Medina (Old Town)

The old city with traditional markets, architecture, and Moroccan atmosphere. Worth exploring during the day but streets empty out and get poorly lit after dark.

The medina is the old walled city - narrow whitewashed alleys inside 15th-century Portuguese fortress walls. During the day locals shop for spices, produce, and crafts while tourists navigate the maze. The souks have hand-woven rugs, leather goods, tilework ceramics, and vendors shouting prices in whatever language they think will work. Grand Socco sits at the entrance - a big square with a fountain and palm trees where people sit on benches. Tourist Police are around and some speak English or Spanish. Around 6-7pm the whole scene changes - vendors pack up fast and the streets empty out. The side alleys have spotty lighting which makes getting around harder and less safe feeling. Come during the day to explore the souks and see the museums, then head to Ville Nouvelle or the Corniche for dinner.