There is everything that you could possibly dream of buying in the wonderful souks of Marrakech.
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.
It’s all here crammed into narrow alleyways and calling out to be bought and taken back home with you.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The skilled craftsmanship is astonishing, and you can find areas dedicated to making and selling different things.
There is a separate place for leather goods, a place where metal workers make beautiful Moroccan lamps and metal sculptures.
An area where wooden things are handmade and rug weaving is demonstrated.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a lovely experience watching the locals make 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.
Berber rugs hang proudly around the medina. Each colour and pattern is a feast for the eyes.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float on the gentle breeze.
The smell is so fragrant in the souks.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys tempt you for the perfect souvenir to take back for your family and friends.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The soft furnishings such as cushion covers made from cactus silk are eye-catching and colourful.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries for sale.
Moroccan sweets are a delicacy, and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The medicinal herbs and spices are a cacophony of colours and fragrances.
Fresh olives with a hint of spice pop with colour.
Paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors, Amazigh people and camels crossing the Sahara desert.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
For people who love to shop until they drop like I do, Marrakech is an absolute delight.
It’s not all fun and laughs, though.
The souks are incredibly busy with tourists.
You also have to dodge motorcycles, donkeys, and vendors with carts.
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, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute.
It’s unforgettable.
It will invoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago in you.
A way to fully delve into the wonderful culture of Marrakech.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you enjoy the souks.
First of all, pace yourself.
The souks are very busy and can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.
Stop for a drink and rehydrate.
Rest for a while, and try a spot of lunch on a rooftop cafe. There are plenty inside the souks.
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, look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.
Having an orange sim is useful but may not always work in the denser parts of the souks.
If you need help, ask a shop vendor. They’re usually more than happy to help you.
Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so that they can get commission if you buy something.
You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.
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 realistic price can often be 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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Although the souks can often feel overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience.
You will be dazzled by the 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 popular restaurant with views over the Jamaa El Fna
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakchi restaurant glows a deep red across the square.
This popular place facing Jamaa El Fna is a fine dining experience in tastefully decorated surroundings situated on,
52 Rue des Banques, Av.
Jamaa El Fna
40000 Morocco
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Inside the restaurant, the feeling is intimate with dim lighting as candles flicker on the tables, giving a warm, cosy glow.
It’s a busy restaurant attracting a lot of tourists as it’s one of the few places selling alcohol in the square.
It’s a family-friendly establishment and has plenty of food choices, including vegetarian and vegan options available.
The vibe inside the restaurant is very relaxing despite it being a relatively busy place, constantly buzzing with energy.
Outside, the walls take on a wonderful, red glow, which is very atmospheric and can be seen from across the square.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The food is very good.
I especially enjoyed the tagine that was accompanied by a spicy, Harissa sauce.
The staff are attentive, friendly, and professional.
The decor is traditionally Morroccan, with pretty lamps and comfortable, deep red couches along the windows overlooking the main square. There is also intricate tilework on some of the walls
Le Marrakchi serves cocktails, and you are welcome to just visit for drinks.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Prices are competitive 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 Jamaa El Fna outside the windows and the call to prayer.
I didn’t feel rushed despite the fact that the restaurant was busy and people were coming and going throughout the evening.
It was a relaxed, dining experience.
There is a good selection of dishes on the menu, such as couscous, which is traditionally served on Fridays in Marrakesh.
The bathroom facilities were excellent and fragrantly scented with orange blossom. .
There are a few steps to climb to get into the restaurant, so it’s probably not ideal for people with mobility issues.
Riad Laila is a stunning riad with the most beautiful courtyard.
It is larger than most riads, and the pretty garden is full of exotic plants, mandarin trees, and hibiscus.
There is a large swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
The rooms are tastefully furnished, modern, and luxurious.
Riad Laila was recently renovated and refurbished.
The rooftop is very pretty and a great spot for sunbathing or relaxing with a refreshing mint tea looking at the views over the medina.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Riad Laila is the perfect riad for people who are looking for a luxurious spa like experience in Marrakech.
The staff exude professionalism and wear uniforms.
They keep a keen eye on the guests, and the place is run with an air of precision.
Everything is spotlessly clean. It’s a place where you can spend ages just relaxing by the pool in peace and tranquillity reading a book.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Riad Laila is a high-end accommodation at the most northern side of the medina.
It is close to the bus station and around a 25-minute walk from the centre.
The Jardin Majorelle is a short walk away.
Raid Laila was lovely for a couple of days, but I did miss the charm of a traditional family run riad inside the medina.
It all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If it’s a complete, restorative setting in beautiful surroundings, Riad Laila is ideal.
There is food served at the riad, but the vegetarian options appeared to be limited at the time I stayed there.
My overall impression was that everything felt slightly clinical and lacked the laid-back, homely feel that Marrakech is known for.
However, if you’re looking for a complete break away from the excitement and sensory overload of the medina, Riad Laila is a good choice of accommodation.
It is visually appealing and has one of the nicest gardens boasting 840m2.
They have a resident tortoise called Laila who loves you to feed her hibiscus flowers.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The surrounding streets are very quiet, so I preferred taking a taxi to the main square in the evening.
It’s a long walk in the heat also, but taxis are readily available.
Riad Dombaraka has a beautiful courtyard with a small pool for guests to cool down in.
The plants are green and lush, and listening to the birds singing amongst the foliage is a blissful experience.
Every inch of riad Dombaraka is tastefully decorated with beautiful paintings and elegant furniture.
It feels as though you are staying in a royal palace.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The rooms are large and decorated with interesting African artefacts, and the bed was really comfortable.
The rooftop is spacious with great views across the rooftops of the city.
It’s great for sunbathing with plenty of spaces to sit and sunbeds for soaking up some of the hot, morroccan sun.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There is a wonderful library with an assortment of books for guests to read, and it’s furnished with tasteful Moroccan furniture.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The riad is kept spotlessly clean, and the staff are very friendly.
They appear happy to be a part of this wonderfully peaceful environment.
Riad Dombaraka is owned by a French woman called Dominique, who gives her guests the warmest welcome when they arrive.
She suggests nice places to eat and visit and orders tuktuks to take you through the souks.
The riad is a hidden gem, located down a few winding alleyways.
There are locals selling vegetables and fish, giving a true picture of morroccan life, but I always felt safe.
There is evidence of the 2023 earthquake that took place in Marrakech and work going on to restore the area to its former glory.
The breakfast at Riad Dombaraka was lovely.
It consisted of traditional Morroccan food, including msemen pancakes, eggs, fresh fruit, and yoghurt.
There was plenty of variety, and it was very filling.
The coffee was real coffee and gave me the boost I need to motivate me in the morning.
Riad Dombaraka is not considered to be budget accommodation, but it is definitely good value for money.
It is an elegant riad, quite luxurious, yet maintains its traditional character and charm.
Guests are offered gratuitous fresh water and regularly asked if they would like a pot of mint tea.
Relaxing by the pool, listening to the sound of music playing in the background and birds singing, you would never know the craziness of the Souks are literally a stones throw away outside the door.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Behind the door of riad Dombaraka, the scene is serene and tranquil.
I highly recommend Riad Dombaraka.
It’s far enough from the stimulating Jamaa El Fna, yet everything is within easy walking distance.
Sounds Of The Souks 