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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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 a pleasant outdoor setting, the food here was incredibly good.
The menu was small and creative and changed regularly to keep it exciting.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There are plenty of choices for non meat eaters on the menu in most restaurants and cafes 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 smaller 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.
In the more luxurious restaurants, there is a good deal of variety for vegetarians and vegans.
The abundance of freshly cooked seasonal vegetables is mouth wateringly delicious.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Harissa soup was also a favourite of mine, deliciously tasty, served with traditional Morroccan bread.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I highly recommend trying the soup.
Some restaurants serve a healthy brunch.
I loved the avocado toast at La Ferme and again at Mandala Society.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The Clock in the kasbah does a really nice vegetable pastilla.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Palais Donab also does a lovely vegetable tagine, and it’s a beautiful place to have lunch or dinner.
I have written a separate article about Palais Dar Donab.
Write down the restaurants you wish to try before travelling, including their address and opening times.
This will save wandering around in the heat, looking for places suitable for your dietary preference.
There is everything that you could possibly dream of buying in the wonderful souks of Marrakech.
As you meander through the maze of colourful alleyways, be prepared for a complete assault on the senses.
From beautiful jewellery to exotic spices, leather shoes and bags, to Morroccan lamps and ceramics.
It’s all here crammed into narrow alleyways and calling out to be bought and taken back home with you.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The skilled craftsmanship is astonishing, and you can find areas dedicated to making and selling different things.
There is a separate place for leather goods, a place where metal workers make beautiful Moroccan lamps and metal sculptures.
An area where wooden things are handmade and rug weaving is demonstrated.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a lovely experience watching the locals make their goods to sell, and there is also the opportunity to have a go at making things yourself, such as a pair of babouche shoes.
Berber rugs hang proudly around the medina. Each colour and pattern is a feast for the eyes.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float on the gentle breeze.
The smell is so fragrant in the souks.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys tempt you for the perfect souvenir to take back for your family and friends.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The soft furnishings such as cushion covers made from cactus silk are eye-catching and colourful.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries for sale.
Moroccan sweets are a delicacy, and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The medicinal herbs and spices are a cacophony of colours and fragrances.
Fresh olives with a hint of spice pop with colour.
Paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors, Amazigh people and camels crossing the Sahara desert.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
For people who love to shop until they drop like I do, Marrakech is an absolute delight.
It’s not all fun and laughs, though.
The souks are incredibly busy with tourists.
You also have to dodge motorcycles, donkeys, and vendors with carts.
You can expect to get lost, but that’s all part of the experience.
No one went into the souks and was never heard from again…
So, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute.
It’s unforgettable.
It will invoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago in you.
A way to fully delve into the wonderful culture of Marrakech.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you enjoy the souks.
First of all, pace yourself.
The souks are very busy and can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.
Stop for a drink and rehydrate.
Rest for a while, and try a spot of lunch on a rooftop cafe. There are plenty inside the souks.
Be prepared to haggle. It may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Stay vigilant, and keep your wits about you.
Marrakech is a safe city, but pick pocketing can happen just like anywhere else in the world.
In crowded, narrow streets, keep your possessions safe in a closed bag at the front of your body.
If you’re lost, look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.
Having an orange sim is useful but may not always work in the denser parts of the souks.
If you need help, ask a shop vendor. They’re usually more than happy to help you.
Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so that they can get commission if you buy something.
You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.
Take time to shop around and walk away if you don’t think you’re being offered a fair price.
You will usually find yourself being called back, and a realistic price can often be reached.
If not, the same items will most likely be found on sale elsewhere in the souks.
Exercise patience.
Remember, this is someone’s livelihood, and it’s a different culture to what you may be used to.
Wages are not very high for most people in Marrakesh, and tourists with money to spend are fair game for boosting the take-home salary of most vendors.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Although the souks can often feel overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience.
You will be dazzled by the number of weird and wonderful items on display.
The sights, sounds, and smells will stay with you a long time after you leave this fascinating city.
I’ve put together a few helpful tips to help you decide.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech is an all year round destination.
It has a high desert climate, so it is pleasant all year round.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach a staggering 45°C or higher, which a lot of visitors find unbearably hot.
The Winter months can be moderately warm and sunny, feeling chillier in the evenings.
I suggest the best time to go is during the spring, from March till May or in autumn, from September till November.
Springtime sees warm, sunny weather, and you can still dine on the rooftops in the evening.
I would recommend taking a lightweight jacket or jumper to throw on as temperatures can drop after sunset.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
March is the wettest month experiencing 12mm of rain over a day and the occasional storm.
Be prepared by carrying an umbrella and wearing sensible footwear.
June is the driest month with 1mm of rainfall over one day but temperatures in June and July do tend to soar.
This might make excursions and activities more uncomfortable if you’re walking around in that kind of heat.
Suncream is essential whichever time of year you decide to visit because you can not underestimate the power of the hot Moroccan sun.
Carrying bottled water with you is important too so that you don’t become dehydrated.
If you prefer going when there are fewer tourists, I would suggest January to February.
The climate is sunny, with average highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C during the evening.
This would be the ideal time to visit if you’re put off by huge crowds and long queues at popular sightseeing destinations.
Another thing to consider is that Ramadan takes place between February and April, so some stores and restaurants may be closed.
Many do stay open, but the vibe can feel slightly different.
I choose to visit in late March and late September or early October.
The Jacaranda trees along the main roads in Gueliz look really beautiful, and the air is really fragrant at this time of year.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
March can be quite hot, but heavy thunderstorms are also frequent.
The sky can look very dramatic and holds its own kind of beauty just before a storm.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Springtime can still be very busy with tourists, and the souks are lively and bustling with excitement.
For me, that is part of the fun, but for some people, the crowds can be overwhelming.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
September can be humid.
I found it more challenging to walk around the palaces and stand in long queues in the humidity.
Between 3.00pm and 7.00pm becomes particularly warm and sticky, so try to get most of your sightseeing done in the early morning.
Afternoons can be a good time to relax by the pool or take a nap in your hotel or riad.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech is sunny and warm all year round, and if you do decide to visit during the summer months, here are a few suggestions to help you cope with the heat.
Plan to visit tourist attractions in the morning as soon as they open.
If you pre book, you will avoid waiting in long queues in the heat, and there will be fewer people around.
Pace yourself.
You don’t have to rush around. Many places stay open quite late in the evening.
Alternate between sightseeing and finding places in the shade to have a long rest with a cool drink to avoid too much sun exposure. There are plenty of beautiful spots with banana trees and beautiful tall palms to relax beneath.
Wear natural fibres like cotton or linen clothing.
They are breathable and perfect for wearing in hot weather. Choose loose clothing that covers your arms and shoulders. They allow the air to circulate and help to evaporate sweat, keeping you cooler.
I have written a separate article on suitable clothing for Marrakech.
Stay hydrated.
Carry bottled water at all times to keep yourself from dehydrating.There are plenty of little kiosks dotted around the medina selling reasonably priced water.
Check the seals before purchasing for peace of mind.
Plan to do more during the evening when it’s cooler.
Some of the tours begin later in the day, and trips to Agafay desert begin just before sunset.
The square comes alive in the evening, so most of the souks are still trading until late because people are still present.
Wear high factor sunblock and keep your head covered.
The sun can be pretty fierce, even as early as March.
Visit the water slides of Oasiria.
Take advantage of the air conditioning available and consider taking an afternoon nap.
Visiting the Sahara desert will be blisteringly hot in summertime. Consider going in the cooler months when days are still warm but not unbearable.
Remember, evenings get cold in the desert.
Marrakech is a wonderful city all year round.
If you follow these simple rules, you should have an enjoyable visit whichever time of year you decide to travel.
It’s about planning your trip beforehand.
Consider what it is you want from your experience.
Are you put off by crowds of tourists all crammed into the souks at the same time?
Can you handle the extreme heat, or would you prefer the cooler temperatures in December or January?
Whichever time you decide to travel to Marrakech, the locals are always smiling, and there’s always plenty to do and see..
I recommend reading my article about visiting Marrakech in winter for tips about travelling in the cooler season.
Sounds Of The Souks 