HAMMAMthriving Jewish community and its influence on modern Moroccan society, with more than 1500
historical artefacts including documents, traditional clothing, ceremonial items and a vast
collection of photographs. Oasis is a 15-minute taxi ride (Dh30) from the city centre.
QUARTIER HABOUS (NOUVELLE MEDINA)
The Quartier Habous, or nouvelle medina, is Morocco-lite – an idealised, almost Disney version
of a traditional medina, with neat rows of streets and shop stalls. Built by the French in the
1930s, it was a unique experiment: a medina built to Western standards to accommodate the
first rural exodus in the 1920s. As such, it blends Moroccan architecture with French ideals,
epitomised by a mosque and a strip of grassy lawn, reminiscent of European village churches.
However sanitised it may feel, if you have some last-minute souvenir shopping to do, Habous
is more peaceful than most souqs and has a decent selection of bazaars, craft shops, bakeries
and cafes.
The Royal Palace (closed to the public) is to the north of the district, while to the south is the
old Mahakma du Pasha (courts & reception hall; admission free; 8am-noon & 2-6pm Mon-
Sat) , which has more than 60 rooms decorated with sculpted wooden ceilings, stuccowork,
wrought-iron railings and earthenware floors. It’s not always open to visitors.
The Quartier Habous is located about 1km southeast of town. Take bus 81 from Blvd de
Paris, across from the main post office.
AÏN DIAB & ANFA
These affluent suburbs on the Atlantic beachfront, west of the centre, are home to the
happening Blvd de la Corniche . Lined with beach clubs, upmarket hotels, restaurants, bars
and clubs, it is the city’s entertainment hub and the place for young, chic professionals to see
and be seen.
However, in between the busy beach clubs along the promenade, the view is spoiled by
abandoned pleasure grounds and concrete swimming pools filled with construction rubbish.
Nevertheless, the beach remains extremely popular. The easiest way to find space on the sand
is to visit one of the beach clubs. Two of the better ones, Miami Plage (per day Dh80-150) and
Tahiti (per day Dh80-150) have beach umbrellas, a pool, restaurant and bar.
Bus 9 goes to Aïn Diab from Pl Oued al-Makhazine. A taxi from the centre costs around
Dh30 (Dh70 at night).
The new Morocco Mall in Anfa is some 4km west of the city centre. Due to open at the time
of research, the mall will sport a large aquarium .
Activities
Hammams
Hammam Ziani
( 0522 31 96 95; 59 Rue Abou Rakrak; admission Dh45; 7am-10pm) Sparkling clean and
decidedly modern, this is an upmarket hammam offering the traditional steam room and
gommage (scrub) for Dh50, and massage, as well as a Jacuzzi and gym. It’s off Rue Verdin.
As is the case when visiting any public place, it may be better to leave your valuables at your
hotel.