Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's a popular adage that Meknès has more bars than any other Moroccan city, and if all
you're after is a quick bottle of Flag beer, then you won't lack for options (in the ville
nouvelle, that is). Many are grouped around Blvd Allal ben Abdallah, but are generally
pretty seedy affairs, designed for serious drinking and smoking, with women not at all
welcomed.
The hotel bars are often more amenable, as well as licensed restaurants. Le Pub is, ap-
propriately, one of the nicer places to get a drink - slump in a comfy chair, drink at the bar
itself, or head downstairs to smoke a sheesha and catch some live music on weekends.
The ville nouvelle is the place to go for relaxed cafe culture, especially on and around
Ave Mohammed V and the pedestrianised area around Cinema Camera. Those following
are female-friendly as far as Moroccan cafes go.
Café Tulipe
CAFE
(Rue de Tarfaya; 7am-10pm; )
Just off the main road, the Tulipe has a large shady ter-
race and modern interior; it's one of the most pleasant cafes in which to kill an hour or
two.
Café Opera
CAFE
(7 Ave Mohammed V; 7am-10pm)
Airy and old-fashioned, this grand cafe is a classic, and
among the most popular for Moroccan men to sip their mint tea. Sitting outside and
people-watching is a great breakfast pastime.
Entertainment
Ferhat Hachad; 8.30am-noon & 2.30-6.30pm Mon-Sat)
is the centre of Meknès' cultural life,
with films, plays, concerts and exhibitions.
Shopping
While the souqs of Meknès aren't as extensive as those of Fez or Marrakesh, the lack of
hassle can make them a relaxed place to potter around looking for souvenirs. A particular
speciality of Meknès is silver damascene, where metalwork is intricately inlaid with silver
wire.
