Pepe Nero is a popular Italian restaurant tucked away on a quiet street in the medina. They also cook delicious Moroccan cuisine.
Inside the restaurant, there are two pretty courtyards surrounded by lush green foliage and ornate trickling fountains.
I ate here several times and enjoyed the food immensely on each occasion. The menu is creative. They prepare interesting pasta dishes suitable for vegetarians. I had pasta with truffle, and it was beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The restaurant serves alcohol, including a selection of good wine, cocktails, and spirits.
The ambience inside the restaurant is relaxing. It can get livelier in the evening, but it never becomes too noisy. Despite the tempo of the music, I never had to raise my voice to be heard. The atmosphere is still conducive to a romantic, intimate dining experience.
Pepe Nero is open for lunch and dinner. As well as two courtyards, there is a nice enclosed dining space. Guests can sit inside or around the pool where bougainvillaea drapes down the wall.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The staff at Pepe Nero are professional and friendly. They are knowledgeable about the food on the menu and help you to make the right choice.
At Pepe Nero, excellent food, elegant surroundings, and friendly service ensure guests receive the perfect dining experience.
The address is 17 Derb Cherkaoul Marrakech 40000 Morocco. Opening hours for the restaurant are 1.00pm until 4.00pm then, 6.00pm until 11.30 daily.
There is a small car park close to the restaurant.
Booking is advisable as this is a popular restaurant and can get busy, especially during the evening.
I was lucky to stumble across this wonderful little place in the medina. The music they were playing was enough to keep me happy for a while. There is a chilled, boho vibe in Mandala Society. It’s the kind of environment that attracts all age groups and walks of life.
The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing local ethically produced food that is organic wherever possible. Sustainability is evident from the natural wood, soft lighting, and cosy seating inside the restaurant.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
I went at lunchtime. It was quite busy, so I sat on the rooftop terrace to eat my food. There are views across the medina, and the energy was good up there.
I ordered the avocado toast. The creative way that the chef used seasonal fruit added something special to my meal.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The restaurant is spread across 3 levels. The decor is modern and bright, with a homely welcoming atmosphere.
The staff are friendly, and the menu includes homemade dishes using ingredients that are ethically sourced.
I sat listening to music by The Doors, Bob Dylan, and other great artists. It was such a relaxed vibe. I could have hung out on the rooftop terrace for hours quite happily.
You can find Mandala Society at 159 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid,Marrakech 40000. The opening hours are 9.30am to 10.30pm daily.
The perfect day in Marrakech begins watching the sunrise on a rooftop terrace in my riad. I can hear birds singing in the courtyard below. I hear the sound of the medina as it gradually wakes up and comes back to life. I watch cats prowl along the rooftops. Below me, I hear the clattering of plates as staff prepare breakfast.
A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice hits the spot perfectly. I enjoy a breakfast of msemen pancakes with homemade jam, amlou, and honey.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
After my shower, I head out into the medina for a glass of mint atay. I sit outside a cafe overlooking the main square. I observe the vendors setting up their stalls for the day. The street entertainers are ready to entice crowds of tourists. The local ladies pass by on their way to the market for fresh herbs and spices.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
My next destination is the souks before they get busy. Vendors are eager for their first sale of the day, and bargaining is easier early in the morning. The array of things on offer is a sight to behold.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Cats gather for a few morsels off the butcher, and locals toss titbits for them to eat. They vye with each other for the perfect spot to laze in the sunshine.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
I check out the Amazigh jewellery, the argan oil, and the beautiful ceramics on display. At the same time, I dodge motorcycles and donkey carts as they make their way through the narrow alleyways. I buy a few souvenirs and then decide it’s time for a light snack.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
A cafe with colourful outdoor seating looks inviting. I order a selection of Morroccan pastries and a pot of mint tea. I sit for a while people watching, enjoying the scenes that are unfolding around me. It’s fascinating watching daily life in the medina. Tourists look in awe at things for sale, and vendors call out to them with friendly banter.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
After recharging my batteries, it’s time to do some sightseeing. I head towards Madrasa Ben Youssef for an opportunity to get some photos of the stunning architecture. I learn the history of one of the most important koranic colleges in Morocco.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Afterwards, I make my way to the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque. The medina is getting busy, and I want to sit somewhere less crowded.
I relax amongst the beautiful trees, admiring the most famous landmark in Marrakech. As I sit near the fountain, it feels cool and refreshing as it sprays into the air.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I treat myself to a sugarcane juice from a vendor. It goes down well, and the day is getting steadily warmer.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
By now, the heat is quite intense, so I return to my riad for a rest. I make my way onto the rooftop terrace to sunbathe and read a book. The call to prayer echos across the medina. It’s a familiar sound that can be heard in Marrakech five times a day.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Soon, it’s time to get ready for dinner.
I go to La Pergola rooftop bar for a couple of cocktails beforehand. It’s a lively atmosphere. There are people enjoying a drink and chatting with friends.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Next, it’s time to head towards Jamaa El Fna. The energy is electric. Food vendors are touting for business. There are dancers, drumming, and gambling games. Crowds of tourists gather to witness the spectacle. The smell of food cooking makes me hungry. I decide to find a nice place to dine.
I choose a place that has a rooftop terrace overlooking the square. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset. As the sun slowly disappears behind the Koutoubia Mosque, it’s a spectacular sight. Everywhere has a golden glow.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I order a traditional tagine, which is flavourful and aromatic. I’m tempted by the exotic fruit smoothies on the menu. I treat myself to one containing dried fruit, and it’s delicious.
The evening is still young, so I take a leisurely walk to the kasbah. I spend the rest of my evening at the famous Clock listening to some live music and traditional storytelling.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
After immersing myself in the culture of Morrocco, I head back to my riad. I sit in the peaceful courtyard reflecting on the day I’ve had.
I have learnt some history about the culture of Marrakech. I have tasted delicious food. I watched a beautiful sunset and chatted with friendly locals. I have successfully navigated my way through the souks without getting too lost. I also have some nice souvenirs to take home.
I fall asleep. It’s been a perfect day, and I’m ready to do it all again tomorrow.
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.
Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming at times. I soon realised that taking a regular break and pacing myself was the best way to enjoy the experience.
Navigating the maze of alleyways in the souks is exciting. There is so much more to them than beautiful leather goods and Moroccan lamps, though.
There are delicious sweets and pastries waiting to be sampled. These compliment the taste of traditional mint tea known as atay perfectly.
There are so many different pastries to choose from. I decided to treat myself to a selection to find out which ones are my favourite. I enjoyed the taste of the almond pastries most of all.
Traditional mint tea is very hydrating. Sitting in a colourful, boho nook drinking mint tea is a perfect way to take time out from the hectic rhythm of the souks.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
If you are shopping in the souks, I recommend that you pace yourselves and take some time to enjoy the experience. Sitting outside a cute little tea shop is the perfect way to do that.
There are plenty of places around the medina selling mint tea with traditional sweets and pastries. Part of the pleasure of exploring is finding these hidden gems.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
A few places I recommend are,
Medina Kawa Marrakech.
La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices
Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.
Marrakech has an abundant supply of sweets and pastries, and I suggest trying Baclava. It’s a sweet pastry made of layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts like walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. It’s sweetened with honey and flavoured with spices like cinnamon and lemon juice. This was one of my many favourites.
December in Marrakesh can still be warm and sunny. This time of year can be easier for people who don’t enjoy the stifling heat in the summer months. If you also want to avoid huge crowds of tourists, you might prefer the winter months
There is a possibility of more rain during the winter, and evenings can get chilly, but packing the right clothing will ensure that you still have a great experience.
In the medina, riads have air conditioning and will supply their guests with extra warm blankets to keep them warm and cosy.
When sightseeing,wearing several light layers and carrying a weatherproof jacket and umbrella will make sure you’re equipped for clement weather.
I went to Marrakech in December, and it was still warm and sunny most days, turning chillier after sunset. I still had a brilliant time. Vendors in the souks were easier to haggle with because of fewer tourists. I managed to bag a few good deals to take home with me.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
During the low season, the price of flights is often cheaper, and accommodation is easier to find for a good price.
If you’re planning a day excursion into the Atlas mountains, they do get snow. Check places like Ourika Valley or Imlil are safe to travel to before booking. The train to Casablanca is always operational, and buses to Essaouira still run for an alternative day trip if it’s too dangerous to go hiking in more remote areas.
I was surprised at how often I was able to sit outside and people watch in Jamaa El Fna in December. Some days were bright and sunny, and some were cloudy with slightly a cool temperature. I never felt cold.
Marrakech in December/image by Freebird Tracey.
Some restaurants I visited, such as The Clock in the Kasbah, had roaring fires during the evenings. This created a cosy atmosphere.
Occasionally, Marrakech can experience more rainfall than usual. If you don’t want to get caught out, take an umbrella out with you.
If it rains, there are plenty of interesting museums, so don’t be disheartened if you’re caught in a storm. There’s always plenty to do. Tailor your itinerary to suit the climate and keep an eye on the weather forecast daily.
Spend time in places such as the Museum of Photography, the Berber Carpet Museum, and the Museum of Mouassine Music to keep yourself entertained.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I would definitely go again during winter. It helped me to cope with the gloomy, grey days in the UK by breaking up the long winter. I enjoyed shopping whilst it was quieter and shorter queues into most of the attractions. In addition, the airport was quiet, and I got through passport control really quickly.
The Sound Of The Souks 