What to visit in Oujda, Morocco?

The city of Oujda, located in northeastern Morocco, is often overlooked by traditional tourist itineraries, which generally prefer major cities like Marrakech, Fez, or Casablanca. Yet Oujda, the capital of the Oriental region, offers a unique cultural and historical richness, breathtaking natural landscapes, and authentic Moroccan hospitality that deserves to be discovered. This blog aims to take you through the main sites and attractions of this fascinating city, giving you an overview of the must-see places to visit during your stay in Oujda.
Arriving in Oujda, the first thing that strikes you is the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere of the city. Unlike other major Moroccan cities, Oujda is not overrun by tourists, which allows you to discover its treasures at a more relaxed and authentic pace. The city center is characterized by wide, tree-lined avenues, well-maintained public squares, and historic buildings that tell the rich and complex history of this region. A stroll through the streets of Oujda is an immersion into a culture that has managed to preserve its traditions while embracing modernity.

The Medina of Oujda

A visit to Oujda inevitably begins with its medina, the historic heart of the city. The medina of Oujda, though less famous than those of Fez or Marrakech, is nonetheless a fascinating place, steeped in history and authenticity. Surrounded by imposing ramparts, the medina is a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleyways, where traditional shops, craftsmen’s workshops, and historic monuments stand side by side. Wandering through its lanes, you can discover numerous architectural wonders, such as the grand mosque, Al Kabir, built in the 13th century, and one of the oldest religious buildings in the city.
The central square of the medina, Place El Attarine, is the hub where residents converge to do their shopping or simply meet up. Here, the bustle is constant: merchants offer their goods, from fragrant spices to colorful fabrics, along with traditional craft objects. The atmosphere is vibrant and authentic, perfectly reflecting the soul of Oujda. Don’t miss visiting the various souks of the medina, each specializing in a type of product, whether jewelry, clothing, or food. It is a unique sensory experience, where colors, smells, and sounds blend together to create an unforgettable ambiance.

The Lalla Aïcha Gardens

A short walk from the medina are the magnificent Lalla Aïcha Gardens, the city’s true green lung. Created in the 1930s, these public gardens offer an oasis of tranquility amid the urban hustle. Spanning several hectares, they are composed of vast lawns, flower beds, fountains, and shaded groves. The Lalla Aïcha Gardens are a popular relaxation spot for the residents of Oujda, who come to stroll, exercise, or simply enjoy nature.
For botany enthusiasts, the Lalla Aïcha Gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and trees, some exotic, others typically Moroccan. The paths lined with palm trees and bougainvillea are particularly picturesque, offering magnificent perspectives for amateur photographers. As you wander through these gardens, you will also discover several kiosks and pavilions, where it is pleasant to sit down to read a book or savor a mint tea.

The Oriental Park

In addition to the Lalla Aïcha Gardens, Oujda has another natural gem: the Oriental Park. This vast green space, located on the outskirts of the city, is a favorite destination for nature lovers and families looking for outdoor activities. The Oriental Park is distinguished by its varied landscapes, ranging from green meadows to wooded areas, along with ponds and streams. It is an ideal spot for hiking, picnics, or cycling.
The Oriental Park is also a place of educational discovery, thanks to its numerous information panels on local flora and fauna. Children will particularly enjoy the mini-farm, where they can observe and interact with domestic animals such as sheep, goats, and rabbits. The park also has several playgrounds, sports fields, and marked trails, offering a multitude of activities for all ages.

The Zourgui Tourist Complex

For those wishing to relax while discovering local culture, the Zourgui Tourist Complex is a must-visit destination. Located on the outskirts of Oujda, this complex offers a unique combination of leisure, relaxation, and traditional Moroccan culture. It houses several swimming pools, sports facilities, restaurants, and relaxation areas, all set within a green and peaceful environment.
The Zourgui Complex is also renowned for its cultural shows and events, which showcase the traditions and folklore of the region. You can attend performances of traditional music and dance, discover local craftsmanship, and taste typical Moroccan dishes. It is an ideal place to recharge while immersing yourself in the authenticity of Oriental culture.

The Ethnographic Museum of Oujda

For those interested in the history and culture of the region, a visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Oujda is a must. This museum, housed in a historic building in the city, offers a rich and varied collection of ethnographic objects illustrating the daily life, traditions, and craftsmanship of the inhabitants of the Oriental. The exhibitions include traditional costumes, jewelry, agricultural tools, household objects, and craft works.
The Ethnographic Museum also offers temporary exhibitions and cultural events, providing a better understanding of the evolution of Oujda’s society over the centuries. Visitors can discover the Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and French influences that have shaped the identity of the region. A visit to the museum is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local history and better understand the cultural roots of Oujda.

The Sidi Yahya Thermal Baths

About twenty kilometers from Oujda lie the famous Sidi Yahya thermal baths, a place of relaxation and spirituality renowned for its hot springs with therapeutic properties. The baths are set in an enchanting natural setting, surrounded by green hills and picturesque landscapes. The waters of Sidi Yahya are known for their curative properties, particularly for skin conditions and joint pain.
Beyond the physical benefits, the Sidi Yahya thermal baths are also a place of spiritual pilgrimage, due to the presence of the mausoleum of Sidi Yahya, a saint venerated by the people of the region. Visitors can discover traditional rituals and enjoy a moment of contemplation in a peaceful and serene setting. The baths also offer modern facilities such as steam baths, massages, and wellness treatments for a complete relaxation experience.

The Surroundings of Oujda

Oujda is also an excellent base for exploring the natural riches of the Oriental region. Just a few kilometers from the city, you can discover natural sites of breathtaking beauty, such as the Beni-Snassen Mountains. These mountains, located about 60 kilometers from Oujda, offer spectacular landscapes and rich biodiversity. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the many marked trails that cross forests, gorges, and lush valleys.
The Beni-Snassen Mountains also harbor interesting archaeological sites, such as the Taforalt Caves, where traces of human settlement dating back more than 80,000 years have been discovered. These caves, open to the public, offer a fascinating dive into the prehistory of the region. Visitors can admire rock paintings, stone tools, and fossilized bones, testifying to the life of the first inhabitants of the Oriental.
“The Blue Pearl” due to its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Saïdia is one of Morocco’s most sought-after seaside destinations, offering a wide range of water activities, luxury hotels, and a vibrant nightlife. In summer, the town attracts many vacationers who come to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the numerous tourist facilities.

Saïdia

Located about an hour’s drive from Oujda, the seaside resort of Saïdia is a must-visit destination for beach and relaxation enthusiasts. Nicknamed the “Blue Pearl,” Saïdia stretches along a magnificent bay of fine sand bordered by the Mediterranean. Its clear, shallow waters make it an ideal location for swimming, water sports, and family activities.
Saïdia offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to tourist complexes and holiday rentals. Modern facilities, seaside restaurants, and beach clubs add to the appeal of this resort. Strolling along the Saïdia marina, you will discover a lively atmosphere, with cafés, shops, and terraces offering a stunning view of the harbor and the sea.
For water sports enthusiasts, Saïdia offers a full range of activities, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and scuba diving. The calm, clear waters of the Mediterranean offer ideal conditions for exploring the seabed and discovering a rich and varied aquatic fauna.

The Saïdia Tourist Complex

The Saïdia tourist complex, also known as “Saïdia Mediterrania,” is one of Morocco’s largest tourism projects. It includes several luxury hotels, holiday residences, an 18-hole golf course, wellness and thalassotherapy centers, as well as numerous leisure facilities. This complex is designed to offer a complete and high-end vacation experience, combining relaxation, sport, and entertainment.
The Saïdia golf course, designed by internationally renowned architect Cabell B. Robinson, is a championship course offering spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Golfers of all levels will appreciate the quality of the course and the modern facilities of the clubhouse. After a day on the course, you can unwind in one of Saïdia’s many spas, which offer wellness and thalassotherapy treatments using the benefits of seawater and marine algae.

The Saïdia Marina

The Saïdia marina is one of the main attractions of the resort. This modern marina can accommodate hundreds of boats and yachts, and offers a wide range of services for boaters. The marina is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops, creating a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the evening, the marina becomes a favorite meeting place for locals and tourists, who come to enjoy the view, dine on a terrace, or simply stroll along the quays.
Events and entertainment are plentiful at the Saïdia marina. In summer, festivals, open-air concerts, and street performances liven up the quays, offering a festive and convivial atmosphere. The marina is also the ideal starting point for boat trips, whether for a simple sail, a fishing trip, or a day exploring the Mediterranean coastline.

The Natural Heritage of the Oriental

The Oriental region, of which Oujda is the capital, offers a diversity of breathtaking natural landscapes, spanning sea, mountain, and desert. Beyond the beaches of Saïdia and the Beni-Snassen Mountains, the region is home to several other exceptional natural sites that are well worth the visit.
The Zegzel Gorges, located about fifty kilometers from Oujda, offer an impressive natural spectacle. These deep and narrow gorges, carved by the Zegzel River, are surrounded by sheer cliffs and spectacular rock formations. Hiking and climbing enthusiasts will find numerous trails and routes suited to all levels.
The Tazekka National Park, located in the Middle Atlas mountains, is another natural gem of the Oriental region. This park, which covers more than 1,200 hectares, is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as varied landscapes ranging from cedar forests to rocky plateaus. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, or simply taking in the beauty of the scenery.

To wrap up…

In conclusion, Oujda and its surrounding region offer a cultural and natural richness well worth discovering. Between the historic medina, peaceful gardens, enriching museums, relaxing thermal baths, and breathtaking natural sites, every visitor will find something to satisfy their desire for discovery and new experiences. The proximity of both sea and mountains also allows for varied pleasures and a wide range of activities, whether cultural, sporting, or recreational.
Oujda, far from the beaten paths of mass tourism, offers an authentic and friendly experience where Moroccan hospitality truly comes into its own. Whether you are seeking culture, nature, or relaxation, the city and its surroundings will charm you with their diversity and appeal. So let yourself be tempted by a trip to Oujda and come discover the hidden treasures of the Oriental.