15 Things to Do in Hammamet – Tunisia

When you think of things to do in Hammamet, Tunisia, beaches and tourist activities might be the first that spring to mind. That can make it seem like somewhere you’d only go for a resort holiday.

But Hammamet isn’t just about its golden coastline. Once you scratch the surface of this small town in the Nabeul Governorate in northern Tunisia, you’ll find plenty more to keep you busy. Jasmine is part of its identity too, giving its name to Yasmine Hammamet and appearing everywhere from markets to courtyards.

For its size, Hammamet has lots of cultural, historic and modern attractions that suit different styles of travel. It’s a good choice for solo travellers, couples or groups looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

I’ve visited Tunisia a couple of times over the years with family and friends. On my last trip, I mixed up the classic sights with more authentic experiences, like joining a cooking workshop at the foot of the mountains in Douar Laroussi. The balance of old and new Hammamet meant there was always something different to enjoy.

It’s been a while since I was in Hammamet, though, so to make sure this guide is fully up to date, I asked my sister Heidi, who recently travelled there with her Tunisian husband and son, to share her first-hand notes. Between my past trips and her fresh insights, this is our guide to things to do in Hammamet.

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Things to Do in Hammamet

Hammamet has plenty of attractions, some touristy but many with more history and culture, along with activities and local experiences. You could easily spend a week or two here without getting bored, especially if you add the odd day trip to neighbouring destinations. From a relaxing day on the beach or by the pool to exploring the historical ruins at Pupput, there’s always something to do.

You’ll find yourself alternating between the present day and back in history (all in one day). And, when evening comes, there are plenty of spots to enjoy an open-air dinner to finish off the day.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in Hammamet, based on my past trips and my sister’s more recent time there.

1. Relax on Hammamet Beach

Hammamet is best known for its long sandy coastline, with clean golden beaches and shallow, calm water that’s great for swimming. I’m not the type to spend all day stretched out on a lounger. I enjoy an hour or so with a book, then I’m ready to do something else. Still, Hammamet’s beaches are easy to enjoy, whether you’re there for a short stroll or a full day by the sea.

The end of September, when I visited, is a good time for relaxing on the beach in Hammamet. The weather is still warm, the water is inviting, and it’s quieter, too. We swam in the sea and walked along the long stretch of sand without tripping over multiple sunbathers.

Even in the off-season, you’ll still find plenty going on. For those looking for a bit of adventure, like me, water sports such as banana boat rides, parasailing, jet skiing and paddle boarding are easy to arrange along the shore, and without the queues you get in high-season.

For those whose holiday isn’t complete without a spot of snorkelling or scuba diving, Hammamet’s waters hide several wrecks dating back to the Second World War, including German and Italian vessels, some still with jeeps and motorcycles in their holds. The Yasmine Hammamet Diving Centre is a good place to arrange trips.

If you’d rather stay on land, there’s a good selection of cafés and restaurants by the seafront. You’ll also come across some more secluded and unique beach spots if you walk further along the coast, like we did on our city wall seaside walk (more about that later). These make a nice contrast to the busier sections in front of the big hotels.

2. Explore Hammamet Medina (Old Town)

The traditional Medina is the old town of Hammamet with the classic Tunisian blue and white, narrow cobbled streets and ornate doors, making it a very atmospheric place to wander. Nestled alongside the Kasbah, it’s a great way to see two sights in one. Visiting here felt like stepping back in time and offered a strong contrast to Yasmine Hammamet’s modern Medina (more about that later).

Whilst here, you can shop for souvenirs in the lively souk and artisan workshops. Stalls sell everything from authentic handcrafted items to more modern pieces, many of them hung on the walls in colourful displays. All around, the scent of Tunisian spices fills the air.

It’s best to visit in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler and quieter. When we were there at the end of September, it never felt overly crowded. Be ready to haggle, as prices usually start high.

Oh, and if you’re a cat lover, keep your eyes open for the friendly ‘Medina cats’ lounging in the streets, they’re hard to miss.

3. Discover Hammamet Kasbah

One of the first sights you’ll notice in Hammamet’s old town is the Kasbah, an impressive fortress that dominates the seafront. Built in the 9th century and later heavily modified in the 1400s when it became the Governor’s residence. It was in military use through the Hafsid period and into the 19th century.

The Kasbah is worth exploring both outside and in. Inside you’ll come across a small museum with exhibits displaying artefacts from Hammamet and Tunisia’s history. The real highlight is climbing to the top for an incredible view from the rooftop, across the town and out to sea. It was daytime when we visited, but it would be even more atmospheric at sunset when golden light falls across the rooftops.

Set alongside the Medina, the Kasbah is also a good spot to admire traditional architecture and get some great photos. Early mornings and last entry would be the quietest and coolest time to visit.

4. Visit the Grande Mosque (Masjid Al Kabeer)

The Great Mosque of Hammamet, or Masjid Al Kabeer, is a must-see during your visit to Hammamet. Built in the 12th century, it sits in the middle of the Medina and reflects Islamic and North African architectural styles. Its simple white walls and keel-shaped arches give it a quiet elegance, while the minaret is said to have inspired the artist Paul Klee.

There are plenty of tours available to visit the mosque, but non-Muslims are not usually permitted to enter the prayer hall. Despite this, it’s still worth pausing outside to admire the building and its atmosphere. It’s also important to remember that all visitors must dress modestly, so long trousers/ skirts and long-sleeved clothing are required, and women need to cover their hair with a scarf. 

The mosque has been renovated several times over the years; the most significant was in the 1960s to restore elements from the 12th-century Fatimid design, such as the internal white keel-shaped arches.

Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the incredible doors, too. In fact, decorative doors are a common sight throughout Tunisia, and Hammamet’s Medina has some of the most striking examples.

5. Walk the Coastal Path by the Medina Walls

One of the most enjoyable things I did in Hammamet was to walk along the pretty coastal path that runs beside the old Medina and Kasbah walls. I loved the contrast of the towering stone walls on one side and the open sea on the other, with the sound of waves breaking gently against the rocks as we walked.

Every so often, you’ll come across a small ‘mini beach’ that you can climb down to, so don’t forget your swimming gear if you fancy a quick dip. A sunhat and sunglasses are also worth bringing, even in the off-season, as the sun can still be strong.

The walk begins near Café Sidi Bouhdid, one of Hammamet’s most famous cafés. It has several sections, including an outdoor terrace overlooking the bay, an indoor glass dining room and traditional shisha lounges. The décor is colourful, with Arabic-style floor seating and cushions scattered about. It’s a great spot for a drink, a meal, or to watch the sunset before or after your walk.

6. Wander Through Hammamet’s New Medina

Medina Yasmine Hammamet (also known as Medina Mediterranea) looks centuries old at first glance, with its traditional-style architecture, ornate gates and whitewashed walls. However, we later discovered it’s actually Hammamet’s new medina, purpose-built for tourists in the late 1990s. The grand entrance, Medina Mediterranea Gate, stood impressively, almost like a castle, setting the scene for what feels like a step back in time, even if it’s a recreated one.

Inside, shops and stalls line the streets, selling everything from predictable holiday souvenirs to traditional handmade goods. We bought a metal plate from one stall and watched as the shopkeeper skilfully etched it with our bespoke design while we waited. Restaurants and coffee shops are scattered throughout the Medina, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Cafés are a good place to pause, and one popular choice is to order a glass of ‘thé aux pignons’, traditional Maghrebi mint tea served with pine nuts. The tea is poured from a height, a mark of hospitality as well as a way to enhance its flavour and presentation. We liked Café el Bay, which was a blend of tea lounge, coffee house and shisha bar with live traditional music.

As evening falls, the Medina takes on a magical feel, with lights strung above the walkways and street art brightening its walls. It may not have the authenticity of Hammamet’s old Medina, but it has been carefully designed to echo its style and makes for an enjoyable wander, especially in the evening.

If you’d like to experience both sides of Hammamet in one trip, and would prefer a guide, there’s also a Two Medinas Tour that combines the old and new Medinas into a single visit.

7. Walk Around Yasmine Hammamet Marina

Yasmine Hammamet Marina sits in the newer, purpose-built resort area of town. It’s a polished and upmarket spot, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, and can feel busy and touristy in high season. It’s not really my kind of place at that time of year, but when Heidi visited in the quieter off-season, she found it much calmer and really enjoyed her time there.

The marina itself has a relaxed feel, with boats gently bobbing in the water and views stretching across the bay towards the Kasbah. It’s a good place for a stroll along the promenade or to pause for a drink at one of the waterfront cafés. Some, like Le Cap Café, have upstairs terraces with views over the port, which are especially nice at sunset.

Restaurants around the marina serve a mix of Mediterranean and Tunisian dishes. The quality can be hit and miss, but the setting makes up for it if you’re after a drink, a light meal or simply the holiday atmosphere that comes with being by the water.

8. Take a Boat Trip Along the Coast

One thing neither Heidi nor I managed to do in Hammamet, which we would have loved to, was a boat trip along the coast. Being out on the water is always a good way to see a place differently, with the bonus of a nice breeze on hot days.

Smaller catamarans and private charters are the best way to enjoy the coastline, often including stops for swimming or snorkelling, and if you’re lucky, dolphin spotting. There are plenty of boat trips you can book online, or you can simply turn up at the marina or beach and see what’s on offer that day or for the next. Booths on the dockside display trip details and prices.

For something more authentic, you could travel further up the Cap Bon coast to villages like Kelibia, where local fishermen sometimes offer boat trips to quieter coves and beaches. Availability can depend on the season, so it is worth checking ahead or being flexible with your plans.

As for the noisy, raucous pirate-style ships that sail from Yasmine Marina, they’re mainly popular with families and groups of friends on package holidays. You can’t miss them, they’re hard to ignore, and each to their own. Personally, though, they’re exactly the sort of thing Andy and I avoid like the plague, so I’m not going to recommend them.

9. Discover the Ruins of Pupput

If you want to add another historical thing to do in Hammamet, head to the ancient ruins of Pupput, with remains from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Be prepared though, the site isn’t the best cared for, signage is minimal and facilities are basic. Even so, there’s still plenty of history to appreciate.

Among the remains, you’ll see the outlines of villas, Roman baths, intricate mosaics and a necropolis. With a little imagination and by looking past the modern hotels on either side, you can get a sense of the town that once stood here.

The ground is uneven and there’s very little shade, so sturdy shoes, water, and a hat are recommended. In peak season, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.

10. Relax With a Traditional Hammam or Spa

Visiting a hammam (public bathhouse) is one of the most traditional things to do in Hammamet. The town even takes its name from the word. For centuries, locals have gathered in hammams to cleanse, socialise and relax, and that ritual is still alive today.

There are two main ways to experience a hammam. The traditional style is more rigorous, with steam rooms followed by a full-body scrub using black soap and a coarse mitt, then a rinse that leaves you glowing and lighter than before. If you prefer something gentler, many hotels and spas offer a softer version that combines the same rituals with extras like massages or facials, often using olive oil or marine-based products.

For a local experience, head to Hammam El Bahia in the Old Medina, which is still frequented by residents and gives a taste of everyday Tunisian life.

If you’d rather make it a treat, Alhambra Thalasso in Yasmine Hammamet offers spa-style hammams with thalassotherapy and a full menu of treatments in a more luxurious setting.

Hammam and thalassotherapy sessions are also available to book online, making it easy to plan ahead and fit one into your trip.

11. Take a Cooking Workshop

One of the best ways to connect with Tunisian culture is through its food. A cooking workshop lets you roll up your sleeves and prepare dishes such as brik, couscous or tagines, guided by locals who know them inside out.

Many workshops begin with a market visit to pick up fresh ingredients. Expect bunches of herbs, piles of spices and seasonal vegetables, before moving into the kitchen to cook together. The pace is easy, with plenty of time to chop, stir and taste along the way.

For something a little different, you can join a cooking workshop at the foot of the mountains near Douar Laroussi, just outside Hammamet. Here you might bake bread in a wood oven, help prepare a shared meal, and enjoy it outdoors with views of the countryside. It feels simple and welcoming, and gives you a glimpse of everyday life beyond town.

Cooking classes are also available in Hammamet itself. One option combines cooking with dressing in traditional Tunisian clothing for photos, adding a playful twist to the experience.

However you choose to do it, you will leave with a good meal, some recipes to try at home and memories of a personal, hands-on experience. Sessions can also be booked online, which makes it easy to plan ahead.

12. Visit Dar Sebastien and Stroll Through Its Gardens

Built in 1927 by Romanian aristocrat George Sebastian, this villa blends Moorish and modernist styles, with wide white terraces and an elegant collonaded pool. Time has left its mark, and parts now need a little TLC, but that faded glamour is part of the appeal. It’s easy to picture how striking it must have been in its heyday, when guests included Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel and other famous names.

Today, the villa is known as Dar Sebastien: the International Cultural Centre of Hammamet. It’s used for art exhibitions and cultural events, and since 1999, it has been listed as a Classified Heritage Site. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit, with its clean arches and views out towards the sea and the old Medina.

You can also explore the surrounding gardens. Although a little wild in places, there’s still plenty to see, with hedge archways, sculptures tucked among the greenery, and even cacti carved into faces. There’s a fresco called ‘Tunisia Through Time 1937/2002’, the Eco Museum Orangerie, and orchards of olives and fruit trees.

If you’re lucky, you may meet Abdullah, who’s been showing visitors around for decades. He often offers informal tours in return for a small tip; very handy as most of the signs are in Arabic and French.

Each summer, the villa also becomes the stage for Hammamet’s biggest cultural event, the International Festival, which takes place in its open-air amphitheatre overlooking the sea

13. Attend the Hammamet International Festival

As I mentioned above, Dar Sebastien isn’t only worth visiting for its villa and gardens. It also hosts the Hammamet International Festival, one of Tunisia’s biggest cultural events.

If you’re in Hammamet during July or August, try to catch this festival, which has been running since 1964. It’s one of Tunisia’s best-known cultural gatherings and takes place in the amphitheatre at Dar Sebastien. The open-air stage overlooks the sea, giving excellent acoustics and a dramatic backdrop that makes it a memorable experience.

The programme usually includes more than thirty acts from Tunisia and around the world. Over the course of about a month, there are one or two performances each evening. With around 15 countries involved, the mix of traditional and contemporary theatre, music, dance and singing means there’s plenty of variety, so you can pick and choose depending on your interests.

Like the villa and gardens themselves, the festival has a slightly faded glamour but remains a special experience if you’re in town at the right time. Tickets are sold individually for each performance, and once the programme has been announced, they can be booked in advance online on the Hammamet International Festival website.

14. Play Golf at Citrus or Yasmine Hammamet

Golf isn’t really my cup of tea, but Hammamet has built a reputation as one of Tunisia’s golfing hotspots, so it’s worth a mention. Golf lovers won’t be disappointed.

Citrus Golf Club is the biggest course, and was the first 45-hole golf complex in Tunisia. With two 18-hole championship courses set among olive groves, lakes and rolling fairways, plus a 9-hole executive course and full practice facilities, it’s well known in golfing circles and a good option if you want to make a day of it.

Yasmine Golf Club is smaller with 18 holes, and some fairways look out towards the Atlas Mountains and the sea.

Both clubs welcome visitors, so you don’t need to be a member to play. Even if you’re not a serious golfer, you can hire clubs and enjoy a relaxed round in the sunshine.

15. Take a Day Trip to Nabeul

If you fancy venturing a little further, Nabeul makes an easy day trip from Hammamet. You can join an organised tour booked online, through an agency, or at your hotel. Or you could take a DIY approach with a taxi, bus, or hire car as we did.

The beaches here are just as beautiful as Hammamet’s and less busy, so it’s worth packing your swimwear. Nabeul is also famous for its pottery and traditional crafts. The Friday market, or souk, is one of the biggest in Tunisia. Alongside browsing and haggling with the sellers, you can often join a pottery workshop nearby, sometimes included in organised tours.

Food is a big part of the experience too. The souk is filled with seasonal produce, from fresh fruit and olives to aromatic spices that fill the air, as well as plenty of street food if you want to graze as you go. Chances are you won’t need lunch afterwards.

Nabeul is also the birthplace of Tunisia’s fiery harissa paste, recognised by UNESCO as part of the country’s cultural heritage. You can taste it everywhere, and even join a workshop to learn how it’s made.

These are longer journeys, so they work well as overnight stays if you’d like to see more without rushing.

Accommodation in Hammamet

Hammamet has plenty of accommodation to choose from, and where you stay usually depends on the style of trip you want. There are three main areas people tend to base themselves: inside the old Medina, in the newer Yasmine Hammamet, or just outside the centre.

For something with more atmosphere, the old Medina has a handful of smaller guesthouses tucked among its narrow streets. Dar Hammamet Guest House & Hammam is a popular choice, combining simple but stylish rooms with a traditional hammam on site. Another option just south of the old town is The Sindbad Hammamet, a long-running low-rise hotel with bungalow-style rooms and direct beach access.

Yasmine Hammamet, a modern resort area a few kilometres south of town, is home to most of the larger hotels. During her trip, Heidi stayed at Eden Yasmine Resort & Spa. She liked that it felt calmer than some of its neighbours, with a pool, spa, and courtyard dining. Rooms are spacious, and if you go half-board or all-inclusive, the food is buffet style with plenty of variety and some excellent Tunisian desserts in the evenings.

BOOK EDEN YASMINE HAMMAMET HERE

If you’d prefer a quieter base without being right in the thick of things, look just outside the centre. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses here give you the best of both worlds: close enough to walk or take a short taxi into town, but away from the busiest streets. One option is Hotel La Residence Hammamet, which has a rooftop terrace and is well placed for both the beach and the Medina.

Wherever you stay, it’s worth booking ahead if you’re travelling in peak season or during festivals, as the most popular places fill up quickly.

There are so many things to do in Hammamet in Tunisia, far more than first meets the eye. From exploring the Kasbah and the ancient ruins of Pupput to wandering the villa and gardens of Dar Sebastian, there’s plenty of history to uncover. In between, you can lose yourself in the old medina, try a cooking class, or take some time to relax with a hammam.

It’s the sort of place where you can spend one day exploring cultural sights and the next unwinding by the sea, giving you the chance to tailor your trip to your own pace and style.

Have you visited Hammamet? What would you add to the list? Or, if you’re planning a trip, which of these things would you like to do the most?

Planning Your Trip to Hammamet

Planning your trip to Hammamet in Tunisia? Here are some of our recommended useful resources to help you have the best time possible.

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