Sounds Of The Souks

Category: Nightlife.

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

Popular Bars around Marrakech

  • La Pergola Rooftop Bar.

    One of the places popular for cocktails in the medina

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    La Pergola rooftop bar is quite a little jungle.

    Situated in the medina, close to Jamaa El Fna, La Pergola is a popular restaurant serving food and alcohol including a great range of cocktails.

    The beautiful palm trees that grow up from the courtyard of Cafe Arabe make the ambience very tranquil and relaxing.

    It has a jungly, exotic ambience as you sit nestled amongst the palms.

    Part of Riad Monceau, La Pergola is open to the public and a very busy place, so booking for an evening meal or cocktails is recommended.

    It can be heaving with tourists due to its proximity to the main square.

    I spent an hour enjoying some peace and tranquillity during the afternoon, which is a much quieter time to visit than during the evening.

    I found it very relaxing sitting amongst the exotic trees and plants, listening to gentle background music.

    I enjoyed the fresh smoothies, which were beautifully presented with attention to detail.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Like most places serving alcohol in the medina, it is quite pricey.

    That is because Marrakech is a Muslim country, and alcohol is not widely consumed.

    The stunning surroundings of La Pergola make it worthwhile a visit, and although I didn’t try the food, the menu looked very good.

    I may be tempted to go again and indulge myself.

    Le Bistro Arabe is situated below  La Pergola in the courtyard.

    During the evening, they have live jazz musicians and serve food and alcohol.

    To get to La Pergola, you have to cross the courtyard of Le Bistro Arabe and mount the stairs until you come to the rooftop.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    During the evening, you can hear the live jazz band in Le Bistro Arabe.

    The atmosphere is very lively, and finding somewhere to sit is not easy.

    Booking beforehand guarantees you a seat.

    Seating is on different levels, giving views across the medina or looking down on the people below.

    Comfortable couches attract people to come and relax over a drink or two with friends and family.

    La Pergola is open daily from noon until 11.00pm.

    The address is;

    7/8 Riad Zitoun Lakdim.

    Marrakech 40000

    Morrocco.

    Situated in Riad Monceau, directly above Le Bistro Arabe.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of great shops in this area, and a stop off in La Pergola makes a welcome break from sightseeing.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Mo Mo’s Restaurant.

    A quirky place to dine with terrific views over the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mo Mo’s restaurant is a colourful and tastefully decorated restaurant in the medina.

    Inside, the tables are set with attractive earthenware, and there is so much to catch your eye strategically placed around the restaurant.

    There is a mid century feel to the restaurant, similar to the Tiki style.

    The colourful interior is vibrant and exciting, with pink and pale blue tones creating a relaxed ambience.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is very popular and the perfect place to watch the sun set over the medina.

    The views across the main square are perfect for observing all the action from a distance.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I decided to relax with a drink and watch the setting sun.

    It was quite spectacular.

    The opening time for serving dinner was 6.00pm, and the tables were filling up rapidly.

    The waiters were very busy due to the popularity of Mo Mo’s, and they were friendly and helpful, making the guests feel welcome.

    The menu is interesting, and the food is of good quality with decent portion sizes.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mo Mo’s is popular with all age groups, and there is plenty of space inside and out to accommodate a large number of people.

    There is certainly plenty to look at, and it’s a very instagrammable place.

    People were taking photos of the fascinating decor.

    It’s unlike other places in the medina, yet still exudes the same charm.

    It is modern and elegant, with a touch of chilled, mellow 1960s energy.

    Mo Mo’s serve Mediterranean food alongside traditional Moroccan specialities.

    Some reviews suggest that the menu is limited, but people say that they enjoyed the food and rated it as high quality.

    Mo Mo’s is quite a new restaurant, so the menu may be tweaked as time goes on to include more dishes.

    The breakfast is an innovative take on a full English breakfast served in a tagine.

    I can vouch for the drinks.

    They were beautifully presented and fresh.

    There was a good choice of juices and smoothies.

    I had a lovely smoothie and I could taste each individual fruit, it was very healthy.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re looking for somewhere with an explosion of colour, traditional yet with a modern twist, this is the perfect place.

    It is exciting and classy at the same time.

    I will definitely be returning..

    Mo Mo’s is open daily from 11.00am to 12.00am

    The address is;

    1 Riad Zitoun, Lakdim, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Limoni Italian Restaurant.

    A little slice of Italy in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Limoni Italian Restaurant is an excellent choice for diners who fancy a change from traditional Morroccan food.

    They serve both authentic Italian cuisine and traditional Morroccan food.

    The surroundings are incredibly pretty, with beautiful citrus trees around the courtyard and lovely little lanterns glowing brightly  from them.

    It’s very pretty and has a real European vibe inside the restaurant.

    There is also a rooftop area and outdoor seating if you have limited mobility.

    I chose a margarita pizza which was cooked to perfection.

    The base tasted really authentic, and the tomato sauce was exceptionally good.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I had a traditional Italian tirimisu for dessert, and that was also delicious.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    At Limoni, they serve a good choice of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wines, and spirits.

    I finished my meal with a limoncello, and it was a lovely end to a nice evening.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There is a warm fireplace for cooler evenings if you visit during the winter months.

    Limoni is a popular Italian restaurant.

    It is recommended to book as it can get busy.

    The address is,

    40 Rue Diour Saboun

    Marrakech 40000 Morrocco

    Limoni Italian restaurant is also suitable for wheelchair users.

    It’s a spacious restaurant with plenty of room to move around and the tables are not on top of each other.

    There are vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu.

    Limoni creates excellent pasta dishes, and apparently, the camel hamburger is quite popular here, too.

    Meals are competitively priced and have good value for money.

    Portions are a good size, and the food is delicious.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It was a very enjoyable dining experience at Limoni. Although it was quite busy, it felt intimate and relaxed.

    From the outside, it appears rather unassuming, but inside, the restaurant is elegant and refined without being pretentious.

    I would certainly return to try one of their pasta dishes. They looked really appetising.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Jamaa El Fna At Night.

    Sunset in the main square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The main square comes alive after dusk.

    If you think that the main square in Marrakech 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,  replaced by food vendors, henna ladies, street musicians, and 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, and the square takes on the appearance of a huge fair ground with thousands of people congregating.

    People from Marrakech and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold.

    The atmosphere is electric and vibrates with a magnetic energy.

    Street vendors pursue potential customers with menus as they try to navigate their way through the crowds.

    They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are part of some assault course.

    Images by Freebird Tracey

    Sometimes, they can be very persistent, and you can feel pretty intimidated.

    Camel head and fresh snails may not be your thing, and you have to be quite firm when telling them you’ve already eaten.

    Although the scene is very intense, it is magical and exciting.

    I really enjoyed myself, but other people were saying that they felt overwhelmed.

    They preferred sitting on the edge of the square, sipping mint tea, and observing from a safe distance.

    It is unlike anything else you may have experienced.

    There is so much to see. There are games being played, and a few little scams take place to trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.

    Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee.

    Youths play football against the walls of the medina.

    Sugarcane and fresh juice are sold from vending carts by lively vendors in high spirits.

    Bemused onlookers sit observing everything outside restaurants or from the rooftops around the square 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 and everything takes place.

    It’s an incredible experience.

    The bright lights dazzle from the food vendors, and beautiful Morroccan lamps sit for sale on blankets lighting the way, giving off a wonderful glow.

    The scent of fragrant incense competes with the aroma of sheeps head cooking, floating through the air on the breeze.

    Tourists tempted to try a traditional bowl of snails queue to sample this culinary delight.

    Drums beat, belly dancers perform to curious onlookers and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd.

    You can not escape the craziness.

    It draws you in.

    It is the heartbeat of the city.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Jamaa El Fna magnetises you.

    The sheer chaos is a complete assault on the senses in every way possible.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Just be mindful when stopping to take photos.

    Someone in the thick of the action is eagle eyed and continuously watching for interested tourists who have stopped to watch.

    They will spring upon you from out of nowhere, cap in hand for 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 is truly a spectacle to behold.

    Lively, colourful, aromatic, and noisy.

    Be sure to visit and become a part of what makes Marrakech so unique.

    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 obvious scams.

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  • Kabana Rooftop Bar.

    A lively bar serving alcohol in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kabana Rooftop Bar is a lively, popular place serving a wide range of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.

    They have a good selection of high-quality dishes on the menu to suit all palates.

    You enter the bar from the road, and it’s up a couple of flights of stairs.

    From the outside, it looks rather unassuming, but inside, it is very modern and tastefully furnished.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are lanterns hanging everywhere, giving off a cosy, glow, and music videos playing on a large television screen.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s a very busy venue with young and old alike, and booking is essential to be guaranteed a seat.

    The bar itself is huge, serving a variety of alcoholic beverages and cocktails.

    You can either sit inside the bar or on the rooftop, where most people prefer to hang out listening to the music.

    Table service is provided.

    The food is delicious..

    I took my son for his birthday meal and he chose the steak. He said it was cooked to perfection.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Some people have expressed mixed reviews, saying waiting times to be served are lengthy and found it was a little pricey in comparison to other places.

    The food is Mediterranean inspired, and they also have a sushi menu.

    Kababa gets very busy, and booking is advisable to guarantee a place, especially if you only wish to visit for a drink.

    Lunchtime is generally quieter, and the lunch menu is also very good.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The bathroom is rather special too..

    Kabana rooftop bar is lively and loud. It is typical of somewhere you’d expect to find in Gueliz.

    There is a spectacular view of Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop, especially at nighttime.

    It’s slightly shielded because drinking alcohol with the Mosque in full view is prohibited in Islamic culture.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kabana rooftop bar has a very cosmopolitan vibe..

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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 relaxed dress code.

    It is not the ideal place for a romantic or quiet meal, I found it rather difficult to hold a conversation amidst the crowds of people and loud music.

    Lunchtime would be better suited if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.

    There are plenty of places in the medina offering a quieter environment if that’s something you’re looking for.

    Kabana is a modern cocktail bar with a vibrant energy  within walking distance for people staying in the medina.

    It’s definitely worth a visit if you want an exciting evening out in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The address is,

    Kissariat Ben Khalid R’mila,

    1 Rue Fatima Zahra,

    40000 Marrakech Morocco.

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  • Le Salama Restaurant.

    A popular rooftop restaurant with traditional entertainment.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Salama is a modern restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

    The restaurant has a nice rooftop area that gets very busy and is extremely popular with tourists.

    I would recommend booking in advance for a table there as it fills up very early.

    The decor of the restaurant is traditionally Morroccan with an al fresco vibe.

    There are beautiful plants throughout the interior, and it feels like you are sitting outside in nature.

    There are two bars serving a range of alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic drinks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I had eaten earlier, so I chose a plate of delicious Morroccan pastries with a cold glass of Casablanca beer.

    Other diners were enjoying a variety of excellent dishes from the menu, which looked very appealing.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    At 9.00pm each evening, the entertainment begins.

    Belly dancers dance around the tables, encouraging the diners to participate.

    It was fun to watch, and everyone in the restaurant appeared to be having a good time.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    I have to admit that the service was slightly slow. However, it was Ramadan, so exceptions have to be made during this month.

    I was by myself as a solo female traveller, and I didn’t feel conspicuous at all.

    The waiters were polite and helpful, and it didn’t seem to be a problem that I only ordered a dessert and one drink.

    I wasn’t pressured to leave, and I spent time enjoying the live entertainment.

    Le Salama is steps away from Jamaa El Fna.

    It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and recharge your batteries before stepping back out into the crowds of tourists in the busy main square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Salama can be found on,

    40 rue des banques, and it’s open until 2.00 am

    They serve a good range of cocktails and are open for lunch and dinner.

    They also have a children’s menu.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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