CAFECAFECAFEOffline map Google map ( Ave Hassan II) A good place to shop in the ville nouvelle, with a variety
of fresh-food stalls, alcohol shops and various imported foodstuffs.
Drinking
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 at least).
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 listed in the sleeping section are more amenable, as well as the restaurants
listed above as licensed. Le Pub is, appropriately, 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.
When choosing sticky pastries in Meknès, don’t overlook the marakchia – the local take on
an éclair, full of cream and covered with gooey chocolate. 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.
Les Palmiers d’Aziza
Offline map Google map ( 9 Rue de Tarfaya) With an exterior in bright Marrakesh pink, this popular
cafe offers several options – sit in the sunny garden, hang at the tables near the mouth-
watering cookie counter, or head upstairs to the covered terrace away from public view. The
latter is a popular choice for boys and girls on dates. The ice cream and smoothies here are
excellent.
Café Tulipe
Offline map Google map ( Rue de Tarfaya) Just off the main road, the Tulipe has a large shady
terrace and modern interior; it’s one of the most pleasant cafes in which to kill an hour or two.
Café Opera
Offline map Google map ( 7 Ave Mohammed V) 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
Institut Français Offline map( 0535 51 58 51; [email protected]; Rue 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 particularly
speciality of Meknès is silver damascene, where metalwork is intricately inlaid with silver wire.