one block from the beach and got my food to go. It was a pleasant experience eating my spicy harissa Mlawi while watching the small waves of the Mediterranean.
Take a Stroll Along the Sousse Boardwalk
There is a great beachside walkway that stretches along Avenue Hedi Chaker, from the big rock pile (Roche de Boujaafar) in the water to where the beach hotels begin. If you look at Google Maps, you can see the boardwalk in the space between the big curves of the Avenue Hedi Chaker.
The boardwalk is full of people strolling, chatting with friends, sitting on the beach wall, and playing music. There are small tea stands along the boardwalk if you’re looking for a warm beverage with nuts. I also saw may people enjoying popsicles and ice cream as they strolled.
This walk only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk its entirety. To prolong the walk, head down to the sand and walk along the edge of the sea heading north.
Soak in the Sun at the Beach
Tunisia’s third-largest city is most famous as a summer destination, due to its miles of Mediterranean coastline. All along the coast, you’ll find several hotels and resorts, but the beaches are open to all. The more well-known beaches are closer to the center of town near the big rocks in the water, Bou Jaafar Beach and Samara Beach. If you keep following the coastline north, you can find slightly less populated beaches, like Las Vegas Beach.
Port El Kantoui
This is a tourist zone on the northeast side of Sousse, along the coast. It was built in the 1970s to attract tourists to its many restaurants, cafes, hotels, and nightlife. Unfortunately, it was the sight of a mass shooting in 2015, which scared a lot of tourists away from the country. Today it is very safe, but still carries a strong ‘made for tourists’ vibe.
Get a Tattoo from Tunisia’s First Tattoo Shop
Tunisia’s first tattoo shop in the entire country is called Wachem, and they have a shop located in the north of Sousse. The best time to go is during Ramadan when they offer big discounts. Because Muslims do not get tattoos during Ramadan, they offer discounts to bring in more customers. The artists there are very talented. I got a 15cm tattoo on my thigh, and I’m so in love with it.
Get Beauty Treatments
Treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage, hair removal, or a haircut. There are several hammams or spas around the city. They are often much more affordable than in Europe or the US. My favorite salon is called Glamour Centre Spa.
Here is a list of a few services they offer + prices
- Thai Massage, 60 min, 180 TND
- Facial Massage, 25 min, 60 TND
- General Massage, 60 min, 120 TND (30 min, 70 TND)
- Ayurvedic Massage, 50 min, 80 TND
- Manicure, 40 TND
- Pedicure, 70 TND
- Full leg hair removal, 40 TND (wax epilation)
- Half-leg hair removal, 20 TND (wax epilation)
- Armpit hair removal, 30 TND (wax epilation)
- Permanent hair straightening, 300 TND
- Haircut, 38 TND
Sousse Excursions: Organized Tours
I highly recommend adding Sousse to your Tunisia Itinerary, especially if you are planning a Tunisia road trip. However, if you don’t plan to rent a car in Tunisia, there are several organized tours that you can join. Organized excursions are great because they are more social and allow you to meet people during your trip.
Many of the organized trips combine various locations so you can see a lot on one tour. They are also quite varied. For example, you can do a day trip that combines Kairouan and the Jem by van, or even do a horseback riding trip between Sousse and Monastir. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, you can do a quad ride in Monastir, or go on a 2-day Jeep journey into the desert.
Day Trips from Sousse
If organized tours are not your thing, you can always venture out on your own. Here are some great day trips that you can do from Sousse.
Hergla
Hergla is 30 minutes north of Sousse and can be easily reached by louage from the Gare routière Bab Bahr near the medina. It is a quiet fishing village with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can easily see the entire town in half a day. The louage to Hergla costs 3 TND (1 USD).
Read more: What to see in Hergla
Takrouna
Takrouna is a small inland town, about 55 minutes northwest of Sousse. You can take a louage from the Gare routière Bab Bahr to Enfidha. From there you have to take a taxi to Takrouna. You can also combine a visit to Takrouna with Hergla as it is on the way. You can take a louage from the same station in Sousse to Hergla, and then another louage from Hergla to Enfidha.
Monastir
Monastir is a small beachside town about 35 minutes south of the town of Sousse. It is known around Tunisia for its beauty. Even though it’s small, there are several things to do in Monastir like visiting the Mosque of Bourguiba, the Monastir Ribat, the marina, and the beach.
You can easily reach Monastir via Luoage from the Station Louage de Sousse. The cost is 2.400 TND each way. The luoages between Sousse and Monastir leave all day long and will depart as soon as they are full. The Station Louage Monastir is located on the edge of the Monastir Medina.
Read More: Visit Monastir, an Easy Day Trip from Sousse.
Amphitheatre El Jem
El Jem is a Roman Amphitheatre still in relatively good shape. The entire front is still intact. You can climb to the third floor and look down on the center oval stage. You can also go underground in the tunnels beneath the oval stage. The cost to enter is 12 TND.
You can take the train from Sousse to El Jem, as it is on the same line as the Tunis-Metlaoui line. You can check the schedule here, but there are usually 3 departure times per day: 8:40 am, 12:25 pm, and 11:45 pm. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach El Jem from Sousse. I suggest taking the earliest train so you have plenty of time to see the Roman Amphitheatre and make the return trip back to Sousse. There is not much else to see in the town of El Jem, so I don’t suggest staying the night.
You can also take a louage between Sousse and El Jem from the Station Louage de Sousse. The cost is 6.800 TND. The louages start early and leave as soon as they are full.
Hammamet
Hammamet is located along the Mediterranean Coast one hour north of Sousse, and 50 minutes south of Tunis. It is one of the more popular beach destinations in the country, particularly for retired Europeans. There are many hotels and resorts here. The Medina is smaller, the items are more expensive, and you will find more scammers here. They will tell you they work at your hotel. Don’t trust them.
You can reach Hammamet via Luoage from the Station Louage de Sousse. The cost is 8.600 TND each way. The luoages between Sousse and Hammamet leave all day long; vans will depart as soon as they are full.
Read More: Things to do in Hammamet
Mahdia
Mahdia is located along the coast, 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Sousse. You can reach Mahdia via luoage from the Station Louage de Sousse. The cost is 5.900 TND each way. The luoages between Sousse and Mahdia leave all day; vans will depart as soon as they are full.
Read more: 15 Things to Do in Mahdia: Tunisia’s Stunning Seaside Town
Kairouan
You can reach Kairouan via Luoage from the Station Louage de Sousse. The cost is 6.200 TND each way. The luoages between Sousse and Kairouan leave all day; vans will depart as soon as they are full. It takes just under one hour to reach Kairouan from Sousse. Kairouan is Tunisia’s holiest city and is considered the 4th holiest city for Muslims in the world after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.
Read More: Things to do in Kairouan, Tunisia’s Holiest City
How Can I get to Sousse from Tunis?
Train from Tunis
The train between Tunis and Sousse takes 2.5 hours. More than likely, the train will arrive late. Our train arrived one hour late, and I have heard from several people that this is common. We took the 9:50 am train and bought our ticket at 9 am. There were several seats available, so buying the ticket on the same day didn’t seem to be an issue. Click here to see the train schedule between Tunis and Sousse (Metlaoui is the very last stop on the train line).
First-class tickets between the two cities cost 10.400 TND (3.40 USD) and second-class cost 7.200 TND (2.40 USD). For 1 USD more, it’s worth the class upgrade. But you shouldn’t expect too much. The trains are dirty and have broken pieces swaying with the movement of the train. Men smoke between cars which brings in the smells to the rest of the train.
Train Station in Tunis: Gare de Tunis (also called Gare Barcelone)
Train Station in Sousse: Gare de Sousse
Louage from Tunis
A louage is a common form of transportation around Tunisia. It is a van that leaves for its destination only once full. The louage is a bit faster and a bit more reliable than the train. Many Tunisians suggested taking the louage instead of the train. The cost between Tunis and Sousse is 12 TND.
Louage Station Locations
Tunis: Station Louage Moncef Bey
Sousse (to/from Tunis, Kairouan, El Jem, Hammamet, Mahdia, etc.): Station Louage de Sousse
North Sousse: Station Louage Hammam Sousse – Menchiya
Sousse Bab Bahr (to Hergla): Gare routière BAB BHAR
Read More: How to Take a Louage in Tunisia
How Can I Get Around Sousse?
Use a taxi or Bolt
You can flag a yellow taxi, or use the Bolt app (like Uber). Bolt drivers are taxi drivers, but it can be easy if you need to get picked up at a specific place and/or dropped off at a specific place. Bolts tend to be slightly more expensive than the meter, but not by much. It’s a great option and one that I used a lot.
The Bolt cost between my Airbnb in the Khzema neighborhood (north Sousse) and the train station was 6 TND (2 USD). In a regular yellow taxi, it’s about 4 TND (1.40 USD)
For the most part, taxi drivers will automatically turn on the meter and charge you the real price. In areas that are a bit more touristy, like the beach or the Rond-point Afef, taxis will tell you a price that is 5x more expensive than it should be and pretend their meter is broken.
Walk
Sousse is a walkable city. It’s not nearly as big as Tunis, nor is it quite as spread out. If you are staying downtown you can walk easily to every place you need. I walked along the beach several times between my neighborhood in Khezama (near Las Vegas Beach) to downtown and it took 35-45 minutes.
Where to Stay in Sousse
Being a summer beach destination, Sousse is full of accommodations for every type of traveler. When deciding where to stay, you need to consider what you want out of your trip to Sousse. If you’re mostly interested in the beaches, stay in Khazema or further north towards Hammam Sousse where the beach hotels are. If you want to be closer to the medina or plan to take several day trips, stay in or near the old historic center which will put you closer to the louage station and the souk.
Résidence Le Monaco Sousse
This guesthouse is located directly on the beach with many rooms with a sea view. It is a short walk to the Medina and city center. The rooms are clean and spacious, and many rooms even have a kitchen. There is also a swimming pool.
Rooms go fast! Click here to book the Résidence Le Monaco Sousse ASAP!
Dar Badiaa
This guesthouse is located in the center of the Sousse Medina. It’s a perfect location to explore the area. It is inside a typical Tunisian home with amazing decorations and walls covered in tile. Breakfast is included.
Click HERE to check availability for the Dar Badiaa. Rooms go fast so book soon!
Studio Apartment in Sousse Khazema
There are several apartments for rent in Sousse. They tend to be much more affordable the north you go. This apartment is in the Khazema neighborhood about 10 minutes (by taxi) north of the city center. I really liked staying in this area because it is less touristy and more local. You can find everything nearby- pharmacies, supermarkets, even the beach.
See the availability of this Sousse Apartment and book HERE.
Things to do in Sousse Final Thoughts
Sousse is one of the most beautiful and laid-back cities in Tunisia. There are so many things to do in Sousse that you will not find a dull moment. I believe Sousse deserves several days at least, but even if you only have one day, it is worth your time. There’s no excuse not to add Sousse to your Tunisia itinerary.
Things to do in Sousse FAQ
Which is better Hammamet or Sousse?
It depends on what you want. Sousse is a city that has everything- culture, beach, city. There is more to do in Sousse, and the public beaches are better. Hammamet is smaller and is a haven for retired Europeans. It is more expensive and the medina is much smaller. The men who work in the Hammamet Medina are also liars. They will tell you they work in your hotel so you’ll trust them. In my opinion, Sousse is better.
Is Sousse Tunisia nice?
Sousse is very nice. The city feels safe and easily walkable. The proximity to nature makes Sousse a very peaceful and relaxed place.
What shops are in Sousse?
There are several types of shops in Sousse. There are the big names such as Hamed Abdi and Bershka, as well as smaller shops in the Medina. Inside the medina you can find souvenir shops selling pottery, rugs, trays, etc. But you can also find clothing shops. There are also areas of the medina (next to the Ribat) that sell second-hand items for cheap prices.
Is Sousse safe?
Sousse is very safe. There are often people around so you rarely feel isolated. While I didn’t necessarily feel unsafe, I did have uncomfortable situations with Tunisian men near the beach. More than once, a man I didn’t know followed me down the street, asking for personal information and wanting to connect on Instagram solely because I’m a foreigner.
Are There Free Things to Do in Sousse?
Yes! While some things do cost money (ribat, museums) there are also many free things to do as well. For one, you can just enjoy the beach and the nature. Take a walk along the sandy beaches or the boardwalk near the center. Walk around the medina. Watch the shipping boats in the marina.
Are There Good Things to Do in Sousse at Night?
There are many good things to do in Sousse at night: Go bowling at BowlnRoll, stroll the medina, or have a drink at Port Kantaoui.
What are Things to do in Sousse when it’s raining?
When it is raining in Sousse, the best activities are indoors, such as the Dar Essid Museum or the Archaeological Museum. You can also try out some local cuisine at one of the many wonderful Sousse restaurants.
What are Good Things to do in Sousse with kids?
If you have kids, there are still things that you can do. They might get bored with museums and historical sites, but kids will never tire of the beach. Grab an ice cream and walk along the boardwalk. Build castles in the sand.
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