10 Best Things To Do In Monastir, Tunisia

1. Enjoy the rides at Spring Land/ Adem Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The family-friendly Spring Land amusement park is very popular because of its affordability. It’s a great place for those who want to hang out and have some fresh air. It comes with various games for children and even adults, such as a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a carousel, and a mini train. It also has a game room with table football and billiards for those who want a more laidback activity. There are also a number of coffee shops and restaurants nearby, which is why people never run out of things to do once they are in the area.

Spring Land/ Adem Park

Address: Avenue de la République, Monastir 5000, Tunisia

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 7pm

2. Take a tour around Ribat of Monastir

A trip to Monastir would be incomplete without visiting Ribat of Monastir. It was once an ancient Islamic fort that defended the city against the Byzantines. It is also one of the oldest ribats constructed by the Arabian Empire and has been around since 796. Throughout the years, it’s been remodeled and restored to keep it standing. Inside the ribat is a prayer room that is home to Museum of Islamic Art, where precious artifacts and paintings are preserved for public viewing. There are also a great number of pottery, Arab coins, and ancient photos of the town on display, as well.

Ribat of Monastir

Address: Route de la Falaise, Monastir, Tunisia

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 8am - 7pm (closed on Fri)

Price: 7 TND (2.60 USD)

3. Experience the culture of Monastir in Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions

A popular tourist destination in the city is the Monastir Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. Situated in the heart of the city, the museum offers visitors a glimpse of the glorious artifacts left by a once-powerful Islamic kingdom that covered Monastir and the rest of the Maghreb region. Visitors will notice pottery, jewelry, costumes, and other important pieces that signify the arts, tradition, and culture of the city. The museum is open from 9am until 4pm. In Ramadan though, the museum closes at 3 pm in observance of the said Islamic holiday.

Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

4. Gaze in wonder at Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba is another tourist destination that you’ll want to visit. For those who are not familiar with Tunisian history, the mausoleum houses the remains of the former president Habib Bourguiba, who led the country to independence. In fact, not just the father of Tunisian independence is laid to rest there; even his first wife, Mathilde, his parents, siblings, and other important family members are also housed inside the monumental grave. Here, you can also find some of his personal belongings in a small museum. The Mausoleum is open to tourists and the public from 9am to 4pm during the months of October and May. During the months of June and September, the schedule changes to 9am until 5:30pm.

Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

5. Play some golf at Monastir's Golf Palm Links

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Built to satisfy both local golf aficionados and tourists, Monastir’s Golf Palm Links feature a bar, restaurant, golf courses, and friendly employees. The facility also has rental equipment for tourists who don’t have their own gear or curious first-timers who want to try their hand at the wonderful sport. Additionally, it offers golf lessons for beginners and advanced players. For added convenience, it even comes with showers and changing rooms.

Golf Palm Links

Address: 795 Skanes Monastir، Monastir 5060, Tunisia

Website: Golf Palm Links

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 63 TND (23.30 USD) onwards

6. Reflect in silence inside Hanafi Mosque of Bourguiba

Built in 1963, the mosque was built to honor the Father of Tunisian Independence. The structure is styled based on a traditional architecture that is similar to Hammouda Pacha Mosque of Tunis. The prayer room is beautifully adorned with bows and pink marble columns, while the basin in the courtyard remains perfectly standing. It is one of the many buildings in Monastir that is properly maintained by the local government.

7. Shop and dine with style in Monastir's Medina

Medina is an interesting area situated in the historic city of Monastir that houses many unique and colorful shops. Here, you can buy local products, such as handicrafts, jewelry, and woodwork, that you can bring home as souvenirs. In fact, you can see its roofs from the ancient ribat. There are also a lot of restaurants here. So, whether you visit during the morning or during the night, Medina of Monastir is an experience that you will never forget.

8. Relive Monastir's grand history in Presidential Palace Bourguiba

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Built during the late ’60s, the summer palace of former president Habib Bourguiba was turned into a museum in 2013. Hundreds of tourists flock to visit the museum to learn about the colorful history of Tunisia and its cities. On the day it was opened, there was a long queue outside. The museum showcases the late president’s lifestyle, such as the car he used, the palace’s furnished rooms, old photographs of the former president and his wife, and different artworks.

Presidential Palace Bourguiba

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 9 TND (3.63 USD)

9. Take an afternoon boat ride at the Port de Plaisance Harbor

The Port de Plaisance harbor, or Monastir Manira, is the perfect place to go if you’re hankering for that dreamy Mediterranean cruise with a loved one. It is also a great destination if you just want to have some quality time with your family out in the open sea since there are a lot of ships and yachts for rent in the Port de Plaisance harbor that you can take advantage of. Make sure you plan your trip well because Monastir Marina is also popular among boat owners who want to engage in some water activities.

10. Enjoy the calm solitude at Monastir Cemetery

Since we’re nearing the end of this article, it is also fitting to feature Monastir’s Cemetery, which is located a few meters away from the Ribat of Monastir. Interestingly enough, the cemetery is not just your average burial place. It is filled with beautifully painted white tombs that are adorned with Kufic inscriptions and faience tiles.

Monastir Cemetery

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

The beauty of Monastir is timeless

And that concludes our list of the best things to do in Monastir, Tunisia. This interesting city has a lot to offer, whether it is stories of ancient history or modern recreational activities. Perfect for all sorts of people, it will continue to amaze up-and-coming tourists in the few years to come.