Sousse, 8 great things to do
We left Sidi using a very cheap Bolt taxi that brought us to Tunis train station where we boarded a local train that, in around two hours, brought us to Sousse.
Tickets were super cheap at around £2 each.
Don’t expect a luxury train, it definitely was not, there was no air conditioning on this one, although I am told some do, but it didn’t matter.
All the windows were open and we had some fun people watching, just like they watched us, the only foreigners in the cabin.
Sousse is a beautiful coastal city located in east central Tunisia, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Sahel”. It’s known for its stunning beaches old history, and vibrant medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city has a fascinating history, dating back to the Phoenician settlement of Hadrumetum nearly 3,000 years ago.Over the centuries, it has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans and Arabs.
Today, Sousse is a popular resort destination, especially with European tourists, with modern hotels dotting the coastline.
Old Town
The old town, enclosed by ramparts that date from the Byzantine period and from the Aghlabid dynasty, contains the Great Mosque (founded in the 9th century by the Aghlabid emir Abū al-ʿAbbās Muḥammad) and ribāṭ (monastery-fortress; dating from the 9th century), the souks and some Muslim quarters; the old city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. The town is also the site of extensive catacombs dating back to the sizeable Christian presence in the 3rd century CE.
The Great Mosque
It was built in AD 851and its architect adapted an earlier kasbah (fort), which explains the mosque’s turrets and fortified wall, as well as its unusual location (in Tunisia, ‘Great Mosques’ are usually sited in the centre of medinas). Its lack of a minaret is also unusual; the tower in the nearby ribat is used to call the faithful to prayer. Non-Muslims aren’t allowed beyond the courtyard but from there, one can view the barrel-vaulted prayer hall.
Open every day from 8am to 3am, free entrance. Please dress accordingly.
The ribāṭ of Sousse
It was built in the final years of the 8th century AD as a fort. In there, were stationed devout Islamic warriors, who divided their time between fighting and silent study of the Quran in its tiny, cell-like rooms.
The internal courtyard is surrounded by porticoes; in the corner is a watchtower added by the Aghlabids in AD 821; climb the narrow spiral staircase to enjoy spectacular views over the medina.
Open every day from 8am to 7 pm, it charges around 8TND, around £2.
The Archaeological Museum or the Kasbah
The Kasbah sits high above the medina and it must be the highlight of the old town of Sousse. Built in 844, it offers a journey back in time to the Middle Ages and at the same time a magnificent view over the city from the 30-metre-high lighthouse.
Today it houses the Archaeological Museum, which is a must see with its beautifully preserved mosaics and findings from the Punic, Roman and Christian-Byzantine eras, giving you a deep insight into the city’s history-steeped past.
Open 9am to 6pm, closed on Mondays, it charges 10 TND, approx. £3.
The Medina of Sousse
Get wilfully lost in the cobbled alleyways, sample the traditional street food, browse for souvenirs, carpets, perfumes and whatever takes your fancy, but haggle, haggle, haggle!
The 3D museum
We are 3D museum fanatics, so, when we see one, we must go! If you have never been, it’s an interactive gallery, where you can take your picture with silly things: try, it’s a lot of fun! In Sousse, the 3D museum is in the main square in the old town beside the very famous (and the best shopping in town) Soula shopping centre.
Open every day 9am to 7pm, it charges 20 TND, around £6, which is a bit steep for Tunisia…
Soula shopping centre
In the main square, beside the 3D museum, Soula shopping centre offers 4 floors of good quality souvenirs shopping without the hassle of being harassed in the Medina. You can browse, look and put it back without bother. The products are excellent, especially the body care section.I bought a bottle of Jasmine oil which is working wonders on my face, if only I bought two or more!! Prices are very low!
Open every day from 9am to 8.30pm
Café Beb Al Medina (Sky cafe’)
Next door to the Soula Shopping Centre, it has a huge menu for quick bites, desserts and non-alcoholic drinks and incredible views, both at day and at night.
Open every day until 11pm.
Port El Kantaoui
Port El Kantaoui is a purposely built tourist resort located about 10 kilometers north of Sousse. It was constructed in 1979 as a holiday destination and features a large artificial harbour and designed to resemble a traditional Tunisian village with white and blue buildings, narrow cobblestone streets.
Port El Kantaoui offers a variety of activities and attractions, including water sports, golf courses, boutiques, cafés, and waterfront restaurants. Although it sounds a little fake, it’s actually a lovely place to spend one lazy afternoon.
Where we stayed:
Dar Lekbira
This was the hotel where we stayed for two nights. Its architecture and colours plunge you right in the North African vibe, the décor is lovely, there is a rooftop terrace with views over the city, two beautiful, friendly cats, fantastic traditional breakfast and clean and modern rooms.
It is located in the heart of the Medina which is safe, colourful and traditional.
For more Tunisia blog posts: https://blog.worldswithout.net/tunisia/
