the fun of visiting Moroccan medinas

I remember very clearly the moment when the bus from the airport slowly approached the medina of Marrakech. Suddenly there was a flood of people squeezing next to each other in the narrow streets, many of them carrying objects various in size, often on their heads. I was just staring speachlessly at this image as this very first impression of Morocco was exactly how I imagined medinas!

Fez

Besides amazing landscape (Sahara, Atlas Mountains, Atlantic Ocean!!!) one of the reasons why people decide to visit Morocco is its colorful medinas. The old town (as that's what the word "medina" means) is Moroccan cities is an incredible maze of extremely narrow streets. The area inside the city walls is often really big and walking around there is challenging because of the constantly busy streets suddenly turning right and left at various angles. Even if medinas are car free you still have to be really careful, there're lots of local people riding a bike, a motorbike or even a donkey.

 Fez

Don't even try to focus on finding your way around, don't bother with carrying a map - there's no point in that as you'll get lost anyway. And that's the part of the fun! There's no way to keep the track of where you are so the best you can do is to just follow the crowd. But be sure to look carefully around as there are wonders waiting around each corner - yet another pretty narrow street, a mosque, a beautiful little fountain with incredible Arabic ornaments or a Koranic school you can visit.

 Marrakech

Try not to be overwhelmed with medinas. It's easier said than done, I know, but in the second you feel lost or confused there'll be couple of Moroccan guys ready to help you, of course for the small (or more often not that small) tip. Surely, they just keep ensuring you it's all in the sake of their friendship with us but never get fooled. Still, it happened to me couple of times that people were sincerely friendly and wanted to help. 

 Essaouria

Medinas are the heart of the city's shopping. You can find everything there, from small shops with snacks and water to picturesque stalls with spices, colorful carpets, shoes, clothes, random things needed at home, souvenirs and so on and so on. There's just a huge mix of everything, for tourists and locals. Off course everyone has the best price, everyone can give you discount and every seller can say few words in your language to make you smile and eventually buy something you don't actually need from him.

 Essaouria

Tourists often don't even leave medina as most of the attractions are there (as well as beautiful riads - if only you have a chance stay in one of them, a truly unforgettable experience!) But that's also the main meeting point for locals and you can expect so many of them there. Which is really great as the are feels so alive and definitely not like another tourists attraction. One of the best things to do there (besides walking and discovering all the hidden corners) is just sitting in one of the many restaurants with delicious food and just observing the world around you. You can spend hours like that and still you won't be bored.

 Marrakech

Because of its rich historic and cultural values many medinas are on UNESCO World's Heritage List. I managed to visit three of them: Marrakech, Essaouria and Fez and all of them were pretty similar yet each was incredibly amazing and a great adventure itself. There's always something going on, always someone tries to talk to you. So just follow the flow and enjoy your time there!

Have you visited any medinas? Would you like to?

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Best places to admire Quebec's skyline

Quebec City, besides being an extremely charming and beautiful city with the European atmosphere, offers also some really great views of the skyline. I don't know what about you but I always love admiring the city from above or from the distance as it gives me a great impression of the place. And Quebec is perfect for that! So below you can find some spots that are the best when it comes to city views. I spent a good part of my time in Quebec just looking at the beautiful city in front of my eyes.

1. Observatoire de la Capitale.

Located on 31st floor (221 meters up) of the highest building in Quebec the Observatoire offers quite amazing views all over the city and the surrounding area. Even if it's within the building that serves as offices it has a huge windows (clean! such an obvious thing isn't obvious to everyone maintaining viewing points all over the world) at every side so you can see the city at 360⁰. There is the walled Old Quebec with its narrow streets and dominating Chateau Frontenac, the Battlefields Park and St. Lawrence River, residental neighbourhoods and Laurentians - the oldest mountains in the world surrounding Quebec City. It all looks really lovely from up there.

2. The City Walls

Quebec City is the only city north of Mexico that still has the defence system. There are three gates - two French and one British - that lead to the Old Town. You can climb the walls next to each gate and admire the city from there. The views stretch to both Old Town and newer districts, the Laurentians are also clearly seen from there. The Walls are a popular spot for local young people to hang out, sit on the ground, have a chat over a drink etc.  From the bottom gate, St. Jean's, the main shopping and dining street - Saint Jean - looks really lovely.

3.  Citadelle

At the top of the City Walls, above St. Lawrence River, the Citadelle (known also as Gibraltar of  America) is the place with (my personal) favourite views of Quebec's skyline. Follow the path to your left and you'll reach a small park on the side of the Citadelle. The place is perfect to relax after the busy sightseeing - you can read a book, have a picnic, have a nap - that's what locals do! Or simply sit there and admire the beautiful view in front of your eyes with Chateau Frontenac  right there. Because the Citadelle is a little bit out of the way it's a lovely quite place I guarantee you that you'll spend more time than expected there.

4. Ferry across the Saint Laurent River

Take the commuter ferry across the river to enjoy the most spectacular views of the Old Quebec. The journey lasts 15 minutes one way but every minute of it reveals more and more breathtaking scenery. The Old Town is right there, in front of your eyes, you can also admire unique cliffs that Quebec is built on. There's no need to leave the ferry, simply buy the return ticket and stay on the boat, enjoy the view and relax in the sun at the top deck while waiting for the journey back. And when you're back in Quebec but are too lazy to walk all the way to the Upper Town take the old funicular that is located not too far from the ferry.

Do you also like looking at the cities from above or from the distance? 

Note: I was a guest of Quebec City Tourism and  Quebec Original however all opinions are mine, as always.

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