Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: North Africa

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • Krepchy.

    I loved having breakfast here..

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Krepchy in the Kasbah was a lucky find.

    I wanted to try something else other than the usual breakfasts offered by my accommodation.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It was fun sitting outside watching the locals going about their daily business.

    The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were friendly.

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

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

    Krepchy also serves lunch and dinner, becoming quite busy during peak times.

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

    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.

    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 in Marrakech

    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.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

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

    There are a range of budget and high-end riads to stay in around the Kasbah.

    * See my separate post on 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.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Consider taking a tuk-tuk from the main square 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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For details about places to stay or eat in the Kasbah,  contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Riad Hikaya.

    Riad Hikaya is a beautifully restored riad in the Kasbah district of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It was purchased by an Englishman who spent 15 years restoring it because everything inside the riad is handmade.

    It is captivating and very pleasing to the eye.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Hikaya is not a budget riad.

    However, considering its aesthetics and the professionalism of the staff, it’s worth paying a little extra for.

    The breakfasts were very good and I ate there one evening and the meal was delicious.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

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

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

    I enjoyed staying amongst the locals in Kasbah, and it was a nice 15 – to 20-minute walk to the main square Jamaa El Fna.

    Riad Hikaya was a good choice, I loved the large copper bathtub in my room and the total piece and quiet the riad provided me with.

    If you’re looking for a lively scene, this place may not be for you. But if you want to disconnect from the busy touristic areas for a while, it’s a perfect retreat.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information about here or other places to stay in Marrakech, drop me a message.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Mandala Society.

    A hip joint playing cool music

    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 delicious 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 delicious food.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The interior decor is cosy, bright, and airy, with friendly staff waiting on the tables.

    I found the prices to be reasonable and the quality of the food is very good.

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

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

    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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  • Dar Bouchaib.

    A fixed price store selling everything in the Kasbah

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

    Here, you will find everything  that’s for sale in the souks 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 not pushy at all.

    The store is huge and worth visiting just to see the craftsmanship and detail that’s gone into creating each piece.

    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 realistic.

    Make it part of your visit to the Kasbah area.

    You won’t be disappointed.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information, see my other posts or contact me via the email address below..

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • The Saadian Tombs.

    A discovery from the air led to this amazing attraction being opened up to the public

    One of the tourist attractions in Marrakesh is the Saadian tombs.

    Rediscovered in 1917, they have become a historical landmark dating back from the late sixteenth century.

    Built by the Saadian dynasty, they house the mausoleums of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor and his family.

    The architecture is very impressive, with detailed stucco work, intricate mosaic tiles, and carrara marble.

    The main mausoleum is incredible, and there are usually very long queues to get to see it.

    It’s definitely recommended to arrive early to avoid waiting for sometimes more than an hour in the heat.

    The Saadian tombs are very decadent, with a mixture of Morroccan, Andalusian, and European styles.

    They showcase the wealth of the Saadian dynasty.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Hidden for centuries, they were spotted through aerial photography and are now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakesh.

    Located in the Kasbah next to the mosque, the opening times are;

    9.00am – 5.00pm

    The price of entry is 70 dirhams.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For more details, contact me via the email address below;

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

    The first tea house in Marrakesh

    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.

    They serve breakfast and lunch.

    The food is nicely presented with table service, tasty and varied.

    There is a selection of light snacks 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.

    It is open for breakfast and lunch.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more details,

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Kafe Merstan.

    Spectacular views of the sunset in Marrakesh

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Kafe Merstan restaurant and rooftop terrace is located near the spice square and vegetable market in the medina.

    They serve traditional Morroccan food, and prices are very reasonable.

    I had one of the tastiest tagines here, and the overall quality of the food was good.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s popular during sunset, and tourists arrive to watch the sun go down from the rooftop.

    It’s quite spectacular and can get quite busy at this time of evening.

    The interior is traditional with a fairly modern twist.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s a no frills restaurant, and the price reflects this.

    Seating is upstairs on the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may not find it easy.

    Payment is by card or cash. However, there’s a minimum of 200 MAD for card payment.

    They will accept less but expect a few grumbles of disapproval.

    The address for Kafe Merstan is 2 Souk Chaaria Kast Benahid, Marrakech 40000.

    Opening hours are 12.00 until

    10.00pm.

    The restaurant is close to the Madrasa Ben Youssef and Museum of Marrakech, so it’s in a strategic position and ideal for taking a break from sightseeing.

    Kafe Merstan offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including a very tasty vegetable pastilla.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more details about places to eat in Marrakesh, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)

  • La Ferme Medina.

    A haven of tranquillity.

    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.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Not only is it a restaurant serving delicious food, but it is a beautiful place to stay with really nice rooms.

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

    I only ate here.

    I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in such a tranquil environment, looking down from my table 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 very good.

    The waiters were friendly and attentive.

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

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

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

    My brunch was tasty, filling, and nicely presented.

    Attention to detail is everything here..

    Image 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 music playing most evenings

    Food is organically produced and dedicated to animal care.

    The restaurant also serves vegetarian, vegan, and halal dishes.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    For more information about places to eat in Marrakesh,

    Contact me via the email address below..

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)

  • Riad Zouhour.

    A perfectly charming riad in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It is visually stunning  with  blue and white zellige tiles and exotic plants.

    Intricately carved wooden doors and ornate traditional window frames.

    Interior courtyard of riad Zouhour/images Freebird Tracey.

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

    There is also a small pool for cooling off in.

    Rooftop of riad Zouhour/images Freebird Tracey.

    The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated in a traditional yet modern style, with large private bathrooms containing nice fragrant products for use in the shower.

    A room in riad Zouhour/ images Freebird Tracey.

    The food is also very good.

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

    My flight had been delayed, yet it was still hot and beautifully presented despite the time of night I eventually arrived.

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

    Nothing is any trouble, and the overall 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.

    Riad Zouhour is a popular riad and gets booked up quickly, so booking 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.

    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 the overall treatment of the guests.

    It truly is a gem in the busy medina, a haven of peace and tranquillity.

    It is beautifully restored, and cleanliness is a priority here..

    For more details about places to stay in Marrakesh, contact me via the email address below:

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)