Méchouar

Méchouar Review

The main square, the Méchouar, is the heart of town and was once a military parade ground. Nowadays there are small gatherings of musicians and entertainers as well as a clutch of cheap and cheerful hotels and cafés. Down a side street off the main square (heading in the direction of the ramparts) you'll find a smaller square lined with orange trees, where locals buy from the mint, date, and dried-thyme vendors whose carts are parked between the rows of clothing and housewares. The square then gives way to the main souk, with jewelry and silver at the northern end, and an open-air market at the southern end. You'll also find a larger concentration of tourists (and hasslers).