The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: Henna Art Cafe

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Is Marrakech Budget Friendly?

    How to enjoy Marrakech on a budget.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Visiting Marrakech doesn’t have to break the bank.

    Morrocco is a relatively cheap country to visit. It’s all about careful planning and putting together the right itinerary before you go. I have compiled a few ideas and suggestions to help you enjoy your trip without having to spend a ridiculous amount of cash.

    1.

    Book your flight early. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Download an airline app and keep an eye on the cost of flights. Book out of season when it’s less busy.

    2.

    If you book your accommodation directly through the riad or hotel, it is often much cheaper.

    3.

    Use public transport in Marrakech. The buses are an excellent way to get a taste of local life. They are extremely cheap and reliable. The price is set, and you will avoid being privy to scams from the local taxi drivers.

    4.

    Marrakech is a bustling metropolis with so much going on around the main square. Consider spending time with a pot of traditional mint tea and observing the spectacle from a rooftop terrace. You won’t be disappointed. The sights, sounds, and smells will keep you entertained for ages.

    5.

    Visit the wonderful Koutoubia Mosque gardens. The mosque is out of bounds for non Muslims. However, the gardens are absolutely delightful and free to visit. Consider picking up a few delicious snacks beforehand, such as Baclava cake and  sugar cane juice and sitting in the beautiful garden. Despite its proximity to the chaos of Jamaa El Fna, it is a peaceful environment. It’s especially lovely during the evening when the lights come on.

    6.

    There are plenty of excellent cafes and restaurants which are great value for money. Henna Art Cafe is superb and has a very pretty interior. I have eaten here numerous times and highly recommend the food. Terrace Bakchich in the souks is another budget friendly restaurant cafe with excellent food. Trying the street food is another option and very popular amongst tourists. Check how busy places are to get an idea of the quality of food being served. The spleen sandwich is a traditional meal in Marrakech served by street vendors. Also consider trying the delicious sweets and pastries for sale inside the souks.

    7.

    Try a public hammam. Public baths are very cheap in comparison to the more upmarket ones and the best way to experience the local culture. You can purchase black soap and essential oils in the souks for pennies. You will need your own towel in public hammams.

    8.

    Visit the souks. This is by far the most exciting part of any trip to Marrakech. Experience the vibrant colour and the lively atmosphere as people haggle with the locals for a bargain. You may get lost in the maze of alleyways, but that’s all part of the fun. There are souks for different things like leather goods and metalwork, and you will see incredible artisans at work crafting all kinds of things.

    9.

    Visit the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and see the Bab Mellah spice market. It’s an assault on the senses discovering all the different spices and their fragrances. You may be offered mint tea whilst you are given a lesson on what each spice is used for.

    10.

    Walk around the Kasbah. This is where you will experience the more authentic part of Marrakech. There are more locals here and they are very friendly. There are some nice spots to grab a smoothie, and the shops are slightly cheaper here.

    11.

    Visit Cyber Park. This is a very well maintained place with beautiful native trees and plants. Relax for an hour or so in this peaceful environment away from the chaotic busy medina. Listen to the birds singing and read the interesting facts that are dotted around the park.

    12.

    Take a 25-minute walk or the number 16 bus from the medina to Gueliz. Wonder around the upmarket boutiques and stores on Mohammed V Avenue and see how modernity and ancient coexist in harmony together in Marrakech.

    13.

    Spend some time in Tinsmiths Square. This is a less touristic square than Jamaa El Fnaa, and there is plenty to see going on. There are budget friendly cafes and restaurants and plenty of souvenir shops.

    14.

    Admire the beautiful Islamic craftsmanship in the medina. There are stunning examples of intricately carved wooden doors and 19 impressive entrances into the medina, including Bab Agnaou, Bab Doukala, and Bab El Khemis. Some date back as far as the Almohad dynasty. It’s a perfect photo opportunity.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a walkable city, and you can spend many an hour wandering about discovering what makes Marrakech so magical. It’s a destination that is great for everyone, including those on a tight budget. With some careful planning, you can put together an exciting itinerary and have a truly wonderful experience that doesn’t need to cost much.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Riad Blue Berber

    An authentic 17th-century riad.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Blue Berber is an authentic riad in a strategic location. It is close to the Bahia Palace, Dardar rooftop bar, La Pegola, and Tinsmiths Square. It is situated on a quieter side of the medina central to many popular sightseeing spots.

    Riad Blue Berber has a very pretty courtyard. The floor is the original floor dating back to the 17th century. There is an intimate feel about this riad because it’s smaller. The rooms are quite dark inside, but that adds to its authenticity.

    The owner, Habi, is a very knowledgeable man who enjoys chatting with his guests. He is very hospitable, and the riad has a homely family feel about it.

    Mona, the cook doesn’t speak English, but she prepares a hearty breakfast for the guests each morning. She manages to interact well despite the language barrier.

    The rooftop is large with different tiers and great views over the medina. It was being modernised during my stay.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Blue Berber is a cosy riad that has character and charm. Waking up to the sound of birds chirping in the courtyard was a lovely way to begin each day.

    There are four rooms. Three of the rooms have air conditioning, and the other two have fans and heaters. The riad is clean and humble, offering an authentic experience of riad life.

    I liked this side of the medina. I always felt safe walking to and from the riad even at night time. There’s always plenty going on. It’s perfect for solo female travellers. It is located 200 metres from the lively Jamaa El Fna, yet inside, it is peaceful and calm.

    The address is 5 Derb Jdid, Riad Zitoun Lakdim, kadim، 40040 Morocco.

    The riad can organise tours and cooking classes are available to teach you how to create a traditional tagine.

    I had a pleasant time at Riad Blue Berber. It’s a traditional riad, and I liked the location. The staff were happy to look after my luggage after I had checked out. It’s small details like this that make staying somewhere extra special.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Henna Art Cafe.

    A restaurant where you can get genuine henna tattoos.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The first place I go when I arrive in the medina is Henna Art Cafe. It’s the perfect spot to refuel myself after the flight and long queues in the airport. Henna Art Cafe is a  place where I can familiarise myself with where I am and check Google maps for the location of my riad. It’s a quirky place with great food and the funkiest little bathroom. Even if it is a bit of a tight squeeze.

    On the first floor, you can get henna tattoos, and there are plenty of designs to choose from. All are 100% natural, and the henna ladies are very professional. I would recommend getting your henna tattoo done in a reputable place as opposed to Jamaa El Fna.

    Henna Art Cafe has a really relaxing vibe, and I often stop by to enjoy a meal at lunchtime whilst shopping in the medina. It’s also very reasonable if you’re on a tight budget. There is a good selection of food on the menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available.

    There is free WiFi, and it’s a  popular restaurant with digital nomads. It’s a friendly place and a good introduction to the medina without being overly stimulating.

    Henna Art Cafe is located in the heart of the medina, just a three minutes stroll down Riad Zeitoun al Kdim from Djemma El Fna. It is open 7 days a week from 11 to 8.30 PM. During Ramadan, it closes earlier at 5.30 PM.

    I recommend the freshly squeezed lemon juice. It’s tangy and refreshing and packed with vitamin C. Henna Art Cafe also does a nice fragrant tagine. If you’ve overdosed on tagine or couscous, there are plenty of other interesting options on the menu.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Payment for your meal is taken downstairs on the way out, and cards are accepted here.

    After a meal and a rest at Henna Art Cafe, I’m always ready to tackle the challenge of trying to locate my riad. My battery has recharged. I have begun to acclimatise to the change of temperature between my own country and North Africa.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I have a soft spot for this quirky little cafe. Henna Art Cafe was the first place I ate in the medina in 2022. I was eased into the culture change with a bowl of harissa soup and some traditional Morroccan bread.

    I could say this is where my love affair with Marrakech began.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Healthy Juice And Smoothies In Marrakech.

    An alternative way to hydrate yourself.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a smoothie lover’s dream come true. Smoothies can be found everywhere. They are one of the most vibrant and refreshing drinks in the medina.Using the freshest fruit from the local market and packed with nutritional goodness, smoothies are the perfect start to the day. I regularly enjoy a detoxifying smoothie for its positive health benefits or as a pick me up during the day. There is no shortage of exotic fruits and vegetables in Marrakech. The markets are alive with colour.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Literally, everything goes into making a delicious smoothie, and in Marrakech, they seem to have perfected the art. Fresh fruit, dried nuts, spiralina, cucumber, avocado, berries, banana, and spinach are just some of the healthy ingredients blended together to make a smoothie. There is an abundance of fruit around the medina, so you can expect colourful, fresh ingredients every time.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Fresh juice is also popular  amongst tourists who need something to quench their thirst in the hot African sun. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is tangy and exhilarating. Served with fresh mint, it’s a combination that is both aromatic and refreshing. It’s a taste sensation.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Orange juice made using freshly picked oranges off  trees around the medina is a breakfast staple.It is sunshine in a glass.

    Mixed fruit juice is another favourite and sold in the main square. Vendors encourage business with friendly banter. They call tourists over to sample their mango and pineapple juice, and it can be fun to watch them competing for business. On the stalls, they display a selection of exotic fruits. It’s exciting watching them make the juice for you.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    My absolute favourite is  freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. It is a refreshing tonic and gives me a boost of energy. 

    I was flagging in the heat hiking around Ouzoud Waterfall. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice instantly hit the spot. I soon felt revitalised again.

    Sugarcane juice is widely available around the medina, also. You can find vendors near Koutoubia Mosque.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Here are a few places I  recommend to enjoy a refreshing juice or a healthy smoothie..

    Le Ferme Medina.

    Henna Art Cafe. 

    La Famille.

    Pikala Cafe.

    They each have attractive, comfortable surroundings for a break from sightseeing. There are also plenty of rooftop terraces around the medina. These are great places to enjoy sipping a fruit juice or smoothie, watching all the action below. It’s a pleasant way to get some vitamin C.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It is important to stay hydrated in Marrakech. The temperature can be hot and humid. I can not underestimate the power of a bottle of water, and you should always carry one with you.

    For a healthy treat, consider trying a few of the wonderful juices and smoothies available also. The vitamins and minerals are necessary to function during a hectic schedule.Just remember, there may still be high sugar content, so moderation is key. It’s all about balance.

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