Sidi Bou Said Things to Do

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As you can see from previous tips and photos, one of the unique features of Sidi Bou Said is its white-washed buildings paired with intense blue accents on doors, scrolled ironwork, and other architectural accents. Many have compared Sidi Bou Said's appearance to that of Santorini, Greece, and it is not difficult to see the remarkable resemblance. But how did Sidi Bou Said come to look so incredibly different from its other counterparts in North Africa.

The predominant use of the white and blue in Sidi Bou Said has been notably attributed to one man. The Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger, a musicologist and painter, built a palace here between 1911 - 1922 using those 2 signature colors and a style influenced by architectural details from the Andalusian-Maghreb tradition. Somehow the predominant use of those colors flourished throughout Sidi Bou Said and the rest is history.

Today the Palace is now known as "Ennejma Ezzahra" and is the home of the Arab and Mediterranean Music Center. The Center plays a major role in four areas: "conservation, exhibitions related to Tunisian musical heritage and museum activities." Groups of musicians, and choral groups from around the world perform at the Center on a regular basis.

It is unfortunate we didn't have enough time to see the Palace for hear a performance because I believe both would have been quite special. If you're in the area of Sidi Bou Said, check your hotel concierge for information on exhibitions and performances for daily or nightly entertainment.

The museum is open Tuesday - Sunday from 9am - 1pm and from 2pm - 5pm.
Admission: 3 TD adults; 1.5 TD for children.

Picture 1: Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger Palace now known as Ennejma Ezzahra or The Arab and Mediterranean Music Center

Pictures 2 & 3: Examples of Sidi Bou Said's signature colors & architecture

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We only had an afternoon so the most we could do is just wander the city trying to explore each narrow cobblestone street and where it would end up. The village is so beautiful and at each corner we saw the most beautiful view. As you climb the city, the outdoor merchants wane and it becomes more peaceful and quiet. There are so beautiful outdoor restaurants at the top of the city that we didn't get to try, but enjoyed admiring.

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After climbing the cobblestone main street and turning left at the end of the street (a hard walk) you will find the lighthouse, a great place to enjoy the beautiful green-blue colors of the Mediterranean Sea.

I really enjoyed the time i spent in this cafe located at the main entrance of town under a big fortress looking building.
There were few tourists here, most of the customers were the drivers and the guides having tea and smoking waiting for the travellers.

Another feature of the Tunisian architecture that i specially liked, the beautiful wooden carved balconies like this one i saw in Sidi. My guide told me that this balconies were made for the women to see the outside world without showing themselves-

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I took these pictures in the main street of the city, a cobblestone street full of antique and handicrafts shops, Galleries and Cafés. The athmosphere and the town is so perfect that sometimes seems fake, but is a wonderfull place to visit.

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As in other Tunisian villages i visited, doors are one of the main features....Beautiful designed doors, windows and balconies painted in blue, green or red; they are one of my favourites memories of this great country.

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Sidi is a beautiful place, very Mediterranean, it´s a pleasure to wander through the small streets, looking for special details. I visited the city in August so it was very hot, but also was a good excuse to enjoy an ice cream or a tea in one of the many cafés.