Things to Do in Ennejma Ezzahra Palace

Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger built his mansion in early 20th-century Tunisia specifically to preserve traditional Arab music—and it worked. Ennejma Ezzahra Palace in Sidi Bou Said now houses the Centre for Arab and Mediterranean Music, where you can examine centuries-old instruments and manuscripts alongside some of the finest Moorish architecture outside Spain. The setting is perfect. The palace sits among Sidi Bou Said's white-and-blue buildings on cliffs above the Mediterranean, combining visual and musical arts without the forced feeling you get at many cultural sites. D'Erlanger was serious about his mission, and his collection gives you real insight into North African musical traditions through ornate tilework and carved ceilings that rival anything in the region.

Café des Nattes and Café Sidi Chabaane serve traditional mint tea and shisha with spectacular views, but tour groups pack them regularly. Restaurant Dar Zarrouk offers upscale Tunisian cuisine in beautiful surroundings. Smaller local spots work fine too. The village caters to tourists, so prices run higher than elsewhere in Tunisia, but quality stays reliable and the settings deliver genuine atmosphere you won't find in Tunis.

Spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer gets hot, particularly afternoons, though the coastal location provides some relief from the inland heat that makes other Tunisian sites uncomfortable. Winter visits work well well. The palace sees fewer crowds and the light can be beautiful, though you might skip some outdoor areas, and cultural events run more frequently October through May during the academic year.