Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: morocco

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • Les Bains Kenaria.

    A traditional Hammam and Rooftop Cafe.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Over 400 years old and beautifully preserved and restored.

    Les Bains Kenaria has been revived to become a sanctuary in the medina.

    It still uses the ancient Moroccan tradition of heating the Hammam using the wood fired method.

    Services include newly added thermal rooms, warm baths, cold baths, a jacuzzi style pool, and a massage.

    Les Bains Kenaria is also a rooftop cafe, and this is where my experience here began.

    I was lured in by the lush tropical plants that spoke to me from the intricately crafted doorway.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I made my way upstairs onto the pretty rooftop and was seated on a comfortable, colourful couch.

    The staff were really friendly and courteous, and they helped me to choose a vegetarian option from the menu.

    My food was one of the most delicious tagines I’d tried in Marrakech.

    The fresh vegetables included fava beans and olives and tasted absolutely sumptuous.

    I watched the sun setting as I tucked into my food, and I could hear the lively sounds of the souk below.

    It was a lovely atmosphere, and I could watch everyday life taking place on the adjacent rooftops.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I chose a beet smoothie for the first time, and it was quite different from anything I’d had before.

    The setting was peaceful despite it being in the busy medina, with tourists shopping in the street below.

    I was able to enjoy my meal in a relaxed, stressfree manner, taking my time and not feeling rushed at all.

    The food is traditional Morroccan cuisine, and prices are very competitive.

    There is plenty of choice for lunch and dinner on the menu, and breakfast is also available.

    The opening hours are;

    9.00am until 8.00pm daily.

    The address is;

    Bain Maure, N 132,

    Marrakech 40040, Morocco.

    I will certainly be back to eat here again, and next time, I may even try a Hammam experience.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Pepe Nero Italian Restaurant.

    A popular Italian restaurant in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Pepe Nero is an exceptionally good restaurant tucked away on a quiet street in the medina.

    It is an Italian restaurant, but they also serve delicious Moroccan cuisine.

    The setting is absolutely stunning, with a pretty courtyard surrounded by beautiful foliage and gentle trickling fountains.

    I ate here a few times during my visit to Marrakech, and I enjoyed the food immensely on both occasions.

    The menu is creative, and they also have delicious pasta dishes suitable for vegetarians like myself.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I had pasta with truffle, and it was a delight on the senses, beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The desert menu is also good, with a fine selection of light deserts to compliment the main course.

    Alcohol is served, including a selection of wines, cocktails, and spirits.

    The ambience is relaxing with music playing in the background.

    It can get slightly livelier in the evening, but it never becomes overly stimulating and still maintains a sense of calm.

    Despite the music tempo, I never had to raise my voice to be heard. The atmosphere is still calm and conducive to a pleasant, romantic evening.

    Pepe Nero is open for lunch and dinner, and there are two courtyards as well as a nice enclosed dining area.

    Guests can sit around the pool where bougainvillaea drapes down the wall or in the second courtyard area with a couple of attractive fountains, burbling in the background.

    If the weather is cooler, the internal dining area is elegant and refined.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The staff at Pepe Nero are professional and friendly.

    They are knowledgeable and help you to make the right choices when choosing from the menu.

    The experience of eating here was worth every dirham..

    Good food, a beautiful, unpretentious environment, and excellent service combined to ensure the perfect dining experience.

    I would certainly recommend Pepe Nero if you enjoy Italian food and want a change from Tagine or couscous.

    There is a small car park close to the restaurant also.

    Pepe Nero is also a riad called Riyadh Al Moussika, I have written an article about staying here.

    Opening hours for the restaurant are;

    1.00pm until 4.00pm daily.

    6.00pm until 11.30 daily.

    The address is;

    17 Derb Cherkaoul

    Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    Booking is advisable as this is a popular restaurant and can get busy, especially during the evening.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Winter In Marrakech.

    Visiting Marrakech During The Cooler Season

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    December in Marrakesh can still be warm and sunny, making it the perfect destination for people who don’t particularly enjoy the stifling summer temperatures.

    If you want to avoid the huge crowds of tourists, you might prefer the months of December and January.

    It’s worth noting that there is a possibility of more rain during the winter months, and evenings can be chilly, but packing the right clothing will ensure that you still have a wonderful experience.

    In Gueliz and Hivenage, modern hotels and apartments have heating.

    In the medina, riads have air conditioning and will supply their guests with extra warm blankets.

    Wearing light layers and carrying a lightweight weatherproof jacket and umbrella will make visiting the city’s attractions more enjoyable.

    I went in December, and it was still sunny most days, turning chillier after sunset.

    I still had a brilliant time and found that vendors in the souks were easier to haggle with because of fewer tourists.

    I even managed to bag a few really good deals to take home with me.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Another thing worth mentioning is that the price of flights and accommodation are significantly cheaper too.

    Regarding day excursions, the Atlas mountains do get snow, so if you’re considering a day trip to Ourika Valley or Imlil, check if travel is safe before booking.

    The train to Casablanca is operational, and buses to Essaouira still run, so that’s an alternative day trip if it’s too dangerous or cold to go hiking in the more remote areas.

    I was pleasantly 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 marginally cooler temperatures.

    I never felt cold and was able to walk around the medina comfortably.

    Marrakech in December/image by Freebird Tracey.

    Some of the restaurants I visited, such as The Clock in the Kasbah, had roaring fires during the evenings, creating a nice cosy atmosphere.

    Occasionally, Marrakech can experience more rainfall than usual, so this is something to bear in mind.

    If  you don’t want to get caught out, take an umbrella out with you or a lightweight jacket.

    There is still plenty to see and do, so don’t be too upset if you’re caught in a storm.

    Tailor your itinerary to suit the climate and keep an eye on the weather forecast daily.

    There are so many exciting museums such as the Museum of Photography and Berber Carpet Museum to keep you entertained.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I would definitely go again during winter.

    It helped me to cope with the gloomy grey days in the UK and broke up the long winter.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more about visiting Marrakech, subscribe to my blog.

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  • 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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  • Mandala Society.

    A hip joint playing cool music and serving excellent food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I was lucky enough to stumble across this wonderful little place in the medina

    The music they were playing alone was enough to keep me seated happily for a while as I sipped on a deliciously fresh fruit smoothie.

    There is a chilled, boho vibe in this little place with an air of sophistication that suits all ages and walks of life.

    I went at lunchtime and it was quite busy so I sat on the rooftop to eat my food.

    The view across the medina was pleasant, and the energy was good up there.

    I tried the avocado toast, and it was so delicious.

    The creative way that the chef used fresh fruit to decorate the meal added a touch of refinement to my meal, making a simple brunch rather more special.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The interior decor is cosy, yet modern, bright, and airy.

    Friendly staff wait on the tables, and the menu is both exciting and interesting.

    I found the price of lunch competitive and the quality of the food served is very good.

    I sat listening to The Doors, Bob Dylan, and a few other tunes from the late sixties and seventies.

    It felt like such a great vibe, and I was happy to sit and just enjoy the music they were playing.

    It was quite a treat in the middle of a busy medina.

    I could have hung out there for hours..

    Travellers and tourists alike frequent Mandala Society, giving it a contemporary style, yet with a cosy intimate twist.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    You can find Mandala Society at 159 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid,

    Marrakech 40000.

    The opening hours are,

    9.30am to 10.30pm daily.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information about this and other places to eat,

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Mo Mo’s Restaurant.

    A quirky place to dine with terrific views over the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mo Mo’s restaurant is a colourful and tastefully decorated restaurant in the medina.

    Inside, the tables are set with attractive earthenware, and there is so much to catch your eye strategically placed around the restaurant.

    There is a mid century feel to the restaurant, similar to the Tiki style.

    The colourful interior is vibrant and exciting, with pink and pale blue tones creating a relaxed ambience.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is very popular and the perfect place to watch the sun set over the medina.

    The views across the main square are perfect for observing all the action from a distance.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I decided to relax with a drink and watch the setting sun.

    It was quite spectacular.

    The opening time for serving dinner was 6.00pm, and the tables were filling up rapidly.

    The waiters were very busy due to the popularity of Mo Mo’s, and they were friendly and helpful, making the guests feel welcome.

    The menu is interesting, and the food is of good quality with decent portion sizes.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Mo Mo’s is popular with all age groups, and there is plenty of space inside and out to accommodate a large number of people.

    There is certainly plenty to look at, and it’s a very instagrammable place.

    People were taking photos of the fascinating decor.

    It’s unlike other places in the medina, yet still exudes the same charm.

    It is modern and elegant, with a touch of chilled, mellow 1960s energy.

    Mo Mo’s serve Mediterranean food alongside traditional Moroccan specialities.

    Some reviews suggest that the menu is limited, but people say that they enjoyed the food and rated it as high quality.

    Mo Mo’s is quite a new restaurant, so the menu may be tweaked as time goes on to include more dishes.

    The breakfast is an innovative take on a full English breakfast served in a tagine.

    I can vouch for the drinks.

    They were beautifully presented and fresh.

    There was a good choice of juices and smoothies.

    I had a lovely smoothie and I could taste each individual fruit, it was very healthy.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re looking for somewhere with an explosion of colour, traditional yet with a modern twist, this is the perfect place.

    It is exciting and classy at the same time.

    I will definitely be returning..

    Mo Mo’s is open daily from 11.00am to 12.00am

    The address is;

    1 Riad Zitoun, Lakdim, Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • 1112 Morroccan Tea House.

    The first tea house in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    1112 Morroccan Tea House is absolutely stunning.

    It is the first Moroccan tea house in marrakech, serving 12 teas from the 12 areas of Morrocco.

    Set inside a former riad, it is a beautiful place to come and sample the 12 delicious teas on offer, along with modern oriental cakes.

    There is table service, and the food is nicely presented, tasty, and varied.

    There is a selection of light snacks to accompany your choice of tea available on the menu also.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The name 1112 signifies the date 1700 in the gregorian calendar and is etched into the wooden ceiling of the riad.

    The riad was beautifully restored by a morroccan family who have been renowned for their expertise in the restoration of such properties since the 1990s.

    The architecture is beautiful.  Wooden ceilings, intricate tile work, and exotic plants make it a delightful environment for sitting and reflecting on the past history of the importance of tea in Morrocco.

    There are interesting facts about the introduction of tea into Morocco and a shop selling nicely packaged tea if you’re looking for a gift to take home with you.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    1112 has a nice rooftop.

    After exploring the museum, it is worthwhile taking a look around this exquisite riad and savouring the whole experience.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Situated close to Ben Youssef, the address is;

    12 Place De La Kissariat, Ben Youssef,

    Marrakech.

    They are open for breakfast and lunch.

    What a lovely way to begin the day, or take a peaceful break from exploring the busy medina..

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • La Ferme Medina.

    A haven of tranquillity, a little garden of Eden.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Imagine sitting in an oasis, surrounded by tropical plants, the sound of trickling water from a fountain and birds chirping..

    This is what you will experience when you visit La Ferme medina.

    The atmosphere is serene and calm, with several cosy nooks to sit and relax whilst enjoying a delicious meal.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Not only is Le Ferme Medina a restaurant serving excellent food, but it is a beautiful accommodation in the medina to stay in.

    All of the rooms have balconies looking down over the jungle below and are beautifully furnished.

    I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in such a tranquil environment, looking down from my table situated above the beautiful flora and fauna.

    It felt like an oasis, a welcome retreat from the busy souks and streams of tourists.

    The food was delicious, and the service was excellent with friendly staff to accommodate all your needs.

    After a busy morning shopping in the maze of  souks, dodging motorcycles, and tourists, it was lovely to just sit in such a peaceful environment.

    You could be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to a completely different place altogether.

    It felt like an oasis in the middle of nowhere.

    For lunch,  I chose the avocado toast, followed by a delicious cheesecake.

    It was tasty, filling, and beautifully presented.

    Attention to detail is everything here..

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The address for La Ferme medina is;

    236 Rue Riad Laarous

    Marrakech 40000 Morocco.

    Opening times are,

    7.00am until 22.00pm

    They serve breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

    There is live Moroccan music playing most evenings to entertain you whilst you have dinner.

    The food in the restaurant is organically produced and dedicated to animal care, which is a wonderful bonus.

    The restaurant also serves vegetarian, vegan, and halal dishes, so it caters to everyone’s dietary preferences.

    I highly recommend trying Le Ferme medina.

    The tranquillity alone is invaluable.

    I will certainly be back to work my way around the menu, and I may even spend a few nights here in this jungle paradise.

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

    A perfectly charming riad in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Zouhour is  stunning with blue and white zellige tiles and exotic plants and trees.

    Intricately carved wooden doors and ornate traditional window frames make this riad a sight to behold.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is an oasis of wonderful flowers, citrus trees, and tropical plants, with plenty of places to sit and admire the beautiful surroundings.

    There is also a small pool for cooling off in, and it’s kept incredibly clean.

    You can tell this riad is a labour of love.

    The attention to detail is a credit to the owner, and the immaculate rooftop garden is a mini paradise.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The interior rooms are very spacious and beautifully decorated in a traditional, luxurious style.

    Large private bathrooms containing fragrant products for use in the shower add a nice touch.

    Rooms are light and airy, with plenty of sunlight streaming through the windows.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The food is also very good.

    I loved the vegetable tagine and seasonal salad that I had  on arrival at the riad.

    My flight was delayed, yet everything was still hot and beautifully presented.

    Despite the time of night I eventually arrived at the riad, nothing was too much trouble.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The staff are attentive and kind, going out of their way to make you feel welcome.

    The atmosphere is relaxed and professional.

    The riad exudes luxury, yet it’s affordable and in a strategic location close to the centre of all the action.

    It’s not difficult to see why Riad Zouhour is popular.

    It gets booked up quickly, so booking well in advance is recommended.

    As with most riads in the medina, they can also organise tours and excursions for you.

    The address is;

    33 Derb Snane,

    Medina 40000

    Marrakech Morocco.

    Check-in time is,

    00:00 until 23.30 hours.

    Check-out time is,

    5.00 until 00:00

    This is a riad I would highly recommend.

    It has been beautifully renovated whilst keeping all of its original charm.

    I enjoyed my stay here, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

    I loved the views from the rooftop, the pretty flowers and plants, and I was treated really well by the kind staff.

    It truly is a gem in the busy medina, a haven of peace and tranquillity where guests are made to feel really valued.

    Riad Zouhour is one of those places you just don’t want to leave.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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