Carthage and Sidi Bou Said are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Tunisia. Carthage is an ancient city that was once a major power in the Mediterranean, while Sidi Bou Said is a charming village known for its whitewashed houses and blue doors.

Carthage

Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. It quickly became a major trading power and a rival to Rome. The two cities fought a series of wars, known as the Punic Wars, which lasted for over a century. Carthage was eventually defeated in the Third Punic War in 146 BC and its ruins were destroyed.

The ruins of Carthage are located on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The most notable remains include the Byrsa Hill, which was the site of the city's citadel; the Antonine Baths; and the Tophet, a cemetery where children were sacrificed to the gods.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is a small village located about 20 kilometers north of Tunis. It is built on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Tunis and the city of Carthage. The village is known for its whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows. The houses are decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics.

Sidi Bou Said was founded in the 12th century by a Sufi saint, Sidi Bou Saïd El Beji. The village became a popular destination for artists and intellectuals in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today, Sidi Bou Said is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the village's charming atmosphere, wander through its narrow streets, and admire the views of the surrounding countryside.

**How to get to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said**

Carthage and Sidi Bou Said are both easily accessible from Tunis. There are regular buses and taxis that run between the two cities.

To get to Carthage from Tunis, take bus number 61 from the Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The bus will drop you off at the entrance to the archaeological site.

To get to Sidi Bou Said from Tunis, take bus number 62 from the Avenue Habib Bourguiba. The bus will drop you off in the village center.

**When to visit Carthage and Sidi Bou Said**

The best time to visit Carthage and Sidi Bou Said is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. The summer months can be very hot and humid.

**What to see and do in Carthage and Sidi Bou Said**

In Carthage, you can visit the ruins of the Byrsa Hill, the Antonine Baths, and the Tophet. You can also take a boat trip on the Mediterranean Sea to see the city from the water.

In Sidi Bou Said, you can wander through the narrow streets, admire the whitewashed houses, and visit the Sidi Bou Said Museum. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the village.

**Here are some tips for visiting Carthage and Sidi Bou Said:**

* Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
* Bring sunscreen and a hat as the sun can be very strong.
* Take plenty of water with you as it can get hot.
* Allow at least half a day to visit Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.