6 Best Places to Go Shopping in Monastir

This busy Monastir souk is full of colour, culture and handicrafts. It’s an atmospheric place to shop enclosed within the medieval merlon walls of the Monastir Medina. You can lose yourself in its winding cobblestone streets infused with the scent of spices and leather and lined with colourful stalls where the local vendors sell all manner of beautiful handicrafts from leather bags, shoes and lamps, to baskets, carpets and ceramics. 

It’s easy to lose yourself and spend an entire day here exploring. While the prices are good, you have to haggle and some of the vendors can be very persistent. 

Found just behind the Monastir marina and the Museum of Islamic Art, Yasmina Center Dorra is a large artisan souvenir shopping centre. If you want to take your time browsing the local handicrafts without the hassle of haggling, this is the place for you.  

The Yasmina Center Dorra has several floors where you can peruse a variety of traditional crafts, souvenirs, jewellery and knickknacks in a clean, air-conditioned setting. Prices vary widely but they are all marked. While you may find better deals outside in the old souk and market, here you can browse unbothered. Make sure to dress modestly to respect the local culture and avoid undue attention.  

If you are staying in one of the upscale hotels along the coastal strip west of the Monastir airport, you mustn’t miss the Folla Center. This chic, convenient shopping spot offers a variety of both local Tunisian handicrafts and upmarket brands.  

You’ll find everything from artisanal souvenirs to your daily supermarket needs to fashion, jewellery and furniture. Folla Center is large enough to offer a good variety but not enormous, so you won’t get lost. The prices can be higher than at the markets in Monastir but shopping here is hassle free. All prices are marked so you don’t have to bargain. There is a working cash machine, plus you can pay by card.  

Imagine Espace Créatif is an artisanal boutique styled as a relaxing garden retreat, friendly meeting place and café all in one. Found in the centre of Monastir, Imagine Espace Créatif is known for its warm, welcoming vibe and serene garden setting. It’s a delightful place to spend some time and browse the range of unique artisanal pieces handcrafted from recycled materials.  

This calming space is a haven for families with young children who enjoy exploring the space while their parents browse the boutique or enjoy hot tea or fresh food from the cafe. This warm and inviting community hub also hosts workshops, live music and movie nights. 

Experience an authentic Tunisian fresh food market with its aromas, sights, sounds and chaos at Marché central de Monastir. Located in the centre of town, the market draws crowds for its quality fruit and vegetables, dates piled high, spices, local cheeses and much more, all at very good prices.  

You’ll also find plentiful fresh fish and seafood laid out on ice alongside fresh cuts of lamb and beef, often without refrigeration but very fresh. The market can get very crowded and chaotic. The best time to go is early morning. 

Monastir Market is an endless outdoor flea market by the sea with anything you could need at very low prices. Its vendors sell the usual fresh food and an expansive range of spices and dried legumes. Other stores offer fabric, rugs and haberdashery and the clothing and shoe stores are numerous.  

You can bag amazing bargains at this vast street market. In particular, the used clothing section offers donated designer-brand clothing and bags from Europe in good condition at extremely low prices. Just be wary of pickpockets.