The first time I visited Marrakech, I stayed in Monriad.
This is where my love affair with the medina began.
I had no idea what to expect and was absolutely amazed at the wonderful experience I had staying in a traditional riad for the first time.
Monriad was so pretty.
The courtyard was tranquil, and the sound of the trickling water and birds singing was blissful.
Inside Monriad
The owner and her staff were friendly and helpful, greeting me with the ultimate respect and offering traditional mint tea with olives on arrival.
A welcoming glass of mint tea.
I was given helpful advice about the area surrounding the riad and popular excursions I might wish to book.
She also suggested that I could eat dinner in the riad with the other guests and recommended places of interest close by.
The rooftop was glorious, and watching the sunrise up there each morning really was a blessing.
Sunrise from Monriad rooftop.
My room was impeccable, with traditional and good quality furniture and a beautiful bathroom with a traditional basin.
The riad smelt amazing. Cleanliness was a top priority for the staff.
There was a large, traditional, carved wooden door into the riad. I wasn’t given my own set of keys, but it was never a problem.
I did eat dinner once inside the riad, and the food was quite good. It was popular with other guests who seemed to really enjoy dining inside the riad.
The breakfast was very good.
Monriad is tucked away down a quiet little street.
It’s a pleasant, safe area with several cats and kittens who have also made the surrounding streets their home.
Making friends with the locals.
Monriad is close to Jamaa El Fna and points of interest, such as Bahia Palace, yet it is peaceful and secluded.
It is considered a mid price riad but has still maintained a family and welcoming feel about it.
It remains my mission to stay in as many different riads as possible in Marrakesh, but I would definitely consider returning to Monriad.
Kabana Rooftop Bar is a lively, popular place serving a wide range of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
They also have a good selection of dishes on the menu to suit all palates.
You enter the bar via steps, and from the road, it looks rather unassuming.
Entrance to Kabana rooftop bar.
Once inside, it’s tastefully decorated with lanterns hanging everywhere and music playing on a large television screen.
It’s a very busy venue, and booking is essential to be guaranteed a seat.
The bar is huge, and you can either sit inside or outside, where most people prefer to hang out.
Selection of alcoholic beverages at the bar.
I took my son for his birthday meal and he chose the steak. He said it was cooked to perfection.
Other people had mixed reviews, saying waiting times were long and that it was pricey for food and drinks.
The food is Mediterranean inspired, and they also have a sushi menu.
It was always full, and on the occasions we simply visited for cocktails, we couldn’t always be guaranteed a seat on the rooftop for a cocktail.
However, after waiting for approximately 30 minutes inside the bar area, we eventually got a place.
There is table service.
The unisex bathroom is a treat, beautifully decorated, modern, and traditional.
Kabana rooftop bar seems to be one of the more popular places for drinks in the medina and lacked authenticity for me.
The surroundings were nice with plenty of greenery, and the lanterns looked very pretty after dark.
There is a view of Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop, but it’s slightly shielded because drinking alcohol with the Mosque in full view is prohibited in Islamic culture.
View of Koutoubia Mosque.
Kabana rooftop bar has a very cosmopolitan vibe, attracting all age groups.
It is situated at the gate of the medina and open daily from,
11.00am-2.00am
They play DJ sets, and it’s a vibrant setting with a more relaxed dress code.
It is not an intimate place for a romantic meal, in my opinion, and I found it difficult to have a conversation amidst the crowds of people and loud music.
However, there are plenty of traditional, authentic places in the medina to dine out if you prefer a quieter environment.
Kabana is a cocktail bar similar to the places in the new town, with the same energy but within walking distance for those people staying in the medina.
It’s definitely worth a visit.
The address is,
Kissariat Ben Khalid R’mila,
1 Rue Fatima Zahra,
40000 Marrakech Morocco.
A refreshing cocktail inside the Kabana rooftop bar. (more…)
A spot of shopping or browsing around the busy souks in the medina is an exciting experience.
Berber jewellery in the souks.
There is everything that you could possibly dream of.
As you meander through the maze of colourful alleyways, be prepared for a complete assault on the senses.
From beautiful jewellery to exotic spices, leather shoes and bags, to Morroccan lamps and ceramics.
Traditional Morroccan Babouches.
The craftsmanship is astonishing, and you can find areas that are dedicated to certain products, such as leather goods and handmade Berber rugs or cushion covers.
It’s a lovely experience watching the locals making their goods to sell, and there is also the opportunity to have a go at making things yourself, such as a pair of babouche shoes to take home.
Berber rugs are beautifully displayed, and the assortment of colours and patterns are a feast for the eyes.
Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float on the gentle breeze.
Oils and perfumes for sale in the souks.
Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys tempt you for the perfect souvenir to take back for family and friends.
Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries.
Traditional sweets for sale in the souks.
The olives and exotic fruits.
The medicinal herbs and spices, a cacophony of colours and fragrances.
Paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors and Berber people.
Hand painted pictures for sale.
For the person who loves shopping, Marrakech is an absolute delight.
The souks are crowded and busy.
You have to dodge motorcycles and donkeys, vendors with carts, and tourists looking for the perfect gift.
You can expect to get lost, but that’s all part of the experience.
No one went into the souks and was never heard from again…
So, if you’re coming to Marrakech for the vibrant abundance of enticing goods on sale around the medina, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute.
It’s an unforgettable experience, one which will envoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago.
A few helpful tips to make the most of your shopping experience:
Pace yourself.
The souks are very busy with motorcycles, donkeys, and tourists. It can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.
Stop for a drink and rehydrate.
Rest for a while, try a spot of lunch on the rooftop of a cafe.
Be prepared to haggle. It may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Stay vigilant, and keep your wits about you.
Marrakech is a safe city, but pick pocketing can happen just like anywhere else in the world.
In crowded, narrow streets, keep your possessions safe in a closed bag at the front of your body.
If you’re lost, try to use Google maps or look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.
If you need help or advice, ask a shop vendor or try calling the riad you are staying in.
They may offer to collect you.
Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so they can get commission.
You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.
Colourful spice drums in the medina.
Take time to shop around and walk away if you don’t think you’re being offered a fair price.
You will usually find yourself being called back, and a good price reached.
If not, the same items will most likely be found on sale elsewhere in the souks.
Exercise patience.
Remember, this is someone’s livelihood, and it’s a different culture to what you may be used to.
Wages are not very high for most people in Marrakesh, and tourists with money to spend are fair game for boosting the take-home salary of most vendors.
After all, they too have mouths to feed..
Although the souks can be overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience.
You will be dazzled by the vast number of weird and wonderful items on display.
The sights, sounds, and smells will stay with you a long time after you leave this fascinating city.
A refreshing cocktail inside Marrakchi Restaurant.
Le Marrakchi restaurant is beautifully intimate with dim lighting and candles lit on the tables, giving it a warm, cosy glow.
It’s a popular place to dine in the square, attracting a variety of people, including locals and tourists alike.
It’s a family-friendly establishment and has vegan options available.
The whole ambience is very special, and the vibe inside the restaurant is very relaxing despite it being a relatively busy place.
From the outside, the walls have a wonderful, red glow, which is very atmospheric and inviting.
Vegetable cous cous in Marrakchi restaurant.
The food is good, I especially enjoyed the tagines which were served with a spicy, Harissa sauce at the side.
Service was also good, and the waiters were attentive and friendly.
The decor was traditionally Morroccan, and it felt cosy and romantic inside.
They serve alcohol including a wide range of beautifully presented cocktails.
Marrakchi serves a range of wines and cocktails.
Prices are average for a licenced restaurant close to Jamaa El Fna.
I went back several times because the vibe was very pleasant, and I enjoyed listening to the sounds of the busy square outside the windows.
I didn’t feel rushed despite the fact that the restaurant was busy and people were coming and going throughout the evening.
There was a good selection of dishes on the menu, and I enjoyed the vegetarian options, including vegetable cous cous, typically eaten on Fridays in Marrakesh.
The bathroom facilities were excellent and smelt very fragrant.
There are a few steps to climb into the restaurant area, so it’s probably not suitable for people with mobility issues.
Opening hours are 12.00-12.00am daily.
They also offer a takeaway service if you don’t wish to visit in person.
Marrakech is full of delightful little places to sit, and people watch whilst sipping traditional mint tea.
A pretty little spot inside the medina.
The colourful, boho decor and tempting pastries are the perfect way to take a much needed breather from the chaos of the souks.
Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming.
I found out that taking a break and pacing myself was the best way to thoroughly enjoy my time looking around and navigating the maze of the souks.
I especially loved the sweets and pastries on offer. They were absolutely delicious and complimented the refreshing mint tea perfectly.
There were so many to choose from, and I decided to treat myself to a selection of smaller pastries to see which were my favourites.
A tasty snack inside the medina.
If you are shopping for gifts or spending time in the colourful, vibrant souks, I would highly recommend that you take some time out to rest and pace yourself.
Sitting outside a cute little tea shop and sampling something light and tasty is a great way to engage in the culture of Morrocco and its people.
Enjoying a breather from shopping.
There are plenty of places offering mint tea and pastries dotted in and around the main square.
The sweets are an absolute treat, but you will be spoilt for choice.
The choice of delicious treats on offer in the souks.
Part of the pleasure of exploring the medina is finding hidden gems where you can sit and gather yourself before venturing further.
Marrakech is known for its delicious pastries, and they’re a nice snack that won’t spoil your appetite for later in the day.
Watching the world go by in the medina.
A few suggestions are,
. Medina Kawa Marrakech.
. La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices
. Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.
Also, check out my blog post about traditional Morroccan mint tea.
Riad Blue Berber is a traditional riad close to some great places such as Bahia Palace, Dardar rooftop bar, Le Pegola, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
It is situated on my favourite side of the medina because it’s still lively yet a little less manic.
I find it easier to locate riads here than negotiating the souks late at night.
The riad is authentic and pretty with typically morroccan furnished suites.
There is a more intimate feel about this riad because it’s slightly smaller.
The owner, Habi, is a knowledgeable man who enjoys a chat with his guests. He is very hospitable, and the riad has a homely feel about it because of its staff.
Mona, the lady who cooks breakfast, doesn’t speak English, but every morning, she prepared a hearty breakfast for me.
The riad can organise tours, runs cooking classes, and will store your luggage after checking out.
The rooftop was large with different tiers to sit on and was being updated during my stay.
The rooftop of Riad Blue Berber.
However, it would benefit from a lick of paint to make it perfect.
I always felt safe walking to and from Riad Blue Berber. This is also a bonus, especially for female solo travellers.
The traditional 17th century tiles on the floor of the courtyard give it a sense of character and charm.
Riad Blue Berber has four rooms.
Three of the rooms have air conditioning, and two have fans and heaters.
Sounds Of The Souks 