The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Hammam

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.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • The Marrakech Museum.

    A fascinating museum next to Ben Youssef Madrasa.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech Museum has a calmer atmosphere than other tourist attractions.

    It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful museums I have ever seen. Literally, next door to Ben youssef Madrasa, it’s in a perfect location for combining both sightseeing attractions.

    I had mixed feelings about visiting after reading reviews, suggesting there wasn’t much to see. I was so glad that I did. It was really beautiful inside and held a lot of information about the Amazigh culture and the history of Marrakech.

    The museum was once Dar Mnebhi Palace, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century by Mehdi al-Mnebhi. It was renovated by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation and became a museum in 1997.

    It now houses a selection of art objects, including Berber jewellery, weapons, carpets, costumes, and pottery from Fes. There is also a variety of modern contemporary art that changes regularly to keep it exciting. Regular events and exhibitions are also held here.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The architecture is stunning with a large courtyard containing a huge central chandelier made up of brass pieces cut into ornate geometric and arabesque motifs.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There are fountains with beautiful coloured zellige tiles and rooms that branch off with ornate cedar wood and stucco decoration. There is also a centuries old hammam.

    In one corner of the courtyard sits a calligrapher who can write your name in Arabic on a postcard. If you want this as a gift, get him to scribe it before you begin looking around the museum as it takes a little while to dry.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Outside is a large open courtyard with a cafe where you can have drinks and light snacks. There’s also a small shop selling good quality prints, postcards and other interesting stuff.

    I really enjoyed the Marrakech museum. The architecture was beautiful, and I found it more low-key and less crowded than some of the other attractions around Marrakech. I liked the structure of the building from the outside and the typical red coloured clay that glows in different hues in the sunlight.

    I would recommend stopping by to explore some of the exhibits in the Marrakech Museum after visiting Ben Youssef Madrasa.There is no cafe within the Madrasa, so it’s a great place to stop and take a break from the heaving number of tourists and spend some time in a calmer environment.

    The Marrakech Museum is located at J2H6+VPJ, Place Ben Youssef, Marrakech 40000, and opening hours are 9.30am-6.00pm daily.

    There’s a small entry fee of approximately 50 dirhams.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Riads In Marrakech Medina.

    What to know before choosing a riad.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are so many riads in Marrakech that it can be difficult to choose one. The following posts are dedicated to helping you decide.

    By showcasing my own experiences, I hope to give visitors an idea of what staying in a riad is like. Obviously, these are my personal opinions, so do check other people’s reviews too.

    There are a number of hostels in the medina that are renovated riads. These are perfect for  budget conscious travellers. There are also luxury riads that were former palaces. Somewhere in between are the mid price range that have been beautifully restored. It’s these riads that I favour. The small personal touches and  laid-back friendly atmosphere make these riads feel welcoming and intimate.

    For the best experience, consider staying in more than one riad. I like to spend 3-4 days in a small family owned riad. I  find this a good option when I’m out a lot sightseeing and using the riad as a base or somewhere to sleep. I spend the last few days relaxing in a more luxurious riad. It makes sense to pay more if you are going to use the facilities. A restored former palace is a peaceful environment in which to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. After exploring the busy medina, it’s the perfect way to finish a visit to Marrakech.

    When choosing somewhere to stay, check the location. Decide how close you would like to be to the main square. Consider how much walking you are prepared to do in the heat. Check the facilities on offer. Does the riad provide a hammam, breakfast, and dinner? Do they supply a taxi to pick you up at the airport?Is there parking available? Also, check payment methods. Some riads only accept payment in cash. Decide whether you want to stay in a quieter area such as the Kasbah. There is also the Mellah, which is the old Jewish quarter of the medina. Lastly, read the latest reviews before choosing a riad.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Staying in a traditional riad is the best way to experience the history and culture of Marrakech. Each riad has its own story from the past. Inside the unassuming walls, you can imagine families who spent hours in the tranquillity of the courtyard and evenings chatting together on the rooftop terrace as the sun went down. For people who have read the tales of Arabian Nights, staying in a traditional riad feels as though you have been encapsulated into one of the stories. It’s a magical experience.

    If you’re a light sleeper, taking a set of earplugs is essential. The call to prayer echos across the medina early every morning, and soundproofing in these ancient constructions is not the best. However, it’s a small price to pay for an authentic experience in a traditional Morroccan house.

    Here is the list of riads I feature in my next posts. It is continuously updated.

    • Monriad
    • Riad Persephone
    • La Maison Des Oliviers
    • Riad Hikaya
    • Riad Dombaraka
    • Riad Zouhour
    • Riyadh Al Moussika
    • The Bohemian Jungle
    • Riad Blue Berber
    • Riad Laila
    • Riad Jardin Lea                      
    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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