A Guide to Enjoying a Private Kairouan Day Trip from Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse

The Tunisian ancient city of Kairouan, or “City of 100 Minarets,” is one of the oldest in the world and a perfect place to spend a day. Whether you’re staying in nearby Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse, Kairouan is the perfect location for a day trip full of amazing historical sites, local culture and cuisine, and stunning scenery. If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Tunisia and explore a fascinating culture and history, here’s a guide to planning and enjoying a private Kairouan day trip.

Book Your Private Kairouan Tour Now

If it’s your first time visiting Kairouan, it’s highly recommended to book a private day tour with a knowledgeable guide. This will provide an excellent introduction to the city and its incredible history, as well as its beautiful sites and attractions. One of the best options for booking a private Kairouan tour is GetYourGuide. With this tour, you’ll visit incredible historical sites and monuments such as the Great Mosque of Okba, historic bazaars, and the old walls and Medina of Kairouan. Plus, you’ll taste traditional dishes at local restaurants, enjoy private shopping opportunities in the city center, and conclude your tour with a visit to one of Kairouan’s famous hammams.

Traveling to Kairouan

Kairouan is located in central Tunisia, right in between Tunis and Sousse. From either of these cities, you can reach Kairouan in around two hours by car. Many of the private tours that you can book through GetYourGuide include transportation from either city directly to Kairouan. If you prefer to travel independently, there are regular intercity buses from both Tunis and Sousse that go to Kairouan throughout the day.

Key Sites to See on Your Kairouan Day Trip

When you’re planning your trip to Kairouan, there are some key sites that you’ll want to make sure are on your itinerary. The most important is the Great Mosque of Okba- the oldest mosque in North Africa, dating back to the 8th century. This mosque is not only incredibly stunning architecturally, but it also houses the tomb of Okba Ibn Nafaa, one of Tunisian’s founding fathers. Visiting this famous site should be at the top of your list when you’re in Kairouan.

Other sites that you won’t want to miss include the old Medina walls, the bazaar district- home to amazing shopping opportunities where you can purchase traditional items such as carpets, lamps, fabrics, and jewelry- and the holy spring of Es-Saada. The spring is said to have healing properties and people have been visiting it for over 1,000 years. It is also the source of a regionally famous date-palm liqueur called zlabia.

Trying Local Cuisine in Kairouan

One of the best parts about traveling is trying all of the amazing cuisine. Tunisia has an incredibly unique and tasty cuisine that you’ll be sure to enjoy during your trip to Kairouan. There are so many delicious dishes that you’ll have to try while you’re there- a few favorites are mouchakak- a slow cooked stew filled with vegetables and spices, fricassee- made with chicken or lamb and served with bulgur or couscous, and tabounet- Tunisian flatbread that is cooked in a wood-fired oven over hot coals. You’ll also want to be sure to sample the local pastries, especially the almond-filled Baklava (known as bisara in Tunisia).

Visit a Traditional Hammam

No visit to Tunisia would be complete without indulging in a relaxing hammam treatment at one of Kairouan’s local hammams. A hammam is like a traditional Turkish bath- it’s a heated room with tiled benches where steam is circulated to give your skin an exfoliating cleanse. During your hammam treatment, you’ll be treated to invigorating massages and herbal steam baths. It’s the perfect way to relax and restore your body after a long day exploring the city.

Make It Happen: Private Kairouan Day Trip

Exploring Kairouan on your own can be quite an adventure but it’s always more fun with a knowledgeable guide who can help you make the most out of your experience. Booking a private Kairouan day trip with GetYourGuide is an easy way to explore this fascinating city to its fullest potential and have an unforgettable experience. There’s no better way to get to know Tunisia than by taking a private tour and discovering everything that this unique destination has to offer!

An Insider’s Guide to Kairouan

Kairouan is a hidden gem located in the heart of Tunisia, known as the fourth holiest city in Islam. It’s worth visiting for a day trip from Tunis, Hammamet, or Sousse, to immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and cuisine. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the city’s hidden gems, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions: Discover Some Hidden Gems

While Kairouan has its fair share of popular tourist spots, like The Great Mosque and The Aghlabid Basins, there are also some lesser-known hidden gems. Consider visiting the Sidi Oqba Zaouia, a peaceful sanctuary with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, or the with its unique collection of old typewriters and other mechanical wonders. Another fascinating spot is the Taoufik Baccar Museum, which features many historical artifacts and artworks.

Dining Spots: Savor the Local Cuisine

Kairouan is an excellent place to sample unique Tunisian and Arabic cuisine, which is known for its blend of flavorful spices. Visit the local marketplace, covered by a grill, and try some Brik, a pastry packed with tuna, egg, and harissa, or Mloukhia, a stew made from jute leaves with slow-cooked meat, and also the couscous, which is a staple food in Kairouan. An interesting anecdote to share when trying the local cuisine is that in the 19th century, Kairouan was prosperous and wealthy due to its location on the Saharan caravan routes, which allowed it to import exotic ingredients from all over Africa.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself In Local Traditions

Kairouan is known for its cultural and religious significance in Tunisia. Make sure to visit during the Festival of Agba, one of the most celebrated festivals in Tunisia, which honors the city’s patron saint, Sidi Sahab. You can also witness the local weaving industry for which Kairouan is famous, and experience how the traditional carpets and blankets are made by hand. Additionally, pay a visit to one of the local music academies which teach courses on Arab, Andalusian, and classical music, and take part in an improvised concert or workshop.

Local History: Captivating Stories From The Past

Kairouan has a rich and captivating history, reflecting Tunisian and Islamic cultural heritage. One such story is about Abu Zama, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed, who died in Kairouan and is buried in the cemetery known as Jallouli, accessible from the Sidi Abid Bridge. Another fascinating tale is about Abu el-Abbas al-Mursi, an esteemed saint who traveled to Kairouan to find his master Sidi Bedredine. When he arrived, he took care of the city’s poor and downtrodden, later founding the El-Morsy religious institute.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Create Unforgettable Memories

Consider going on an early morning hike up to Jabal Ressas mountain, just outside of Kairouan. This offers a spectacular view of the city and is an unforgettable photo opportunity as well. You could also take a horse or camel ride at Kairouan’s Stud farms, where you can experience what the life of a nomadic tribesman was like in ancient times, or go to the Mausoleum of the Queen (Tomb of Thelepte), an ancient Roman burial site, constructed for Queen Sophonisba, and an excellent example of local Tunisian architecture.

In conclusion, Kairouan offers something for everyone with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. This Insider’s Guide has only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer, so don’t be afraid to step off the beaten path and explore all that Kairouan has to offer.