Things To Do
in Siliana
Siliana is a compact city in northwest-central Tunisia and the capital of Siliana Governorate. It is set amid rolling hills and olive groves, giving it a tranquil, rural atmosphere. The town serves as a gateway to nearby natural reserves, caves, and scenic viewpoints, offering authentic encounters with Tunisian life.
Visitors can wander narrow medina lanes, sample rustic dishes, and enjoy panoramic valley views.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Siliana and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Tunisian pastries. Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby streets to familiarize yourself with the area’s charm.
Visit the historic Kasbah, a key landmark that offers insight into the region's past. Explore the local markets, known as souks, where you can find handmade crafts and local delicacies. Grab lunch at a traditional restaurant, tasting local dishes such as couscous and brik.
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the bustling market below. Immerse yourself in the local culture with live music often performed in the evenings. After dinner, take a stroll to appreciate the atmospheric night-lighting of historic buildings.
Embark on a day trip to the nearby oasis town of Ksar Ouled Soltane. Marvel at the unique architecture and rich history that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out, filled with local fruits and bread.
Explore the palm groves and learn about the traditional date harvesting process. Have lunch at a local eatery, sampling fresh salads and warm bread. Spend the afternoon enjoying the tranquility of the oasis, perhaps even taking a short walk.
Return to Siliana, where you can unwind at a café with locals. Sample a traditional mint tea while sharing stories or enjoying a book. As night falls, find a spot with a view of the sunset over the horizon.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel or hostel per night | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local transportation (bus/taxi) | $0.50-2 |
| 🛒Groceries and daily essentials | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, less-touristy experiences
- Warm and welcoming locals
- Rich rural landscapes and olive groves
- Affordable prices and traditional Tunisian cuisine
- Limited nightlife and nightlife venues
- Public transport can be sparse outside the town center
- Less English signage than bigger cities
- Certain services and amenities may be basic in rural areas
- "Marhaba" - Hello
- "Kifash halek?" - How are you?
- "Kadech es-si3r?" - How much is the price?
- "Win el hammam?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Shukran" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Siliana
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow streets, whitewashed walls, and colorful doors create charming compositions at any time of day.
Overlooks across olive groves and the valley; golden hour offers dramatic lighting.
Rugged river valley landscapes with dramatic skies and seasonal reflections.
Food in Siliana
Siliana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty staple of the region, served with slow-cooked meat and seasonal vegetables.
Must-Try!
A crisp pastry turnover stuffed with egg, tuna, and herbs; a popular street-food starter.
Grilled tomato, pepper, and onion salad dressed with olive oil and spices.
Tomato-based stew with peppers and eggs, often enjoyed with bread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where locals buy fresh produce, olives, dates, and regional cheeses; try grilled vegetables and mint tea on-site.
Stalls along the main square offering brik, skewers, and fresh bread.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Conservative clothing is respectful in public spaces and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered in many settings.
Handshake is common; a polite nod or verbal greeting is appropriate with locals who may prefer to initiate conversation before closer contact.
Respect local religious practices; during Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people; use the right hand for exchanges and greetings.
Safety
Tipping in Siliana
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, a 5-10% tip is typical if a service charge is not included; small tips for cafe staff are appreciated.
Cash in Tunisian dinars is widely accepted; many places also accept cards, especially in towns. ATMs are common in Siliana city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures, green landscapes, and many outdoor photo opportunities as wildflowers bloom.
Hot, dry days with intense sun; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.
Mild weather with harvest season; comfortable for walking and village visits.
Cool to mild days with occasional rain; pack a light jacket and waterproof layer for excursions.
Siliana at Night
Hiking in Siliana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Day hikes with scenic overlooks and agricultural landscapes; vary in difficulty.
River valley routes offering diverse terrain, seasonal water features, and birdlife.
Airports
How to reach Siliana by plane.
Main international gateway to Tunisia; connects to Europe and the region; driving or rail transfer to Siliana is feasible with time for transfers.
Mid-sized international airport serving central Tunisia; more convenient for some southern routes but farther from Siliana by road.
Coastal international airport offering significant domestic and some international flights; longer transfer to Siliana.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Arab-Berber with a strong rural presence; majority Muslim; French influences in business and education; languages include Tunisian Arabic and French.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Tunisia with local clubs and informal street games.
Common in schools and clubs; local leagues and community events occur seasonally.
Occasional regional events; rural areas have a tradition of equestrian activities and long-distance running.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Siliana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Siliana, vegetarian options include couscous with vegetables, mechouia, salads, and bread with olive oil; ask for dishes without meat or chicken stock and verify broths.