Things To Do
in Ez Zahra

Ez Zahra is a quiet suburban town just outside the Tunis metropolitan area, offering a relaxed counterpoint to the capital’s bustle. It serves as a convenient base for exploring both coastal towns and inland historical sites, while retaining a distinctly Tunisian neighborhood vibe. The streets peppered with cafes, markets, and palm trees reveal everyday life in a Mediterranean climate.

With easy road links to Tunis and the northern coast, Ez Zahra combines accessibility with a comfortable, low-key atmosphere for travelers seeking authenticity without heavy tourist crowds.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploring Local Markets
morning
:

Arrive in Ez Zahra and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets. Enjoy a traditional Tunisian breakfast at a local café, featuring fresh pastries and mint tea. Take time to explore the stalls, where you can find spices, handicrafts, and fresh produce.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the charming streets of Ez Zahra, visiting artisan shops and galleries that showcase the town's rich culture. Don’t miss a visit to local landmarks like the Medina, where history and modern life intertwine. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, savoring seafood dishes that reflect the coastal heritage.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the beach for a picturesque view of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a beachfront dinner at one of the local eateries, where you can indulge in traditional Tunisian cuisine as the waves lap at your feet. End the evening with a relaxing walk along the shore, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

day 2
Historical Sightseeing in Tunis
morning
:

Travel to nearby Tunis to visit the Bardo Museum, famous for its stunning collection of Roman mosaics. Spend your morning exploring the exhibits and learning about Tunisia's rich historical tapestry. Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the art and culture displayed throughout the museum.

afternoon
:

After visiting the museum, head to the medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the unique architecture and vibrant street life. Take a break in a traditional café to enjoy local sweets and mint tea.

evening
:

Return to Ez Zahra for a leisurely dinner, where you can reflect on the day's experiences. Visit a local tea house for a relaxing evening while enjoying live music or traditional performances. Discover the nightlife in the area, as locals gather at the beach for evening festivities.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea at cafe$1-3
🧭Public transportation (local ride)$0.5-2
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$50-90
🛒Groceries for a week$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Tunis and coastal towns reduces travel time to major sights
  • Affordable food and a relaxed, hospitable atmosphere
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options within Ez Zahra itself
  • Transport between Ez Zahra and some attractions can require planning and a car or taxi
  • "Marḥaba" - Hello
  • "Shnu ismek?" - What is your name?
  • "La shukran" - No, thank you
  • "Min faḍlik" - Please
  • "Kam althaman?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Ez Zahra

Visit one of these nice places.

Carthage ruins overlook

Ancient Punic and Roman ruins set against the Mediterranean horizon, offering sweeping coastal views and atmospheric light at golden hour.

Sidi Bou Said cliffside

Iconic blue-and-white architecture and stairways perched above the sea; a quintessential Tunisian photography moment, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Avenue Habib Bourguiba (Tunis city center)

A long, tree-lined boulevard with historic façades, fountains, and bustling sidewalks perfect for street photography and candid portraits.

Medina of Tunis (Attarine and Sidi Kacem lanes)

Narrow alleys, domed ceilings, and vibrant market scenes—great for texture shots, light play, and close-ups of daily life.

La Marsa coast at sunset

Harbor views, boats, and sea reflections create dramatic compositions as the sun dips below the horizon.

Carthage National Park vantage points

Ridge views over the coastline and olive groves, ideal for landscape photography and panoramas.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ez Zahra

Tunisia’s coastal cuisine blends aromatic spices, olive oil, fresh seafood, and hearty grains. Expect bright salads, slow-cooked stews, and comforting breads; mint tea and strong coffee are staples to accompany meals.

Ez Zahra Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Brik with egg

A thin pastry folded around a runny egg and often enriched with tuna or capers; a quintessential Tunisian breakfast or snack found in most bakeries and cafes.

Must-Try!

Couscous with vegetables

Fluffy semolina grains topped with stewed vegetables and sometimes meat; widely available at family-style eateries and traditional restaurants.

Ojja

A spicy tomato and pepper stew with eggs or merguez sausage; best enjoyed with crusty bread in a casual restaurant setting.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Souk Attarine (Medina of Tunis)

A historic market district with stalls for spices, olives, olive oil, dates, and street snacks; great for tasting Tunisian flavors and buying ingredients.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ez Zahra experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer highs often reach the mid-30s Celsius, while winters typically stay in the 10–15°C range, with occasional rain. Spring and autumn are comfortable for outdoor activities, offering moderate temperatures and lower humidity. Year-round coastal breezes help temper heat in summer and provide pleasant conditions for sightseeing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and modesty

Greet with a friendly 'Salam' or 'As-salamu alaykum'; dress modestly, especially in non-tourist areas; remove shoes when entering homes or some traditional spaces unless invited otherwise.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in private spaces; avoid sensitive sites without consent.

Social norms

Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan; public displays of affection are generally discouraged in conservative areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and tourist areas; keep valuables secure and avoid displaying large sums of cash. Use reputable transportation, especially at night, and prefer well-lit, populated routes. Traffic can be congested around Tunis; plan extra time for road travel. In case of emergencies, contact local authorities or your country’s embassy for assistance.

Tipping in Ez Zahra

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A small tip (5-10%) is appreciated in restaurants if service is not included; leave small amounts for cafes, taxi drivers, and hotel staff as a courtesy.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used in markets and for smaller vendors; credit/debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels and many restaurants; ATMs are available in urban areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with coastal breezes; mornings and evenings are pleasant, but plan outdoor activities for dawn or dusk and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with comfortable humidity; a great time for outdoor sightseeing and coastal day trips without peak-summer crowds.

Winter

Cool to mild, with occasional rain and crisp mornings; coastal fog can occur; pack a light jacket and consider indoor activities during rainy spells.

Spring

Blooming landscapes, gentle warmth, and vibrant markets; ideal for walking tours, photography, and seaside strolls.

Nightlife Guide

Ez Zahra at Night

The nightlife around Ez Zahra is typically low-key, with casual cafes, tea houses, and family-friendly venues. In nearby Tunis and coastal towns like La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said, you’ll find rooftop bars, live music, and restaurant scene openings, especially on weekends. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, with most places closing earlier than in some other European destinations. Alcohol is available in licensed venues, particularly in tourist-friendly zones.

Hiking in Ez Zahra

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Djebel Zaghouan

Hills and trails inland from the coast offering scenic vantage points and nature trails suitable for day hikes.

Cape Bon coastal trails

Rugged coastline and lush landscapes to explore along the northeastern peninsula; popular for coastal walks and photography.

Airports

How to reach Ez Zahra by plane.

Tunis-Carthage International Airport

Primary international gateway for the region; well-connected to European and regional destinations; taxi or train/airport shuttle provides access to the city.

Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport

Smaller regional airport serving seasonal and charter flights; useful for longer coastal trips along the northeast coast.

Monastir–Habib Bourguiba International Airport

A farther but international option with a range of European connections; convenient for trips to central and eastern Tunisia.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ez Zahra town center is walkable for daily errands and exploring the local market area, but longer trips to Tunis or beaches typically require a car, taxi, or bus. Sidewalks exist along main streets, though some areas may have uneven surfaces. The surrounding coastline and nearby neighborhoods are best explored with a vehicle or organized tour.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Arab-Berber majority

Predominantly Tunisian Arabs with Berber heritage; Muslim majority with small Christian and Jewish communities throughout the country.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport nationwide; expect local matches and lively conversations about teams in cafes and public spaces.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the Tunis area can be heavy during morning and late afternoon peak hours, with limited parking in central districts. Public transportation includes buses and a light rail network in the greater Tunis area, but travel between Ez Zahra and attractions often relies on private cars or taxis. Use app-based ride services where available and plan extra time for routes during peak times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ez Zahra.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable tagines, couscous with seasonal vegetables, and legume-based dishes; inform servers about avoiding meat stock or fish sauce when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible in Tunis and larger towns, with a mix of public hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies. For emergencies, seek local medical facilities or contact your embassy for guidance. If you have ongoing prescriptions, bring enough supply and a doctor’s note when traveling.

Discover Tunisia

Read more in our Tunisia 2025 Travel Guide.

Tunisia Travel Guide