Easily visited on a day trip from Tunis, Bizerte has been a major port since Phoenician times when it was known as Hippo Zarytus. Under French rule in the late 19th century, it became a naval base and has remained Tunisia's biggest military center ever since.
At the heart of the town is the wonderfully picturesque Vieux Port (Old Port), surrounded by shops and cafes and usually dotted with dozens of multi-colored fishing boats.
Despite its Byzantine appearance, the Kasbah dates mainly from the 17th century. Within its walls is a mini-town of narrow, winding alleys.
On the southwestern approach to Bizerte is the Monument of the Martyrs commemorating the Bizerte Crisis of 1961 when French soldiers clashed with Tunisian troops leaving more than 1300 dead.