Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: El Badi Palace

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • 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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  • 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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