Browsing around the busy souks in the medina is an exciting experience.
Berber jewellery in the souks.
There is everything that you could possibly dream of.
As you meander through the maze of colourful alleyways, be prepared for a complete assault on the senses.
From beautiful jewellery to exotic spices, leather shoes and bags, to Morroccan lamps and ceramics.
Traditional Morroccan Babouches.
The craftsmanship is astonishing, and you can find areas that are dedicated to certain products, such as leather goods and handmade Berber rugs or cushion covers.
It’s a lovely experience watching the locals making their goods to sell, and there is also the opportunity to have a go at making things yourself, such as a pair of babouche shoes to take home.
Berber rugs are beautifully displayed, and the assortment of colours and patterns are a feast for the eyes.
Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float on the gentle breeze.
Oils and perfumes for sale in the souks.
Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys tempt you for the perfect souvenir to take back for family and friends.
Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries.
Traditional sweets for sale in the souks.
The olives and exotic fruits.
The medicinal herbs and spices, a cacophony of colours and fragrances.
Paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors and Berber people.
Hand painted pictures for sale.
For the person who loves shopping, Marrakech is an absolute delight.
The souks are crowded and busy.
You have to dodge motorcycles and donkeys, vendors with carts, and tourists looking for the perfect gift.
You can expect to get lost, but that’s all part of the experience.
No one went into the souks and was never heard from again…
So, if you’re coming to Marrakech for the vibrant abundance of enticing goods on sale around the medina, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute.
It’s an unforgettable experience, one which will envoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago.
A few helpful tips to make the most of your shopping experience:
Pace yourself.
The souks are very busy with motorcycles, donkeys, and tourists. It can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.
Stop for a drink and rehydrate.
Rest for a while, try a spot of lunch on the rooftop of a cafe.
Be prepared to haggle. It may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Stay vigilant, and keep your wits about you.
Marrakech is a safe city, but pick pocketing can happen just like anywhere else in the world.
In crowded, narrow streets, keep your possessions safe in a closed bag at the front of your body.
If you’re lost, try to use Google maps or look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.
If you need help or advice, ask a shop vendor or try calling the riad you are staying in.
They may offer to collect you.
Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so they can get commission.
You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.
Colourful spice drums in the medina.
Take time to shop around and walk away if you don’t think you’re being offered a fair price.
You will usually find yourself being called back, and a good price reached.
If not, the same items will most likely be found on sale elsewhere in the souks.
Exercise patience.
Remember, this is someone’s livelihood, and it’s a different culture to what you may be used to.
Wages are not very high for most people in Marrakesh, and tourists with money to spend are fair game for boosting the take-home salary of most vendors.
After all, they too have mouths to feed..
Although the souks can be overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience.
You will be dazzled by the vast number of weird and wonderful items on display.
The sights, sounds, and smells will stay with you a long time after you leave this fascinating city.
A popular restaurant with views over the Jamaa El Fna
Image by Freebird Tracey.
A fine dining experience in tastefully decorated surroundings situated on,
52 Rue des Banques, Av.
Jamaa El Fna
40000 Morocco
A refreshing cocktail inside Marrakchi Restaurant.
Le Marrakchi restaurant is beautifully intimate with dim lighting and candles lit on the tables, giving it a warm, cosy glow.
It’s a popular place to dine in the square, attracting a variety of people, including locals and tourists alike.
It’s a family-friendly establishment and has vegan options available.
The whole ambience is very special, and the vibe inside the restaurant is very relaxing despite it being a relatively busy place.
From the outside, the walls have a wonderful, red glow, which is very atmospheric and inviting.
Vegetable cous cous in Marrakchi restaurant.
The food is good, I especially enjoyed the tagines which were served with a spicy, Harissa sauce at the side.
Service was also good, and the waiters were attentive and friendly.
The decor was traditionally Morroccan, and it felt cosy and romantic inside.
They serve alcohol including a wide range of beautifully presented cocktails.
Marrakchi serves a range of wines and cocktails.
Prices are average for a licenced restaurant close to Jamaa El Fna.
I went back several times because the vibe was very pleasant, and I enjoyed listening to the sounds of the busy square outside the windows.
I didn’t feel rushed despite the fact that the restaurant was busy and people were coming and going throughout the evening.
There was a good selection of dishes on the menu, and I enjoyed the vegetarian options, including vegetable cous cous, typically eaten on Fridays in Marrakesh.
The bathroom facilities were excellent and smelt very fragrant.
There are a few steps to climb into the restaurant area, so it’s probably not suitable for people with mobility issues.
Opening hours are 12.00-12.00am daily.
They also offer a takeaway service if you don’t wish to visit in person.
Marrakech is full of delightful little places to sit, and people watch whilst sipping traditional mint tea known as atay.
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.
A great little place serving authentic, good quality food close to Jamaa El Fna.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The meals are good value for money, and there’s a lively atmosphere with live music playing.
The menu is interesting and varied.
They serve traditional tangia (tender meat, cooked for hours in an earthenware pot, called a tangier)
The lamb was cooked to perfection, succulent and tender, and the aromatic aroma as it was tipped from the tangia onto the plate was mouthwatering.
The salads are delicious and creative, combining an interesting infusion of flavours.
I especially enjoyed the vegetable tagine, with root vegetables and chickpeas.
L’Mdina is a restaurant serving Moroccan, Mediterranean, and international dishes with a traditional gastronomic touch.
It is located about 2 minutes from the square.
They also have seating available for people, simply wanting a coffee or just a drink at the bar, whilst listening to some live music.
The menu is suitable for vegetarians with vegan options also available.
The restaurant seats 60 people and is beautifully decorated with an authentic Moroccan theme.
The musicians played a mix of traditional Morroccan music and Latin American.
They entertained the diners without being too loud, so we were able to engage in conversation.
It was the perfect dinner setting. A combination of good food, a nice ambience, as well as being budget friendly.
Whilst it can get quite busy, I didn’t have to queue long.
I was happy to be seated outside. It was a nice, warm evening, and I was content feeling the vibe of the restaurant mixed with the magic of the medina during evening time.
L’Mdina is close enough to the main square for a break from the hustle and bustle, whilst still feeling a part of it. It’s a place to go for an hour or so to recharge one’s batteries.
There is a set menu at lunchtime for 85 dirhams, and it’s worth every penny.
If you want a tasty meal, which is reasonably priced with some entertainment, I recommend giving L’mdina a try.
The restaurant’s address is;
42 rue des banque
Marrakech 40000
L’Mdina opens at 12 midday and closes at 23.00
They accept card payments.
For more information about places to eat, contact me via the email address below;
Riad Lea, as it is also known, is a traditional mid priced riad only 10 minutes walk away from the main square.
There are 5 suites, and they are authentically decorated and comfortable.
The courtyard is peaceful with the sound of birds chirping.
It’s a nice place to sit and cool down after a busy morning exploring the city in the heat.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The rooftop is a great place for a spot of sunbathing, and there is also a jacuzzi.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The staff at Riad Lea were especially attentive. They couldn’t do enough for their guests.
They even offered me some of their food they were breaking their fast with during Ramadan.
It’s the little touches like this that make a traditional riad such a charming place to stay. There are more modern riads, but it’s the personal touches that stand out for me.
The staff at Riad Lea made sure that their guests felt comfortable and happy.
There was a lovely atmosphere in the riad, and everyone seemed to be having a great experience.
Reaching the riad was like heading down a hobbit hole, and the doorway was not made for tall people, but once you got used to it, you soon remembered to duck.
The breakfast at Riad Lea was a typical Morroccan breakfast, but as good as I’ve had in the more expensive riads.
I loved their homemade yoghurt and msemen pancakes.
The walk to the main square was enjoyable, passing by lots of interesting little shops and restaurants on the way.
I enjoyed my stay at Riad Lea. It’s not a fancy 5 star accommodation, but it’s good value for money.
It was clean, I had everything I needed, and the staff were a credit to the riad.
Riad Lea can be found at,
41 Derb Sidi Bou
Amar Marrakech 40000.
Courtyard at Riad Lea.
For more information about places to stay, contact me via the email address below;
Sounds Of The Souks 