Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: Kasbah

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • Krepchy.

    A restaurant in a quieter area of Marrakech with more local people than tourists.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy in the Kasbah was a lucky find.

    I wanted to try something else as an alternative to the usual breakfasts offered by my accommodation.

    At Krepchy, there is a good choice, and everything is freshly cooked to order.

    I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the waffles were, and they were very filling.

    Eating breakfast at Krepchy really set me up for the day.

    The portion size was good, and the quality of the food was excellent.

    I enjoyed a traditional pot of atay sitting outside and chatted with the passing local people going about their daily life.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It was fun..

    The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were friendly.

    The interior decor of this little establishment is pleasant with beautiful Amazigh artefacts adorning the walls and colourful Berber rugs strewn along the floor.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy has been awarded 5* by trip advisor, and it’s not hard to see why.

    It’s a popular little place.

    They also serve lunch and dinner, becoming quite busy during peak times.

    There’s a good menu with several choices available, including dishes suitable for vegetarian and vegans.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Hours of opening are from 8.00 am. until 1.30 am.

    The address is;

    Sidi Belabed, Route, Marrakech 40014.

    Krepchy is an authentic Morroccon restaurant with tourists and locals alike enjoying its delicious, competitively priced food.

    For a glimpse into real, authentic life in Marrakech, this is one place you’ll find it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For advice on other places to eat, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Staying In The Kasbah.

    An authentic district of Marrakech with more local people.

    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.

    Sitting outside on the colourful cushions people watching in the Moroccan sun was quite an experience.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The kasbah is about 15 to 20 minutes leisurely walking from the main square with plenty to see along the way.

    The walk is interesting, with many shops and vendors selling all kinds of stuff.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    In the kasbah, there are a  range of budget and high-end riads to stay in.

    It is definitely quieter than the medina.

    I stayed in Riad Hikaya, it was absolutely lovely and a totally relaxing few days for me.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    *See my separate article about staying at 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 than the medina.

    There are plenty of good restaurants to enjoy nice food so you won’t have to go too far.

    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.

    To return from the medina, consider taking a tuk-tuk 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.

    The locals are very friendly, and it was a pleasure getting the opportunity to sit and chat with them.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I would recommend staying in the kasbah if you prefer a quieter, more authentic experience in Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Riad Hikaya.

    A beautifully restored riad in the Kasbah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It was purchased by an Englishman who spent 15 years restoring it.

    Riad Hikaya is a gorgeous riad located in the Kasbah district of Marrakech.

    It’s very beautiful inside, and the amount of work that has gone into restoring it is evident as soon as you walk through the door.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Hikaya is not considered a budget accommodation.

    However, considering its aesthetics and the professionalism of the staff, it’s worth paying a little bit extra to stay here.

    The breakfasts were really good and I ate my evening meal here one evening and the food was delicious.

    I had a three course meal, and it was freshly cooked.

    I sat at the edge of the pool to eat, admiring the stunning decor and the beautiful Moroccan lampshade that hung in the centre.

    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.

    It is a lovely space to relax with colourful couches and cushions and lush green plants growing along the walls.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Kasbah is a great place to stay with more of an authentic feel about it.

    There are fewer tourists, and the locals are friendly and welcoming.

    There are plenty of good restaurants, including The Clock, which is across the road from Riad Hikaya.

    There are plenty of shops and attractions such as El Badi Palace and the Saadian tombs to explore.

    I enjoyed staying amongst the locals in the Kasbah, and it was an easy 20-minute walk to the main square, Jamaa El Fna.

    Riad Hikaya was a good choice of accommodation.

    I especially loved the large copper bathtub in my room and the total peace and quiet inside the riad

    If you’re looking for a lively scene, this place may not be for you.

    However, if you want to disconnect from the busy touristic areas for a while, it’s a perfect retreat.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I stayed at Riad Hikaya in the winter, I expect it may be busier during the spring and summer months.

    The riad was warm and cosy, and I appreciated the way the room was heated to a nice  comfortable temperature.

    Some riads can be quite cold inside at this time of year.

    Riad Hikaya is a beautiful riad.

    The craftsmanship that’s gone into creating each piece of furniture and door is exceptional.

    The views of the snowcapped Atlas mountains in the morning are spectacular.

    I really enjoyed my winter break at this riad and would definitely return again.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Dar Bouchaib.

    A fixed price store in the Kasbah selling everything.

    If you are fed up with haggling every time you want to buy something, there is a fixed price store in the Kasbah called Dar Bouchaib.

    Here, you will find everything  that’s for sale in the souks but 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 you can wander around the shop leisurely without any pressure to buy.

    The store is huge and worth visiting just to see the craftsmanship and detail that’s gone into creating the furniture and mirrors on the upper floor.

    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 reflect what you should be paying for each item.

    There is also a massive selection of wonderful Berber rugs for sale in the store.

    Make it part of your visit to the Kasbah area.

    You won’t be disappointed.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Dar Bouchaib is a few steps away from Krepchy.

    If you’re sightseeing in the kasbah, I would recommend taking a look around this impressive store.

    You may find something interesting to take home with you.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • El Badi Palace.

    One of the must-see attractions in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Zeitoune Cafe.

    Zeitoune Cafe has a perfect rooftop view across Jamaa El Fna.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The view from the balcony of Zeitoune cafe overlooks the busy main square.

    It’s fun watching daily life take place from above all the action whilst having a spot of lunch.

    You can hear the drumming and gnawa music from what is considered the heartbeat of the city as you relax, away from the crowds of tourists.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    The food here is incredibly good, portions are large, and there are a variety of choices on the menu.

    The smoothies were gorgeous.

    I enjoyed a hearty salad for lunch and decided to try a strawberry smoothie.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Also, the obligatory olives, which often come with a meal in Marrakech, were very welcome.

    The lamb tagine with dried fruits is a  popular choice amongst diners here.

    However, if like myself you don’t eat meat, there are vegetarian and vegan options available.

    The breakfast is excellent  with a selection of refreshing juices and good coffee.

    Meals are competitively priced considering the quality of food served and the location overlooking the main square.

    Zeitoune Cafe is in a strategic location.

    It gets busy before sunset as tourists flock to watch the sun setting over the Jamaa El Fna.

    Finding a table during this time of evening might be difficult.

    Zeitoune Cafe is open all day from 9.00 am until 1.00 am, with the exception of Friday and Saturday when they close at 2.00am.

    They do not accept reservations, so it’s first come, first served.

    There are steps up to the balcony and upper floors, but for people with limited mobility, there is outdoor seating available.

    Zeitoune Cafes’ address is,

    107 Place Jamaa El Fnaa

    40000 Morocco

    There is also a Zeitoune Cafe in the kasbah.

    The outside seating is a wonderful place to people watch in the sunshine.

    It is located opposite the mosque.

    Zeitoune Cafe accepts credit card payments, too.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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