THINGS TO DO IN Sfax: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Welcome to Sfax, the second-largest city in Tunisia. This port city, located in east-central Tunisia, may not be included in many travel itineraries. Still, it does have a lot to offer, especially for tourists who wish to experience the country from a different perspective without the typical tourist crowds.

The lovely Medina with its well-preserved walls, mosques, and museums is where you want to spend your time when staying in Sfax. Packed with ordinary people going about their everyday business, the old town is not a touristic area. Instead of shops offering camel dolls and other souvenirs, here you will find local artisans at work making unique leather items and ceramics. To sum it all up, travelers will get a much better impression of the local life in the country when visiting this industrial city.

To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together this 1-day Sfax travel itinerary which includes a list of the best things to do, as well as a few tips on places to stay and where to eat in the city. You will also find a few recommendations for day trips and a short list of things to do with children when visiting Sfax.

Day 1

Morning: Beb Eddiwen

Your morning walk begins in front of this impressive city gate which separates the Arab city and the European (French) city. Also known as Bab Al-Bahr because it opens to the sea, Beb Eddiwen is one of the oldest gates in Sfax and the main entrance to the Medina. Feel free to snap a photo or two of its beautiful lowered archways before stepping inside the most authentic medinas in all of Tunisia.

Medina Quarter

Surrounded by a well-preserved circuit of medieval walls, the Medina Quarter in Sfax is relatively small and doesn’t have as many attractions as tourist-oriented old towns in cities like Sousse and Hammamet. However, this 1200-year-old medina with its ancient architecture, original mud brick walls, and busy souk streets lined with traditional artisan workshops is one of the most noticeable sites in the region.

Unwind with a drink at Dar Baya, a lovely open-air café with a rooftop terrace and cozy seating areas that provide gorgeous views. Another popular spot for spectacular views is Café Kemour which is known for its picturesque open-air terraces spread over several levels. An interesting fact is that the Medina Quarter in Sfax was used as one of the filming locations for the popular “The English Patient” movie from 1996.

Sfax Grand Mosque

This ancient mosque founded in the 9th century is definitely the most famous site in the Medina Quarter. Sfax Grand Mosque is actually one of the oldest landmarks in the entire city along with the Kasbah fortress. The mosque's graceful minaret decorated with Kufic inscriptions looks really impressive, as well as the columns that were used to build the mosque. There is also the nine-aisled prayer hall dotted with carpets. Non-Muslim travelers can only visit the inner courtyard and should dress modestly.

Day 1, morning - sfax Tour Map

Afternoon: Municipal Theatre of Sfax

The first destination on your afternoon walk is this historical performing arts theater located in the center of Sfax. The building itself looks quite nice from the outside and hosts everything from theater plays and opera performances to lectures. If you wish to attend an event in the evening at the Municipal Theatre of Sfax, check out their Instagram page for more information.

Dakar Garden

It’s time to take a break from sightseeing and visit one of the most popular green areas in the center of Sfax. Dakar Garden (Jardin Dakar) is a small park with shaded paths, palm trees, and cute green benches where you can sit down and relax. If you are visiting with kids, you’ll be pleased to hear there is a small playground for children within the gardens. The nearby “I Love Sfax” sign is a popular spot for selfies.

Casbah Museum

Culture vultures can visit this extraordinary museum situated inside a fortress from the 9th century. With an artillery bastion and 2 towers, the Casbah Museum is probably the best place in the city to learn more about traditional architecture. It houses a variety of Byzantine and ancient Greek antiquities ranging from antique locks to construction tools. Climb to the top of the tower to get a panoramic view of the city.

Day 1, afternoon - sfax Tour Map

Other things to see in Sfax

• Carrefour Market Sfax El Jadida: Spread across 2 floors, this mall is one of the best places in Sfax to do your shopping. Carrefour Market Sfax El Jadida offers many boutiques and shops where you can purchase a wide choice of products including leather bags, clothing, souvenirs, and much more. If you wish to purchase groceries, there is also a big supermarket within the mall.

• Sfax Markets: You will find the city’s colorful market district right between the Bab el Djebli city gate and the Great Mosque. Haggle with the local market sellers and visit shops that offer everything from beautiful hand-painted ceramics and leather items to fresh produce.

• Stade Taïeb Mhiri: Sports fans can pay a visit to the main stadium in Sfax, Stade Taïeb Mhiri. Named after a local politician, Minister Tayeb Mhiri, this multi-use stadium is home to the Club Sportif Sfaxien (CSS) football club. It can accommodate up to 18,000 visitors and is occasionally used for hosting cultural events and different celebrations. There are no guided tours of the stadium, but you can purchase a ticket and watch a football match.

• Centre Mahassen Spa: Welcome to one of the largest beauty salons and relaxation centers for men, women, and kids in the region, Centre Mahassen Spa. The professional staff working at this beauty salon offers hairdressing services, as well as beauty treatments like make-up, facial care, pedicure, and manicure. There is also a fabulous hammam and spa with a Turkish bath and a wide range of massages.

• Chaffar Beach: Located a 40-minute drive from the center of Sfax, Chaffar Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations among the locals. You will find sun loungers available for rent, as well as a bunch of vendors offering refreshing drinks and comfort foods. Thanks to the shallow waters, the beach is suitable for families with children.

Day trips from Sfax

• Kerkennah Islands: Hop on a ferry in Sfax and visit this majestic archipelago that consists of seven islands. The only inhabited islands are Ile Gharbi and the larger Ile Chergui. The landscapes on these islands are lovely with beautiful olive and fig trees, Roman ruins, and sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. Travelers will need a car and a good pair of walking shoes to fully enjoy both Gharbi and Chergui Island. There are between 2 and 5 ferry departures daily from Sfax depending on the season.

• El Jem Amphitheater: It will take you about an hour to get from Sfax to the world-famous El Jem amphitheater. Built in the 2nd century, this massive monument is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country. You can explore the amphitheater’s lower levels which are located beneath the arena floor and see rooms where prisoners and animals were kept. For panoramic views of the giant arena, climb to the 40-meter-high seating area.

• Monastir: Another popular destination for a day trip from Sfax is the picturesque town of Monastir. Travelers can visit the impressive Monastir Ribat, one of the best-preserved Islamic fortresses in North Africa, and climb its tower for fabulous sea views. There is also the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, the resting place of the founder of Tunisia. You can spend a day on the beach and explore the city’s medina. Monastir is located 135 kilometers from Sfax.

• Sousse: A well-known holiday resort in Tunisia, Sousse is home to both beachfront luxury resorts and many historic attractions. Whether you wish to discover the Medina district and the Ribat or head out to the suburbs where you will find a 4-kilometer-long beach with fine white sands and turquoise waters, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Sousse. It will take you about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car to travel from Sfax to Sousse.

• Mahdia: With its gorgeous beaches, this tranquil seaside town is one of the best places for a beach holiday. Mahdia has many architectural treasures including the museum of Mahdia, the fortified gated of Skiffs Kahla, and the marine cemetery. The drive from Sfax to Mahdia is 2 hours long.

Racecourses in Sfax

• Club Équestre Jafoura: If you wish to see riders training with their horses and attend show jumping events, head out to Club Équestre Jafoura Sfax. There is a nice play area for children, as well as a restaurant. The club also offers horse riding lessons with professional trainers.

Things to do with kids in Sfax

• Zoo Touta: Take your kids to this family park which consists of an amusement park for kids and a small zoo. The park includes walking trails where you can go hiking and enjoy sports activities. At the zoo, you will see many animals including turtles, rabbits, cats, camels, lions, monkeys, goats, and desert foxes. The entrance to Zoo Touta in Sfax is free of charge.

• ATLAS World: An indoor entertainment park with stopovers and trampolines, ATLAS World is a perfect place to take your kids to. In addition to the children’s area, the leisure center has a restaurant and an outdoor sitting area.

Where to eat in Sfax

• Ton Ton: With both indoor and outdoor dining areas, this nicely decorated restaurant in Sfax offers both Tunisian foods and international dishes. On the ground floor of Ton Ton, you will find a fast-food eatery where you can try everything from burgers and pizza to couscous. As for the restaurant, it is located on the upper floor and serves a wide range of meat and fish. Go for the mixed seafood platter or try their tasty chicken with shrimp sauce.

• Le Barbecue: A tiny restaurant located close to the port, Le Barbecue is all about freshly caught fish and seafood. There are just a few tables inside and the décor is super simple, but the portions are large and the food is tasty and reasonably priced. Some of the most popular items on the menu include seafood ojja, grilled fish of the day cooked over charcoal, and shrimp brick. If you prefer meat, we recommend the grilled cut of Turkey.

• Coral Restaurant: If you are looking for an elegant dining establishment while staying in Sfax, the Coral should definitely be your first option. Situated inside a nicely decorated dining room in the center of the city, this high-end restaurant with white tablecloths offers a variety of Tunisian and international dishes. The presentation of the dishes is exquisite and the service is top-notch. So, what’s on the menu? It’s mostly seafood and fresh fish. Order the breaded sole fillets served with rice and vegetables or try their octopus salad.

• Restaurant Baghdad: Located just a few steps from the walls of the Medina, this small atmospheric restaurant is all about fish and seafood. Opened back in 1963, Restaurant Baghdad is actually one of the oldest restaurants in the old town. Their homemade harissa is delicious, as well as the fish soup and sea bream filet. Pair your meal with a glass of Selian rose wine.

• Restaurant La Voile Blanche: Travelers searching for that perfect brik will want to visit La Voile Blanche. Crispy from the outside and fried to perfection, the brik here is spectacular. The restaurant also serves a wide range of seafood and fish dishes. If you want to try a local Tunisian dish, order their octopus soup (Dchich Karnit).

Where to stay in Sfax

• Borj Dhiafa Hotel: A posh 5-star boutique hotel situated inside a traditional Tunisian building, Borj Dhiafa has everything needed for an unforgettable stay in Sfax. The lobby area and the dining room are nicely decorated and fitted with beautiful paintings and comfortable furniture. The hotel has a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Radisson Hotel Sfax: Known for its adorable rooftop swimming pool complete with a sun terrace, the Radisson Hotel Sfax is one of the most popular hotels in the city. Guests can stay in one of the 88 rooms ranging from standard and superior rooms to the junior and presidential suites. There are two restaurants on-site: La Medina and Younga Sky which is located on the 9th floor and offers panoramic views of Sfax. The hotel also has a few meeting rooms for business travelers, as well as a fitness center and a spa center.

• Ibis Sfax: With nearly 200 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool situated on the 1st floor, and a fully-equipped gym, Ibis Sfax is a comfortable 3-star hotel located in the center of Sfax. The hotel has everything you would expect from an Ibis property, cozy rooms with air conditioning and comfy beds, a few meeting rooms for business travelers, a buffet, continental or halal breakfast, two bars, and a few community areas.

• Business Hotel Sfax: Located close to the Medina, this 4-star hotel with stylish décor offers 50 tastefully decorated rooms, an on-site restaurant that serves local and international dishes, and a lounge bar where you can enjoy city views and try delicious cocktails. Business Hotel Sfax also has fast-in room internet and 3 meeting rooms designed for business travelers.

• Les Oliviers Palace: Opened more than 100 years ago, Les Oliviers Palace is one of the oldest hotels in the city. It is situated inside a beautiful Moorish-inspired building and features everything from a wellness center, indoor swimming pool, and a hammam to nearly 140 rooms including a few large suites and one presidential suite. Guests like the two on-site restaurants that offer pizza, seafood, and meat dishes. If you wish to work out, the hotel has a small fitness center.

Best time to visit Sfax

Summers in Sfax can get really hot, making it kind of difficult to explore the tourist attraction. As Sfax is not a popular beach destination in Tunisia, we definitely recommend visiting the second-largest city in the country during the shoulder seasons from March to early June and from late September to mid-November when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are ideal for sightseeing.

Sfax Festivals

• Festival International de Sfax: A significant cultural celebration, Festival International de Sfax is the most visited annual event in the city. It is held every year in July/August and includes music, dance, theater, movie, and visual arts performances in both indoor and outdoor venues across the city. Visitors can look forward to attending live music performances, seeing traditional Tunisian dance shows, and trying local foods.