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Tunisia · Sahel

El Jem travel guide

One of the best-preserved Roman colosseums in the world

The amphitheatre at El Jem. Photo: Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3hflight from London
MIRnearest main airport
29° in Julwarmest month
11° in Jancoolest month

El Jem is a small town dominated by a huge Roman amphitheatre, built around 238 AD for 35,000 spectators and still remarkably complete. You can explore the tunnels underneath where animals and gladiators waited.

It's an easy day trip from Sousse, Monastir or Hammamet.

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What El Jem is known for

  • The amphitheatre

    Seats for 35,000.

  • Mosaics

    In the town museum.

  • Gladiator

    A filming location.

  • Day trip

    From the resorts.

Top things to do in El Jem

  1. 1

    The amphitheatre

    Climb to the top tiers.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The underground passages

    Where the animals waited.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    The El Jem Museum

    Roman villa mosaics.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    The symphony festival

    Summer concerts in the arena.

    Find tours and tickets

See all tours and tickets in El Jem

Where to stay in El Jem

Find a hotel in El Jem

Best time to visit El Jem

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. March to June and September to November: cooler for exploring.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
10.9 C11°J11.4 C11°F14.4 C14°M17.5 C18°A21.4 C21°M25.7 C26°J29.2 C29°J29.1 C29°A25.7 C26°S21.8 C22°O16.2 C16°N12.1 C12°D
Bar height is the average temperature in El Jem, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h from London to MIR, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Trains and louages from Sousse take about an hour.

Airport transfer to El Jem

Find flights to El Jem (MIR)

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Good to know

  • Go early to avoid the heat.
  • One ticket covers the arena and museum.
  • Combine with Mahdia's beaches.

El Jem FAQ

Is El Jem worth it?

Yes, it's spectacular.

How long do I need?

Two to three hours.

More places in Tunisia

Back to the Tunisia travel guide + Add El Jem to your bucket list