Sounds Of The Souks

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech In North Africa

  • Krepchy.

    I loved having breakfast here..

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy in the Kasbah was a lucky find.

    I wanted to try something else other than the usual breakfasts offered by my accommodation.

    I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the waffles were, and they were very filling.

    Eating breakfast at Krepchy really set me up for the day.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It was fun sitting outside watching the locals going about their daily business.

    The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were friendly.

    The interior decor of this little establishment is pleasant with Amazigh artefacts adorning the walls and colourful rugs strewn across the floor.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It has been awarded 5* by trip advisor, and it’s not hard to see why.

    Krepchy also serves lunch and dinner, becoming quite busy during peak times.

    There’s a good menu with several choices available, including dishes suitable for vegetarians.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Hours of opening are from 8.00 am. until 1.30 am.

    The address is;

    Sidi Belabed, Route, Marrakech 40014.

    Krepchy is an authentic Morroccon restaurant with tourists and locals alike enjoying its delicious, competitively priced food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For advice on other places to eat, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Staying In The Kasbah.

    An authentic district in Marrakech

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It is about 15 to 20 minutes leisurely walking from the main square with plenty to see along the way.

    There are a range of budget and high-end riads to stay in around the Kasbah.

    * See my separate post on 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.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Consider taking a tuk-tuk from the main square 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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For details about places to stay or eat in the Kasbah,  contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Riad Hikaya.

    Riad Hikaya is a beautifully restored riad in the Kasbah district of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It was purchased by an Englishman who spent 15 years restoring it because everything inside the riad is handmade.

    It is captivating and very pleasing to the eye.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Hikaya is not a budget riad.

    However, considering its aesthetics and the professionalism of the staff, it’s worth paying a little extra for.

    The breakfasts were very good and I ate there one evening and the meal was delicious.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is a beautiful rooftop with several places to sit in the shade or soak up some of the hot, morroccan sun.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Kasbah is a great place to stay with more of an authentic feel about it.

    There are plenty of good restaurants, including The Clock, which is across the road from Riad Hikaya.

    There are shops and attractions such as El Badi Palace and the Saadian tombs to explore.

    I enjoyed staying amongst the locals in Kasbah, and it was a nice 15 – to 20-minute walk to the main square Jamaa El Fna.

    Riad Hikaya was a good choice, I loved the large copper bathtub in my room and the total piece and quiet the riad provided me with.

    If you’re looking for a lively scene, this place may not be for you. But if you want to disconnect from the busy touristic areas for a while, it’s a perfect retreat.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information about here or other places to stay in Marrakech, drop me a message.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Mandala Society.

    A hip joint playing cool music

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I was lucky enough to stumble across this wonderful little place in the medina

    The music they were playing alone was enough to keep me seated happily for a while as I sipped on a delicious smoothie.

    There is a chilled, boho vibe in this little place with an air of sophistication that suits all ages and walks of life.

    I went at lunchtime and it was quite busy so I sat on the rooftop to eat my delicious food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The interior decor is cosy, bright, and airy, with friendly staff waiting on the tables.

    I found the prices to be reasonable and the quality of the food is very good.

    I sat listening to The Doors, Bob Dylan, and a few other tunes from the late sixties and seventies.

    It was quite a treat in the middle of a busy medina.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    You can find Mandala Society at 159 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid,

    Marrakech 40000.

    The opening hours are,

    9.30am to 10.30pm daily.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information about this and other places to eat,

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Dar Bouchaib.

    A fixed price store selling everything in the Kasbah

    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..

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • La Pergola Rooftop Bar.

    One of the few places selling alcohol in the medina

    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 cocktails.

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

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

    I spent an hour enjoying some peace and calm during the afternoon.

    It was much quieter, and I found it very relaxing sitting amongst the exotic trees and plants.

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

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

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

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

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

    The afternoon is a more chilled out occasion, quieter and less packed with people.

    I visited during the evening on previous trips to Marrakech, and although I enjoyed it, be prepared for how busy it can get if you’re thinking about going there.

    Booking beforehand guarantees you a seat.

    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 establishment with terrific views over the medina

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

    The atmosphere is tranquil despite the popularity of this relatively new restaurant.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I only had a drink because the opening time for serving dinner was 6.00pm, and the tables were filling up rapidly.

    The waiters were very busy seating everyone, and I didn’t have time to wait for all the orders to be taken.

    However, the food on the menu looked interesting and moderately priced, so I shall return in the near future to sample some of it.

    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.

    I sat on the rooftop watching the sunset over Koutoubia Mosque before heading inside, where it was less busy to admire the quirky, vibrant decor.

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

    People were taking photos of the fascinating decor. It’s quite different from other places in the medina, yet still exudes the same charm.

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

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

    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, and there was a good choice.

    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 to try the dishes on the menu..

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

    The address is;

    1 Riad Zitoun, Lakdim, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

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

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • El Badi Palace.

    One of the must-see attractions in Marrakesh

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • The Saadian Tombs.

    A discovery from the air led to this amazing attraction being opened up to the public

    One of the tourist attractions in Marrakesh is the Saadian tombs.

    Rediscovered in 1917, they have become a historical landmark dating back from the late sixteenth century.

    Built by the Saadian dynasty, they house the mausoleums of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor and his family.

    The architecture is very impressive, with detailed stucco work, intricate mosaic tiles, and carrara marble.

    The main mausoleum is incredible, and there are usually very long queues to get to see it.

    It’s definitely recommended to arrive early to avoid waiting for sometimes more than an hour in the heat.

    The Saadian tombs are very decadent, with a mixture of Morroccan, Andalusian, and European styles.

    They showcase the wealth of the Saadian dynasty.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Hidden for centuries, they were spotted through aerial photography and are now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakesh.

    Located in the Kasbah next to the mosque, the opening times are;

    9.00am – 5.00pm

    The price of entry is 70 dirhams.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • 1112 Morroccan Tea House.

    The first tea house in Marrakesh

    1112 Morroccan Tea House is absolutely stunning.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Situated close to Ben Youssef, the address is;

    12 Place De La Kissariat, Ben Youssef,

    Marrakech.

    It is open for breakfast and lunch.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more details,

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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