Things to do in Kairouan
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Top 10 attractions in Kairouan
Great Mosque of Kairouan
Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba, is located in the northeast corner of the old city of Kairouan, a holy city in Tunisia. In 670 AD, the Arab general and founder of Kairouan, Uqba ibn Nafi, ordered the construction of this mosque at the beginning of the city's founding and planned it together with the governor's palace in the city center; after nearly two centuries, especially the large-scale expansion during the Aghlabid dynasty in the 9th century, it took on its current layout. It is one of the oldest surviving places of worship in the Islamic world and provided a model for later mosque architecture in North Africa. The exterior of the mosque resembles a heavy fortress, but stepping inside reveals a different world: a spacious courtyard paved with marble is surrounded by double-arched arcades on all four sides. The columns are mostly made of marble and granite salvaged from Roman and Byzantine buildings, many of which came from Carthage. In the center of the courtyard lies a sundial used to determine prayer times, and not far away is a rainwater collection basin carved in the shape of a horseshoe arch, where rainwater is filtered before flowing into an underground cistern. The three-story square minaret in the center of the north side is over 30m high, and Roman stones with Latin inscriptions are still embedded in its base. This tower is considered the prototype for minarets in North Africa and Spain and is the highest point in the old city, visible from far outside the city walls. The prayer hall on the south side is entered through several carved wooden doors. Inside, the hall is filled with a forest of stone columns and crisscrossing corridors, and the early use of horseshoe arches influenced later North African mosque architecture. ${S2}Kairouan · 768m from downtown
Medina of Kairouan
Located in Tunisia, Kairouan Old Town is an ancient city full of history and culture, and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. As the fourth holiest city in Islam, Kairouan attracts many tourists with its rich religious and architectural heritage. The most famous landmark in the Old Town is the Great Mosque, which is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims with its magnificent architecture and exquisite decoration. Walking through the narrow streets of the Old Town, visitors can admire the traditional Arabic architectural style and experience the local atmosphere. The market here is an ideal place to buy handicrafts and traditional goods, where visitors can find specialty goods such as carpets, copperware and ceramics. When visiting the Old Town of Kairouan, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking on the stone slabs. The attractions in the Old Town are relatively concentrated and can be easily visited on foot. Visitors can take a long-distance bus or rent a car from Tunis to Kairouan, and the journey takes about two hours. The Old Town of Kairouan is not only a must-visit for history lovers, but also an ideal window to experience Tunisian culture.Kairouan · 220m from downtown
Basins of Aghlabides
In the 9th century AD, the Kairouan area suffered severe water shortages. The drought and lack of rain at the time, coupled with the fact that the area was below sea level, made it extremely difficult to use water. The locals built 15 cisterns for drinking water. Only two of the imprints left by the Agrabit dynasty are now left for tourists to visit. Standing on the high platform where he specialized in cultivation, he could see the wisdom of Kairouwan at a glance. The small pool is used to store the water drained from the mountain. After the sand and gravel are filtered out through the filter arch with a certain height, it flows into the large pool. At this time, the water can basically be used for production and life, and people will take water along the rectangular embankment. It is cooler here in summer nights, and many people will relax here to enjoy the coolness.Kairouan · 1.1 km from downtown
Ribat of Sousse
Ribat of Sousseis located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Hammamet in the eastern Mediterranean, in Tunisia, and is the historic core of the port city of Sousse. The ancient city was founded in antiquity and, through development across multiple historical periods, has gradually formed a unique urban layout. It features both well-preserved medieval coastal defense architecture and traditional markets full of local life, serving as an important window into understanding the history of Tunisia and Mediterranean culture. A representative view of this ancient city is the coastal defense complex from the Aghlabid dynasty. Visitors can climb the tower to look out over the white streets, the ancient Great Mosque, and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Beyond its historical relics, the ancient city still retains a vibrant daily life. The narrow, winding alleys are lined with shops, offering a dazzling array of goods such as spices, leather products, carpets, and pottery.Sousse Medina · 51.7 km from Kairouan
Archaeological Site of Carthage
Archaeological Site of Carthageis located on the shores of the Gulf of Tunis, northeast of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Nestled between the hills and the sea, it is one of the representative ancient civilization sites in the Mediterranean region. This ancient city was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. With its superior geographical location, prosperous maritime trade, and powerful fleet, it gradually developed into an important city-state that dominated the western Mediterranean. The site is spread over a wide area, and you will need to walk or use transportation to get between attractions. From the remaining columns of the seaside baths to the ancient sacrificial steles, and from the hilltop museum to the once-busy harbor, every ruin carries the memory of Mediterranean civilization. By visiting here, travelers can not only enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery but also gain a deeper understanding of North Africa's important status in the ancient Mediterranean world.Tunisia · Carthage
Amphitheatre of El Jem
Amphitheatre of El Jem is located in the town of El Jem in eastern Tunisia. It was built in the 3rd century AD, is grand in scale and magnificent in presence, and even after nearly 2,000 years of weathering, it still stands tall on the open plains. The entire structure is primarily built with massive stone blocks. Supported by layers of arches and a sturdy stone structure, it features a towering three-story facade reaching a height of over 30 m. The amphitheatre's long axis is nearly 150 m, and its short axis exceeds 120 m. It is estimated to have been able to accommodate over 30,000 spectators. Standing in front of the building and looking up, rows of stone arches unfold layer by layer, appearing both solemn and majestic while reflecting the rigorous and precise structural design of ancient Roman architecture. Stepping inside the amphitheatre, visitors can more vividly experience the scenes of ancient competitive events.El Jem · 69.6 km from Kairouan
Medina of Tunis
Medina of Tunis is located in the heart of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Developed over a long period, it has gradually formed a compact urban layout with a maze of streets, where ancient mosques, traditional residences, and bustling markets together create a unique urban landscape. Strolling through it feels like stepping back in time, allowing you to experience the deep historical heritage and vibrant local life of Tunisia. Narrow streets, quaint stone walls, exquisite doors and windows, and courtyards hidden deep within the buildings all showcase the lifestyle of a traditional Arab city.Tunisia · Medina de Tunis
Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said is located in the suburbs of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, and is perched on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, making it one of the representative coastal towns in Tunisia. It is famous for its blue and white architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and charming Mediterranean scenery. From a distance, the pristine white houses spread out in layers along the hillside, with blue doors and windows echoing the deep blue sea in the distance, creating a tranquil and beautiful Mediterranean landscape. Most of the houses in the town feature white walls, paired with blue doors and windows and wrought-iron decorations, forming a unique architectural style. Walking up the hillside, you can see the open bay and the vast blue sea. Especially in the evening, as the sun slowly sets into the Gulf of Tunis, the golden afterglow spills over the white walls and blue windows, casting a warm glow over the entire town and making the scenery particularly enchanting.Tunisia · Sidi Bou Said
Avenue Habib Bourguiba
Avenue Habib Bourguibais located in the heart of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, and is one of the city's important commercial and cultural avenues. With its wide streets and beautiful views, it is lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings. It is both a microcosm of the city's modern life and an important window into understanding the historical changes and urban landscape of Tunisia. Strolling down the avenue, you can feel the unique atmosphere where European architectural styles blend with North African urban culture. The street is spacious and lined with trees, and the central tree-lined green belt adds a touch of tranquility to the busy city. Hotels, shops, and various historic buildings from different periods line the street, where classical facades complement modern commercial spaces, presenting a distinct urban character.Tunisia · Tunis
The Archaeological Site of Dougga
The Archaeological Site of Douggais located on a hill in northwestern Tunisia, at an altitude of over 500m, nestled between vast and fertile valleys. Far from the hustle and bustle of modern cities and surrounded by farmland and natural views, it forms an exceptionally well-preserved ancient city site. The architectural ruins within the city, such as the theater, temples, and baths, showcase the prosperity and culture of the ancient Roman period. Visitors can stroll along the ancient stone paths here and admire well-preserved architectural details, such as exquisite mosaic floors and magnificent arches. Walking through it, one can see the clear outlines of the Roman-era urban planning: wide streets, solemn temples, public baths, markets, squares, and alleys in residential areas are still discernible. The lifestyle of an ancient frontier city is fully displayed here.Tunisia · Nouvelle Dougga
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Free things to do in Kairouan
Great Mosque of Kairouan
Kairouan · 768m from downtownMedina of Kairouan
Kairouan · 220m from downtownBasins of Aghlabides
Kairouan · 1.1 km from downtownRibat of Sousse
Sousse Medina · 51.7 km from KairouanArchaeological Site of Carthage
Tunisia · CarthageAmphitheatre of El Jem
El Jem · 69.6 km from KairouanMedina of Tunis
Tunisia · Medina de TunisSidi Bou Said
Tunisia · Sidi Bou SaidAvenue Habib Bourguiba
Tunisia · TunisThe Archaeological Site of Dougga
Tunisia · Nouvelle Dougga
What travellers say about Kairouan
yccuiApril 27, 2025
5.0
One of the must-see attractions in Tunisia, the entire building is very majestic, and the environment in the desert also brings a different style here.
Both the chandelier inside the main tower and the building outside are very interesting.
Great Mosque of Kairouan
juki235April 18, 2020
5.0
The Agrabit Reservoir in Kairouan is an important water source in Tunisia. The design here is very characteristic of the local area. One of the large pools is covered with sheepskin and camel skin to collect rainwater, which then flows into the large pool for sedimentation. This is an important source of purified water. It is really very imaginative and worth a visit.
Basins of Aghlabides
Xiaoli_HKYAugust 12, 2019
4.0
The ancient city is not big, but very beautiful. There is no commercial atmosphere yet. The ancient city is close to the sea. There is a small castle in the middle. You can spend 8 dinars to go up and have a look. After going up, you can overlook the whole ancient city. In the evening, you can see the national flag flying on the castle on the distant mountain, and the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also overlook the African fishermen who are packing up their stalls. The ancient Tunisia is fully displayed to the world.
Ribat of Sousse
老少皆宜（）November 13, 2022
5.0
We flew to Tunisia from Morocco, and the first attraction we visited in Tunisia was the famous historical site - the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage, which represents the birth and cultural characteristics of Mediterranean civilization.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
想飞的鱼0627October 5, 2020
4.0
The Colosseum of El Jem conquers all visitors with its grandeur, magnificence, scientific layout and perfect harmony of structure, just like the pyramids of Egypt. It is a world cultural heritage and the best preserved Colosseum outside of Rome. It feels more intact than the Colosseum in Rome. It stands abruptly, like a tall castle fortress, rising from the ground and standing in the air.
Amphitheatre of El Jem
ayutripMarch 21, 2025
5.0
The Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow alleys. I visited on a rainy day, and the combination of the old cityscape and the overcast sky created a beautifully nostalgic atmosphere.
Medina of Tunis
Traveler5March 11, 2023
4.0
Known for its cobbled streets and blue-and-white houses, Sidi Bou Said is a charming town on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, with al fresco cafes, Tunisian eateries, and small art galleries. Early-20th-century Ennejma Ezzahra Palace features arches, ornate stucco, and patterned tilework, while Dar El Annabi is a historic house with wax figures in traditional costume.
Sidi Bou Said
小思文March 20, 2020
4.0
Bourguiba Avenue is an important tourist street in Tunisia. The block is also the living area for local people. There are many specialty shops and food stores. The tourist shops on both sides of the street are also quite good. You can see a lot of good business atmosphere.
Avenue Habib Bourguiba
M32***23December 2, 2019
5.0
Dougga is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. You can appreciate the vicissitudes and heritage of Tunisia's history here. It is a great attraction, vast and boundless, and looks great against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds!
The Archaeological Site of Dougga