Last Updated on: 23rd May 2019, 05:19 pm
I spent two weeks backpacking around Tunisia, and I absolutely fell in love. From the stunning Mediterranean views to the historic sites in Carthage to the ancient Roman amphitheater, this is a country that photographers (both amateur and professional) will love.
The best part? It’s far under-touristed, so you can see many of these sites in relative solitude. I seriously loved every place I went in the country, but here are my picks for the most Instagrammable places in Tunisia and my favorite Tunisia photography spots.
The Most Instagrammable Places in Tunisia & Best Tunisia Photography Spots
In no particular order…
The Rooftops of Tunis
When in Tunis, go up. The glamorous rooftops in the Medina reveal beautiful tile work and even better views. My guess is you won’t have a hard time finding someone who wants to shop you up to the roof but know that if someone brings you there it’s to get a tip or to ask you to buy something at one of the shops.
This is one of the most beautiful places in Tunisia, and you really shouldn’t miss it (even though dealing with the guides to get to the roofs can be a bit cumbersome).
Cap Angela
The northernmost point on the continent is commemorated with this beautiful statue of Africa. You’ll also find a charming lighthouse and gorgeous Mediterranean sea views to appreciate. Take layers, because it’s always windy on the cape!
Read: 10 Dreamy Tunisia Beaches for Your Mediterranean Escape
The Medina of Tunis
I fell hard for the beautiful doors of Tunisia, but nowhere more so than in the Medina of Tunis. This door is my #accidentallywesanderson dream, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more delighted finding something hidden and beautiful while getting lost in a city.
If you’re looking for a place to do a Tunisia photo shoot, you’ll be overwhelmed by the amazing number of beautiful doors across the country to choose from.
The Tophet of Carthage
The Tophet of Carthage has a dark past. This is where many believe that the Carthaginians buried the babies they had sacrificed. I believe you should learn about the history and come and see it for yourself. However, be careful photographing here. Be respectful of the history and what it stands for.
The Ancient Roman City of Dougga
I’ve been incredibly privileged to walk around several ancient Roman cities alone or nearly alone. Dougga was one of them. Imagine finding this beautiful temple and only seeing three other people nearby? There are many beautiful corners of this city to uncover when you get here. Easily accessible as a day trip from Tunis, Dougga is more than worth the effort to get here.
The Whitewashed Town of Sidi Bou Said
When people think of beautiful whitewashed Mediterranean towns, they typically think of Greece. However, Tunisia has its very own white gem right on the water. The town of Sidi Bou Said has white walls, blue doors, and gorgeous mosques and mansions to explore. The most famous shot of the town is from this cafe, but there are many beautiful corners here to enjoy.
El Jem
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Tunisia houses the second largest preserved ancient Roman amphitheater after the Coliseum. However, unlike the Coliseum, this site doesn’t get approximately one hundred billion tourists a year.
When I visited in December, I was one of the only foreigners there. I met some lovely Tunisians visiting from other parts of the country and saw a fabulous wedding photography session. Other than that, though, I was nearly alone at all times.
So if you’re looking to visit somewhere as beautiful as the Coliseum minus sweaty tourists, this is the place for you.
The Medina of Sousse
The Ribat in the Medina of Sousse is a fabulous spot, and you can get a great shot at the cafe next door. However, it’s still worth it to go inside and explore this fortress for yourself.
Bizerte Harbor
This beautiful seaside town in northern Tunisia has its own medina and harbor, yet most travelers don’t venture this far north. I spent a lovely afternoon exploring the area nearby, including the delightfully fish market. Bon Appetit!
The Harem at the Bardo Museum
The world-class Bardo Museum is a spectacular museum built in a former palace. The Harem room is stunning, with amazing tile work and fabulous colors. When I was there, I was alone.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a great shot of me there (those photos will never see the light of day). But it’s the perfect place for a quick photo shoot if you don’t look like a traveling monster when you’re there (and yes, photography is allowed).
The Medina of Kairouan
If you go to Tunisia and don’t end up in a medina, then were you even in Tunisia? Kairouan is famous as the fourth most important pilgrimage site in the Islamic faith. But don’t just see the religious site! Make sure to explore the beautiful medina and side streets of the old city. Simply breathtaking!
Great Mosque of Kairouan
The Great Mosque of Kairouan is an important religious pilgrimage site for Muslims. You can’t go inside the actual mosque if you’re not a Muslim, but you can visit the beautiful courtyard and appreciate the importance this site has to millions of people.
Lake Ichkeul
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a resting place for flamingos and other important wildlife. I wasn’t able to get a shot of flamingos (they were out of season), but I loved photographing the beautiful scenery of the lake and the nearby herd of wild African buffalo.
5 Things to Bring with You to Tunisia
I am working on a separate packing list for Tunisia, but in the meantime don’t forget these five items:
- Lonely Planet Tunisia which is available as a paper copy or in a Kindle edition.
- Full Sized Travel Towel This is the best travel towel in the world. It’s pretty enough for the beach, large enough that you forget it’s a microfibre towel, and quick-drying so you only need to have one beach or hostel towel for the trip.
- Sunscreen so that you don’t have to worry about finding it for one of the first few days of your trip. I found it to be more expensive in Tunisia than at home.
- A GoPro for underwater and action photography. Why go all the way to Tunisia and not be able to capture some of the most exciting parts of your beach trip?
- An unlocked Smart Phone (I used my Apple iPhone 7 Plus for my trip to Tunisia, but I’ve switched to a Samsung8 last year).
Don’t Forget about Travel Insurance!
It’s a good idea to always have a valid travel insurance policy before you travel someplace like Tunisia where you’ll be doing activities and spending time outside. It’s just a fact that accidents can happen on the road, and you don’t want them to ruin your trip!
I pay for World Nomads, and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to consider getting travel insurance when you’ll be doing any outdoor activities (like…ahem…going to the beach…).
I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them. It’s an especially good idea to consider getting travel insurance when participating in outdoor activities in foreign countries. Even in the cities, though, you’ll be happy if you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen or have help with any medical bills.
>>Get a travel insurance quote for your trip.<<
Tunisia Travel Resources
I’m working on several Tunisia travel resources, but right now you can start with my photographs of my favorite Tunisian historic sites and my Tunisia beaches guide.
Pin The Most Instagrammable Places in Tunisia for Your Trip
