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..
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..
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.
Marrakech is full of delightful little places to sit, and people watch whilst sipping traditional mint tea.
A pretty little spot inside the medina.
The colourful, boho decor and tempting pastries are the perfect way to take a much needed breather from the chaos of the souks.
Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming.
I found out that taking a break and pacing myself was the best way to thoroughly enjoy my time looking around and navigating the maze of the souks.
I especially loved the sweets and pastries on offer. They were absolutely delicious and complimented the refreshing mint tea perfectly.
There were so many to choose from, and I decided to treat myself to a selection of smaller pastries to see which were my favourites.
A tasty snack inside the medina.
If you are shopping for gifts or spending time in the colourful, vibrant souks, I would highly recommend that you take some time out to rest and pace yourself.
Sitting outside a cute little tea shop and sampling something light and tasty is a great way to engage in the culture of Morrocco and its people.
Enjoying a breather from shopping.
There are plenty of places offering mint tea and pastries dotted in and around the main square.
The sweets are an absolute treat, but you will be spoilt for choice.
The choice of delicious treats on offer in the souks.
Part of the pleasure of exploring the medina is finding hidden gems where you can sit and gather yourself before venturing further.
Marrakech is known for its delicious pastries, and they’re a nice snack that won’t spoil your appetite for later in the day.
Watching the world go by in the medina.
A few suggestions are,
. Medina Kawa Marrakech.
. La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices
. Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.
Also, check out my blog post about traditional Morroccan mint tea.
One thing that is central to Morroccon culture is the Hammam.
A Hammam is similar to a Roman bath and dates back centuries in morrocco.
It was a ritualistic cleansing that people did before prayers, and many Hammams can be found near a mosque.
Before homes had plumbing, a Hammam was a place local people could come to get cleansed.
Seperated by gender, they were a space for people to socialise, relax, and detoxify.
During a treatment, morroccan black soap is used to scrub the body.
It is a grainy soap made from olive oil and macerated olives, perfect for exfoliating the dead skin cells.
The scrubbing is quite vigorous.
This is followed by buckets of water being thrown over you to wash off the black soap.
A clay called Rassoul clay from the Atlas mountains is used to cover the body as it’s rich in minerals like silica,magnesium, and calcium.
After this, your whole body is lathered thoroughly, including your hair with a gentler soap or gel.
The next treatment is an all-over massage using exquisite oils like rose oil or argan oil..
The treatment always begins in a dry steam room.
Relaxing in heat opens the pores and prepares the body for the scrubbing.
Once the treatment is finished, you can relax in a separate area with mint tea and morroccan pastries..
The fragrance of incense wafting around the room adds to the ambience.
There are two types of Hammam in Marrakesh.
The public or private hammam.
The public Hammam is a true taste of Morroccan life, with many local people bathing together and chatting in their native language.
In a public Hammam, you have to take your own soap, towel, and oils in.
These are much less expensive.
The private Hammams provide you with everything you need, including disposable underwear, a bathrobe, and sandles.
Treatment options vary, including the length of the treatment and the type of massage and oils you prefer.
You can relax for as long as you want to after the treatment has finished.
The underwear for women is very flimsy, and some women ask for the male underwear instead.
Nubies can feel slightly vulnerable or uncomfortable being so exposed with just a disposable thong hiding your modesty.
The rooms are dimly lit, and the women known as Kassalas working in the hammam are very professional.
Most women do get over their initial shyness pretty quickly.
Hammam Mouassine is the oldest Hammam in Marrakesh. It opened in 1562 and can be found by the Mouassine fountain, close to the secret garden.
Many riads have a Hammam room and offer this service.
Other popular hammams are,
. Hammam de la rose.
. Mamounia Hamman..
. Les Bains Ziani.
Palm oil is often used to wash people’s hair, so if you don’t agree with the use of it, check beforehand.
Experiencing a traditional Hammam is a welcome break from the chaotic souks and Jamaa El Fna.
It’s a relief from the baking heat of the morroccan sun and a chance to slow down the manic pace for an hour or so.
Many tourists feel unsure about wearing virtually nothing in front of strangers, but this is an ancient ritual that has been part of Morroccan culture for centuries.
Visitors to Marrakech have said that they experienced the most invigorating and relaxing time in a hammam and would definitely do it again.
I would recommend paying a little bit more for a private Hammam if it’s your first time.
However, if you want a taste of authentic Marrakechi life, go for a public hammam.
You can buy Morroccan black soap and other toiletries you’ll need inside the souks, near the spice square.
You can book a Hammam through Get Your Guide or Viator.
Riads organise their own..
Don’t forget a towel, bathrobe and fresh underwear..
A few helpful tips you may find useful before arriving in Marrakesh.
Marrakech is a cash society. Although many cafes and restaurants take cards, cash is often the preferred method of payment.
In the main square called Jamaa El Fna, you will need cash to purchase almost everything.
There are 🏧 machines located around the city.
I use the one outside the post office near where the horse and carriages stand, close to the taxi rank.
The exchange rate is good, and it was always working.
You can get cash at the airport, but the exchange rate isn’t great.
There are also plenty of places to exchange money around the city.
It’s advisable to always carry a small amount of cash with you.
It’s useful for tipping, small purchases in the souks, and picking up a bottle of water.
Something you may want to consider if you don’t wish to get any cash at the airport is..
Make sure to organise a taxi to your hotel or riad in advance.
Most accommodations will do this for you when you book, and it’s prepaid.
You will probably need a SIM card.
I got an Orange SIM in the airport, and they put it into my phone for me.
This saved me any hassle, and I had data from the moment I arrived.
Having data gave me reassurance as a solo traveller.
I could use Google maps in the souks, which was helpful in case I got lost.
Tipping is not customery in Marrakesh, but the food and service are usually exceptionally good.
So it’s nice to be nice.
I generally leave a small tip of approximately 20-30 dirhams.
You can drink the tap water allegedly.
Personally, I didn’t.
I preferred to air on the side of caution, plus it doesn’t taste that good.
There are plenty of places selling bottled water around the medina, and riads or hotels also sell water.
Non Muslims can’t go inside the Mosques, with the exception of Hassan ll Mosque in Casablanca.
Koutoubia Mosque has the most beautiful gardens, which are well worth a visit. They are open to everyone, and particularly nice in the evening when they’re lit up.
Image Freebird Tracey.
Some tourist attractions get incredibly busy, so try to arrive at opening times for the best experience.
The same applies to shopping in the souks.
Aim to arrive at places like Bacha Coffee and Bahia Palace for around 9.30.am.
Although Marrakech is an Islamic city, it’s fairly relaxed and liberal.
However, out of respect for the culture of your hosting country, it’s appropriate to cover your shoulders when visiting certain religious places.
Aim to dress modestly without exposing too much flesh, and you’ll have a great experience.
NB: See my separate post on what to wear when visiting Marrakech.
Marrakech is a dry city. However, there are bars and clubs that cater to Western tourists.
There are a few nice bars selling alcohol and cocktails around the medina, such as Le Pergola and Kabana rooftop bar.
Gueliz and Hivenage have plenty of clubs and bars if you want a night out with alcoholic beverages and entertainment.
Some high-end riads and hotels will have alcohol also.
It’s forbidden to consume alcohol in the medina unless you’re in a place that is licensed to sell it.
If you get tired of haggling in the souks, there is an artisans market.
The prices are slightly higher but you can simply buy the products without having to bargain for them.
People in Marrakesh can be quite camera shy.
It’s best not to take photographs unless they specifically say you can.
Be prepared to have to pay for the privilege, too.
Most travellers are discouraged from starting conversations about the King of Morocco.
Try sticking to conversations about the history of Marrakech and Amazigh culture.
The locals will love telling you all about it..
There are a few scams going on in the square, but it’s mainly opportunists trying to make a dirhams.
I haven’t had any problems myself, but just keep your wits about you and don’t fall prey to anything.
Marrakech is relatively safe, but just like anywhere else in the world, exercise caution with your personal belongings in crowded areas.
Keep your personal items in front of you and don’t carry large amounts of money around.
The Souks close around 9.00 to 10.00 pm, so be careful if you’re walking around after that, especially if you’re a solo female traveller.
I haven’t experienced anything unpleasant, but it can feel rather unnerving in the dark alleyways after dark.
NB: See my separate post about solo female travellers in Marrakech.
Sounds Of The Souks 