Ouarzazate (ورزازات) is a city in Morocco and the largest town in the Saharan Morocco.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Ouarzazate is relatively small (60 000 inhabitants) and for Morocco quiet town, which can be very refreshing coming from a city like Fez, Meknes or Marrakech. You will barely be hassled here and can walk freely and enjoy the streets. It is thus no wonder that its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning "without noise" or "without confusion". At an elevation of 1,135 m, built mostly along main street - Avenue Muhammed V. Once in its history, Ouarzazate had been a crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and administrative centre.
The area around Mohammad V is very walkable. The CTM station is there as well. Petits taxis for within the city (no more than 10 dirham from the airport to the hotel), grands taxis for between cities (no more than 150 dirham to Ait Benhaddou and back, though you can probably get it lower), including to Ait Benhaddou and surrounding kasbahs. For those traveling by car, note kerb colors: red and white means no parking, green and white means OK to park. Don't be surprised if during a local taxi ride the driver requests you to "transfer taxis" or has "a friend to pick up on the way." When this happens, a friendly English (or other language) speaking person will start pitching you outings, mos…
1 Kasbah Taourirt. A well preserved kasbah inside of the city with a constant exhibition of various artists inside. It is like a little labyrinth, exploring all the rooms and hallways. Sometimes you can sneak in with another group of tourists. 20 dirham. (updated May 2019) 2 Musée du Cinéma. Not that exciting and many items are not marked or signed, but a good alternative if you do not want to head out of the city to the other museums/studios. 30 dirham. (updated May 2019) 3 Bet Knesset Synagogue. Former synagogue turned into some kind of museum. Rooms filled with items, but almost no descriptions. Guided tour only. Admission is "voluntary".
Go for a swim, Public pool between Tammasint and Gar routier bus station on Mohamed V, 20 dirham. Nice break from a road trip. The river is usually full December-January where you can find locals swimming. Walk along the central square behind Muhammad V at night when everyone comes out. Children play football in the square, people eat and socialize, and you'll get a feel for the community just walking around.
Plenty of cheap restaurants along Mohammad V street and around the central square near the market. Normal price for tagine should be about 30 dirham and there are complete meals with drinks for about 30-40 dirham available (May 2019). There is a supermarket across the road from Place de Mouahidine (main square), including 5 l water bottled for 11.50 dirham.
There is a 1 small liquor store across the road from the main square, next to the supermarket.
Ouarzazate is very safe, but don't wander into weird corners at night. Crime throughout the Moroccan south is minimal, but it's best not to take (too many) chances.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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