Considered the main attraction in Monastir and the best place to get a glimpse of ancient Tunisia, the Ribat built in 796 has been periodically renovated and reinforced to maintain its integrity and striking appearance. The oldest part of this defensive stronghold is situated around the lookout tower, which was built to locate enemy ships on the horizon. Visitors can climb the old watchtower for some expansive views over the city and visit some of the other more recent structures, such as prayer rooms that were added during the centuries following its inception. Film buffs might be interested to know that the Ribat has been used several times as a set for international movies such as Monty Python's 'Life of Brian' and 'Jesus of Nazareth'. Admittance to the fortress as well as the museum where some ancient artefacts are displayed is fairly inexpensive and well worth it.

Housed in what used to be the place for the funeral ceremony of the ruler of Chiang Mai, Warorot Market is the oldest and largest market in Chiang Mai, having opened in 1910. The upper floors offer clothing and merchandise, while the food stalls are located on the ground floor. Tourists head here above all to try Thai street food and other specialities from the northern region.

To really get a deeper understanding of the area, head inland towards the golden sand dunes that are home to a myriad of hidden treasures. One not-so-hidden treasure is the amphitheatre of El Jem which was a set for the film Gladiator and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its size and importance during the Roman Empire. Due to the drifting sands of the desert, archaeologists periodically make discoveries here, the most recent of which is a large racetrack that had gone unnoticed for centuries. A private tour, which can last anywhere between four hours and three days, will take adventurers from Monastir through the surrounding Bedouin villages, past Kairouan to El Jem.