The Spice Square, also known as Rahba Kedima, is a smaller market, less densely packed with tourists.
It is located at the end of Souk Semmarine and a five minute walk from Jamaa El Fna.
It is here that you will find a wonderful selection of spices, including saffron, cumin, and turmeric.
The spices are beautifully displayed in pyramids around the square, and the air is fragrant with the scent of incense.
There are dried herbs, oils, potions, tea, and the traditional Moroccan lip stain.
The Spice Square is the traditional apothecary of Marrakech and a treasure trove of Moroccan culture.
In the Spice Square, you will also find hand woven baskets, hats, baby tortoises, and a range of shops selling Amazigh jewellery and other stuff.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It is a vibrant, colourful market with a less frantic pace than Jamaa El Fna.
It is home to popular restaurants like the Cafe Des Espices, a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the market.
Nomad is also in close proximity to the Spice Square.
The Spice Square is not far from the Medersa Ben Youseff and Marrakech museum, so it’s ideal for making it part of your day when visiting both of these attractions.
Until the 20th century, Rahba Kedima was the cities grain market and the place where slaves were sold.
It is now the epicentre of the medina where you can pick up the famous Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout and watch the spice sellers who come down from the mountain villages at 4.00 in the afternoon to sell their trade to the professionals.
The smells and colours are heady with friendly vendors, demonstrating the benefits of eucalyptus.
The Spice Square is a photogenic place where you will be met with a glimpse of trading traditions from the past.
It’s the perfect balance between a bustling market experience and a relaxing, more laid-back atmosphere.
An authentic district of Marrakech with more local people.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The Kasbah is a quieter part of Marrakech, with fewer tourists than the medina.
Staying in the Kasbah, you feel totally immersed in the culture of Marrakech as you rub shoulders with the friendly locals.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops including a good fixed price store selling everything you will find in the souks at a realistic price.
*See my separate post on Dar Bouchaib.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Inside the Kasbah, you can visit tourist attractions like the Saadian tombs and El Badi Palace.
Zeitoune Cafe overlooking the mosque is a lovely spot for lunch or a drink whilst taking a break from sightseeing.
Sitting outside on the colourful cushions people watching in the Moroccan sun was quite an experience.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The kasbah is about 15 to 20 minutes leisurely walking from the main square with plenty to see along the way.
The walk is interesting, with many shops and vendors selling all kinds of stuff.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
In the kasbah, there are a range of budget and high-end riads to stay in.
It is definitely quieter than the medina.
I stayed in Riad Hikaya, it was absolutely lovely and a totally relaxing few days for me.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
*See my separate article about staying at Riad Hikaya.
The Kasbah is the historical citadel in Marrakesh with fortified walls.
The narrow alleyways make it an exciting place to visit, and there are fewer motorcycles and donkeys trying to negotiate the streets at the same time as you, making it less stressful than the medina.
There are plenty of good restaurants to enjoy nice food so you won’t have to go too far.
The Kasbah is home to the Clock restaurant and its legendary camel burger and storytelling evenings.
Also, the Kasbah Cafe is a popular place for lunch and dinner.
Krepchy does a fantastic breakfast, and the prices are very reasonable.
I highly recommend the waffles.
To return from the medina, consider taking a tuk-tuk if the weather is hot.
It’s quite an adventure in itself as you rattle along the bumpy streets.
Spending an hour or two enjoying this interesting area of Marrakech is definitely worth it.
The locals are very friendly, and it was a pleasure getting the opportunity to sit and chat with them.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I would recommend staying in the kasbah if you prefer a quieter, more authentic experience in Marrakech.
A fixed price store in the Kasbah selling everything.
If you are fed up with haggling every time you want to buy something, there is a fixed price store in the Kasbah called Dar Bouchaib.
Here, you will find everything that’s for sale in the souks but at a fixed price.
The perfumed oils are of a very high quality, and you can create your own signature fragrance by blending several oils together.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
On the ground floor, there are ceramics, jewellery, clothing, footwear, bags, souvenirs, and much more.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
On the first floor, exquisite furniture, mirrors, Berber rugs, and other beautiful handmade pieces to furnish your home with.
They also ship worldwide.
The staff are incredibly helpful, and you can wander around the shop leisurely without any pressure to buy.
The store is huge and worth visiting just to see the craftsmanship and detail that’s gone into creating the furniture and mirrors on the upper floor.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The Kasbah is a 15 – to 20-minute walk from the main square with plenty of interesting shops and good restaurants along the way.
Here, you will find the Saadian tombs and El Badi Palace.
Dar Bouchaib can be found on;
Rue de La Kasbah,
Marrakech 40000.
Opening times are;
Daily from 9.00 am until 8.30 pm.
Bank holiday hours may differ.
Although part of visiting Marrakech is to enjoy shopping in the souks, sometimes haggling and knowing how much you should be paying for something can become slightly stressful.
Dar Bouchaib is a relaxed shopping experience with everything under one roof.
The prices are fixed and reflect what you should be paying for each item.
There is also a massive selection of wonderful Berber rugs for sale in the store.
Make it part of your visit to the Kasbah area.
You won’t be disappointed.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Dar Bouchaib is a few steps away from Krepchy.
If you’re sightseeing in the kasbah, I would recommend taking a look around this impressive store.
You may find something interesting to take home with you.
El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor of the Saadian dynasty.
The palace was built to showcase the considerable wealth of the Saadian dynasty and was a prime example of Islamic architecture and exquisite craftsmanship.
Using both Moroccan and European influences, the palace was beautifully decorated with intricate mosaic tiles, marble arches, and ornate carvings.
The palace was home to the sultans harem and included over 500 women.
Now, only the ruins remain.
After Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor died in 1603, the palace fell into neglect and was subsequently stripped away with the materials being used for other buildings in Morocco.
The palace is certainly worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of Marrakech and the ruling elite centuries ago.
The exhibition space contains the Almoravid Minbar, which is a finely decorated pulpit that once stood in the Koutoubia Mosque.
It also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions.
The underground chambers contain information and photographs about the palaces history.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The palace was badly damaged during the earthquake in 2023, and renovations have taken place to repair the cracks in the walls.
El Badi Palace is situated in the Kasbah district of Marrakech and a popular tourist attraction.
The courtyards are impressive, and the nesting storks on the towers give it a magical feel.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
You get a sense of the grandeur of the Saadian dynasty, and there’s a feeling of peace and tranquillity within the walls of the once opulent palace.
El Badi Palace is open every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm and costs 100 dirhams to enter.
It is the first Moroccan tea house in marrakech, serving 12 teas from the 12 areas of Morrocco.
Set inside a former riad, it is a beautiful place to come and sample the 12 delicious teas on offer, along with modern oriental cakes.
There is table service, and the food is nicely presented, tasty, and varied.
There is a selection of light snacks to accompany your choice of tea available on the menu also.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The name 1112 signifies the date 1700 in the gregorian calendar and is etched into the wooden ceiling of the riad.
The riad was beautifully restored by a morroccan family who have been renowned for their expertise in the restoration of such properties since the 1990s.
The architecture is beautiful. Wooden ceilings, intricate tile work, and exotic plants make it a delightful environment for sitting and reflecting on the past history of the importance of tea in Morrocco.
There are interesting facts about the introduction of tea into Morocco and a shop selling nicely packaged tea if you’re looking for a gift to take home with you.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
1112 has a nice rooftop.
After exploring the museum, it is worthwhile taking a look around this exquisite riad and savouring the whole experience.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Situated close to Ben Youssef, the address is;
12 Place De La Kissariat, Ben Youssef,
Marrakech.
They are open for breakfast and lunch.
What a lovely way to begin the day, or take a peaceful break from exploring the busy medina..
A look at how you can spend a typical day in the red city.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The perfect day in Marrakech begins by waking up early to watch the sunrise from the rooftop of my riad.
I listen to the birds singing in the courtyard and hear the sound of the medina as it gradually comes to life.
I watch cats prowl along the rooftops, and below me, I can hear the clattering of plates as staff prepare a delicious breakfast.
The first glass of freshly squeezed orange juice hits the spot perfectly.
I enjoy a breakfast of msemen pancakes with homemade jam, amlou, and honey.
Fresh fruit, yoghurt, and eggs.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
After a refreshing shower, I head out into the medina for a glass of atay in a cafe overlooking the main square.
Sat outside, I observe the vendors setting up for the day.
The entertainers are getting ready to entice the crowds of tourists, and the local ladies are on their way to the market for fresh herbs and spices.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
My next destination is the souks before they get too busy.
Vendors are eager for their first sale of the day, and bargaining is much easier early in the morning.
The colourful array of things on offer is a sight to behold.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Cats gather for a few morsels off the butcher, and locals toss a few titbits for them to eat.
They vye with each other for the perfect spot in which to laze around in the sunshine.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I check out the wonderful Amazigh jewellery, the argan oil, and the beautiful ceramics and mirrors on display in the narrow alleyways.
At the same time, I dodge motorcycles and donkey carts as they make their way to wherever they’re going.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
I buy one or two souvenirs, promise to go back for other things, and then decide it’s time for a light snack.
A cafe with colourful outdoor seating calls out to me, and I choose a selection of delicious pastries with a pot of mint tea.
I sit for a while people watching and enjoy the scenes as they unfold around me.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It’s fascinating watching daily life go by in the medina.
Tourists look in awe at the beautiful things for sale, and vendors call out to them with their friendly banter.
After recharging my batteries, it’s time to do some sightseeing.
I head towards Madrasa Ben Youssef and take the opportunity to get some photos of the stunning architecture.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The medina is beginning to get very busy, so I make my way to the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque to sit quietly for a while.
I take in the beautiful surroundings and relax amongst the beautiful trees and plants.
I watch the fountain.
It feels cool and refreshing as it sprays up into the air beside me.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Afterwards, I treat myself to a sugarcane juice from a vendor outside.
It’s an acquired taste but goes down well as the day is steadily getting warmer.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The heat is becoming quite intense, so I return to my riad for a rest.
I make my way up onto the rooftop for a spot of sunbathing.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The call to prayer echos across the medina.
A familiar sound that echos across Marrakech five times a day.
I read a book and order myself a cold drink which arrives with olives.
Soon, it’s time to get ready for the evening.
I decide to go to La Pergola rooftop bar for a couple of cocktails.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a lively atmosphere, and there are lots of people enjoying a drink and chatting.
Afterwards, I head towards Jamaa El Fna.
The energy is electric.
Food vendors touting for business, dancing, drumming, and crowds of tourists gather to witness the spectacle.
The smell of food cooking makes me feel hungry, so I decide to find a nice place to dine.
I choose a place that has a rooftop overlooking the square to watch the sunset.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I enjoy a traditional tagine, which is flavourful and aromatic.
I’m tempted by the exotic sounding smoothies on the menu and treat myself to one containing dried fruit.
I watch the beautiful sunset and everywhere has a golden glow.
I am satisfied and content, but the evening is still young.
I take a leisurely walk to The Clock, situated in the kasbah to listen to some traditional storytelling.
After an interesting time immersing myself in the culture of Morrocco, I decide to head back to my riad.
I pick up a few more souvenirs along the way.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Back at the riad, I sit in the courtyard reflecting on my day.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I ask the staff for suggestions for the next day.
We chat about possibilities, and they help me put together a few ideas.
I have had a perfect day..
I have experienced a different culture, tasted delicious food, watched a magnificent sunset, chatted with friendly locals, and navigated my way through the maze of souks without getting too lost.
I fall asleep.
I am tired but happy and ready to do it all again tomorrow.
A place of serenity and calm in the middle of the souks.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a hidden gem, a peaceful retreat from the madness of the souks, and Jamaa el Fna.
Le Jardin Secret is a little oasis with exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy calm, beautiful surroundings, listening to the birds in the trees.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There is a beautifully painted pergoda in the centre, for sitting in the shade.
Le Jardin Secret boasts two attractive large gardens and has one of the highest towers in the medina.
There is a museum, a boutique, and two coffee shops on site for light refreshments.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Le Jardin Secret dates back 400 years ago to the Saadian dynasty and was left to decay before being discovered and renovated in the nineteenth century.
It is a perfect example of Islamic art and architecture, and you can read all about its history inside the museum.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The gardens are simply beautiful with Cacti, palm trees, and other exotic plants, flowers, and shrubs.
The sound of birdsong and the resident toads in the little pond feels like a world away from the busy souks outside the walls.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
As you wander around the tranquil gardens, you forget you are inside the busy medina, dodging motorcycles and donkey carts.
There are plenty of benches dotted around the gardens to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that surrounds you.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Le Jardin Secret is located at,
121 Rue Mouassine
Marrakech 40030 Morocco.
Opening times vary depending on the time of the year.
It costs 100 dirhams to enter and it is wheelchair user-friendly.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The cafe has a good selection of sandwiches, pizzas and salads.
Fruit and vegetable smoothies, tea and coffee, and homemade cakes.
To get the most peaceful experience from your visit, try going early in the daytime before the gardens become too busy with tourists.
Sounds Of The Souks 