Oujda is a big and sprawling city in the east of the country, close to Algeria. It’s not known for its tourism but there are enough attractions to occupy those staying in the city. As with many Moroccan cities there’s an atmospheric old town or medina.
Oujda’s is full of narrow zigzag passageways lined with old Moroccan architecture and overflowing in places with window boxes of geraniums and hibiscus. There the passageways open up into little squares with the occasional stall or tea shop. Wherever you go you’ll encounter a smile and a willingness to show you something of interest.
Oujda Mini Guide
So Close and Yet so Far
Oujda is the easternmost city in the country, only 15km from the border with Algeria – unfortunately this was closed in 1994 so it is no longer possible to cross into the neighbouring country. All advice goes against you attempting to sneak over – unless you want to spend your holiday in a cell!!!
How to Arrive
Oujda is served by a small but still international airport handling domestic flights from Casablanca, flights from Algiers and several from northern European countries, this is 7km outside Oujda city itself.
Where to Stay
There are several hotels in Oujda, ranging from budget to the more luxurious, if you're on a tight budget there are places there for under $20 per night or you can splash out and stay at the Ibis or Atlas Spa and Hotel, both of which are of a more international standard and where you can find a cooling beer or have a cocktail by the pool – you can still do this even if you stay somewhere else, but why not treat yourself?
When to Visit?
As you would expect from an African country there are extremely hot and dry summers, there is a little rainfall in the winter, but not usually more than 13 cm in March which is the wettest month – one surprising fact though is it sometimes snows!!! The temperature can drop quite dramatically in the evenings and during the night, and in January, the coldest month, it can fall to 2 degrees Celsius so don't forget a jacket!
Art and Culture
The city is the main centre for Rai – a form of traditional Arabic music, and the area has been a big influence on Arabic music for a long time. There is an old walled Medina in Oujda, still the main shopping place in the city. Outside it's walls you will find Mohmmed V Boulevard with it's banks, hotels, the tourist office and more modern shops.
Getting Out and About
The countryside around Oujda is far greener and more fertile than in other parts of Morocco, as it nears the Mediterranean area – why not hire a car and explore the surrounding area?
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