Things To Do
in Oujda-Angad

Oujda-Angad sits in eastern Morocco near the Algerian border, blending Moorish architecture with warm desert light. The city bustles with a lively medina, broad boulevards, and busy markets where the scent of spices fills the air. Historical kasbahs mingle with modern cafés, creating a distinctive cross-cultural atmosphere.

It serves as a gateway to northeastern Morocco, offering rich culture, flavorful cuisine, and easy access to surrounding landscapes.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Immersive Tour of Oujda Medina
morning
:

Begin your day wandering through the narrow, vibrant alleys of Oujda’s Medina, absorbing the rich mosaic of colors and sounds. Visit the traditional souks where local artisans sell spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods. Stop by the bustling Al-Kasbah Square to watch daily life unfold amidst historic architecture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café overlooking the Medina’s ancient walls, savoring traditional Moroccan dishes like couscous and tagine. Explore the nearby Dar Sebti Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture with intricate tile work and peaceful courtyards. Spend time chatting with locals to learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

evening
:

As the sun sets, visit the Grand Mosque of Oujda to admire its illuminated minaret and serene ambiance. Head to a traditional Moroccan tea house to enjoy mint tea accompanied by sweet pastries while listening to live Andalusian music. Conclude your evening with a gentle stroll along Avenue Mohamed V, soaking in the evening atmosphere of the city.

day 2
Exploring the Architectural Gems and Gardens
morning
:

Start your day at the historic Sidi Yahya Oasis, a tranquil green space perfect for morning reflection and bird watching. Visit the 13th-century Sidi Yahya Mosque nearby, renowned for its beautifully preserved minaret and intricate mosaics. Wander through the shaded pathways of the oasis, admiring the date palms and native flora.

afternoon
:

Head to the Parc Lalla Aicha, Oujda’s largest park, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by fountains, rose gardens, and shaded benches. Discover the nearby municipal museum displaying artifacts that tell the story of the region’s history and culture. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the French colonial influence visible in the surrounding architecture.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant specializing in grilled meats and freshly baked bread, a culinary tradition of the region. After dinner, visit a nearby cultural center hosting traditional dance and music performances that celebrate Berber and Arab heritage. End your day with a peaceful walk through the illuminated gardens, soaking in the calm night air.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🧭Local transportation (one-way)$0.50-1.50
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-70
Coffee or tea at a café$1-3
🚕Taxi within the city$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural blend of Arab, Amazigh, and Saharan influences
  • Vibrant markets, flavorful cuisine, and welcoming locals
  • Gateway to natural landscapes and easy day trips
  • Relatively affordable costs for travelers
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Very hot summers can be uncomfortable for outdoor activities
  • Some areas may have limited English speakers; basic Arabic or French helps
  • "Salam" - Hello
  • "Shukran" - Thank you
  • "Min fadlek/Min fadlik" - Please (masc/fem)
  • "La afham" - I don’t understand
  • "Bla ma’lish" - No problem

Places to Visit in Oujda-Angad

Visit one of these nice places.

Medina rooftops at golden hour

Colorful alleyways, whitewashed walls, and ornate doors create striking textures and contrasts.

Boulevard Mohammed VI at dusk

Palm-lined avenues and lively street life provide dynamic cityscape shots.

Moulouya River banks

Soft light, local fishermen, and riverside scenery offer tranquil nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Oujda-Angad

Oujda’s cuisine blends Moroccan, Algerian, and Amazigh influences, featuring fragrant tagines, hearty stews, and fresh dairy. Expect spice-forward flavors, plenty of olive oil, and a love of bread and tea that pervades daily life. Street food and markets are great places to sample regional specialties. For dietary restrictions, many dishes can be adjusted to be vegetarian or dairy-based, though meat is common in traditional preparations.

Oujda-Angad Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tagine with lamb, prunes, and almonds

A sweet-savory slow-cooked dish that highlights regional spices and tender meat.

Must-Try!

Couscous with seven vegetables

A hearty staple served with a richly spiced vegetable and chickpea accompaniment.

Harira

A nourishing Moroccan soup of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and herbs often enjoyed for lunch or during Ramadan.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché Central d'Oujda

A vibrant market offering fresh produce, spices, olives, dairy, and ready-to-eat snacks.

Souk lanes around the medina

Narrow streets filled with stalls selling grilled meat, flatbreads, nuts, sweets, and regional specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Oujda has an arid to semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild, cooler winters. Rainfall is modest and mostly occurs in winter and early spring. Expect dry, sunny days most of the year with cool evenings in the shoulder seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a handshake and a warm

Respect modesty

Dress modestly in public spaces, especially in religious areas and traditional neighborhoods.

Bargaining

Bargaining is common in markets; do so with a smile and a friendly tone.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets and tourist areas. Stay aware of your belongings, use reputable taxis, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Border considerations: the Algeria-Morocco border is sensitive; travel advisories should be checked if planning cross-border trips, and stick to well-trafficked routes within the city.

Tipping in Oujda-Angad

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated for good service. In cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest dirham is typical.

Payment Methods

Cash in Moroccan dirhams remains widely used, especially in markets and smaller shops. Many hotels and larger establishments accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), but be prepared with cash for street vendors and smaller cafés.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Very hot with temperatures frequently above 35°C (95°F). Hydration is essential; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and seek shade during peak sun.

Winter

Mild to cool, with cool evenings. Light rains are possible; bring a light jacket and layering for daytime warmth.

Spring

Pleasant and comfortable, with blooming landscapes and vibrant markets. Great for outdoor walking and photography.

Autumn

Warm days and cool nights, with less peak heat than summer. Ideal for city strolls and nearby hikes.

Nightlife Guide

Oujda-Angad at Night

Oujda’s nightlife is relaxed and social, with many cafés offering mint tea and shisha, and several venues hosting live music or traditional ensembles. Expect a mix of casual lounges, plus family-friendly eateries that stay open late. The scene is more about conversation and music than high-energy clubbing, making it a great place to experience local culture in a low-key setting.

Hiking in Oujda-Angad

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Moulouya River valley trails

Scenic day hikes along the river with opportunities to watch wildlife and observe rural life.

Surrounding hills and countryside

Easy to moderate hikes through olive groves and Berber village scenery, with viewpoints over the valley.

Airports

How to reach Oujda-Angad by plane.

Oujda Angads Airport (OUD)

Main international airport serving Oujda-Angad, with connections to Casablanca and other Moroccan cities; taxi or shuttle to the city center takes about 15-25 minutes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The old town (medina) is walkable with narrow pedestrian lanes, while newer parts of the city are more car-dependent. Expect generous sidewalks in central areas but winding routes in the historic core. A comfortable stroll reveals markets, mosques, and viewpoints; plan for heat in summer and sun protection year-round.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Arab-Berber residents

A diverse mix reflecting regional cultures, languages, and traditions.

Students and university communities

A growing presence contributing to a youthful, energetic urban vibe.

Cross-border visitors and expatriates

People traveling from or through neighboring regions and beyond, adding to the city’s multicultural feel.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport, with local clubs and fan culture evident in stadiums and public viewing areas.

Basketball

A common sport in schools and clubs, with community leagues and local tournaments.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be moderate to heavy on major boulevards during peak hours. Within the city, taxis and bus routes connect neighborhoods; roads to the surrounding towns can become busy during market days or holiday periods. Public transport is useful, but planning for delays is wise.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Oujda-Angad.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most vegetarian options include vegetable tagines, lentil or chickpea stews, and salads. Ask for dishes with no meat by requesting 'بدون لحم' (bedoun lahm). Look for tagines with vegetables, or couscous with vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in public hospitals and private clinics in Oujda. Public facilities can be crowded, so for quicker service travelers often use private clinics or international hospitals when available, and carry any necessary medications with you.

Discover Morocco

Read more in our Morocco 2025 Travel Guide.

Morocco Travel Guide