The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Budget options in Marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Is Marrakech Budget Friendly?

    How to enjoy Marrakech on a budget.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Visiting Marrakech doesn’t have to break the bank.

    Morrocco is a relatively cheap country to visit. It’s all about careful planning and putting together the right itinerary before you go. I have compiled a few ideas and suggestions to help you enjoy your trip without having to spend a ridiculous amount of cash.

    1.

    Book your flight early. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Download an airline app and keep an eye on the cost of flights. Book out of season when it’s less busy.

    2.

    If you book your accommodation directly through the riad or hotel, it is often much cheaper.

    3.

    Use public transport in Marrakech. The buses are an excellent way to get a taste of local life. They are extremely cheap and reliable. The price is set, and you will avoid being privy to scams from the local taxi drivers.

    4.

    Marrakech is a bustling metropolis with so much going on around the main square. Consider spending time with a pot of traditional mint tea and observing the spectacle from a rooftop terrace. You won’t be disappointed. The sights, sounds, and smells will keep you entertained for ages.

    5.

    Visit the wonderful Koutoubia Mosque gardens. The mosque is out of bounds for non Muslims. However, the gardens are absolutely delightful and free to visit. Consider picking up a few delicious snacks beforehand, such as Baclava cake and  sugar cane juice and sitting in the beautiful garden. Despite its proximity to the chaos of Jamaa El Fna, it is a peaceful environment. It’s especially lovely during the evening when the lights come on.

    6.

    There are plenty of excellent cafes and restaurants which are great value for money. Henna Art Cafe is superb and has a very pretty interior. I have eaten here numerous times and highly recommend the food. Terrace Bakchich in the souks is another budget friendly restaurant cafe with excellent food. Trying the street food is another option and very popular amongst tourists. Check how busy places are to get an idea of the quality of food being served. The spleen sandwich is a traditional meal in Marrakech served by street vendors. Also consider trying the delicious sweets and pastries for sale inside the souks.

    7.

    Try a public hammam. Public baths are very cheap in comparison to the more upmarket ones and the best way to experience the local culture. You can purchase black soap and essential oils in the souks for pennies. You will need your own towel in public hammams.

    8.

    Visit the souks. This is by far the most exciting part of any trip to Marrakech. Experience the vibrant colour and the lively atmosphere as people haggle with the locals for a bargain. You may get lost in the maze of alleyways, but that’s all part of the fun. There are souks for different things like leather goods and metalwork, and you will see incredible artisans at work crafting all kinds of things.

    9.

    Visit the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and see the Bab Mellah spice market. It’s an assault on the senses discovering all the different spices and their fragrances. You may be offered mint tea whilst you are given a lesson on what each spice is used for.

    10.

    Walk around the Kasbah. This is where you will experience the more authentic part of Marrakech. There are more locals here and they are very friendly. There are some nice spots to grab a smoothie, and the shops are slightly cheaper here.

    11.

    Visit Cyber Park. This is a very well maintained place with beautiful native trees and plants. Relax for an hour or so in this peaceful environment away from the chaotic busy medina. Listen to the birds singing and read the interesting facts that are dotted around the park.

    12.

    Take a 25-minute walk or the number 16 bus from the medina to Gueliz. Wonder around the upmarket boutiques and stores on Mohammed V Avenue and see how modernity and ancient coexist in harmony together in Marrakech.

    13.

    Spend some time in Tinsmiths Square. This is a less touristic square than Jamaa El Fnaa, and there is plenty to see going on. There are budget friendly cafes and restaurants and plenty of souvenir shops.

    14.

    Admire the beautiful Islamic craftsmanship in the medina. There are stunning examples of intricately carved wooden doors and 19 impressive entrances into the medina, including Bab Agnaou, Bab Doukala, and Bab El Khemis. Some date back as far as the Almohad dynasty. It’s a perfect photo opportunity.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a walkable city, and you can spend many an hour wandering about discovering what makes Marrakech so magical. It’s a destination that is great for everyone, including those on a tight budget. With some careful planning, you can put together an exciting itinerary and have a truly wonderful experience that doesn’t need to cost much.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • The Best Ways To Get Around Marrakech.

    Transport options for exploring the red city.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a walkable city and easily doable on foot.

    If you’re staying in the medina, you can get to most places by walking. If you have mobility issues or the heat is a problem, the other option is to take a tuk- tuk. Most riads can organise a pick-up point for you and give the driver directions to where you need to go.It’s a fun way to get around, and some of them are rather elaborately decorated, they rattle through the souks, competing with the motorcycles, donkeys, and pedestrians. There are plenty of tuktuks waiting in the square, and they’re cheaper than taking a taxi.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Another option is to take a taxi. I suggest checking the price with a member of staff in your accommodation to find out how much you should be expected to pay. It’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to try to charge more, so stick to your guns and, if necessary, walk away. There are plenty of drivers available, and they are all competing with each other for fares, so you don’t have to put up with being ripped off.

    There are two types of taxis in Marrakech, the yellow ones, which will pick up only you or what’s called a grand taxi. Grand taxis operate differently. They are shared taxis, and you either wait until they’re full before setting off to your destination or they pick up people along the journey. These taxis are cheaper and ideal if you’re going further to places like Imlil.

    I have only used the single taxis in the main square or near Tinsmiths Square. After a little polite negotiation, there were no problems, and I paid the correct fare, give or take a few dirhams.

    There are many tourists who pay to see the city on horse-drawn carriages. The horses are taken into the chaotic traffic, and I’ve witnessed a few upsetting incidents where they’ve been hit by a car. There doesn’t appear to be any rules on the roads around the city, and they’re pretty crazy. The horses look scared and I’ve seen them freeze in the centre of the traffic. It’s a personal decision, but if you do want to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, I would suggest only going around the walls of the medina or during the evening when it’s slightly quieter for them. Obviously, if you want to take one to the new part of the city, be mindful of how busy the traffic is.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Part of the fun in Marrakesh is walking around the city. There are so many interesting things to see and you miss so much if you don’t walk. I  especially enjoyed walking through the kasbah, seeing the locals going about their daily business and getting a feel for the real Marrakech. When you’re on foot, you get to witness so much more.

    There are also walking tours around Marrakech, which you can book online. These tours take you around the tourist hot spots, usually in a group of people, and a tour is perfect if you’re concerned about getting lost or feeling slightly vulnerable as a solo female traveller.

    There are separate tours for food sampling, which is another great way to experience the culture of Marrakech.

    The Alsa bus runs around Marrakech for about 2 dirhams at the time of writing. The numbers 1 and 16 will ferry you between the medina and Gueliz. It’s a way to experience local culture and ideal for tourists on a tight budget.

    For venturing further, there are daily trains going to places like Casablanca.

    Supratours and CTM are the two bus companies that run from Marrakech to Essaouira. Tickets typically cost between 80 – 130 dirhams with a small additional fee for luggage. There is a reliable daily service, and prices and times can be found online.

    Lastly, if you’re brave enough, you could hire a bicycle. Pikala Cafe is a reputable place to hire one from with good rates should you wish to do that.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Things To Do In Marrakech.

    Ideas to help you plan your itinerary.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a big city with lots going on. A little organisation before arriving will help you get the most out of your trip. Having an itinerary before visiting Marrakech is useful. A list of places, including the opening times and addresses, will help you plan a stressfree visit.

    There are a number of places to keep you entertained. There are tourist attractions showcasing the historical significance of the city. Excellent day trips to fascinating places, including the Atlantic coast. You can visit interesting museums and learn ancient techniques passed down through generations. There are fun shopping experiences that offer demonstrations on how to make traditional Morroccan rugs and babouches.

    The next few posts are designed to help you choose sightseeing activities. I have included all the places I have visited. I want to give readers an idea of what to expect, including journey times, reviews, and when to visit.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The first time I visited Marrakech, I was unaware of what to expect. I spent 3 days in the main square and shopping in the souks. The time passed quickly, and I went home feeling as though I’d barely scratched the surface. The next time I visited, I had already done some research. I spent 3 days sightseeing, I went on a day trip and spent an evening watching the sunset in Agafay desert. I still had time for shopping in the souks and ate in some excellent restaurants. I returned home happy and satisfied. I realised that Marrakech is so much more than I ever expected. If I had known about the amount of things to do, I would have had a much better experience the first time.

    Read about the activities I have experienced and use the information to create an interesting itinerary. I continually update my blog to include more adventures. I include places to visit for budget conscious travellers, and most activities can be done without taking an official tour. My own experiences have been booked through Get Your Guide or the riad where I’m staying. This gives me peace of mind as a solo female traveller. If I were travelling as a group of friends, I would plan excursions outside of the city independently. I don’t use guides for sightseeing around the medina. However, they are available if you want one.

    Take note of places that may be of interest to you. Decide the most cost-effective way to experience them and plan accordingly. When choosing a tour, check the reviews on Get Your Guide to make sure you’re getting value for money. There are tour operators around the city, but I have never booked through them.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Lastly, Marrakech has a lot to offer, and you will not fit everything into your first visit. Plan a varied trip  that includes places of historical interest such as Bahia Palace or Ben Youssef Madrasa. Visit a couple of museums and at least one excursion out of the city. I also recommend making use of the parks around the city to enjoy some peace and tranquillity. The Souks are dynamic and exciting but limit your time to early morning or later in the evening. The main square comes alive at dusk, leaving the daytime free for other activities.

    Of course, you can always come back to this fascinating city if you don’t manage to see everything.

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  • The Museum of Mouassine Music.

    A museum hosting traditional music evenings.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Mouassine Museum of Music is in the Saadian quarter of the medina. It is housed in a recently restored 16th – 17th century house in the once aristocratic Mouassine area of Marrakech. The upper floor has a small guest room called a douiria. This is a prime example of fine Arab Andalusian architecture. The main room of the douiria is beautifully decorated, with carved stucco featuring geometric patterns and Kufic letter motifs as well as sculpted and painted wooden ceilings.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There are several rooms showcasing the diversity of musical traditions in Morocco. Amazigh music, Jewish tradition, daqqa marrakchia, Gnawa music, and Arab-Andalusian music. The Music Museum contains a wide range of instruments, photographs, and videos. It is a fascinating walk through the musical heritage of Africa and home to some fascinating artefacts.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    After visiting the museum, make your way upstairs to the pretty rooftop terrace where there is a restaurant called the Belvedere Terrace. There are great views of the medina and Atlas Mountains from up there.

    The museum also hosts popular events. Three times a week, there are musical evenings. Mondays, there is an Andalusian music concert. Wednesdays is a concert dedicated to Berber music, and Fridays is traditional gnawa music. These concerts commence between 6 and 7.00pm.The concerts are followed by a traditional tea ceremony. I recommend booking in advance to guarantee a place. They are very popular and fill up quickly.

    The Mouassine Museum of Music is a deep delve into the history and culture of Marrakech. It’s a colourful museum with fascinating exhibits. The price of entry is 80 dirhams and permits entry into the museum of photography also.

    The address is 4,5 Derb El Hammam Marrakech Morocco. It is situated near the southeastern corner of the Mouassine Mosque and the Mouassine fountain.  The area is quite dense, so look for signs or use Google maps to help you locate it.

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  • Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee.

    Taste traditional Saharan Coffee. 

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee is a hidden gem inside Souk El Kebir. It is here that rich aromatic coffee is brewed using hot saharan sand, gently spiced with a touch of Cardamom, Turmeric, or Cinnamon to give it a distinct flavour.

    To make it, the coffee is added to iced water inside small brass pots and then heated by moving it around by hand in hot sand. It’s an ancient technique of brewing coffee that involves no electricity, simply hot Merzouga sand.

    The coffee has a rich, dense, creamy flavour unlike any other coffee found in the medina. It is soothing and velvety.

    This charming little spot is humble in appearance, cosy and inviting. There is a small rooftop terrace where you can sit and enjoy your coffee in peace, a moment of sheer self-indulgence

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Chez Bismillah offers you a serene refuge where you can sit watching the medina come to life tucked away in a quiet space away from the crowds.

    It’s an experience watching the coffee being made from rich arabica and fragrant spices. In moments, it has heated up as if by magic. I savoured its unique taste whilst congratulating myself for finding this amazing discovery in the alleyways of the souks.

    Chez Bismillah is a unique experience firmly rooted in place and tradition. The friendly proprietor gives you a glimpse into a past that conjures up images of camel traders selling cloth in the fondouk and stretches of vast desert terrain.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s not just a cup of coffee. It’s an escape from reality, a moment of peace from the hectic rhythm of the busy souks.

    Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee can be found at 193 Souk El Kabir, it is open daily from 9.00am until 9.00pm with the exception of Saturday and Sunday when it closes at 7.00pm.

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  • Malah Cafe Restaurant.

    A budget friendly restaurant in the Mellah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Melah Cafe restaurant is located in Place des Ferblantiers, otherwise known as Tinsmiths Square.

    It is in the oldest Jewish quarter of the city towards the south of Jamaa, El Fna. This is the area where  artisans make things out of copper and tinplate, using skills passed down from generation to generation. There are shops selling traditional daggers, jewellery, tea trays, incense burners, and lamps.

    Melah Cafe restaurant is one of the many places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. The food served here is traditional morroccan and international cuisine. I had a panini and fries with a smoothie. It was much cheaper in comparison to the main square. The portion was large, and the food was tasty.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is plenty to see around Mallah Cafe restaurant. Shaded under a large umbrella, I watched stray cats wandering to and fro across the square. Occasionally, there are events taking place here. The area is also pedestrianised.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I enjoy spending time in Tinsmiths Square. It’s not as busy as other places around the medina. Finding an outdoor place to eat where I can watch things going on is a bonus. Malah Cafe restaurant is budget friendly too, which is another plus.

    There is a good selection on the menu at Malah Cafe restaurant. They also serve food suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Opening times are 8.30am until 11.00pm.The address is 23 Place des Ferblantiers

    The Mellah is home to a huge selection of herbs and spices. Don’t forget to check them out whilst visiting Tinsmiths Square.

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  • Henna Art Cafe.

    A restaurant where you can get genuine henna tattoos.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The first place I go when I arrive in the medina is Henna Art Cafe. It’s the perfect spot to refuel myself after the flight and long queues in the airport. Henna Art Cafe is a  place where I can familiarise myself with where I am and check Google maps for the location of my riad. It’s a quirky place with great food and the funkiest little bathroom. Even if it is a bit of a tight squeeze.

    On the first floor, you can get henna tattoos, and there are plenty of designs to choose from. All are 100% natural, and the henna ladies are very professional. I would recommend getting your henna tattoo done in a reputable place as opposed to Jamaa El Fna.

    Henna Art Cafe has a really relaxing vibe, and I often stop by to enjoy a meal at lunchtime whilst shopping in the medina. It’s also very reasonable if you’re on a tight budget. There is a good selection of food on the menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available.

    There is free WiFi, and it’s a  popular restaurant with digital nomads. It’s a friendly place and a good introduction to the medina without being overly stimulating.

    Henna Art Cafe is located in the heart of the medina, just a three minutes stroll down Riad Zeitoun al Kdim from Djemma El Fna. It is open 7 days a week from 11 to 8.30 PM. During Ramadan, it closes earlier at 5.30 PM.

    I recommend the freshly squeezed lemon juice. It’s tangy and refreshing and packed with vitamin C. Henna Art Cafe also does a nice fragrant tagine. If you’ve overdosed on tagine or couscous, there are plenty of other interesting options on the menu.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Payment for your meal is taken downstairs on the way out, and cards are accepted here.

    After a meal and a rest at Henna Art Cafe, I’m always ready to tackle the challenge of trying to locate my riad. My battery has recharged. I have begun to acclimatise to the change of temperature between my own country and North Africa.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I have a soft spot for this quirky little cafe. Henna Art Cafe was the first place I ate in the medina in 2022. I was eased into the culture change with a bowl of harissa soup and some traditional Morroccan bread.

    I could say this is where my love affair with Marrakech began.

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    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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