Highlights in Sidi Bou Saïd
Located on the deep blue Gulf of Tunis, white and blue buildings rise along the coast and form a beautiful village in a beautiful location. Sidi Bou Saïd is a listed artisan village of historic interest that should be incorporated into your Tunisian holiday plans. It’s just 20 kilometres from Tunis and is a great place to take a day trip. The best way to get there is by the Tunis-Goulette-Marsa (TGM) railway, which takes you from Tunis to the village in about 30 minutes, or you can take a taxi which is somewhat faster.
Moorish architecture
The well-kept streets of Sidi Bou Saïd alone are a true work of art. Between the white façades, blue window shops and flowering plants, there is always a beautiful panoramic view of the Gulf of Tunis. The typical Moorish architecture was mainly created when the Moors settled here in the 16th century, so the cityscape is similar to some places in southern Spain. It is best to explore the dreamy cobbled streets on foot, allowing you to gradually discover the many cafés, galleries and markets.
Follow in the footsteps of the Annabi family
The “Dar El-Annabi” house is the former summer residence of the wealthy Andalusia-based Annabi family, several generations of which has lived here since the 18th century, until it was largely converted into a history museum in the 1960s. Here you will get an authentic insight into traditional Tunisian life. Stroll through the original library, family prayer and living spaces, Andalusian garden and the terrace, which offers amazing views over Sidi Bou Saïd Bay, Carthage and the hustle and bustle of the village.
Mobile snack: Bambalouni (Tunisian doughnuts)
As you stroll through the streets of Sidi Bou Saïd, you’ll find tasty doughnut rings on every corner. Bambalouni is a Tunisian specialty shaped from dough which are fried until golden brown and then sprinkled with sugar or drizzled in honey. These tasty treats that should definitely not be missed can be found at the central Place du 7 Novembre and mobile beach stalls.
Seaside Wellness
In the Sidi Bou Saïd area, there are several beaches that are perfect for a few hours (at least) by the sea. Sidi Bou Saïd beach, with its fine sand and clear waters, is located just below the village by the marina and offers a picturesque backdrop with signature white and blue houses in the background. If you’re looking for a little more action, you can visit the nearby La Marsa beach, a short drive away. Here you will also find a variety of restaurants and cafés along the beach promenade.
Artists meeting place
As early as the arrival of the Moors from Andalusia in the 16th century, Sidi Bou Saïd became a popular place for artists and celebrated for its warm light from the fishing village with a history steeped in religion. Famous painters such as August Macke and Paul Klee also travelled to the picturesque village, finding inspiration here for their work. Today, there are still many local artists who sell their artworks, hand-painted ceramics and elaborate metal work on the vibrant “D’Art Des Métiers De Lella Salha” market in the centre of the town.
Music in the Moorish Palace
Built in 1912-1922 by painter, music scientist and Orientalist Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger, the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture as is typically found in Andalusia with whitewashed walls, blue windows, ornate mosaics, elegant arcades and richly decorated interiors. Today, the palace houses the “Centre des Musiques Arabes et Méditerranéennes” (CMAM), which is dedicated to the research and promotion of Arabic and Mediterranean music and – even apart from the events – is absolutely worth seeing.
Truly famous: The “Café des Nattes”
The typically Moorish “Café des Nattes” was famous for its exceptional watercolour by August Macke entitled “View of a Mosque”. The interior with colourful tables and traditional carpets is somewhat reminiscent of the stories from One Thousand and One Nights: here, well-known artists, including Gustave Flaubert, drank their peppermint tea and smoked hookah pipes. From the terrace, you can view the distinctive buildings and see almost everything that is happening in the city.
...and below the Gulf of Tunis
The lighthouse of Sidi Bou Saïd is located in the northeast of the town, near the point where the hills descend into the water. The historical structure not only provides guidance for seafarers, it is also a popular place to enjoy the excellent views of the picturesque surroundings and the deep blue Gulf of Tunis. The climb is especially rewarded in the evenings with a view of the sunset in a famous setting.
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