Visiting Kairouan: a guide to the holy city of Tunisia
What to see and what to know, by the Golden Palm’s Holidays team, a travel agency based in Kairouan.
Founded in 670, Kairouan is the first Muslim city of the Maghreb and one of the holy cities of Islam. Its medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. We have lived and worked here since 2010: here is what we recommend to those who visit.
Where is Kairouan?
Kairouan is in central Tunisia, about 150 km south of Tunis and about 60 km from Sousse. It is easy to visit in one day from the coast, but it deserves better: spending a night here lets you see the medina in peace, in the evening and in the morning.
What to see in Kairouan
The Great Mosque (Sidi Okba Mosque). It is the most important monument in the city: a vast courtyard surrounded by porticoes, a massive minaret and a prayer hall with many columns. Non-Muslims can visit the courtyard and look at the prayer hall from the entrance. Visiting hours change: we check them before every departure.
The Aghlabid basins. These large circular basins from the 9th century were used to store the city’s water. Today they are one of the calmest places in Kairouan.
The medina. White alleys, coloured doors, craftsmen’s workshops: the walk is done on foot, with a guide who knows the neighbourhoods.
The Mosque of the Three Doors and the Zawiya of Sidi Sahab (known as the “Barber’s Mosque”): two monuments worth seeing for their decoration and their history.
The Raqqada Museum of Islamic Art, to understand the city’s past through manuscripts, ceramics and ancient objects.
What to taste and what to bring back
Kairouan is known for its makroudh, a semolina pastry filled with dates, fried and dipped in honey. You can also find carpets and copper objects in the medina workshops.
With us you can also get your hands dirty: our local experiences include a makroudh workshop, with a certificate of participation.
How to visit Kairouan with us
- On a tour that links Kairouan to the Tunisian South and the coast, such as From the oases to the Sahara, at your own pace.
- Tailor-made: a day or a night in Kairouan added to your stay, according to your dates. Tell us about your trip.
We answer every quote request within 24 to 48 hours, with no obligation.
Good to know before you go
- To visit the mosques, wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.
- Bring good walking shoes for the medina.
- Keep a little cash for purchases from craftsmen.
Frequently asked questions
Can you enter the Great Mosque?
Non-Muslims can visit the courtyard. Access to the prayer hall is reserved for Muslims.
How long do you need to visit Kairouan?
One day is enough for the main monuments. A night on site lets you visit more calmly.
Can you visit Kairouan from Sousse or Hammamet?
Yes, it is a common excursion. We also organise visits with a driver-guide.
Can you learn to make makroudh?
Yes, we offer a workshop with a certificate of participation.
Prepare your trip with us
Golden Palm’s Holidays is a brand of Golden Palm’s Travel, a category A travel agency based in Kairouan since 2010, member of the FTAV. Tell us what you wish for by WhatsApp, by phone or with the contact form: we will propose a tailor-made itinerary, free and with no obligation.
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