2. General Info
Morocco is a country located in North Africa including the disputed Western Sahara which is mainly under Moroccan administration. Morocco has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait and land borders with three small Spanish exclaves, Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera), Algeria to the east, and Mauritania to the south.
A large part of Morocco is mountainous. The Atlas Mountains are located mainly in the center and the south of the country. The Rif Mountains are located in the north of the country. Most of the south east portion of the country is in the Sahara Desert.
Morocco has a rich culture and civilization, which remained mainly indigenous throughout times and the Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world.
3. City Guide
What to do, what to see?
The
King Hassan II Mosque on Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, is a relatively recent mosque. It is the largest in Morocco and the third largest in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world. It is one of the two main mosques in Morocco open to non-muslims and feature Beautiful interior complete with water features, a roof that opens to the sky, a huge hammam in the basement (not in use), and beautiful tile work.
The
Old Medina is worth a visit to experience the Moroccan way of life and the extravaganza and exoticism of the merchants and colors around you.
The
Boulevard de la Corniche, also referred to as the French Riviera of Africa, is a long street stretching from the Hassan II Mosque along the Atlantic Ocean to the sandy banks. Home to many trendy nightclubs, the Boulevard plays host to Rick's Cafe, made famous in the movie Casablanca.
Where to eat?
You can find cheap Moroccan food in
the Medina, but if you’re looking for a true taste of Moroccan cuisine then try Lamb tagine with apricots, couscous or harira (spicy bean soup).
Head to
the Corniche and enjoy excellent sea-food and local specialties with a spectacular view of the sea. The boulevard is home to some of the most sophisticated and gourmet restaurants.
Some great restaurants can be found in the shopping center “
Centre 2000” and in luxurious hotels.
Where to shop?
The
Derb Ghraleef neighbourhood has a large souq that is not for the faint of heart. A cluster of small shanties, each one loaded with products. The shops are separated by alleys no more than three feet wide. The stall owners are, of course, kings of negotiating, and without a strong backbone, you're likely to pay well over the going rate for anything.
For traditional Moroccan handcraft, head to the
Habous area also known as the new Medina.
The
Maarif neighbourhood (near the twin center) has many name-brand European and American fashion chains. Designer glasses, leather shoes, and "genuine" belts, bags, and shirts can be found at bargain prices.