Visit a fixed price arts and craft centre in Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is a government sponsored initiative for skilled artisans.
A short walk away from Jamaa El Fna, opposite Cyber Park, is this unique space in Marrakech. Within the complex, you will find artisans creating beautiful artwork, including paintings, rugs, and pottery.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It was established for artisans to teach their work to apprentices, and it’s a more low-key shopping experience than the souks. The best artisans are picked to work here, and there is usually only one or two representing each speciality, unlike in the souks. There are wonderful examples of excellent craft work, including brass and copper crafts, lamps, leather work, musical instruments, and much more..
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Prices are fixed, and all the profit goes to the artisans.
Shopping in this fascinating area gives you an idea of how much you should be charged for items in the souks. Some things here are slightly pricer, but you don’t have to bargain hard, and it’s a more relaxed shopping experience.
Within the complex is a simple restaurant for food and drinks. It’s a cute waterhole to take a rest and admire the attractive setting. The tiled surroundings of Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex are very beautiful to look at and complimented by small green areas with plants.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There is also calligraphy available. If you want a gift for someone, consider getting their name in Arabic printed onto a nice postcard.
I enjoyed spending a couple of hours away from the hectic pace of the medina. The slow rhythmic tapping of skilled artisans at work was a nice change of pace. Watching the ladies demonstrate carpet weaving on a traditional loom was really interesting, and I was also invited to have a go.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is located on Mohammed V Avenue. It’s about a 6 minute walk from the Jamaa El Fna. The times of opening are 9.30am until 7.00pm, with the exception of Sunday when they close at 2.00pm.
I found a few lovely paintings to take home with me, which were painted by a local artist and beautifully handcrafted mirrors that caught my eye.
Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is a perfect respite from the chaos of the medina and a wonderful spot to pick up a few lovely treasures whilst experiencing the local people showcasing their exceptional skills.
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.
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.
If you think that Jamaa El Fna is a busy place during the daytime, be prepared for a surprise once the sun begins to set. Gone are the snake charmers and monkeys on chains, to be replaced by open-air restaurants, gnawa musicians, gambling, and exotic dancers.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The scene is organised chaos and a complete sensory overload. The sights, sounds, and smells are not for the faint-hearted. The drumming becomes intense as the main square takes on the image of a huge fair ground.
Thousands of people from all over the city and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold. The exciting atmosphere is electric and pulsates with energy.
Street vendors looking for potential customers pursue you with menus as you try to navigate your way through the crowds. They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are taking part in some sort of assault course.
Images by Freebird Tracey
The aroma from camel heads cooking on a spit drifts across the square, and fresh snails being plucked from their shells becomes a familiar sight.
Although the scene is very intense, it is also magnetic and exciting. I love the energy in Jamaa El Fna after dusk, but some people find it too overwhelming. They prefer to sit at the edge of the square, away from the crowds, and watch everything from a safe distance with a drink.
Jamaa El Fnaa at dusk is unlike anything else you may have experienced. There is so much to see.There are games being played, and a few little scams are taking place to try and trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.
Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee. Families wander around the stalls that are brightly lit up and open until late. Young men enjoy kicking a football against the walls of the medina, and couples sit on benches chatting to each other in the warm evening air.
Sugarcane and fruit juice are sold by lively vendors, and the banter is all done in high spirits. Tourists dine on rooftop terraces as the Koutoubia mosque rings out the call to prayer.
As the sun sets, the crowds flock, and the atmosphere becomes electrifying.The square is transformed into a social hub where anything is possible and everything appears to take place at the same time. It’s an incredible experience.
Dazzling bright lights from the open air food vendors and Morroccan lamps for sale on blankets give off a warm, inviting glow. The heady fragrance from incense cones competes with the smell of food cooking, each wafting through the air on a gentle breeze.
Henna ladies sit waiting for unsuspecting tourists and then grab their arms in an attempt to sell them a tattoo. They tell you,”It’s a gift,” but don’t you dare to walk away without paying once they’ve applied it.
You can hear the sound of the gnawa musicians playing dressed in their brightly coloured clothing, belly dancers perform, and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd of curious onlookers, you can’t escape the mayhem. After all, the famous Jamaa El Fnaa is the heartbeat of the city, and it draws you in because it’s a special place and there’s nowhere else quite like it.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Jamaa El Fna magnetises you. The chaos that surrounds you is an assault on the senses. It’s an experience, an education, and a head-first dive into the rich culture of Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Although there’s so much going on after dusk, please be mindful when stopping to take photos. Someone in the thick of the action will be eagle eyed enough to catch you. They are continuously on the lookout for tourists who have stopped to watch. They will pounce upon you from out of nowhere, with a cap in their hand expecting a donation.
After sunset, it’s as though the whole of Morrocco has come out to play in Jamaa El Fna, and they are determined to have a good time. It’s a sight to behold, lively, energetic, colourful, aromatic, and incredibly loud. Be sure to visit this remarkable place and witness what it is that makes Marrakech so magical. It’s certainly an eye-opener.
Although it’s mostly safe around the square, exercise the usual caution in large crowded areas and try to avoid any obvious scams.
One thing that is central to Morroccon culture is the hammam.
A hammam is similar to a Roman bath and dates back centuries in morrocco. It is a ritualistic cleansing that people do before prayer. This is the reason many hammams can be found near a mosque.
Before homes had plumbing, a communal hammam was the place where Moroccan people went to bathe. They were a sacred space where people gathered to socialise and relax, separated by gender.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Hammams are still widely used in Morocco today. They’ve become increasingly popular with tourists who wish to learn more about the country’s fascinating culture.
The treatment always begins in a dry steam room. Heat opens up your pores and prepares your body for scrubbing. Morroccan black soap is used to scrub your body vigorously. It is a grainy soap made from olive oil and macerated olives, perfect for exfoliating and removing dead skin cells.
Traditionally, scrubbing is followed by throwing buckets of water over you to wash off the black soap. In a public hammam, buckets of cold and hot water are thrown simultaneously, which can be very invigorating.
In some of the luxurious private hammams, Rassoul clay from the high Atlas mountains is used to cover your body. It contains rich minerals such as silica, magnesium, and calcium, which is good for the skin. Next, your body and hair are lathered with a gentle soap or gel to wash off any residue. This is the final part of the cleansing ritual.
Once your body and hair are thoroughly exfoliated and clean, you receive a massage using fragrant oils such as rose or argan oil. This is an intensely relaxing experience.
Once the treatment is over, you are encouraged to relax with a pot of mint tea and morroccan pastries. The fragrant incense filling the room induces a calm and relaxing ambience.
There are two options for experiencing a hammam in Marrakech. One is a public hammam, and the other is a private one.
A public hammam is a true taste of Morroccan life, where local people bathe together chatting in darija,the Arabic dialect spoken in Morocco. Sometimes, women take their children in, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. When you use a public hammam, you have to purchase your own soap and oils to take in. Using a public hammam is less expensive and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the life of local people in Marrakesh. Public hammams are perfect for travellers on a budget, but don’t expect any frills. However, they are up close and personal to the customs and traditions of Moroccan people.
On the other hand, private hammams provide you with everything you need. This includes soaps, massage oils, disposable underwear, a bathrobe, and sandals. Treatment options will vary, from the length of treatment to which kind of massage you prefer. You also get to choose which oils you would like. Interior decor can be quite luxurious, including exotic plants and comfortable couches to relax on. You are welcome to stay for as long as you want once the treatment is finished and some hammams serve food. Les Bains Kenaria is a prime example of a hammam with tranquil surroundings and good food.
It’s worth pointing out that the underwear given to women is very flimsy. Some women ask for the male underwear instead. Nubies sometimes feel vulnerable in front of strangers with only a thong hiding their modesty. However, the rooms inside the hammam are dimly lit, and the Kassalas working there are very discreet. Most women soon get over their initial shyness.
Hammam Mouassine is the oldest hammam in the city of Marrakesh. It opened in 1562 and can be found by the Mouassine fountain, close to the secret garden. Many riads also have a hammam, and this service is available for guests to book.
Here are a few hammams in Marrakech you might wish to visit,
. Hammam de la rose.
. Mamounia Hamman..
. Les Bains Ziani.
. Les Bains Kenaria.
Palm oil is sometimes used when washing hair, so if you don’t agree with the use of it, check beforehand.
Visiting a hammam has been an ancient ritual that has been part of Morroccan culture for centuries. Experiencing a traditional hammam is a break from the chaotic souks and Jamaa El Fna. It can be a relief from the baking heat in Marrakech and a chance to slow down from the manic pace. Tourists who visit a hammam come away feeling refreshed, invigorated, and relaxed. Some tourists even become hooked, expressing it’s an unusual experience,difficult to describe in words, but they feel amazing afterwards and can not wait to go again.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
If possible, I recommend paying a bit more for a private hammam, especially if it’s your first time. You feel less self-conscious because they’re similar to spa treatments in the West. It’s possible to book this kind of hammam through Get Your Guide, and they can come and collect you so you know where to go.
If you want a taste of true Marrakchi life head for a public hammam. They’re budget friendly, and you can buy Morroccan black soap and other items you’ll need in the souks or the spice square. Don’t forget to take a towel, bathrobe and some fresh underwear in with you.
Maison Culturelle du Tapis is tucked away in the souks and a place you must see if you’re in Marrakech. It’s a museum containing a remarkable exhibition of Berber carpets and a journey through the ancestral history of the tribes who created them. Beautiful carpets are draped along the walls of this boutique museum, each one made by different tribes and eras in Moroccan history.
Situated deep within the medina at 16-18 Derb Deffa Ourbaa, it’s slightly hidden, but the vendors in the souk will point you in the right direction if you struggle to find it.
The museum is a fascinating walk through the history of traditional carpet weaving, and some of them on display are generations old. They have been beautifully preserved, and each one is a testimony to Moroccos weaving heritage.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Every room of this tastefully restored 17th century riad invites you to look at each different region’s identity, from the Atlas Mountains to Rabat. You get to learn the meanings of Berber symbols and the specific colours each tribe used when weaving their carpets. Each carpet is unique and tells its own story.
There are descriptions to help you appreciate the work that goes into creating each piece, including a detailed history about the Berber tribes who produced them. There’s also an interesting video showing you the process of creating the carpets and the history of the Berber women who spend months skillfully weaving each piece.
On the first floor, you will find a workshop where you can have a go at making a small tapestry to take away with you. This is a two hour activity and ideal for families.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
One of the treasures on display in the museum is the Rabat carpet, a symbol of royal elegance renowned for its rich decoration and finery.
The museum also houses a collection of exquisite rare 20th-century carpets and modern contemporary pieces.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
A visit to this delightful place was a nice break for me from the densely packed medina, and I would thoroughly recommend stopping by to have a look around it.
There’s a small shop inside the museum selling rugs, cushion covers, and bags with pieces of woven tapestry stitched into the centre. They are the perfect souvenir or gift to take home with you.
After exploring the museum, you can relax on the pretty rooftop terrace, where you’ll find a nice cafe to have a light snack, homemade pastries, or a drink. The views across the medina from up here are incredible.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The museum is open from 10.00 am until 6.00pm and there’s a small entrance fee. It’s definitely worth every dirham to delve into the rich, cultural ancestry of the Amazigh and learn about their exceptional carpet weaving skills. Highly recommended.
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.
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.
Pikala Cafe has a quirky, boho vibe. Amongst others, it attracts coworkers and health-conscious people. If you are brave, you can also hire bicycles here for the day to cycle around Marrakech.
Pikala Cafe supports local youth by offering bicycle education and tours around the city. Profits support the Pikala Foundation, which fund bicycle projects and provide young locals with education and job opportunities.
It’s a socially conscious cafe and cultural space serving vegetarian and vegan options. The breakfasts here are delicious, and they also do an assortment of snacks and healthy smoothies.
The place itself is very pretty, with plenty of nooks to sit and relax in, including a nice rooftop. Being an open-air cafe, it is perfect when the heat becomes stifling in Marrakech. There are areas in the shade.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I had the detox smoothie, and it was invigorating. I also opted for a bowl of lentil soup, which was really tasty. The bread was so fresh.
On a separate occasion, I tried the freshly squeezed lemonade. It was zesty and tangy, giving me the boost I needed for tackling the busy souks.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Pikola Cafe attracts a lot of fitness enthusiasts and is a really cool place to hang out. The food is the highlight. Ingredients are always fresh. Therefore, the quality of the food and drink is of a high standard. Popular dishes include baghrir pancakes and pitta bowls.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat and a cool place to relax, Pikala Cafe is definitely worth checking out. They also have free WiFi.
Pikala Cafe opens from 9.00 am. daily and closes at 5.00pm. On Thursdays, Fridays,and Saturdays, it closes at 10.00pm. The address is 139 Arset, Aouzal Road, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.
This unassuming restaurant cafe in the medina is undoubtedly one of the most popular amongst the locals in Marrakech. The Guardian voted it one of the 10 best places to eat in the medina.
From the outside, the restaurant looks humble, but the food is another story entirely.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There are a number of excellent tagines on the menu, and most diners come just to sample those. Choose from rabbit, fish, meat, or vegetarian options. They’re all cooked to perfection by the well-known and respected friendly chef.
This lively little restaurant has almost become an institution in the medina. It’s not just a meal. It’s an experience. For travellers on a budget, the food here is cheap but not at the expense of its quality. It is a known fact that if a restaurant is full of locals, it must be good.
Upstairs, there is a small rooftop terrace overlooking the lively alleyways of the souk. It is opposite Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee and impossible to miss with its colourful and quirky interior.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Terrace Bakchich has managed to retain its authenticity amidst the growing tide of tourism. It is not fancy. The food speaks for itself. If you’re looking for good food in an environment that is charming, rustic, and cosy, this place is for you. The experience of eating with the locals is the best way to get to know the culture of the city.
Terrace Bakchich is close to the vegetable and fruit markets, so ingredients are always fresh.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
With the most expensive dish on the menu being 150 dirhams, eating here is kind on the wallet. This leaves you with more money to spend in the souks. The restaurant only accepts cash, so be sure you have some with you if you’re thinking of visiting.
Terrace Bakchich is near to popular attractions such as Ben Youssef Madrasa and Marrakech Museum. The location is 294 Rue Talaa Marrakech, and opening times are 10.00am until 10.00pm daily. Outdoor seating is available.
The Sound Of The Souks 