Sfax is a working port city in southeastern Tunisia, known for its olive oil and fishing industries, its walled medina, and a climate that is drier and sunnier than the capital's. Summers are hot and almost rainless, while winters are mild with only light rain.
For a visitor, the city divides into a few practical bases: the historic medina at the core, the downtown streets around Avenue Habib Bourguiba and Avenue Hedi Chaker, and the newer areas along the Route Soukra to the northwest. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Sfax
1. Downtown Sfax
The downtown area around Avenue Habib Bourguiba and Avenue Hedi Chaker is the most convenient base for most visitors. It sits between the medina and the harbor, so you can walk to the old town in one direction and to the waterfront in the other. The main mid-range and upper-range accommodation is concentrated here, along with the streets parallel to Boulevard Republique.
This area suits first-time visitors and business travellers who want restaurants, services and transport within easy reach. The railway station is here, and several of the larger hotels are a short walk from it. It is a practical, busy city centre rather than a scenic quarter.
2. The Medina
The medina is the historic heart of Sfax, enclosed by its original walls and dominated by the Great Mosque. Staying inside the walls puts you within walking distance of the souks, the kasbah in the southwestern corner, and the old gates such as Bab Diwan and Bab Jebli. It is the most atmospheric option, and the cheapest beds in the city are found immediately inside the main gate, Bab Diwan, just off to the right.
This area suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be surrounded by the old city rather than commute into it. Expect basic accommodation rather than comfort, and be aware that the medina is densely populated and busy. A restored old house in the medina is another style of stay available here.
3. Route Soukra
The Route Soukra runs northwest out of the city and is where you find the newer, larger hotels, including business-oriented properties built in recent decades. This area is away from the historic centre and the port, so it is quieter and more spread out.
It suits travellers with a car, those on business, and anyone who prefers modern facilities such as a swimming pool over proximity to the sights. The trade-off is that you are not within walking distance of the medina or the downtown streets, so you will need transport for sightseeing.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Simple hotels inside the medina near Bab Diwan, offering basic rooms at the lowest prices in the city.
- Mid-range: Clean, functional hotels in the downtown area, typically with private bathrooms, balconies and televisions, and staff who speak French and some English.
- Splurge: Larger, higher-category hotels downtown and along the Route Soukra, including business hotels with pools and regional architecture.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown Sfax is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of both the medina and the harbor, and the main mid-range hotels are here, several of them a short walk from the train station. You get the sights on foot without giving up everyday services.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the cheapest places to stay in Sfax?
The budget options are inside the medina, just inside the main gate at Bab Diwan and off to the right. These are basic hotels rather than comfortable ones.
Which area is best if I want to walk to the medina?
Downtown, around Avenue Habib Bourguiba and Avenue Hedi Chaker, is within walking distance of the medina, as is the medina itself if you stay inside the walls.
Do I need a car if I stay on the Route Soukra?
It helps. The Route Soukra is away from the historic centre and the port, so you cannot rely on walking to the main sights from there.
What is the climate like during my stay?
Summers are hot and almost rainless, and winters are mild with usually only light rain. Sfax is drier than Tunis, so rain is unlikely to disrupt your plans in most seasons.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.