Walking Tours in Sousse: Medina and Corniche

Check the current US State Department and UK FCDO advice before booking; some border and military areas of Tunisia are closed to tourists. Sousse is outside the FCDO warning zones, and security is visible at tourist sites.

Sousse is easy on foot. The Medina is a short circuit of monuments and lanes, the Corniche is flat, and the marina at Port El Kantaoui is a car-free stroll. All three can be done independently.

Medina circuit

Start at the Ribat, the square stone fortress with the corner watchtower, and walk to the Great Mosque, about 50 m away. From there, follow the covered lanes of the souks, where olive-wood bowls, ceramics, brass lanterns and leather slippers are sold. Climb towards the Kasbah and finish at the Archaeological Museum, which closes on Mondays. The Kasbah garden at the end of the visit looks out over the Medina rooftops and the port.

Allow three to four hours with stops. Start early, because July and August afternoons are very hot. Wear shoes with grip, since the old stone is polished smooth. Ask prices before accepting tea in a shop, and use a polite refusal if a runner tries to steer you upstairs to a carpet room. Check posted hours rather than a stranger’s claim that a monument is closed.

Corniche and Plage Boujaafar

The seafront promenade runs along the city beach and is flat and paved. It is at its best at sunset, when families and couples walk it. If you swim, follow the beach flags, and watch for jellyfish in late summer.

Port El Kantaoui marina

Port El Kantaoui is about 10 km north of the city. The marina quays are pedestrian, with boats moored along them and the replica pirate galleons that run harbour trips. The walk is flat and works with a stroller. Cafe and restaurant choices change, so choose by the menu and the crowd.

Getting to the start points

  • The Medina is a short walk from Sousse Ville railway station, about 1 km from Bab Jedid station where the Sahel Metro to Monastir and Mahdia stops.
  • Taxis should run on the meter, so ask the driver to switch it on.
  • Take small notes in Tunisian dinars (TND), as shops may not have change.

Dress and manners

Tunisia is a Muslim-majority country. Cover shoulders and knees in the Medina and at religious sites, and ask before photographing people.

Booking help

If you would like a guide, compare Sousse walking tours online. The heritage agency’s museum page lists the museum’s hours.

Read more: sightseeing in Sousse and the 4 day Sousse itinerary .