Hammamet is a popular summer holiday destination located on the Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Tunisia. From its beautiful sandy beaches and cultural experiences to its historical sites and theme parks, there is plenty to do in this North African country. Hammamet’s main attractions include the well-preserved Medina, Kasbah Fortress, Carthageland Amusement Park, George Sebastian Villa, and Golf Citrus.
Just outside the city, you can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Sidi Bou Said, El Jem, Kairouan and the Sousse Medina. Or spend the day exploring other coastal areas like the Cap Bon Peninsula or Zaghouan Marine Harbour.
Up above the medina and the fortress of Hammamet walls
With some of the best beaches in Tunisia, Hammamet has plenty of all-inclusive resorts and hotels that take advantage of its prime waterfront location and direct beach access. Guests can soak up the sun, swim, and enjoy water sports, then combine that with historical attractions and sites. That is what I did when I stayed at TUI BLUE Palm Beach Hammamet and TUI Magic Life Manar Hotel Resort, Tunisia.
Top Things to Do in Hammamet
Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday, adventure activities, watersports, historical sightseeing, or a taste of Tunisian culture, Hammamet has something for everyone. Here are 16 top things to do and see in Hammamet, Tunisia, that include day trips.
1. Wander around the Medina, Hammamet, Tunisia
Wander around the narrow streets of the Hammamet Medina, where you can see a blend of blue and white buildings that reflect the Mediterranean, along with unique Tunisian wooden doors. Visit its colourful shops selling traditional ceramics, textiles and leather goods. It is worth visiting, especially if you like Sidi Bou Said in Tunis. Surrounded by original 15th-century walls, Hammamet Medina oozes a myriad of beautiful and well-preserved traditional Tunisian architecture.
The famous artist Paul Klee was so impressed by the old town that he painted a picture capturing its beauty, titled “Hammamet with its Mosque” in 1914. The medina is one of the best places in Hammamet to shop for souvenirs from local vendors, including embroidery, jewellery, ceramics, and leather goods. Just remember: if you plan to buy anything, barter for a better deal. The main entrance into the Medina is near the Kasbah Hammamet fortress.
Book a photo shoot in the Hammamet Medina or do a guided tour of the Medina of Hammamet and the Spice Market of Nabeul.
Walking around Hammamet Old Town and Fortress
2. Visit the George Sebastian Villa
Visit the Hammamet Cultural Centre, the George Sebastian Villa, also known as Dar Sebastien. It is located in the south of the city, past the Hotel Continental, in the Yasmine district. Built by wealthy Romanian George Sebastian, this historic villa is a stunning example of 1920s architecture. Over the years, this stunning building has attracted luminaries and artists, including Winston Churchill.
Today it is a cultural centre and museum that showcases art exhibitions. The exquisite gardens surrounding the villa host a variety of events, including the Hammamet International Festival of Music and Drama held every July and August. Even without an event, it’s worth a visit, as the area is beautiful to explore. Book a half-day tour that takes you inside Dar Sebastien (George Sebastian Villa) and includes the Dar Khadija private museum.
⇒ Take a look at the guided tours you can book while in Hammamet, Tunisia, with Viator.
3. Kasbah Fortress Hammamet
Kasbah Fortress Hammamet is a 13th-century fort inside the old town on the oceanfront. Inside, a museum and exhibits detail the history of pirates and Spanish occupation in Hammamet, Tunisia. Up above the fortress walls, you will have picturesque views over the Mediterranean, the harbour, as well as the medina and the Great Mosque. Though it’s not very big inside, the fortress walls are a great spot to explore and take pictures.
If you’re interested in historical sites, I recommend a group trip to Dougga and Zaghouan with a guide from Hammamet with GYG.
The ocean view from Kasbah Fortress Hammamet
4. Watch the Sunset over the coastline
Watching the sunset in Hammamet’s Old Town is one of the best ways to end the day, especially if you are already exploring the area. Head to the Medina or the area near the Hammamet Fort walls for clear views over the sea as the light drops behind the coastline. After sunset, the Old Town settles into a relaxed evening scene. You can browse local shops, enjoy herbal tea or coffee in a traditional café, or walk along the waterfront to dinner.
I suggest Café Sidi Bou Hdid for tea, where you can also watch the sunset. For dinner, I recommend Rooh el Medina or Restaurant Lella Fatma. All are within a few minutes of the Hammamet Fortress.
5. Yasmine Hammamet Marina
If you are looking for things to do in Yasmine Hammamet at night, then head to Yasmine Marina Tunisia. The modern tourist resort area is lined with luxury hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and a Medina. It also has a vibrant port/marina worth visiting.
The port has over 2 km of docks and pontoons filled with yachts, sailboats, and catamarans. Stroll along the promenade, visit the shops, have a drink, or enjoy a meal at some of Hammamet’s best restaurants.
6. The Great Mosque of Hammamet, Tunisia
One of Hammamet’s most important religious landmarks is the Great Mosque, which is adjacent to the Sidi Abdel Kader Mosque. Both are located within the old town walls and can be seen when strolling around the medina. The Great Mosque is Hammamet’s oldest mosque and the second-largest in Tunisia. It is a fine example of Tunisian architecture with intricate tilework and a significant monument of Islam.
The Sidi Abdel Kader used to be a practising mosque, but now it’s an Islamic school (madrassa). Both are fine examples of Tunisian architecture. Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer rooms, but it’s worth passing by and admiring the facade. Another great spot to see the Great Mosque Tower is from the Kasbah fortress.
Strolling past the Great Mosque Tower
7. Explore the Pupput Roman Site
If you are interested in historical sites, head to the archaeological site of Pupput (Souk el-Abiod). These ruins were once a Roman town and Hammamet’s first settlement, and were discovered during a hotel construction project.
Pupput covers two hectares and features mosaic floors, thermal baths, ancient walls, a villa, and parts of aqueducts. The archaeological site is located a couple of kms away from the Hammamet city centre and near the Aloha Beach Club. It is a must for fans of ancient Roman history.
8. Enjoy Hammamet Tunisia Beaches
The beach is the main drawcard for tourists visiting Hammamet, Tunisia, for a summer holiday. The beaches are clean, with soft sand and crystal-clear water, offering a wide range of water activities. Beach clubs and resorts line the shore, and most have their own private sections. Relax, sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or try water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. For something different, you can even have a camel or horse ride on Hammamet’s sandy beaches.
Couples or adults looking for things to do can head to beach clubs like Barberousse Beach Club or Mirage Beach Club Hammamet. Where they can enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, or even champagne while relaxing on the sun lounges. Don’t forget your beach towel and sunscreen.
Spending time in Hammamet on one of Tunisia’s beaches
9. Have an adventure at Carthage Land
Carthage Land is Tunisia’s largest amusement park, combining a theme park with a water park. It is the perfect day out for families and friends looking for things to do away from the beach. The theme park offers a range of fun activities, including roller coasters, water rides, a mini zoo, a 5D cinema, and a kids’ zone featuring an Aladdin-themed experience.
In the waterpark, there are water slides, a wave pool, swimming pools, and a children’s swimming area. Carthage Land is only 10 kilometres south of Hammamet Central, between Tunis and Sousse. As it is the number one tourist attraction in Hammamet, most resorts in Tunisia offer transfers. However, you can also take a taxi, catch the metro or take the bus.
Best Day Trips from Hammamet, Tunisia
Here are the best day trips from Hammamet, Tunisia, that offer a range of experiences, from historical and archaeological sites to cultural experiences. Plan your itinerary based on the amount of time you have and your interests.
⇒ Take a look at the guided tours you can book while in Hammamet, Tunisia, with Viator.
10. El Jem Amphitheatre, Tunisia
El Jem is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. This grand historical attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as the “African Colosseum”. It was one of my favourite archaeological attractions in Tunisia and is a part of my roundup on the country’s landmarks.
It is the third-largest amphitheatre in the world & the largest in Africa, and at one point could seat up to 35,000 spectators. Explore the ancient theatre and learn about the history of gladiator battles. It is about two hours south of Hammamet, but it is worth a full-day tour. The best bit is that it’s less crowded than the Colosseum of Rome and half the price. This is also a great day trip from Tabarka, Tunisia.
Book a private one-day tour to El Jem Amphitheatre and Kairouan from Hammamet with Viator.
El Jem Roman Amphitheatre, Tunisia
11. Discover Cap Bon Peninsula, Tunisia
Discover the picturesque Cap Bon Peninsula and indulge in some of Tunisia’s best wines and food. Cap Bon is a Peninsula located to the northeast of Tunisia. The peninsula’s northern shore borders the Gulf of Tunis, and its southern shore borders the Gulf of Hammamet. Enjoy fresh seafood in the fishing village of Kelibia, wander among the Roman ruins of Kerkouane, explore the caves of Houaria, and taste Tunisian wines in Korba.
Or spend the day enjoying Nabeul’s beautiful, long sandy beaches and having lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. One of Nabeul’s best restaurants is Mansourah Restaurant. I loved sitting here eating fresh seafood and taking in the atmosphere. Book a full-day guided tour from Hammamet to the Cap Bon Peninsula, which includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Kerkouane.
12. Take a day trip to Tunis
Take a day trip to Tunis, Tunisia’s vibrant historic capital. Explore the ancient ruins of Carthage, wander through the bustling markets, stroll through the colourful Medina and visit the Bardo Museum. Also discover the beauty of the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Tunis is a great day trip from the beach and is only an hour’s drive from Hammamet. It is also convenient if you don’t have a car, as you can take the number 105 bus, which runs from Hammamet to Tunis every hour. You can also easily book a private tour of the Medina of Tunis, Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said, if you want an organised tour.
13. Spend a day in Sousse, Tunisia
Spend a day in Sousse, a popular summer holiday destination in Tunisia. Sousse was an important port during the Aghlabid period (800–909). Today, the medina, including the Ribat and Great Mosque, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around the well-preserved Medina, explore the Archaeological Museum of Sousse and visit a local cafe for the famous Tunisian coffee.
Sousse is located about an hour south of Hammamet, along the Mediterranean. Reserve now and pay later for a guided tour of the History and Culture of Sousse Medina.
The ocean views from Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
14. Visit Port El Kantaoui
Port El Kantaoui is a holiday resort situated along the central Tunisian coast, just south of Hammamet, near Sousse. Its yacht port, or marina, serves as a parking lot where Mediterranean jet-setters dock their yachts. This is a great activity to do while visiting Sousse. Boutique shops, bars, and waterfront restaurants line the port. It is also well known for its golf courses.
As well as all the different types of boat tours you can do. Wander around the shops and take a glass-bottom boat ride before enjoying fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants like La Daurade. Book a relaxing 3-hour catamaran cruise from Port El Kantaoui and enjoy drinks while taking in the views.
15. Visit Zaghouan Town
Head to the historic mountain town of Zaghouan, built on the ancient Roman site of Zigus. Visit the Water Temple, an aqueduct that once supplied water to ancient Roman cities in Tunisia, such as Carthage. The area is also known for hiking in Tunisia and for producing rose essence. Zaghouan is located about an hour’s drive southwest of Hammamet. If you don’t have a car, book a day tour that includes Thuburbo Majus and Dougga.
16. Half‑Day Trip to Kairouan
Kairouan is the holy city of Tunisia and an easy 1.5‑hour drive from Hammamet and the perfect choice if you want a quick dose of history. Visit the Great Mosque, wander the Medina’s artisan lanes, and try makroudh, the city’s signature date pastry. If you have a little extra time, stop by the Aghlabid Basins for a fast but fascinating look at early Tunisian engineering. It’s a short trip that adds real depth to any Hammamet itinerary. Book a guided tour from Hammamet to Kairouan and El Jem.
Port El Kantaoui and the marina near Sousse
Hotels Hammamet Tunisia
Magic Life Manar Hotel Resort
On my first trip to Hammamet, I stayed at the all-inclusive TUI Magic Life Manar Hotel resort located along the beach. It is a popular resort for families and couples and is part of the Hammamet TUI summer holiday packages. TUI Magic Life Manar Hotel Resort offered direct beach access, outdoor swimming pools, a water park, a gym, a kids’ club, bars, restaurants, and a shared lounge with a giant TV screen. It was an ideal base for exploring Tunisia’s top sites.
TUI BLUE Palm Beach Hammamet
On my second trip, I stayed at the all-inclusive TUI BLUE Palm Beach Hammamet, a boutique resort located roughly 3 km from Hammamet’s centre. It is a modern, all-inclusive beachfront resort with multiple pools, a spa, a fitness centre, a private sandy beach, and several restaurants and bars. The bedrooms were spacious and clean, and each had either a terrace or a balcony. Some rooms even had swim-up private pools. TUI BLUE Palm Beach Hammamet was a lovely resort, and I would stay there again.
Other Resort Hotels in Hammamet, Tunisia
Other resort hotels along the beach worth mentioning in Hammamet, Tunisia, are Steigenberger Marhaba Thalasso and Medina Solaria and Thalasso. Check availability and compare prices for hotels and accommodations in Hammamet on Agoda.
All-inclusive 5-star Magic Life Manar Hotel pool
Tunisia Hammamet Information
The Hammamet Tourism Office is located in the city centre, between the Kasbah Fortress and the Hammamet Ville Bus Station.
Flights: The direct flight from London to Tunis is only two and a half hours, and Air Tunisia has the most regular service to the capital.
Currency: The Tunisian dinar is the official currency used in Tunisia and is readily available at ATMs and banks. The Tunisian dinar is a closed currency, meaning you can’t order it before you leave or take it out of the country.
Official language: The main language that is spoken in Tunisia is Arabic. However, many speak English and French at tourist destinations and beach resorts.
I hope my article provided you with the information you needed to make an informed decision about what to do in Hammamet, Tunisia. Please refer to my Africa or Mediterranean page for more related articles and travel guides.
Other articles you may be interested in reading
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Have you visited Hammamet or any other Tunisian beach resort before? Please feel free to leave your comments or experiences below.
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Disclaimer: I was a guest of Tunisia Tourism during my time in the country. However, all views are based on my own experience.
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Useful booking links for Hammamet, Tunisia
- Book all your guided tours directly with Viator, including adventure tours, water activities and historical sites.
- Compare and check flights on Travelsupermark from the UK to Tunisia
- Search hotels and accommodations in Hammamet and compare prices with Expedia.
- Check prices and compare rental companies for car hire from Tunis to Hammamet with Trip.com.
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