Sidi Bou Said: the white and blue town
Our first stop was the enchanting village of Sidi Bou Said, one of Tunisia’s best kept secrets!
We landed at Tunis airport, and we took a taxi as there are not many other ways to get there in the evening.
The taxi was a rip off, as expected at the airport, so try to negotiate half of what they are offering you, to get a better rate. We used Bolt most of the time, but as Bolt cannot enter the airport, you are basically stuck with the airport taxis.
Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque town in northern Tunisia, located about 20 kilometers from the capital, Tunis.
It surprises you with its stunning views of the Mediterranean sea and its many houses adorned with blue-and-white walls and doors with Islamic decorative patterns. These residences, some of which date back to the 18th century, are nestled among Mediterranean cafes, market, narrow, cobbled streets lined with art shops, cafes, souvenir stalls and carpet sellers.
Sidi Bou Said is a popular weekend getaway especially for locals, so expect a crowd; however, it was delightfully quiet during weeks days.
The main part of the town is pedestrian only, and a little uphill.
Take your time exploring the white washed alleyways and sit down for coffee and Tunisian pastries in one of the many cafes.
Dar El Annabi
Do not miss Dar El Annabi, an elegant traditional mansion, now a museum, where visitors can see a slice of life in Sidi Bou Saïd.
The museum shows the typical Islamic architecture on the outside and the atmosphere and lifestyle of a traditional Tunisian family on the inside. Visitors can go inside and explore the private library, prayer hall, lounges, bedrooms, the Andalusian garden, and terraces that offer a view of the surrounding terraces.
It is a lovely place to seek refuge from the harsh heat.
Open every day 9-6, it charges a minimal fee.
Cafes and restaurants:
Kahoua El Alia is a charming café’, straight up the main hill of Sidi. Their coffee is exceptional and so are the pastries.
Just round the corner from Kahoua El Alia, you will probably see a queue of people standing in front of a humble shop selling donuts. Bambalouni (the name of the donuts) is the name of the shop and they are the best donuts ever! And they are extremely cheap!
However, what steals the scene, in Sidi, is undoubtedly Café des Délices (Café Sidi Chabaane) at the very end of the village.
The view over the Mediterranean sea is incredible, the food is good and the dessert choice is quite wide (and delicious).
It is very popular, so don’t be surprised if it’s busy.
Don’t expect a sunset there though, as the sun sets behind the mountain.
Restaurants:
Le Chergui is a nice restaurant offering wide terraces with views over the village. It has a good menu and food is fresh and tasty.
Not a lot of choices for vegetarians and vegans, just like anywhere else in Tunisia; just stick with vegetable couscous.
Same story for Au bon vieux temps, an upmarket restaurant that offers good food at very reasonable prices. Vegetarian choice: veg couscous.
For more Tunisia blog posts: https://blog.worldswithout.net/tunisia/
