Bizerte travel guide

Bizerte, Tunisia

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Bizerte

Introduction

Bizerte sits in northern Tunisia, roughly 65 km north of Tunis, and is the capital of the Bizerte Governorate. It holds a distinctive place on the map as the northernmost city in Africa, which makes it a natural starting point for exploring the country's northern coast.

The city also carries a particular historical weight: it was the last town to remain under French control after the rest of Tunisia won independence from France. That layered past, together with its position at the top of the continent, gives Bizerte a character worth seeking out on a northern Tunisian itinerary.

Getting there

You can reach Bizerte from Tunis by shared taxi (louage); these arrive south of town, from where you can either take a taxi or walk a few kilometres down the main road and over the modern suspension bridge into Bizerte proper. Louages also connect Bizerte with towns to the west such as Tabarka, though you may need to change a few times en route.

SNCFT also runs several trains a day from Tunis, with the journey taking around two hours. The railway station sits southwest of the city centre.

Getting around

Central Bizerte is compact and easy to explore on foot: the old port and medina form the heart of the walkable zone, and the kasbah, the Spanish fort and the old port all sit within about ten minutes' walk of one another. Markets, historical sites, cafes and restaurants are likewise within walking distance of the centre. Beyond the centre, however, pedestrian infrastructure is limited, so walking becomes less practical for longer excursions — if your plans take you to the beaches or further afield, plan on a taxi rather than a long walk.

Metered taxis are the most flexible way to get around town, and you can flag one almost anywhere within Bizerte; drivers here have a reputation for being friendly. Taxis also serve the beach areas and Ichkeul National Park to the south, and Bolt operates in the area if you prefer app-based rides. Buses supplement taxis but the network is not extensive and does not cover all city areas frequently, so treat it as an addition rather than a complete solution. There is no metro or tram, and cycling is impractical within the city because there are no dedicated bike paths. For regional travel, the railway station sits southwest of the centre, and louages and buses connect Bizerte with Tunis; louages arrive to the south of the city, from where you can take a taxi or walk down the main road and over the modern suspension bridge into the city proper.

Where to stay

Bizerte’s accommodation is limited, with the main options sitting outside the centre. Just north of town on the coast, Bizerta Resort is a large but simple hotel that aims to impress and falls short on several counts. Rates are only slightly lower for single travellers, and the room price includes a breakfast buffet that is quite basic. Internet is provided, but the signal in the rooms is extremely weak and may not work at all, which can leave you using it in the foyer instead.

Food & drink

For a memorable meal, head to Restaurant Le Phénicien, a mock-Phoenician timber boat moored at the south of the old harbour. Inside it is gilt with copper art and sculpture, the service is attentive, and the French-only menu is relatively extensive, covering a remarkable range of seafood alongside salads, steak and lamb. There is no wine menu, but the Tunisian house red is good.

Some restaurants, Le Phénicien among them, offer wine or beer, so you can drink with your meal rather than seeking out a separate bar.

What to see and do

Start at the top of the hill north of town, where the Spanish Fort offers old stonework, antique cannons and sweeping views over Bizerte. From the west wall of the Kasba, simply walk north and follow the wall up. Below it, enter the Kasba from the west and wander the old Arab quarter: imposing, military-looking walls outside, and a remarkably quiet interior of steeply stacked homes and a mosque.

When to go

Bizerte has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, so the main choice is between the mild, rainy winter half of the year and the hot, dry summer. The wetter stretch can begin as early as September and run into May, bringing frequent rainy days relative to the modest annual total — expect unsettled spells rather than constant downpours — along with especially active westerly and north-westerly winds.

Summer is hot and dry, but a thermal sea breeze builds through the morning, peaks mid-afternoon and fades in the evening on most days, so coastal spots like the Corniche stay noticeably cooler than inland; the breeze is at its strongest in August. On a handful of days in the hot season, hot, dry Sirocco winds blow instead.

Three days in Bizerte

Day one: Start in Central Bizerte, where the markets give you a feel for everyday Tunisian life and the town's Phoenician, Spanish and French layers. Eat at Restaurant Le Phénicien or Le Phénicien for a taste of the local catch, then take a metered taxi or a Bolt to Route De La Corniche for a walk along the waterfront. In the evening, Hypo Bar is a straightforward spot for a drink.

Day two: Head out to Ichkeul National Park, a wetland of international importance within Bizerte Governorate. Louages and buses connect the area, and taxis are metered, so you can arrange your transport from Central Bizerte. Return to town for dinner and an early night.

Day three: Spend your last morning in Central Bizerte before a day trip toward Tabarka, reachable by louage or SNCFT train. If you would rather stay close, the Bizerte Resort area and Hotel Jalta on Route De La Corniche make an easy base, with internet available. Beyond the town, the coast of Bizerte Governorate rewards a slow afternoon.

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