Radès Travel Guide
City City near Tunis with rich history
Radès fronts the Gulf of Tunis with a large stadium and horse-racing track; visitors attend matches or concerts at Stade de Radès, stroll the marina, sample coastal seafood and use its port links to greater Tunis.
Why Visit Radès? #
A coastal suburb of Tunis with a laid-back maritime character, Radès draws visitors for its mix of modern sport and salty port life. The Olympic Stadium and the nearby Port of Radès give it a lively weekend pulse, while local cafés serve Tunisian brik and couscous that hint at the country’s culinary strengths. History meets everyday life in the racetrack district and small markets, making it an easy stop for travelers exploring greater Tunis.
Who's Radès For?
Radès is a short drive from Tunis waterfronts like La Goulette and the quieter Rades Marina; seaside promenades and seafood dinners at modest cafés make for low-key date nights. Stadium events at Stade Olympique add occasional special-evening options.
Local Tunisian seafood and street-side cafés around Rades Marina and the fish market are highlights-fresh grilled fish and brik at wallet-friendly prices. Close proximity to Tunis means easy access to Carthage and central market specialties.
Coastal walks, small public beaches and the Rades harbour area provide pleasant short excursions; nearby Carthage and Sidi Bou Said are a 20-30 minute drive for larger coastal scenery and archaeological sites.
Rades functions as a logistics and sports hub-home to Rades Olympic Stadium and port facilities-so occasional conferences and business trips are practical, with affordable local hotels and quick links into Tunis.
Top Things to Do in Radès
All Attractions ›
- Stade Olympique de Radès - Tunisia's premier stadium hosting major football matches, athletics, and large events.
- Port and marina of Radès - Active commercial port area with marinas, ship activity, and waterfront promenades to explore.
- Local seaside promenades - Short waterfront walks where residents enjoy sea breezes and informal cafés by the water.
- Harbour markets selling seafood - Small fish stalls and morning markets showcasing fresh local seafood from nearby boats.
- Quiet local beaches near Radès - Family-friendly stretches of sand used by residents for swimming and weekend relaxation.
- Small coastal cafés away from tourist routes - Modest cafés serving Tunisian coffee, pastries, and simple seafood dishes frequented by locals.
- Neighborhood bakeries with regional specialties - Bakeries baking Tunisian sweets and breads popular for breakfast and afternoon tea.
- Local craft stalls around the marina - Independent sellers offering marine-themed crafts and souvenirs near the harbourfront.
- Tunis medina - Historic medina with bustling souks, the Zaytuna Mosque, and Ottoman-era architecture, minutes away.
- Carthage and the Roman ruins - Archaeological site and museum overlooking the sea, combined easily with a short coastal visit.
- Sidi Bou Said - Picturesque white-and-blue cliffside village perfect for cafés, artisan shops, and sea views.
- Kairouan (historical city) - Ancient Islamic city with the Great Mosque reachable within roughly two to three hours by car.
Where to Go in Radès #
Stade Olympique
This zone clusters around the country’s big stadium and sports facilities. Expect event crowds, practical hotels, and simple cafés serving quick meals - handy if you’re here for a match or concert. It’s not a tourist centre but useful for short stays and lively on event nights.
Top Spots
- Stade Olympique de Radès - Tunisia’s main stadium for football matches and the occasional concert.
- Avenue cafés - small bakeries and coffee shops that fill up on match days.
- Local markets - weekday stalls selling produce and snacks close to the stadium.
Port & Marina
The port area feels maritime and practical: fishermen, cargo activity and simple eateries. It’s a good spot for a wander if you like watching harbour life and getting a sense of an everyday Tunisian coastal town. Accommodation here tends to be straightforward and convenient for transport.
Top Spots
- Port of Radès - working harbour with occasional small boats and a maritime atmosphere.
- Seafront cafés - low-key places to watch ferries and fishing boats.
- Harbour promenade - a short walk along the water for sunset views.
Rades Plage
Rades Plage is where locals go on weekends for sun and sea; expect simple facilities, cafés and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It’s an easy place for a swim or a late-afternoon stroll and suits travellers after a low-key beach stop rather than polished resort amenities.
Top Spots
- Rades Plage - the main stretch of sand where locals swim and relax.
- Beachfront stalls - seasonal food stalls and juice stands.
- Promenade walks - short, pleasant walks along the shoreline.
Plan Your Visit to Radès #
Best Time to Visit Radès #
The best time to visit Radès is in spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) for warm, sunny weather and pleasant sea conditions. Winters are mild and rainy while summers are hot and popular for beachgoers.
Best Time to Visit Radès #
Radès's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Radès
Radès sits just southeast of central Tunis and is easiest to reach via Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) or by regional train from Gare de Tunis (Gare de Tunis/Ville). The town has its own SNCFT station (Gare de Radès) and is well linked to Tunis by short train and bus services - taxis and shared transfers are practical for door-to-door trips.
Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN): The main gateway for Radès, 10-15 km north of the town. From TUN you can take a taxi to Radès in about 15-25 minutes for roughly 15-30 TND (metered; agree a price for late/night trips), or use an airport shuttle/transfer service - expect 10-20 TND and 20-30 minutes depending on stops. Car rental desks are available at the terminal if you prefer to drive (short drive to Radès, ~20 minutes).
(If arriving via other Tunisian airports): International arrivals sometimes route through Enfidha-Hammamet (NBE) for the Sahel region; this airport is considerably farther (≈80-100 km) so transfers to Radès are by intercity bus, private transfer, or taxi and typically take 1-1.5 hours and cost substantially more (ask providers for current shuttle rates).
Train: Radès is served by SNCFT regional trains; the local station is Gare de Radès and the main hub in Tunis is Gare de Tunis (Tunis-Ville). Regional trains between Tunis and Radès take roughly 10-20 minutes; fares are low (typically a small number of Tunisian dinars - expect around 1 TND or so for a short suburban hop). Timetables vary, so check SNCFT for schedules.
Bus: Local city buses and Transtu-operated routes connect Radès with Tunis and surrounding suburbs from nearby stops and the regional bus stations. Urban bus fares within greater Tunis are inexpensive (usually under 1 TND for single trips); intercity coaches and louage (shared minivan taxis) operate from regional terminals and cover longer journeys at higher but still modest fares (prices and journey times depend on route).
How to Get Around Radès
Getting around Radès is straightforward: short regional trains and local buses connect it to central Tunis, while taxis and louage provide flexible door-to-door options. For most visitors, a combination of SNCFT trains for quick trips to Tunis and taxis or Bolt for local errands works best; walking is ideal for short distances within the town.
- SNCFT regional trains (~1 TND) - Frequent regional trains link Gare de Tunis (Tunis-Ville) with Gare de Radès and continue along the Tunis-Sousse corridor. Trains are the fastest, cheapest way to move between central Tunis and Radès for commuters; services can be basic so keep small change and watch the timetable for peak/off-peak differences. Expect short journeys (about 10-20 minutes) and very low fares.
- Transtu / city buses (~0.300-1.000 TND) - Local Transtu buses serve Radès and suburbs; they are the cheapest option for short hops around the greater Tunis area. Buses can be crowded at peak times and stops may not always be clearly marked, so ask the driver or locals if unsure. Good for short distances and saving money, but allow extra time for traffic.
- Louage (shared taxis) (~1-5 TND) - Louages are shared minivans that depart when full and run between towns and major terminals - a common low-cost way to travel if you don't want a scheduled coach. They're faster than local buses on main roads but can be cramped; negotiate or confirm routes at the departure terminal. Useful for intercity hops from Tunis or surrounding towns to Radès.
- Taxi (petit & grand) (~2-25 TND) - Petit taxis are for in-town trips (metered in Tunis but check for local rules); grand taxis serve longer routes and can be shared. Taxis are convenient for door-to-door travel, night journeys, or when you have luggage - always agree a fare for grand taxis or if meters aren't used. Expect short Radès trips to cost only a few dinars, while transfers from the airport or Tunis centre are higher.
- Car hire & rideshare (Bolt) (Rental varies; Bolt ~5-25 TND depending on distance) - Car rental is available at Tunis airport and in the capital if you prefer flexibility; parking around central Radès is generally manageable. Rideshare apps such as Bolt operate in Tunis and can cover Radès trips at competitive rates compared with taxis - useful for daytime travel and when you want cashless payments. Compare app prices with local taxis.
- Walking - Radès is compact enough that many short trips (markets, stadium area, local cafés) are best done on foot. Walking lets you explore at your own pace and reach places public transport doesn't serve directly; use basic precautions after dark and keep valuables secure.
Where to Stay in Radès #
Where to Eat in Radès #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Radès's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Radès #
Radès is low-key after dark - more local cafés and seaside promenades than clubbing. The town is best known for the Rades Olympic Stadium and the port; serious nightlife is a short drive away in La Goulette, La Marsa and central Tunis. Expect early closes (bars often quiet after midnight), casual dress, and mostly family-friendly venues rather than late-night dance clubs.
Best Bets
- Radès port / marina - Seafront cafes and promenades for relaxed evening drinks.
- La Goulette - Seafood restaurants and bars popular with locals and visitors alike.
- La Marsa - Chill seaside cafés and late-night terraces near the beach.
- Sidi Bou Said - Picturesque cafés and quiet bars with scenic sunset views.
- Tunis city centre (Medina & Habib Bourguiba) - More bars, live music venues and late-night dining options.
- Gammarth beach clubs and hotels - Upscale beachside lounges requiring smart-casual attire, not cheap.
Shopping in Radès #
Radès is a working port town just south of Tunis; shopping here is informal and local rather than oriented to tourists. Expect small food stalls, a lively fish market by the port, and neighborhood shops selling household goods and clothing rather than boutiques. For handcrafted ceramics, carpets and souvenirs head into central Tunis or nearby Sidi Bou Saïd-Radès itself is best for fresh seafood and everyday bargains. Bargain tip: haggle politely at outdoor stalls, bring cash for small purchases, and buy produce from morning markets when selection is best.
Best Bets
- Rades Fish Market - Fresh seafood stalls beside the port, best early morning.
- Marché municipal de Radès - Local produce, meat and daily essentials; very local vibe.
- Central Tunis Markets (nearby) - Short drive; spices, textiles and classic Tunisian crafts.
- Sidi Bou Saïd artisan shops (nearby) - Ceramics, jewellery and decorative items by craftsmen.
- La Goulette market - Seafood, street food and small stalls on the coast.
- Tunisia Mall / City shopping areas - If you want branded stores, head into Tunis malls.
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