Tunisia has always felt like a second home to me. It’s actually closer to my city than many parts of Algeria, and with friends and family there, plus an accent that sounds a little like ours, it’s a place I know well. From my hometown, it takes only three hours to reach Tunis, which makes visiting easy, whether with a plan or just for the sake of escaping.
About 60 km from Tunis, you’ll find Hammamet, a seaside town famous for its split between North and South, its charming old Medina, and its lively marina. My trip there was a true escape, a spontaneous decision after my friends’ invitation to just hop in the car. At first, I almost said no because time felt too tight and we just came from Djerba, but of course… yes! that’s where our little adventure began.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in Hammamet South at Hotel Diar Lemdina, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The hotel is well-rated and perfectly located in the heart of the Medina. We parked our car as soon as we arrived and didn’t need it again until check-out, as everything we wanted to see or do was within walking distance. The beach was only about 200 meters away, making it easy to switch between relaxing by the sea and exploring the Medina. The hotel itself also offered several swimming pools where guests could unwind, including a saltwater pool, which quickly became my favorite after a day of sightseeing.
The food at the hotel was another pleasant surprise. Breakfast was outstanding, offering a generous selection that ranged from traditional Tunisian specialties like assida, zrir, and freshly made ftayer to a wide variety of international dishes, pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses, and eggs prepared in different ways.
What I loved most, however, were the hotel’s Tunisian Nights. On these evenings, local dishes were presented in all their authentic glory. Unlike many restaurants that adapt traditional recipes to suit tourists, the chefs here stayed true to the original flavors and cooking methods.
The nightly entertainment also added a lively atmosphere to our stay, with music, dance performances, and shows that brought people together after dinner. Even if you’re not usually interested in hotel entertainment, the surrounding Medina has plenty to offer. Its cafés stay lively well into the evening, with live musicians, traditional performances, and bustling terraces.
Exploring The Medina
The Medina of Hammamet South is a modern creation designed to evoke the charm of traditional Tunisian architecture. While Hammamet North houses the original, centuries-old Medina, the newer version in Hammamet South was built to reflect the same historical ambiance.
Strolling through the Medina feels amazing and so charming, although it’s a modern creation, it’s designed to feel old, with narrow winding alleys, whitewashed walls, and blue shutters that evoke the classic Tunisian style.
The Medina is bustling with life, full of souvenir shops, handmade ceramics, carpets, and traditional dishes that you can admire even without buying. Walking through the alleys is a way to soak in the culture and traditions of the region. You’ll also find pastry shops tempting you with local sweets, and spice stores where you can pick up flavors to take home.
When you are walking around the Medina, you’ll notice several gates marking different sections of the Medina, , Bab Lemdina, Bab Ezzlaga, Bab Echicket, Bab Lesouek, and more, each adding a sense of discovery as you wander from one alley to another. Cafés and small restaurants spill out into the streets, perfect for enjoying a mint tea or coffee while watching life pass by.
One of the most charming details for me was the walls adorned with traditional Tunisian proverbs and sayings, words of wisdom passed down through generations. Every few steps, I found myself stopping to read another one, smiling at their humor, reflecting on their wisdom, and appreciating the glimpse they offered into the country’s culture and way of life. It felt as though the walls themselves were telling stories, preserving lessons from the past for everyone who took the time to pause and read them.
Museums
Museum Carrefour des Civilisations et des Religions
One of the highlights of my Hammamet trip was visiting the Carrefour des Civilisations et des Religions Museum. The building itself is beautiful, featuring a tower that offers panoramic views of the city and a stunning spot to watch the sunset. Inside, the museum showcases the rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and traditions that have shaped Tunisia over the centuries. We saw pieces of the holy books of the three Abrahamic religions, intricate artistic works on wood and ceramics, and many other fascinating exhibits. The displays are thoughtfully curated, offering insights into the history, art, and daily life of different communities.
Mille et Une Nuits Museum
The Mille et Une Nuits Museum, located near Bab Souk, is housed in a building adorned with beautiful traditional tiles and paintings that attempt to showcase palace life. Inside, there are also plastic figures dressed in traditional costumes meant to illustrate how people lived in the past. While the concept is interesting, I personally found it disappointing. I had high expectations from a place called Mille et Une Nuits Palace, but what I saw felt underwhelming compared to what I imagined.
Carthage Land
Just steps away from the Medina is Carthage Land, a lively amusement complex that combines an aquapark with a fun park, making it a perfect stop for families. The park is designed with a touch of history, inspired by ancient Carthage, yet filled with modern rides, water slides, and entertainment for children and adults alike.
Medina's Nightlife
Here we come to the best part of the journey: the nightlife. El Medina truly comes alive after dark, with music and melodies floating from every corner. The streets are lined with cafés offering live music and performances, you just have to stroll until you find the atmosphere that matches your mood.
For us, the highlight was Sultan Café, only a short walk from the Medina. The place was alive with an amazing singer, vibrant tabla beats, and energetic dabka dance shows. On some nights, a talented belly dancer takes the stage and completely transforms the atmosphere, drawing everyone into the performance with graceful movements and infectious energy. It was impossible not to smile or clap along as the crowd cheered. The café also served traditional drinks like freshly made lemonade and other refreshing fruit juices, green tea with fresh mint and pine nuts sprinkled on top, strong Tunisian coffee, and shisha in different flavors. We loved sitting back, sipping our drinks, and simply watching the lively scene unfold around us. From time to time, the air carried the sweet scent of jasmine, as street vendors passed by selling mashmoum el fell (jasmine bouquets). It was a magical mix of flavors, sounds, scents, and unforgettable moments that perfectly captured the charm and warmth of Tunisian evenings.
With friends by my side, laughter around the table, and that lively Tunisian spirit filling the night, I couldn’t have asked for more. I truly thanked God for saying yes to this last-minute trip, which turned into such a short but unforgettable escape.
Best Tips For Your VisitTo Hammamat
Avoid peak season: Prices skyrocket and hotels are fully booked, which makes the experience less enjoyable. Beaches get overcrowded, and even the hotel restaurants and sunbeds feel packed. Book in advance and try to choose the right season for a more relaxed stay. If you want to book in this hotel click here.
Check your all-inclusive perks: Sometimes hotels don’t mention everything included in your package. In our case, we had free tickets to museums and Carthage Land. Always ask before buying tickets, you might already have them!
Skip the “1001 Nights” Museum: Honestly, it doesn’t live up to expectations. Save your money and time for better experiences.
Explore the Medina by night: Take a stroll, check out different cafés, and choose the one that fits your vibe. Each has its own style of music and performance.
Don’t miss Sultan Café: This place is simply top-notch. The music, atmosphere, and vibes are unbeatable, it was the highlight of our evenings.
- Watch out for jellyfish: The sea can sometimes have plenty of blue jellyfish, and their liquid causes an unpleasant burning sensation if you get stung. If that happens, just enjoy the hotel pools instead. Some hotels (like ours) even have a saltwater pool, which I personally loved, especially since I dislike the chlorine smell and feel of regular pools.
Try the hammam experience: Don’t miss out on visiting a traditional hammam. It’s not only relaxing but also a cultural ritual that Tunisians have practiced for centuries. Many hotels offer a hammam and spa service, or you can try one in town for a more authentic feel.
Visit Hammamet North: Its Medina and marina are worth exploring and give a different feel compared to the newer Hammamet South.
Plan a day trip: If it’s your first time in Tunisia, make a trip to Tunis to see the old town around Bab Dzira, and also consider visiting Sousse, which is not too far from Hammamet. Both offer rich history and vibrant culture.
- Negotiate souvenir prices : Vendors in the Medina often double or even triple the prices for tourists. Don’t be shy to bargain.
- Take Tunisian sweets home: Don’t leave Hammamet or Tunisia without bringing some local treats. There are a few well-known names like Omar Hachicha click here and Jawhara click here , offering delicious pastries and confections that make the perfect souvenir or gift.
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