THINGS TO DO IN Bizerte: 1-DAY ITINERARY

With its beautiful old port lined with multicolored boats, a small medina where one can experience Tunisian local life, and a sandy shoreline lining the coast, Bizerte is a small seaside city in the north of Tunisia.

You can explore the narrow alleys of the old town, enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the Spanish Fort, or go on a day trip to the nearby Ichkeul National Park, a bird-watcher's paradise.

Bizerte may not be as popular as the tourist-oriented seaside villages in the south of Tunisia, but this laid-back coastal port town definitely has its own charms.
This 1-day travel itinerary includes the best things to do in Bizerte and offers tips on where to stay and where to eat. To help you plan your visit to Bizerte, we’ve also added a few day trip ideas.

Day 1

Morning: The Spanish Fort (Fort d’Espagne)

The remains of the massive Spanish Fort is the first stop on our Bizerte walking tour itinerary. Built by an Ottoman pirate back in the 16th century, Fort d’Espagne served to protect the city from the Spanish invaders. You will have an opportunity to see exquisite stonework, as well as a few antique cannons. The nearby open-air theatre used for live music performances is also worth checking out.

Medina of Bizerte

Step inside the old town of Bizerte, one of the most popular sightseeing areas in the city. Unlike the commercialised medinas in Tunisian cities in the south, this is a purely residential medina. Instead of a tourist boutique offering all kinds of souvenirs, the old town of Bizerte is where carpenters and metalworkers actually live and work. You will come across many workshops producing all types of authentic craftwork in the medina. Some of the streets here are even named after these local craftsmen.

Pont de Sidi Salem (Bridge)

There are two bridges in the city and this one connects the old part of the town with Sidi Salem. Stop in the middle of Pont de Sidi Salem to snap photos of the harbor lined with colorful boats. The views remind us of the beloved bridges in Italian cities like Florence and Venice.

Day 1, morning - bizerte Tour Map

Afternoon: The Old Fort

You are now in front of the golden-stoned fort of Bizerte which dates back to the 17th century. Located on the south side of the port, it is a very photogenic area. Climb the stairs to the old fort terrace to enjoy panoramic views across the city.

Oceanographic Museum

The restored Old Fort is also home to the fabulous Oceanographic Museum. With an adorable fountain decorated with shells that you will notice at the entrance, the museum is known for its unique architectural style and wonderful decorations. From models of small boats, old photographs, and historical maps of Bizerte to fish tanks on display, there are plenty of interesting things to see at this maritime museum. Visit the cute café with Arabic-style furniture on the first floor for a cup of tea and magnificent views of the city.

Mosquée el Ksiba

Located just a stone’s throw from the maritime museum is an ancient mosque that dates back to the year 95 AH. Mosquée el Ksiba is actually one of the oldest monuments in Bizerte. This ancient mosque is home to the mihrab and a few columns from the Roman ruins. The best time to take a peek inside the beautiful mosque is during prayer time.

Marché aux Poissons

Your next stop is the main food market in the city. Welcome to Marché aux Poissons, an indoor seafood market where you can buy all kinds of fresh fish and seafood delicacies. Right in the front of the market, you will find a few vendors with grills. Once you purchase fish from the market, they can clean it and grill it to your liking.

Vieux Port De Bizerte

We end our afternoon walk with a visit to the most attractive part of Bizerte, the lovely Old Port. Located in the heart of the city, Vieux Port De Bizerte is lined with partially restored whitewashed houses and packed with colorful fishing boats. With many restaurants and vibrant bistros, it is the best place in Bizerte to hang out in the evening. Early in the morning, you can see local fishermen bringing in their daily catch at Vieux Port De.

Day 1, afternoon - bizerte Tour Map

Other things to see in Bizerte

• The Andalusian Quarter: Visit one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bizerte, the Andalusian Quarter. Erected in the 15th century, this part of the town was settled by the Moors who could no longer live in Spain. Nowadays, this residential neighborhood is a nice place to walk around and get a glimpse of local life in Bizerte.

• Stade 15 Octobre: Sports fans can check out this multi-use stadium in Bizerte. It can accommodate up to 20,000 spectators and hosts many football matches. You can purchase tickets for football matches at the Stade 15 Octobre stadium on the day of the game. Unfortunately, no guided tours are available.

• Remel Beach: Located just 3 kilometers from the center of Bizerte, this beautiful stretch of sand is an ideal place to spend the day. Remel Beach is surrounded by pine groves and is known for its crystal-clear waters. It is also a popular spot for activities such as jet skiing and windsurfing. The only downside is there are not that many facilities on the beach.

• La Grotte beach: It takes about 20 minutes by car to get to this charming beach from the center of Bizerte. La Grotte Beach is actually made of 2 rocky beaches. The first one is easily reachable, but to get to the second one, you will need to go down a steep path. Near La Grotte, you will find a few interesting caves to explore.

•  Rebaa Mosque: Founded in the 17th century, this old mosque is nestled right between the old harbor and the historical medina in Bizerte. Characterised by its octagonal minaret, which is colored green and has an Ottoman design, the Rebaa Mosque can be visited during prayer time.

Day trips from Bizerte

• Ichkeul National Park: Nature lovers in search of fun day trip ideas from Bizerte can visit this large national park. Complete with a lake with partly fresh and partly salt waters, Ichkeul National Park is probably one of the best bird-watching destinations in this part of the world. The best time to visit the park and see birds is in winter when thousands of birds migrate from Europe to Ichkeul. During this time of year, 100,000 different water birds including many endangered species call the lake their home. If you wish to learn more about the area, there is a cool Eco museum nearby. You can reach the national park by bus or by car from Bizerte. It will take you about an hour to get Bizerte to Ichkeul National Park.

• Cap Hmem Beach: Welcome to one of the most unique beaches in this part of Tunisia. This wonderful stretch of sand with a breathtaking landscape is located just 20 kilometers outside of Bizerte. A unique beach, Cap Hmem is surrounded by cliffs and stone stairs that offer access to 2 picturesque caves.

• Utica Archaeological Site: An important and excellent archaeological site rich in Punic and Roman heritage, Utica is divided into 2 parts. You have the ruins that you can explore and see the remains of 2 Roman villas, a few glorious mosaics, an interesting squat toilet, and much more. Located a few kilometers away from the site, the National Museum of Utica houses an impressive collection of everyday objects from the Punic and Roman periods including around 300 mosaics, makeup utensils, jewelry, statue bases, lamps, and cinerary urns.

• Carthage: Spend a day exploring Tunisia’s most famous archaeological site. Located 80 kilometers from Bizerte, Carthage comprises a number of different points of interest including the museum on Byrsa Hill, a few Roman baths, a majestic amphitheater, Punic ports, and well-preserved Roman villas. Get a multi-entry ticket and explore all of these incredible sites in just one day.

• Tunis: No list of day trips from Bizerte would be complete without mentioning the capital of Tunisia, Tunis. It has everything, from modern residential neighborhoods with cosmopolitan cafes and chic boutiques to a well-preserved medina with traditional souks packed with merchants. Explore its archaeological treasures, visit a majestic mosque from the 8th century, and spend at least 2 hours in the Bardo National Museum which houses one of the world’s largest collections of Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Travel time between Bizerte and Tunis is 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.

• Sidi Bou Said: Nestled atop a hillside, this charming coastal town is located 80 kilometers from Bizerte. Falling in love with this Sidi Bou Said that overlooks the majestic Mediterranean Sea is easy. Stroll along the narrow alleys shaded by white-washed buildings with blue windows, discover a variety of trees and flowers in the Mediterranean Garden, and try the delicious North African doughnut called bambolooni.

• Cap Angela: Located just a 30-minute drive from Bizerte, Cap Angela is the northernmost point of Africa. Here, you will find a unique monument that represents the map of the African continent. The views of the Mediterranean Sea are spectacular and there is a nice beach not far away. Keep in mind that can get extremely windy here. The road from Bizerte to Can Angela is definitely not the best, so we definitely recommend taking a taxi to get to this scenic point.

Things to do with kids in Bizerte

• Parc Aladin: With a carousel, a virtual world room, electric cars, and a cozy indoor playground, this amusement park in Bizerte offers a wide range of entertainment options for kids. If you get hungry, there is a small restaurant that offers delicious pizza.

• Explore the Kasbah: Dating back to the 17th century, the city’s Kasbah is a perfect destination for a leisurely stroll with your kids. It is a car-free zone, which makes it safe to explore together with the little ones.

• Hippo Land: Both a recreation center and a restaurant, Hippo Land is a popular spot among families with kids staying in Bizerte. There is a well-maintained indoor play area for kids and a dining area where you can enjoy everything from burgers and crepes to pizza and pasta dishes. Hippo Land also offers daycare services.

Where to eat in Bizerte

• Restaurant EL KSIBA: Located right on the harbor, Restaurant EL KSIBA offers lovely views of the canal and the colorful fishing boats. It is also a great place to enjoy traditional Tunisian dishes such as tender lamb baked in the oven, brik with fruit de mer, and fish tagine. The pomegranate-based dessert is also tasty.

• Le Grand Bleu Da Ciccio: This dining establishment in Bizerte is all about Sicilian cuisine. Le Grand Bleu Da Ciccio offers both buffet service and an a la carte menu. From pizza and pasta to meat and fish/seafood dishes, there is plenty to choose from. Pizza Norma with aubergines is fantastic, as well as Pizza Siciliana. If you are in the mood for pasta, we recommend the classic spaghetti carbonara.

• Marine Club Restaurant: For seafood lovers visiting Bizerte, there is the Marine Club Restaurant. With nice views of the marina, this nicely decorated dining establishment offers all kinds of seafood, as well as freshly caught fish. Guests like that the staff cuts the fish right in front of them and add how the seafood pasta and linguini scampi are both excellent. The restaurant has a liquor license, which means you can pair your meal with a glass of local/international wine.

• Bedouin: A modern restaurant with an elegant ambiance and high-quality service, Bedouin is one of the most popular dining spots in the city. They offer a variety of tapas, seafood, and pasta dishes. The shrimp appetiser is good and the filet de dorade is grilled to perfection. Visitors with a sweet tooth can try their homemade millefeuille. Bedouin also offers good deals on breakfast and brunch.

• Restaurant Le Phenicien: Wish to dine on a ship while staying in Bizerte? Book a table at Le Phenicien, a ship restaurant situated right on the water and offering magnificent views of the old port and the city. The food menu is extensive with plenty of fish, seafood, and meat dishes. They also have a nice selection of wine and beer. So, what’s good to order at Le Phenicien? Meat lovers should definitely try the steak filet. If you wish to have a healthy meal, order salade caprese, cream soup with safran, or sweet beetroot salad.

• Restaurant Joba: Located in one of the residential neighborhoods in Bizerte and away from the touristy area, this small restaurant with a minimalistic design is quite popular. Restaurant Joba offers a bit of everything, from traditional Tunisian dishes like brik au thon and kabeb poulet to a sandwich menu with options such as chawarma sandwich and a fish finger sandwich.

Where to stay in Bizerte

• Hôtel Nour: With a picturesque garden, an outdoor swimming pool, a few cozy bars, and a restaurant that offers refined Mediterranean cuisine, Hotel Nour is a lovely hotel that offers comfortable accommodation with direct access to a private beach. There is also a small playground for the little ones and an entertainment program in the evenings.

Best time to visit Bizerte

Most people visit this part of Tunisia during the summer season. This comes as no surprise, as some of the best beaches in the country are located in this area. Although the temperatures can get high in Bizerte in July and August, we still feel that the best time to spend your vacation days in the city is in summer. The other option is to book your holidays in Bizerte for early June and September, a time of year when you can still swim in the sea, but avoid crowds of tourists.

Bizerte Festivals

• The Bizerte International Festival: First held way back in 1983, this long-standing festival is definitely the most anticipated annual event in Bizerte. It is a cultural festival that attracts mostly local artists, but also a few international performers. Expect to see an array of live music, theater, and dance performances. Since 2001, the Bizerte International Festival has been held at the amphitheater next to the Fort of Spain which can accommodate up to 10,000 people.