If you are fed up with haggling every time you want to buy something, there is a huge store in the Kasbah called Dar Bouchaib.
Here, you will find everything that’s for sale in the souks 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 not pushy at all.
The store is huge and worth visiting just to see the craftsmanship and detail that’s gone into creating each piece.
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 realistic.
Make it part of your visit to the Kasbah area.
You won’t be disappointed.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
For more information, see my other posts or contact me via the email address below..
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.
They serve breakfast and lunch.
The food is nicely presented with table service, tasty and varied.
There is a selection of light snacks 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.
Marrakech is a culinary delight for all foodies out there.
The streets are abundant with fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit.
Herbs and spices galore.
The aromatic aroma of street food fills the air, tempting the tastebuds.
Fine restaurants with impeccable service, in beautiful surroundings, call out to you to come inside and sample their cuisine.
But where do you start?
What do you order?
If you’re anything like me, you may want to fully immerse yourself in the culture of places you’re visiting.
I particularly enjoy sampling the signature dishes of a region and eating the same food that locals do.
It’s a way to get to know the culture, and food is a big part of life in Morrocco.
The locals are very hospitable people and often invite tourists home for a meal with their family.
With an overwhelming choice of food to choose from, you may need a little help to decide what to try..
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The two most popular dishes in Marrakesh are tagine and couscous.
Tagine is the name of the clay or ceramic pot that the dish is cooked in.
It consists of layers of fresh vegetables,with meat in the centre.
Chicken or lamb is the most popular.
Often, dates, olives, fresh lemon, and spices are added for flavour, and everyone has their own personal recipe for making a tagine.
Chicken tagine/image Freebird Tracey.
Couscous is a grain made from semolina and served with meat and vegetables.
It is eaten religiously on Fridays.
In Jamaa El Fna, you will find sheeps head and snails for sale.
Tourists are targeted by street food vendors to try snails, and those who actually do say that they quite enjoyed the experience.
Apparently, broth they’re cooked in is quite tasty, and although it’s an unusual tasting dish, it’s not inedible.
Sheeps head is for the brave amongst us, but it appears to be popular in the main square and a regular sight on display.
The locals sit at street stalls eagerly munching on the spit roasted mutton, enjoying every morsel.
Snails in a broth/image Freebird Tracey.
Every dish is served with traditional bread in Marrakech. It is freshly baked each morning and delicious served warm.
Tangier is also a popular dish.
It is meat (usually lamb), cooked very slowly in the embers of the local hammam.
Traditionally, the tangier is taken to the hammam early in the morning and left to cook throughout the day.
It is then collected and served for dinner with vegetables or bread.
The meat is incredibly tender and falls off the bone.
Tangier cooking in the Hammam/image Freebird Tracey.
There are plenty of street food vendors in the medina, tucked away in the souks.
They serve really good quality food and it’s cheap.
There is a row of street food vendors who only sell tangiers, and this is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Taking a street food tour is a great way to get to try the best places. There are several tours available during the daytime or evening.
Street food vendor in the medina/image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech caters to vegetarians and vegans also, with a good choice of quality food including excellent salads, delicious vegetable tagine and couscous.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Several Italian restaurants in the medina offer excellent pizzas and pasta dishes if you fancy a change from morroccan food.
Olives are served with tea and other beverages as a complimentary side.
They can be spicy or plain, always fresh, and the perfect aperitif.
They are deliciously fresh when bought straight from the vendors themselves.
Complimentary olives/image Freebird Tracey.
The sweets and pastries in Marrakech are incredibly good, and the desserts served after the main course of a meal are beautiful.
The choice on most menus is really good and varied.
There’s no point watching your waistline here..
Dates are hugely popular, and medjool dates are known as ‘ fruits of the King’, so make sure to try some.
You won’t be disappointed.
Fresh fruit is for sale everywhere around the medina and incorporated into tantalising sweet dishes that make your mouth water.
NB: I have a separate post about smoothies and juices in Marrakesh.
Beautiful cheesecake and sweets in Marrakesh/image Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech is a dream come true for people who love their food.
With so much to choose from and so many different dishes and flavours to try, you would need months to eat your way through it all.
Not only is there a great variety of interesting and tasty food, but it’s beautifully presented too.
Imagine sitting in the most beautiful setting, next to exotic plants, and trickling fountains.
That’s my experience of eating in Marrakesh..
112 Tea House/image Freebird Tracey.
For more information on places to dine, use the email address below.
Whilst it’s true that Marrakech is a meat eaters’ paradise, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes serving vegetarian and vegan food.
Not being a meat eater myself, I was initially concerned that I’d spend my time in Marrakesh living off the delicious olives on sale in the souks.
I was pleasantly surprised.
There are a number of restaurants popping up that serve only vegetarian and vegan food.
One I highly recommend is La Famille.
Run solely by women,and in an outdoor setting, the food was incredibly good.
Lunch at La Famille.
There are also plenty of choices for non meat eaters on the menu in most eateries around the medina.
Sumptuous vegetable tagine, vegetable couscous, salads, and pasta dishes, to name just a few.
I never had a problem sourcing tasty and beautifully prepared meals whilst staying in Marrakesh.
The little cafes tucked away in the souks were slightly less accommodating, but if it’s a quick snack you’re looking for, the fresh olives and delicious pastries are a wonderful treat.
The abundance of seasonal vegetables, freshly cooked, were mouth wateringly delightful.
Vegetable tagine with olives and egg plant.
Harissa soup was also a favourite, deliciously tasty, served with traditional Morroccan bread.
Harissa soup.
I highly recommend trying the soup.
Some restaurants serve healthy brunch, I loved the avocado toast at La Ferme.
Avocado toast beautiful presented at La Ferme Medina.
Please don’t be put off visiting Marrakech because you consider it to be a meat eaters paradise only.
By doing a little bit of research before travelling, you will find a good selection of fine restaurants and cafes serving authentic and traditional Morroccan cuisine that don’t include animal products.
A few I recommend are;
La Famille
La Ferme
Enjoy your meal, veggie lovers.
Mandala Society.
Broc The Kasbah.
Palais Donab also does a lovely vegetable tagine, and it’s a beautiful place to have lunch or dinner.
NB. See my separate post about Palais Dar Donab.
Write down the restaurants you wish to try before travelling, including the address and opening times to save wandering around in the heat and getting tired.
Marrakech is a safe place for travellers with a relatively low crime rate.
However, like any other destination, there are several things to be mindful of.
There are a few scams which visitors for the first time to Marrakech should know about.
.The road is closed.
This is a regular scam that can leave tourists confused.
You’re trying to locate your riad or a point of interest, and someone (usually a young male) tells you that the road ahead is closed.
He asks you your destination and offers to escort you via an alternative route.
Before you know it, you’re wandering endlessly through the souks until you arrive at his friends shop.
You’re still lost, and now you’re being offered mint tea whilst his friend brings out a multitude of exotic spices or rugs.
The male who took you there gets a commission if you cave in and buy something in order to get away.
If you’re approached in this way, a firm no thank you or La shoukran usually does the trick.
If he is very persistent, head to a nearest trader, and ask their advice about whether the road is closed or not.
Make your boundaries clear but remain polite and try not to get too impatient.
It can be difficult if you’re tired or overwhelmed, but showing your weakness will only show how vulnerable you are feeling, and you may become a target for more opportunists.
. I can take you to your riad.
When you first arrive in the medina, you are faced with a maze of alleyways and tunnels.
Often, your riad will be tucked away inside the souks or down one of these alleyways, hidden from view.
A tourist who looks as though they’re lost will invite the so-called ‘ helpful guide’ to your side who can show you exactly where you need to go.
He will escort you, taking the long route to your riad, and then demand a payment from you.
He may become quite persistent and insult you if you refuse to cough up.
I was taken off guard seconds away from my riad.
A young male basically nudged me along the narrow alleyway shoulder to shoulder. He demanded a payment, holding his hand out as I knocked on the door of my riad.
I told him I wasn’t lost and knew where I was going and that I hadn’t requested his help. He was quite cross with me and began insulting me in Arabic.
I stood my ground and ignored him until I was let inside my riad.
This can feel somewhat intimidating, but don’t give in.
Marrakech has a good police presence, and, in the worst case scenario, threatening them with this often does the trick.
.Over inflated prices for tourists.
There is a price for the attractions around the medina for tourists and a price for Moroccan residents.
This happens in many countries nowadays and you can’t protest much about it.
On the other hand, prices for street food and things you might wish to purchase in the souks are often much higher than they should be.
Learn to bargain with the salesperson, try dropping around 25%, and eventually, the pair of you will reach a price you’re both happy with.
Haggling is an art form, and it takes time to feel confident, but it’s a way of life in Marrakesh and can be quite a rewarding experience when you think you’ve managed to buy something for a fair price.
If you’re not happy, shop around. There are plenty of places selling the same goods around the souks.
. Gambling games in Jamaa El Fna.
During the evening, when the square comes to life, there are a few pockets of entertainment where gambling games take place.
These are scams that involve the winners working with the person in charge of the game.
They impersonate curious onlookers and ask to take part. They win and a prize is exchanged.
These are not genuine participants, and the likelihood of you winning a cash prize is virtually nil.
. Unofficial tour guides.
Some tourists mentioned being approached by unofficial tour guides whilst visiting some of the attractions around the medina.
Males who begin by asking where you’re from, then following you around telling you a brief history of the place.
After a short while, they ask for a fee for their time.
If you want a genuine tour guide, check the website of the attraction you’re visiting or Get Your Guide. Booking. Com also offers attractions with a guided tour and transport. Payment is upfront, and guides are very knowledgeable.
Marrakech is an amazing destination with so much to see and do.
I have pointed out a few negatives that you should be aware of.
You may not experience any of these things.
Locals are very friendly, and tourists are accepted and made to feel very welcome.
My advice is to make your boundaries clear from the start, get yourself some data with an Orange SIM for negotiating your way around the medina, and learn a few words of Arabic or French to help you say no thank you.
Like anywhere else in the world, keep your wits about you in crowded places, and stay calm.
For myself, the perfect day in Marrakech begins by waking up early to watch the sunrise from the rooftop of my riad.
View from the rooftop of Riad Zouhour
Listening to the birds chirping and the sound of the medina waking up.
Watching cats prowling along the rooftops and hearing the clatter of plates as staff in the riad prepare for breakfast.
The first glass of freshly squeezed orange juice hits the spot perfectly.
I enjoy a breakfast of pancakes with homemade jam and honey, bread, yoghurt, and fresh fruit.
Traditional riad breakfast.
After a refreshing shower, I head out into the medina for a nice coffee in a cafe on the main square.
Sat outside, I observe the vendors setting up for the day. The entertainers get ready to entice the crowds of tourists and the local ladies on their way to the market for fresh spices.
The medina waking up.
My next destination is the souks for a browse around before they get too busy.
I suggest just after 9.00 am. is the perfect time to go.
Vendors are eager for their first sale of the day, and bargaining is much easier.
The colourful array of beautiful things on offer is a sight to behold.
The cats gather for a few morsels off the butcher.
Cats are well looked after in the medina.
I check out the wonderful Amazigh jewellery, the argan oil, and the beautiful ceramics and mirrors.
Amazigh jewellery in the souks.
I buy one or two keepsakes and then decide it’s time for a snack.
A colourful outdoor cafe calls out to me, and I choose some delicious pastries with a mint tea.
It’s magical watching the world of Marrakech go by.
The motorcycles, the donkeys, all competing for space in the narrow streets.
Tourists wandering about, looking in awe at the beautiful colours around the medina.
After recharging my batteries, it’s time for some sightseeing.
I head towards Madrasa Ben Youssef and get some amazing photos of the stunning architecture.
The incredible Islamic architecture in the Mederssa Ben Youssef .
The medina is beginning to get rather busy, so I make my way to the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque to sit quietly for a while.
Enjoying the stunning gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Afterwards, I treat myself to a sugarcane juice from a vendor outside.
Sugar cane vendor.
The heat is now quite intense, so I return to the riad for a rest.
I head upstairs onto the rooftop for a rest from the busy medina and a spot of sunbathing.
Enjoying the peace and tranquillity in my riad.
The call to prayer echos across the medina.
I read a book and order myself a glass of mint tea and a dish of 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.
It’s a lively atmosphere, and there’s a jazz band playing downstairs in the courtyard of Le Bistro Arabe.
I stop and listen for a while before heading towards Jamaa El Fna.
The energy is electric, food vendors touting for business, dancing, drumming, and crowds of people everywhere.
The smell of food makes me hungry, so I decide to find a nice place to dine.
I choose a place overlooking the square and observe the action from above, sat on the rooftop.
I enjoy a traditional tagine, 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.
Once dinner is finished, I nip into The Clock, situated in the square 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 souvenirs along the way.
Back at the riad, I sit in the courtyard reflecting on my day.
The staff in the riad are happy to help me decide where to go the following day.
We chat about possibilities, and they help me put together the perfect plan for another day sightseeing.
I have had a perfect day…
I have experienced a different culture, tasted delicious food, watched a magnificent sunset, chatted with the locals, and navigated the maze of the souks successfully.
I have made a mental note of some of the things I want to buy to take home with me, and I look forward to haggling for a fair price before the end of my trip.
I fall asleep, happy and content, ready to do it all again tomorrow..
One of the most refreshing, healthy drinks in and around the medina, smoothies can be found everywhere in Marrakesh.
Using the freshest fruit from the local market and packed with nutritional goodness, smoothies are the perfect start to the day.
I regularly choose the detoxifying smoothie for its positive health benefits and as a pick me up after a long, hot day exploring the medina.
Literally, everything goes into making a perfect smoothie, and in Marrakech, they seem to have perfected the art.
Fresh fruit, dried nuts, spiralina, cucumber, avocado, berries, banana, and spinach are just some of the ingredients that go into making the perfect smoothie.
Pomegranate juice is refreshing in a hot climate like Marrakech. Fresh strawberries for sale in the medina.
Fresh juice is also a popular choice amongst tourists who need something to quench their thirst in the heat of the day.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is tangy and exhilarating.
Served with fresh mint, it’s both aromatic and tasty.
Orange juice made from the oranges on the trees around the medina is a breakfast staple.
It is sunshine in a glass.
My absolute favourite juice was the freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.
It was a refreshing tonic and gave me a burst of energy.
I was flagging in the heat during a hike around Ouzoud Waterfall, and it instantly hit the spot.
Making pomegranate juice at Ouzoud Waterfall.
The fruit juice vendors in the main square call you over to sample their mango and pineapple juice.
They offer a selection of different fruits to try, and it’s exciting watching them make it for you.
They are constantly trying to get your attention and offer you their service. There is so much competition.
Juice vendors in Jamaa el Fna.
There are a few places I can recommend…
Pikala Cafe has an excellent choice of delicious, healthy juices and smoothies.
( See my separate post about Pikala Cafe).
Detox smoothies in Pikala Cafe.
Also,
Le Ferme Medina.
Henna Art Cafe.
La Famille (vegetarian restaurant)
There are also plenty of rooftop restaurants around the main square to enjoy a well-deserved rest whilst sipping a refreshing cold juice or fruit smoothie and watching the action from above.
It is important to stay hydrated whilst out and about in the medina.
The temperature is very warm and humid.
Whilst I can not underestimate the power of a bottle of water and it being a necessity, it’s worth trying the fresh juice as a healthy alternative.
The vitamins and minerals are necessary to function for the hectic, busy schedule you may have planned.
Smoothies are a perfect way to give you a boost, and they taste delicious.
Marrakech can get very hot in summer, and temperatures can exeed 40° Celsius.
Even the cooler months can feel very warm and humid, especially walking around the souks and popular points of interest.
Marrakech is also a conservative city with a majority Muslim population.
So, what should you wear to feel comfortable and respectable?
For female visitors, I would suggest palazzo trousers.
These are baggy and flowing, keeping you nice and cool.
They pair well with smart cotton blouses and can be worn underneath a maxi dress.
Lightweight cotton trousers also look smart, and neutral colours give a sophisticated, modest appearance.
Silk (including recycled sari silk) maxi dresses are very versatile and keep you cool. They can be worn with a lightweight pair of palazzo trousers underneath for extra modesty if the dress is thin.
Linen is perfect and always looks polished. It may get slightly creased, so I would suggest bringing along a portable steamer. They’re a life-saver and take up very little space in your suitcase.
However, most accommodations have an iron and laundry service.
Cotton tee-shirts and blouses, paired with a maxi skirt or loose-fitting trousers, are ideal and can look flattering with the right accessories.
Yoga pants are also perfect for a day exploring.
Headscarves are fashionable at the moment and can be used as a head covering whilst visiting some of the religious sights or as a convenient wrap for around the shoulders.
I like to wear turbans to cover my locs.
They keep my head and neck cool at the same time.
Silk scarves roll up really small and fit perfectly in your bag.
Marrakech is definitely more liberal than other morroccan cities. However, exposing too much flesh is definitely frowned upon.
You may attract unwanted attention from males and disapproval from local females spoiling your overall experience and making you feel uncomfortable.
How you present yourself will determine the kind of experience you have in Marrakesh.
In your hotel or riad, it’s perfectly fine to wear shorts and clothing for sunbathing, so pack something for those occasions also.
Males can wear knee-length shorts with linen or cotton short-sleeved shirts to look smart yet casual.
Many restaurants don’t accept men wearing sandals, but smart leather sliders are deemed to be acceptable.
Linen or cotton long trousers for men are ideal and keep the body cool.
Regarding men’s clothing choices, it’s definitely less important than the females.
I wouldn’t advise a male to walk around without a shirt on. That is best left for beach holidays.
So, staying comfortable and cool is the only thing they need to consider.
On the other hand, women are expected to respect the cultural norms of the country unless they’re going to the clubs in the Gueliz or Hivenage part of Marrakech.
This is where the clubs and bars are, and it’s acceptable to dress more glamorously here.
You can still look good in the appropriate clothing.
It’s about choosing nice accessories.
Regarding footwear, there is a lot of walking around the medina, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Trainers, pumps, or sandals are all acceptable.
I took a couple of outfits in my travel bag, and once I arrived, I bought the rest of my clothing in the souks.
It wasn’t too expensive, and I felt as if I blended in with the locals better.
I enjoyed wearing the traditional Moroccan dresses and ethnic style tops and trousers.
Finally, I have never needed to take a warm coat to Marrakech.
I usually take a shawl or cardigan, and it’s always been adequate, even in March.
Depending on what time of year you travel to Marrakech, you may be better thinking in terms of layers.
In winter, the evenings can get chilly.
A trip to Agafay desert can be very blustery, sitting watching the sunset.
A shawl or lightweight hoodie or jumper is perfect to enjoy the experience in the open air.
A thin skin underneath a long dress or trousers is usually enough.
I wore long sleeved tee-shirts underneath my dresses during the evenings.
Keeping your eyes on the weather forecast before travelling will help you to plan accordingly for your trip.
So to sum up,
Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a day exploring the medina and tourist hot spots is the most important thing to consider.
You will walk a lot, and it can get humid.
To discourage unwanted attention and negative vibes from the locals, female travellers should refrain from dressing too provocatively.
Unless they’re in the bars and clubs, which are more liberally minded.
Choosing natural fibres is the best way to stay cool, and long, loose-fitting garments are ideal because they look modest and feminine.
Turbans are elegant and modest.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.
You don’t want to walk around looking like a lobster.
Sounds Of The Souks 