Bahia Palace is a stunning, 19th century palace in Marrakesh.
It’s definitely a must-see if you’re visiting the city, as it’s quite a spectacular place.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The rooms are decorated with stuccos, paintings, and mosaics to capture the essence of Islamic architecture.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The word Bahia means ‘brilliance’ in Arabic, reflecting the splendour of Islamic art and architecture.
It is necessary to book tickets prior to visiting the palace as queues can be extremely long.
They cost 70 dirhams each, and the palace is open from 8.00am-5.00pm daily.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The courtyard is stunning, and all the rooms open out onto it.
It is rather grand and very spacious with a fountain in the centre and intricate tile work typical of Morroccan culture.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There is also a 2-acre garden surrounding the palace and beautiful orange trees lining the route to the entrance.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
When Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the Bahia palace was used as a royal residence. This was until King Hassan II transferred it to the custody of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.
The building then became a cultural icon and tourist attraction in Marrakech.
Bahia Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
It is best to arrive as close to opening time as possible to avoid the crowds.
That way, you can spend time reading about the history of the palace and enjoying the experience before it becomes too overwhelming and you can’t capture any photos.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I would recommend visiting Bahia Palace.
It’s gives you a good understanding of Islamic culture and the fine craftsmanship that defines it.
If you enjoy looking at Islamic architecture, you could also visit Badi Palace in the Kasbah area of the city.
Smoothies can be found everywhere in Marrakesh. They are one of the healthiest, most vibrant, 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.
There is no shortage of exotic fruits and vegetables in Marrakech.
The markets are alive with colour.
I regularly go for detoxifying smoothies for their positive health benefits and as a pick me up after a long, hot day exploring the medina.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Literally, everything goes into making a perfect 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 that are blended together to make the perfect smoothie.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Fresh juice is also a popular choice 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 both aromatic and a real taste sensation.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Orange juice made from freshly picked oranges off the trees around the medina is a breakfast staple.
It is sunshine in a glass.
Mixed fruit juice is a favourite sold by the vendors in the main square.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
My absolute favourite is the freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.
It is a refreshing tonic and gives me a boost of energy.
I was flagging in the heat during a hike around Ouzoud Waterfall, and pomegranate juice instantly hit the spot.
I felt revitalised again..
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The fruit juice vendors in the main square call you over to sample their mango and pineapple juice.
They use carefully crafted banter to draw you towards them with many competing for business.
They have a selection of exotic fruits to try, and it’s exciting watching them make it for you.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There are a few places I can recommend where you can enjoy a refreshing juice or healthy smoothie..
Pikala Cafe has an excellent choice, and it’s a great little spot.
I have written a separate post about Pikala Cafe.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Le Ferme Medina.
Henna Art Cafe.
La Famille (vegetarian restaurant)
All offer comfortable, attractive surroundings for a peaceful break from sightseeing and a pleasant way to get some vitamin C.
There are also plenty of rooftop restaurants around the main square to enjoy a well-deserved rest whilst sipping a refreshing cold juice or fruit smoothie and watching the action from above.
Sugarcane juice is widely available around the medina, also.
It is important to stay hydrated whilst out and about in the medina.
The temperature is very warm and humid.
I can not underestimate the power of a bottle of water, and you should always carry one with you, but for a healthy, refreshing treat, consider trying some of the wonderful juices and smoothies also.
The vitamins and minerals are necessary to function for the hectic, busy schedule you may have planned.
Remember, there may still be a high sugar content, so moderation is key.
A useful guide for choosing the correct clothing for your trip.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech can get very hot in summer, and temperatures can exeed 40° Celsius.
Even the cooler months can feel warm and humid, especially walking around the busy souks and popular points of interest.
Marrakech is also a conservative city with a majority Muslim population.
The locals are extremely hospitable, but respect is a big thing in Marrakech.
So, what should you wear to feel comfortable yet still appear respectable?
For female visitors, I would suggest palazzo trousers.
These are flowing and elegant, keeping you nice and cool.
They pair well with smart cotton blouses and can be worn underneath a silk kimono, adding a touch of glamour.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Lightweight cotton or linen trousers also look smart, and neutral colours give a sophisticated, modest appearance.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Silk (including recycled sari silk) maxi dresses are very versatile and keep you cool. They can be worn with a drawstring sari petticoat underneath for modesty if the dress is sheer.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Linen is perfect and always looks polished.
It may get slightly creased, so I would suggest bringing along a portable steamer. They’re a life-saver and take up very little space in your suitcase.
However, most accommodations have an ironing and laundry service at your disposal.
Cotton tee-shirts and blouses are ideal and can look very flattering with the right accessories.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Yoga pants are also perfect for a day exploring.
They are loose fitting and comfortable.
Headscarves are fashionable and can be used as a head covering whilst visiting some of the religious sights or as a convenient wrap around for covering your shoulders.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I like to wear turbans to cover my locs.
They keep my head and neck cool, and at the same time, I feel well put together.
Silk scarves roll up really small and fit perfectly in your bag.
They are versatile and can be used as a hair tie, head covering, or pretty accessory.
Marrakech is definitely more liberal than other morroccan cities. However, exposing too much flesh is definitely frowned upon.
You may attract unwanted attention from both males and females, spoiling your overall experience by making you feel self-conscious.
How you present yourself will determine the kind of experience you have in Marrakesh.
In your hotel or riad, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and swimwear for sunbathing, so pack those items of clothing also.
Males can wear knee-length shorts with linen or cotton short-sleeved shirts to look smart yet casual.
Many high-end restaurants won’t accept men wearing sandals, but smart leather sliders are deemed acceptable.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Linen or cotton long trousers for men are ideal and keep the body cool.
Men’s clothing is definitely more liberal than females.
They don’t invite the same attention but are still expected to dress for the occasion when visiting certain establishments.
I wouldn’t advise a male to walk around without a shirt on.
That is best left for beach holidays..
So, to summarise, staying smartly dressed whilst comfortable is the only thing men need to consider.
On the other hand, women are expected to respect the cultural norms of the country unless they’re going to the clubs in the Gueliz or Hivenage part of Marrakech.
It’s acceptable to dress more provocatively if you’re having a night out there.
You can still look and feel good in appropriate clothing.
It’s about choosing nice accessories to elevate your outfit.
Marrakech has no shortage of beautiful jewellery and handbags.
Regarding footwear, there is a lot of walking around the medina, so comfortable footwear is certainly essential.
Trainers, pumps, or sandals are all acceptable.
A little tip I found useful is to take a couple of outfits in my travel bag, and once I arrived, I bought the rest of my clothing in the souks.
It wasn’t too expensive, and I felt as if I blended in with the locals better.
I enjoyed wearing the traditional Moroccan dresses, kaftans, and djellabas.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Finally, I have never needed to take a warm coat to Marrakech.
Depending on the season and whether you plan a trip into the Atlas mountains or not, a lightweight weatherproof jacket is enough
I usually take a shawl or cardigan, and it’s always been sufficient for cooler evenings.
Winter in Marrakech is better suited to layers.
A trip to Agafay desert can get very blustery whilst watching the sunset in the open air.
A thin thermal skin worn underneath a long dress or trousers is usually enough to protect from the drop in temperature.
I wore long sleeved tee-shirts underneath my dresses during the evenings.
A comfortable hoodie can also be useful.
Keeping your eyes on the weather forecast before travelling will also help you to plan accordingly for your trip.
So, to summarise,
Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a day exploring the medina and tourist hot spots is the most important thing to consider.
You will walk a lot, and it can get humid.
To discourage unwanted attention and negative vibes from the locals, female travellers should refrain from dressing too provocatively.
Unless they’re in the bars and clubs, which are more liberally minded.
Choosing natural fibres is the best way to stay cool, and long, loose-fitting garments are ideal because they look modest and feminine.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.
You don’t want to walk around looking like a lobster.
A popular restaurant where booking a table is essential.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Cafe Arabe is a popular destination for people looking for Italian and Morroccan cuisine.
It is open all day serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The open-air restaurant has a rooftop overlooking the medina and comfortable seating in the large patio area.
The incredible views of the sunset draw people in to enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop, and it gets booked up very quickly.
I stopped by for a refreshing smoothie and a break from the intensity of the souks and the heat.
I was given breadsticks and olives to accompany it,
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I enjoyed looking out over the rooftops of the medina whilst relaxing and cooling off.
There was no pressure to order anything to eat, and I appreciated the relaxed energy of this busy restaurant during mid afternoon.
I decided to book a meal for later in the evening because the vibe was good inside the restaurant, and the food being served looked delicious.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
One thing I particularly liked was the decor.
The exotic green colour leading upstairs to the terrace is absolutely stunning.
This was my favourite part of the restaurant, I could have sat there all afternoon quite happily.
The bathroom is also very clean and well maintained.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Returning later for a meal, it was incredibly busy.
The atmosphere was different.
There were people queuing to be seated and waiters rushing about trying to cope with the demand.
I ordered a margarita pizza, which was very tasty.
I also enjoyed a cold beer with olives whilst waiting for my food to arrive.
I would have liked a desert, but I didn’t have time to wait for its arrival, so I decided to try again another day.
I realised that due to the demand for seating at Cafe Arabe, booking is essential.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Such is the demand for this popular restaurant, I tried booking a table for the following evening but it was full.
I would suggest booking a few days or possibly weeks in advance to guarantee a place.
The prices are pretty average considering the proximity to Jamaa El Fna, and the food was relatively good.
It was a little bit too busy for me during the evening, and not surprisingly, the waiters appeared to be slightly under pressure due to the number of people.
In Marrakech, there are so many wonderful restaurants to dine in, and I favour a more peaceful environment.
The food was nice, though, so I would be tempted to come back at lunchtime, perhaps when it’s less busy with tourists and the energy is more relaxing.
Cafe Arabe is open daily from 10.00am-12.00am
The address is,
184 Rue Mouassine
Marrakech 40000 Morocco
I would recommend booking a table for around 6.00pm. This is the best time to come before it gets too busy.
A peaceful, fragrant riad in the heart of the medina.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The first time I visited Marrakech, I stayed in Monriad.
This is where my love affair with the medina began.
I had no idea what to expect and was absolutely amazed at the wonderful experience I had staying in a traditional riad for the first time.
Monriad was so pretty.
The courtyard was tranquil, and the sound of the trickling water and birds singing was blissful.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The owner and her staff were friendly and helpful, greeting me with the ultimate respect and offering traditional mint tea with olives on arrival.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I was given helpful advice about the area surrounding the riad and popular excursions I might wish to book.
She also suggested that I could eat dinner in the riad with the other guests and recommended places of interest close by.
The rooftop was glorious, and watching the sunrise up there each morning really was a blessing.
Captured by Freebird Tracey.
My room was impeccable, with traditional and good quality furniture and a beautiful bathroom with a traditional basin.
The riad smelt amazing. Cleanliness was a top priority for the staff.
There was a large, traditional, carved wooden door into the riad. I wasn’t given my own set of keys, but it was never a problem.
I did eat dinner once inside the riad, and the food was quite good. It was popular with other guests who seemed to really enjoy dining inside the riad.
The breakfast was very good.
Monriad is tucked away down a quiet little street.
It’s a pleasant, safe area with several cats and kittens who have also made the surrounding streets their home.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Monriad is close to Jamaa El Fna and points of interest, such as Bahia Palace, yet it is peaceful and secluded.
It is considered a mid price riad but has still maintained a family and welcoming feel about it.
It remains my mission to stay in as many different riads as possible in Marrakesh, but I would definitely consider returning to Monriad.
If you think that the main square in Marrakech is a busy place during the daytime, be prepared for a surprise once the sun begins to set.
Gone are the snake charmers and monkeys on chains, replaced by food vendors, henna ladies, street musicians, and dancers.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The scene is organised chaos and a complete sensory overload.
The sights, sounds, and smells are not for the faint-hearted.
The drumming becomes intense, and the square takes on the appearance of a huge fair ground with thousands of people congregating.
People from Marrakech and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold.
The atmosphere is electric and vibrates with a magnetic energy.
Street vendors pursue potential customers with menus as they try to navigate their way through the crowds.
They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are part of some assault course.
Images by Freebird Tracey
Sometimes, they can be very persistent, and you can feel pretty intimidated.
Camel head and fresh snails may not be your thing, and you have to be quite firm when telling them you’ve already eaten.
Although the scene is very intense, it is magical and exciting.
I really enjoyed myself, but other people were saying that they felt overwhelmed.
They preferred sitting on the edge of the square, sipping mint tea, and observing from a safe distance.
It is unlike anything else you may have experienced.
There is so much to see. There are games being played, and a few little scams take place to trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.
Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee.
Youths play football against the walls of the medina.
Sugarcane and fresh juice are sold from vending carts by lively vendors in high spirits.
Bemused onlookers sit observing everything outside restaurants or from the rooftops around the square as the Koutoubia mosque rings out the call to prayer.
As the sun sets, the crowds flock, and the atmosphere becomes electrifying.
The square is transformed into a social hub where anything and everything takes place.
It’s an incredible experience.
The bright lights dazzle from the food vendors, and beautiful Morroccan lamps sit for sale on blankets lighting the way, giving off a wonderful glow.
The scent of fragrant incense competes with the aroma of sheeps head cooking, floating through the air on the breeze.
Tourists tempted to try a traditional bowl of snails queue to sample this culinary delight.
Drums beat, belly dancers perform to curious onlookers and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd.
You can not escape the craziness.
It draws you in.
It is the heartbeat of the city.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Jamaa El Fna magnetises you.
The sheer chaos is a complete assault on the senses in every way possible.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Just be mindful when stopping to take photos.
Someone in the thick of the action is eagle eyed and continuously watching for interested tourists who have stopped to watch.
They will spring upon you from out of nowhere, cap in hand for a donation.
After sunset, it’s as though the whole of Morrocco has come out to play in Jamaa El Fna, and they are determined to have a good time.
It is truly a spectacle to behold.
Lively, colourful, aromatic, and noisy.
Be sure to visit and become a part of what makes Marrakech so unique.
It’s certainly an eye-opener.
Although it’s mostly safe around the square, exercise the usual caution in large crowded areas and try to avoid obvious scams.
Kabana Rooftop Bar is a lively, popular place serving a wide range of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
They have a good selection of high-quality dishes on the menu to suit all palates.
You enter the bar from the road, and it’s up a couple of flights of stairs.
From the outside, it looks rather unassuming, but inside, it is very modern and tastefully furnished.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There are lanterns hanging everywhere, giving off a cosy, glow, and music videos playing on a large television screen.
Video by Freebird Tracey.
It’s a very busy venue with young and old alike, and booking is essential to be guaranteed a seat.
The bar itself is huge, serving a variety of alcoholic beverages and cocktails.
You can either sit inside the bar or on the rooftop, where most people prefer to hang out listening to the music.
Table service is provided.
The food is delicious..
I took my son for his birthday meal and he chose the steak. He said it was cooked to perfection.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Some people have expressed mixed reviews, saying waiting times to be served are lengthy and found it was a little pricey in comparison to other places.
The food is Mediterranean inspired, and they also have a sushi menu.
Kababa gets very busy, and booking is advisable to guarantee a place, especially if you only wish to visit for a drink.
Lunchtime is generally quieter, and the lunch menu is also very good.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The bathroom is rather special too..
Kabana rooftop bar is lively and loud. It is typical of somewhere you’d expect to find in Gueliz.
There is a spectacular view of Koutoubia Mosque from the rooftop, especially at nighttime.
It’s slightly shielded because drinking alcohol with the Mosque in full view is prohibited in Islamic culture.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Kabana rooftop bar has a very cosmopolitan vibe..
Image by Freebird Tracey.
It is situated at the gate of the medina and open daily from,
11.00am-2.00am
They play DJ sets, and it’s a vibrant setting with a relaxed dress code.
It is not the ideal place for a romantic or quiet meal, I found it rather difficult to hold a conversation amidst the crowds of people and loud music.
Lunchtime would be better suited if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.
There are plenty of places in the medina offering a quieter environment if that’s something you’re looking for.
Kabana is a modern cocktail bar with a vibrant energy within walking distance for people staying in the medina.
It’s definitely worth a visit if you want an exciting evening out in the medina.
One thing that is central to Morroccon culture is the Hammam.
A Hammam is similar to a Roman bath and dates back centuries in morrocco.
It was a ritualistic cleansing ritual that people did before prayers, and many Hammams can be found near a mosque.
Before homes had plumbing, a Hammam was a place local people could come to get cleansed.
Seperated by gender, they were a space for people to socialise, relax, and detoxify.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The treatment always begins in a dry steam room.
Relaxing in the heat opens the pores and prepares the body for the scrubbing.
Morroccan black soap is used to scrub the body.
It is a grainy soap made from olive oil and macerated olives, perfect for exfoliating the dead skin cells.
The scrubbing is quite vigorous, and many tourists are not used to it.
This is followed by buckets of water being thrown over you to wash off the black soap.
Some hammams alternative between buckets of cold water and buckets of hot water.
In more luxurious hammams, Rassoul clay from the Atlas mountains is used to cover the body.
It’s rich in minerals like silica, magnesium, and calcium.
After this procedure, your whole body and hair are lathered thoroughly with a gentler soap or gel.
The next treatment is an all-over massage using fragrant oils like rose oil and argan oil.
Once the treatment is finished, you can relax in a separate area with mint tea and morroccan pastries.
The fragrance of incense wafting around the room adds to the relaxing ambience.
There are two types of Hammam in Marrakesh.
Public or private hammams.
The public Hammam is a true taste of Morroccan life, with many local people bathing together and chatting in their native language.
In a public Hammam, you have to take your own soap, towel, and oils in.
These are much less expensive.
The private Hammams provide you with everything you need, including disposable underwear, a bathrobe, and sandles.
Treatment options vary, including the length of the treatment and the type of massage and oils you prefer.
These are more like spa treatments.
You can relax for as long as you want to after the treatment has finished.
It’s worth noting that the underwear for women is very flimsy, and some women ask for male underwear instead.
Nubies can feel slightly vulnerable being exposed with just a disposable thong hiding their modesty.
The rooms are dimly lit, and the women known as Kassalas working in the hammam are very discreet and professional.
Most women get over their initial shyness pretty quickly.
Hammam Mouassine is the oldest Hammam in Marrakesh.
It opened in 1562 and can be found by the Mouassine fountain, close to the secret garden.
Many riads have a Hammam room and offer this service to their guests.
Other popular hammams are,
. Hammam de la rose.
. Mamounia Hamman..
. Les Bains Ziani.
. Les Bains Kenaria.
Palm oil is often used to wash people’s hair, so if you don’t agree with the use of it, make sure to check beforehand.
Experiencing a traditional Hammam is a welcome break from the chaotic souks and Jamaa El Fna.
It’s a relief from the baking heat of the morroccan sun and a chance to slow down the manic pace for an hour or so.
Many tourists feel unsure about wearing virtually nothing in front of strangers, but this is an ancient ritual that has been part of Morroccan culture for centuries.
Visitors to Marrakech have said that they experienced the most invigorating and relaxing time in a hammam and would definitely do it again.
Some tourists are hooked, despite saying it was an unusual experience.
I would recommend paying a little bit more for a private Hammam if it’s your first time.
However, if you want a taste of authentic Marrakechi life, go for a public hammam.
You can buy Morroccan black soap and other toiletries you’ll need inside the souks, or in the spice square.
You can book a Hammam through Get Your Guide or Viator.
Don’t forget a towel, bathrobe and fresh underwear.
One of the things you will notice when you’re in Marrakech is the number of stray cats everywhere.
I was surprised to see so many, especially around the busy square, and in the souks.
They seemed to be experts at dodging the many motorcycles and hiding inconspicuously under the juice stalls.
There were cats sleeping on rugs and cushion covers in the souks, and lazing about without a care in the world.
I witnessed strays giving birth to kittens inside alleyways and watched as cats prowled across rooftop perimeters at dawn.
Five years ago, when I first visited Marrakech, I took pity on the cute little kittens hanging around outside my riad.
They looked thin and hungry, I wanted to do something to help them..
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I purchased a couple of tins of sardines and carefully wrapped the leftovers from my dinner into napkins.
I found a couple of cats and strategically placed the food in a safe place for them.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The next minute, there were so many cats who appeared out of nowhere, also demanding to be fed.
This made me feel very guilty because I’d only managed to afford them a few tiny morsels.
It was a case of first come, first served..
I went back to the UK feeling a little sorry for all the homeless cats who alerted passing tourists of their existence with a gentle mewing and extended paw.
The next time I arrived at marrakech, I saw things from a different perspective.
Cats are seen as ritually pure in the Islamic faith and highly regarded.
According to the Prophet Muhammad, cats are allowed access to homes and mosques because they don’t create impurity.
I stayed in three separate riads that each had a resident cat, who was very well cared for.
I noticed restaurants leaving food outside their premises and butchers dropping scraps of meat on the floor for the local cat population to eat.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Many of the cats were being looked after, and some were actually thriving on the titbits and bowls of food dotted around the medina.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There was only one upsetting incident where a young man was sitting with a kitten on his lap, and it was holding a business card in its paws.
On closer inspection, it isn’t something I ever want to see again, and I don’t feel the need to go into more detail here..
I’m sure you can imagine what I saw.
That is the only startling discovery I have made, thankfully.
On the whole, the cats appear to be relatively content.
They don’t exist in the way domesticated cats do in the west, but they’re not being ill treated any more than anywhere else in the world.
I even saw a man get off his motorcycle in the busy souk and move a little kitten to the safety of an alleyway.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
If you’re coming to Marrakech, seeing all the stray cats may initially shock you.
I was exactly the same, but after closer observation, I came to the conclusion that the situation wasn’t as dire as I first thought.
There are plenty of little pools of water around the city for the cats to drink from, and some vendors leave water out for them.
The crazy traffic and crowds of tourists seem to be the biggest problem, but the cats have learnt how to navigate their way around.
I’m happy to say that I haven’t seen an injured cat lying at the side of any of the roads around Marrakech yet.
There are tourists who are rescuing stray cats around Marrakech and taking them back to European countries.
They are working with local vets to get injured cats treated and all the necessary vaccinations done before taking them out of the country.
The cats in Marrakesh have learnt how to survive.
They only know this life, and have adapted to it.
On the whole, people are kind and compassionate towards them.
Plus, in all the years of visiting Marrakech, I’ve never seen one single rat in the city.
After the painstakingly long queues at the airport, you finally arrive at your riad.
At this point, you’re feeling lightly overwhelmed and dishevelled.
The manager of the riad gives you the warmest welcome and guides you into the beautiful courtyard.
You sit down on the colourful cushions, listening to the gentle sound of the trickling water from the fountain and smell the fragrance of blossom on the trees.
Slowly, you begin to unwind.
The manager reappears with an ornate teapot with colourful glasses on a tray, accompanied by a dish of fresh olives.
The tea is poured, holding the teapot higher and higher.
This is a traditional Morroccan greeting for visitors. The higher up the teapot is held, the more respect the guest is being shown.
The tea also becomes aerated, making it cooler to drink.
You watch with amazement as the tea finds its way perfectly into the little glasses without a single drop spilling out.
It takes practice to perfect pouring tea from such a height, I have tried and failed miserably.
Video by Freebird Tracey.
The aroma from the fresh mint leaves begins to fill the air around you.
Soon, you are feeling refreshed and accustomed to your new surroundings.
After you have drank your sweet tea and eaten the delicious fresh olives, the panic of trying to locate the riad and queues at the airport disappear as if by magic.
The image of Google Maps not working and dragging your luggage through narrow alleyways crammed with tourists starts to become a distant memory.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Mint tea is served everywhere in Marrakech.
It’s a refreshing drink that the locals enjoy as they sit inside cafes chatting with their friends.
I highly recommend 1112 Moroccan Tea House. They serve wonderful tea, and there is a room telling you all about the history of the tea.
It’s situated inside a beautiful riad, and it’s the first Moroccan tea house in Marrakech.
I’ve also written a separate article about 1112 Moroccan Tea House.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Drinking mint tea is a central part of Moroccan social life.
The name for mint tea is ‘atay’ in Moroccan darija
It is known by the locals as ‘Morroccan Whisky’
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The tea is made using gunpowder green tea and fresh mint leaves, and it is often sweetened with sugar cubes before serving.
If you find it a bit too sweet, ask to have the sugar cubes separately.
That way, you have control over how sweet it is.
Fresh mint is displayed on market stalls all around the medina, and the strong aroma is evident when you walk past.
You can purchase the ornate tea glasses in the souks, along with the traditional teapots, they make the perfect gift for taking home with you.
Make sure to wrap them well as they are quite delicate and can break easily.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Moroccan mint tea has many health benefits.
It improves digestion, helps to improve oral health, is a natural decongestant, and provides antioxidants that support good mental well-being, skincare, and alertness.
Sipping mint tea overlooking the lively square from a rooftop is a nice way to experience Marrakech.
Sounds Of The Souks 