Sousse is a lively city where the past and present meet. You can explore centuries of history, enjoy life at the beach and top off your day with your choice of a hot night life scene. Capital of Sousse Governorate and home to the University of Sousse, the city has a youthful and busy vibe.
Settled since the 11th century BC, you can explore the city's history at the Sousse Archaeological Museum, including artifacts from ancient Rome to the present, or wander through the underground Catacombs, used as a cemetery for Christian refugees in the 4th and 5th century AD.
With soft sand and turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean, the beach experience at Sousse is just about perfect, including a pretty waterfront to stroll along, boating and water sports to enjoy.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina - or traditional walled city center of Sousse - dates back to about 800 AD and is a gorgeous example of early Islamic architecture, with a casbah, Great Mosque and many other sights along its winding streets.
At the end of a sunny day, Sousse's night life scene is waiting for you to explore, including a range of nightclubs and bars to suit every taste.
Whether you choose the main souk or traditional market, or the Soula Centre just outside, you'll find a treasure trove of shopping, including locally produced textile goods and leather shoes.
With a warm climate, Sousse is a year-round destination. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging between 75°F-88°F between May and August.
Sousse is about 12 miles south of the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR) in nearby Monastir. The easiest way to get from here to the city is by electric train service or metro which costs 1DT. Many European flights come to the Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE) which is about 30 miles north up the coast. A taxi to town should cost about 40DT.
Sousse is a major hub in the Tunisian Railway system, with connections to Tunis, Sfax, Kasserine and other major centers.
There are good connections by road from Sousse to Tunis, Zaghouan and other centers. The National Road 1 or RN1 connects Sousse with centers to the south, including Libya. If you intend on driving through the desert, a 4X4 is recommended.
The city connects to most other major centers in Tunisia via intercity bus service. The louage system of shared taxis is another alternative, both within the city and for travel between cities.
Stay right where the action is at the Hôtel Medina, with its typical white-washed architecture with blue trim and convenient location. Alternatively, indulge in the beach life at Dreams Beach hotel, a mid-priced property with modern amenities.
Medina - the old walled city is a must-see and contains many of the city's tourist attractions like the Grand Mosque and the Souk El Ahad (Sunday Market)
Port el Kantaoui - this suburb of the city extends along the beach and it's where you'll find many of the city's luxury hotels.
Cité Rayhan - this central neighborhood is where you'll find government offices, the library and other public buildings.
An electric commuter train, known as Sahel Metro, runs through the city. Fares start at 1DT. Intercity buses and microbuses are an alternative.
Taxis are yellow and be sure that the meter is on and being used in your taxi; it's best to negotiate your fare before you set out. A typical fare within the city center should cost 5DT or less.
A car can be a good way to explore the areas around Sousse. A compact rental starts at DT95.
The Medina is the place to find the large Souk El Ahad and other street vendors off the Rue d'Angleterre. Be sure to haggle for the best prices.
Carrefour and Changuel Market are two supermarket chains that you'll find throughout the city, with reasonable prices and well stocked shelves. A quart of milk costs about DT1.15 and a dozen eggs will set you back about DT2.
Enjoy classic Tunisian cuisine at the Dodo Restaurant in the Medina, where dishes start at only DT5. You'll love the fresh seafood and Mediterranean flair of La Marmite, where main dishes start at DT30.