Kafe Merstan restaurant and rooftop terrace is located near the spice square and vegetable market in the medina.
They serve traditional Morroccan food, and prices are very reasonable.
I had one of the tastiest tagines here, and the overall quality of the food was good.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
It’s popular during sunset, and tourists arrive to watch the sun go down from the rooftop.
It’s quite spectacular and can get quite busy at this time of evening.
The interior is traditional with a fairly modern twist.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a no frills restaurant, and the price reflects this.
Seating is upstairs on the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may not find it easy.
Payment is by card or cash. However, there’s a minimum of 200 MAD for card payment.
They will accept less but expect a few grumbles of disapproval.
The address for Kafe Merstan is 2 Souk Chaaria Kast Benahid, Marrakech 40000.
Opening hours are 12.00 until
10.00pm.
The restaurant is close to the Madrasa Ben Youssef and Museum of Marrakech, so it’s in a strategic position and ideal for taking a break from sightseeing.
Kafe Merstan offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including a very tasty vegetable pastilla.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
For more details about places to eat in Marrakesh, contact me via the email address below;
It is visually stunning with blue and white zellige tiles and exotic plants.
Intricately carved wooden doors and ornate traditional window frames.
Interior courtyard of riad Zouhour/images Freebird Tracey.
The rooftop is an oasis of wonderful flowers and tropical plants, with plenty of places to sit and admire the beautiful surroundings.
There is also a small pool for cooling off in.
Rooftop of riad Zouhour/images Freebird Tracey.
The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated in a traditional yet modern style, with large private bathrooms containing nice fragrant products for use in the shower.
A room in riad Zouhour/ images Freebird Tracey.
The food is also very good.
I loved the vegetable tagine and seasonal salad that I had served to me on arrival at the riad.
My flight had been delayed, yet it was still hot and beautifully presented despite the time of night I eventually arrived.
The staff are attentive and kind, going out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Nothing is any trouble, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and professional.
The riad exudes luxury, yet it’s affordable and in a strategic location close to the centre of all the action.
Riad Zouhour is a popular riad and gets booked up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
As with most riads in the medina, they can also organise tours and excursions for you.
The address is;
33 Derb Snane,
Medina 40000
Marrakech Morocco.
Check-in time is,
00:00 until 23.30 hours.
Check-out time is,
5.00 until 00:00
This is a riad I would highly recommend.
I enjoyed my stay here, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.
I loved the views from the rooftop, the pretty flowers and plants, and the overall treatment of the guests.
It truly is a gem in the busy medina, a haven of peace and tranquillity.
It is beautifully restored, and cleanliness is a priority here..
For more details about places to stay in Marrakesh, contact me via the email address below:
Marrakech is a culinary delight for all foodies out there.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
The Bohemian Jungle is a beautifully choreographed riad, close to the spice square in Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Straight out of a tale from Arabian Nights, it exudes charm and authenticity.
The interior decor is simply captivating, with several tastily put-together nooks and crannies to sit and take in its splendour.
Interior of the Bohemian Jungle/ Images Freebird Tracey.
The little pool in the centre of the courtyard is ideal for cooling off in.
The green tiles and exotic plants make it a stunning focal point of the riad.
Interior pool/images Freebird Tracey.
The rooftop is magical. Surrounded by pretty, draping flowers, plants, and lanterns.
There are several areas to hang out in.
A balinese bed for relaxing on and a cerise, romantic boudoir area, where the staff play traditional tuareg music.
There are areas to catch a spot of sunshine and places to sit where you are shaded.
This is perfect for when the hot morroccan sun reaches its highest temperature in the day.
Photos of the rooftop at the Bohemian Jungle/image Freebird Tracey.
The staff are relaxed and friendly, and the vibe is laid back and chilled.
The riad is run by three professional, yet charismatic young men from the Sahara region.
Their knowledge of the area is invaluable, and they enjoy sharing a little piece of their fascinating culture with guests.
The breakfasts are varied and wholesome, consisting of a mix of traditional pancakes, honey, and jam.
Fresh bread, fruit, yoghurt, and eggs.
Fresh orange juice and coffee.
Image Freebird Tracey.
When you arrive at the riad, you are treated to the complimentary mint tea and biscuits, whilst you are given useful advice and a map to help you navigate the souks.
This is helpful for finding your way back to the riad.
The fragrance inside is intoxicating.
Orange blossom and cinnamon oil gently floats on the air, the lamps glow, and Berber music plays subtly in the background.
I never wanted to leave..
I was so happy sitting in the riad, taking in the beauty and experiencing the wonder of such a magnificent place..
Riad Bohemian Jungle gets booked up quickly.
If you are looking for TVs and a modern approach to your trip to Marrakech, you won’t find it here.
Riad Bohemian Jungle is all about experiencing true, authentic riad culture, lost in time with the distant echos of camel traders and a strong spirit of the past.
It is close to the Madrasa Ben Youssef, Marrakech museum, and several nice shops and restaurants.
The address is;
Derb al Maada
Hay azbezte
39 Medina, Medina 40030
Marrakech, Morrocco.
Excursions to the Sahara desert and other popular places of interest can also be arranged by this riad.
They are good value for money and well organised.
Enjoying a moment of tranquillity at the Bohemian Jungle.Sunrise from the rooftop of the Bohemian Jungle/image Freebird Tracey. (more…)
Whilst it’s true that Marrakech is a meat eaters’ paradise, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes serving vegetarian and vegan food.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Like any other destination, there are several things to be mindful of as a first-time visitor to the red city.
There are a few potential scams that 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..
It’s a hidden gem, a peaceful retreat from the madness of the souks, and Jamaa el Fna.
It is a little oasis with exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings.
There is a beautifully painted pergoda in the centre.
It comprises of two large gardens and one of the highest towers in the medina.
There is a museum, boutique, and two coffee shops on site also.
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 the perfect example of Islamic art and architecture, and you can read all about its history inside the museum.
The beautiful gardens of Le Jardin Secret
The gardens are simply beautiful with Cacti, palm trees, and other floral plants and shrubs.
The sound of birdsong and toads in the little pond feels like a world away from outside the walls.
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 peacefully and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty surrounding you.
Images 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.
It is wheelchair user-friendly.
The cafe has a nice selection of sandwiches, pizzas, and salads with fruit and vegetable smoothies, hot and cold drinks, and homemade cakes.
Sounds Of The Souks 