Things to Do in Bizerte, تونس

Bizerte, located on Tunisia's northern coast, is a charming port city that beautifully blends Mediterranean allure with North African authenticity. As one of Tunisia's oldest cities, Bizerte boasts a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, evident in its well-preserved medina, ancient Kasbah, and strategic harbor that has welcomed civilizations from the Phoenicians to the French. The city offers visitors a more intimate and less touristy experience compared to other Tunisian destinations, with its picturesque old port, traditional souks, and stunning coastal scenery. Today's Bizerte serves as both a working fishing port and an emerging tourist destination, where visitors can explore narrow cobblestone streets, admire Andalusian-influenced architecture, and enjoy fresh seafood while watching fishing boats return with their daily catch. The city's unique position at the northernmost tip of Africa, combined with its proximity to beautiful beaches and the scenic Lake Bizerte, makes it an ideal base for exploring Tunisia's diverse landscapes and experiencing authentic Tunisian culture away from the crowds.

Top Things to Do in Bizerte

Explore the Historic Medina and Kasbah

Wander through Bizerte's atmospheric medina, one of Tunisia's best-preserved old quarters, featuring narrow alleyways, traditional whitewashed houses, and bustling souks. The 17th-century Kasbah offers panoramic views over the harbor and houses a small museum showcasing the city's maritime history. The medina's authentic atmosphere provides an excellent opportunity to interact with locals and discover traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Entry to the medina is free, but budget 5-10 TND for the Kasbah museum. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best light and fewer crowds. Consider hiring a local guide for 20-30 TND to learn about hidden gems and historical details.

Old Port and Marina District

Stroll along the picturesque old port, where colorful fishing boats bob alongside luxury yachts in one of the Mediterranean's most charming harbors. The surrounding area features excellent seafood restaurants, traditional cafés, and shops selling local handicrafts. The marina district comes alive in the evening when locals gather for their traditional paseo (evening walk).

Booking Tip: The port area is free to explore. Budget 25-40 TND per person for a good seafood meal at harborside restaurants. Sunset boat trips around the harbor cost 15-25 TND per person and can be arranged directly with local fishermen. Best visited during late afternoon and evening.

Beach Day at Corniche and Rimel Beach

Relax at Bizerte's beautiful beaches, particularly the popular Corniche area and the longer stretch of Rimel Beach. These sandy shores offer clear Mediterranean waters, beachside cafés, and water sports opportunities. The beaches provide a perfect contrast to the historical exploration, with modern amenities and stunning coastal views.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but sunbed and umbrella rental costs 10-15 TND per day. Water sports like jet skiing cost 40-60 TND per 30 minutes. Visit weekdays to avoid local crowds, and bring sun protection as shade can be limited. Beach restaurants offer meals for 20-35 TND per person.

Lake Bizerte Nature Experience

Discover the unique ecosystem of Lake Bizerte, a large saltwater lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea. This natural area is perfect for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons, and offers peaceful walking trails with beautiful views. The lake area provides insight into local fishing traditions and supports diverse wildlife including flamingos and various migratory birds.

Booking Tip: Access to lake viewpoints is free. Birdwatching is best during early morning (6-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-7 PM). Guided nature walks cost 25-40 TND per person. Bring binoculars if interested in birdwatching, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the trails around the lake.

Day Trip to Cap Blanc and Raf Raf

Venture to Cap Blanc, Africa's northernmost point, offering dramatic coastal scenery and the opportunity to stand at the continent's edge. Continue to the nearby village of Raf Raf, known for its beautiful beach, traditional architecture, and authentic Tunisian atmosphere. This excursion provides stunning photo opportunities and a chance to experience rural Tunisian life.

Booking Tip: Organize through local tour operators for 60-80 TND per person including transport, or rent a car for 40-50 TND per day. Pack lunch and water as dining options are limited at Cap Blanc. Best visited on clear days for optimal views. The trip takes a full day, so start early (8 AM) to maximize your time.

Getting There

Bizerte is easily accessible from Tunis, located about 65 kilometers north of the capital. Regular buses operated by SNTRI run between Tunis and Bizerte every hour, taking approximately 1.5 hours and costing around 8-10 TND. Louage (shared taxi) services are faster and more frequent, departing when full from Tunis's Bab Saadoun station for about 12-15 TND per person. For more flexibility, rental cars are available in Tunis starting from 40 TND per day, and the drive along the coastal road offers scenic views. Tunis-Carthage International Airport is the nearest airport, about 80 kilometers away, with taxi transfers costing 80-100 TND or airport shuttle buses connecting to Tunis city center.

Getting Around

Bizerte's compact city center is easily walkable, with most attractions within a 20-minute walk of each other. The medina and old port are best explored on foot due to narrow streets. For longer distances or beach areas, local taxis are readily available and inexpensive, with most rides within the city costing 5-15 TND. Bicycle rentals are available from some hotels and shops for 15-20 TND per day, perfect for exploring the coastline and lake areas. City buses connect different neighborhoods for just 1-2 TND per ride, though routes can be confusing for visitors. For day trips to surrounding areas like Cap Blanc, consider renting a car or joining organized tours, as public transport to remote areas is limited.

Where to Stay

Old Port Area

Corniche Beach District

City Center near Medina

Marina Quarter

Rimel Beach Area

Lake Bizerte Vicinity

Food & Dining

Bizerte's culinary scene revolves around its exceptional seafood, with the old port area offering the freshest catches prepared in traditional Tunisian style. Waterfront restaurants serve specialties like grilled sea bream, octopus salad, and the local favorite couscous aux poissons (fish couscous) for 25-40 TND per person. The medina hides several family-run restaurants serving authentic dishes like brik (crispy pastry with egg), mechouia salad, and tagines at budget-friendly prices of 15-25 TND. For a more upscale dining experience, the marina district features modern restaurants combining French and Tunisian influences, with meals ranging from 40-70 TND per person. Don't miss trying local street food like makroudh (semolina pastries) and fresh fruit juices from medina vendors, and visit the morning fish market to see the incredible variety of Mediterranean catches that make Bizerte's cuisine so special.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Bizerte is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C), crowds are minimal, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Summer months (June-August) offer perfect beach weather with temperatures reaching 28-32°C, but this is also the busiest and most expensive period, especially in July and August when many European tourists visit. Winter (December-February) can be quite cool and rainy with temperatures around 12-16°C, but it's an excellent time for cultural exploration, birdwatching at Lake Bizerte, and experiencing local life without tourist crowds. Spring is particularly beautiful when wildflowers bloom around the lake area, while fall offers warm sea temperatures perfect for swimming and fewer crowds at major attractions.

Insider Tips

Visit the fish market early morning (6-8 AM) to see the daily catch being sold and experience authentic local life - it's also the best time to buy fresh fish for beachside grilling

Take the evening walk (paseo) with locals along the old port around sunset - this is when the city truly comes alive and you'll get the best photos of the harbor

Learn a few words of Tunisian Arabic or French, as English is less common in Bizerte than in other tourist destinations, and locals greatly appreciate the effort to communicate in their language

Things to Do in Bizerte