Ville Nouvelle

Ville Nouvelle is the French-built modern district with good restaurants, safe evening atmosphere, and minimal harassment. Not authentically Moroccan, but where you'll actually want to be at night.

Ville Nouvelle is the French colonial section from 1916, built by Marshal Lyautey. It feels like a different city - wide boulevards with palm trees, Art Deco buildings, sidewalk cafes, modern shops. The vibe is European instead of medieval. This is where you'll want to spend evenings. Streets stay lit and busy late, restaurants serve alcohol, the atmosphere is cosmopolitan not conservative. Cafes around Place Mohammed V are good for watching people while having mint tea or food. Eating alone is normal here, no constant attention like in the medina. Restaurant MB on Rue Ahmed Chaouki does French-Moroccan fusion in a loft-style space with a real bar. More people speak English since businesses target international visitors and Morocco's professional class. The safety difference is obvious - walking here at 10 PM feels safer than the medina at 7 PM. Good street lighting, regular police patrols, you'll see Moroccan women alone without headscarves in modern clothes. Trade-off is you're not seeing traditional Morocco - could be any French colonial city. Prices are higher than the medina but reasonable by Western standards. Ville Nouvelle works as your base between medina trips - familiar comforts, reliable cafe WiFi, a break from the intensity.