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 pretty rooftop.
It’s quite a spectacular sight, therefore it can get busy during this time of evening.
The interior is traditional with a fairly modern twist.
Colourful soft furnishings and rattan light fittings give a homely, boho vibe.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The food is competitively priced, and the little restaurant is clean and humble.
Seating is upstairs on the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may not find it easy to access.
Payment is by card or cash. However, there’s a minimum of 200 MAD for card payment.
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.
It’s an ideal spot for lunch.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Cafe Merstan may give you the impression of a ‘no frills’ restaurant, but the food was exceptionally good.
Marrakech is a culinary delight for all foodies out there.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The streets of Marrakech are abundant with fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit.
There are herbs and spices galore everywhere you look.
The aromatic fragrance of street food fills the air, tempting the tastebuds.
Fine restaurants with impeccable service, in beautiful surroundings, call out to you to come inside and sample their cuisine.
But where do you start?
What do you order?
If you’re anything like me, you may want to fully immerse yourself in the culture of places you’re visiting.
I particularly enjoy sampling the signature dishes of places I visit and eating the same food that the locals do.
It’s a way to get to know the culture, and food is a big part of life in Morrocco.
The locals are very hospitable people and often invite tourists home for a meal with their family.
If you get the chance, go it’s the best way to gain understanding of the people and their hospitality.
So,with an overwhelming choice of food to choose from, you may need a little help to decide what to try..
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The two most popular dishes in Marrakesh are tagine and couscous.
Tagine is the name of the clay or ceramic pot that the dish is cooked in.
It consists of layers of fresh vegetables,with meat in the centre.
Chicken or lamb is the most popular.
Often, dates, olives, fresh lemon, and spices are added for flavour, and everyone has their own personal recipe for making a tagine.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Couscous is a grain made from semolina and served with meat and vegetables.
It is eaten religiously on Fridays.
In Jamaa El Fna, you will find sheeps head and snails for sale.
Tourists are targeted by street food vendors to try snails, and those who actually do say that they quite enjoyed the experience.
Apparently, the broth that they’re cooked in is quite tasty, and although it’s an unusual tasting dish, it’s not inedible.
Sheeps head is for the brave amongst us, but it appears to be popular in the main square and a regular sight on display during the evening.
The locals sit at street stalls eagerly munching on the spit roasted mutton, enjoying every morsel.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Every dish is served with traditional bread in Marrakech. It is freshly baked each morning and delicious served warm.
Tangier is also a popular dish.
It is meat (usually lamb), cooked very slowly in the embers of the local hammam.
Traditionally, the tangier is taken to the hammam early in the morning and left to cook throughout the day.
It is then collected and served for dinner with vegetables or bread.
The meat is incredibly tender and simply falls off the bone.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There are plenty of street food vendors in the medina, tucked away in the souks.
They serve really good quality food and it’s cheap.
Ideal for travellers on a tighter budget.
There is a row of street food vendors who only sell tangiers, and this is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
The area gets busy as people queue for a vessel of succulent lamb tipped out onto a plate ready for devouring.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Taking a street food tour is a great way to get to try the best places.
There are several tours available during the daytime or evening, and tourists get the chance to sample authentic Moroccan cuisine with a registered guide.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech caters to vegetarians and vegans also, with a good choice of quality food including excellent salads, delicious vegetable tagine, pastilla, and couscous.
Pigeon is also widely eaten in Marrakech and traditionally used as a filling in pastilla.
Then there are the camel burgers, popular at The Clock restaurant in the kasbah.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Several Italian restaurants in the medina offer excellent pizzas and pasta dishes if you fancy a change from morroccan food.
Olives are served with tea and other beverages as a complimentary side dish.
They can be spicy or plain, always fresh, and the perfect aperitif.
They are deliciously fresh when bought straight from the vendors themselves.
Don’t hesitate to try some. They are truly amazing.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The sweets and pastries in Marrakech are incredibly good, and the desserts served after the main course of a meal are beautiful.
Moroccans have a sweet tooth as you will probably gather from the breakfasts.
The choice on most menus is really good and varied.
There’s no point watching your waistline here..
Dates are hugely popular, and medjool dates are known as ‘ fruits of the King’, so make sure to try some.
You won’t be disappointed.
Fresh fruit is for sale everywhere around the medina and incorporated into tantalising sweet dishes that make your mouth water.
NB: I have written a separate article about smoothies and juices in Marrakesh.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech is a dream come true for people who love their food.
With so much to choose from and so many different dishes and flavours to try, you would need months to eat your way through it all.
Not only is there a great variety of interesting and tasty food, but it’s beautifully presented too.
Imagine sitting in a tranquil, setting, next to exotic plants, and trickling fountains.
That’s my experience of eating in Marrakesh..
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The way to get to know people and their culture is through their food.
Marrakech is no exception.
Be open to getting out of your comfort zone and give some of the traditional Moroccan dishes a go..
The Bohemian Jungle is a beautifully choreographed riad, close to the spice square in Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Straight out of a tale from Arabian Nights, Riad Bohemian Jungle exudes charm and authenticity.
The interior decor is simply captivating, with several magical nooks and crannies to sit and take in its splendour.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The little pool in the centre of the courtyard is ideal for cooling off in.
The green tiles and exotic plants are stunning focal points of the riad.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The rooftop is truly decadent.
There are pretty pink flowers, which drape into the courtyard below, plants and moroccan lanterns.
A balinese bed for relaxing on and catching some sun rays, and a cerise, romantic boudoir area, where the staff play traditional tuareg music.
There are areas to sit in the shade and relax with a book.
This is perfect for when the hot morroccan sun reaches its highest temperature in the day.
The riad lives up to its name. It certainly is a jungle.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The riad is run by young men from the Sahara region, and they enjoy sharing their fascinating culture with guests.
The breakfasts are varied and wholesome, consisting of a mix of traditional pancakes, honey, and jam.
Fresh bread, fruit, yoghurt, and eggs.
Fresh orange juice and coffee.
Image Freebird Tracey.
When you arrive at the riad, you are treated to the complimentary mint tea and biscuits, whilst you are given useful advice and a map to help you navigate the souks.
Sunrise from the rooftop of the Bohemian Jungle/image Freebird Tracey.
This becomes helpful for finding your way back to the riad.
The fragrance inside the riad is intoxicating as orange blossom, and cinnamon oil gently floats on the air.
During the evening, lamps glow, and traditional Berber music plays subtly in the background.
I never wanted to leave.
I was so happy sitting inside the riad, taking in its beauty and experiencing the wonder of such a magnificent place.
Riad Bohemian Jungle gets booked up quickly.
If you are looking for TVs or a modern, luxurious style of accommodation you won’t find it here.
This is an eclectic, boho environment that lives up to its name.
Riad Bohemian Jungle is all about experiencing true, authentic riad culture, lost in time with the distant echos of camel traders and a strong spirit of the past.
It is close to the Madrasa Ben Youssef, Marrakech museum, and several nice shops and restaurants.
The address is;
Derb al Maada
Hay azbezte
39 Medina, Medina 40030
Marrakech, Morrocco.
Excursions to the Sahara desert and other popular places of interest can also be arranged by this riad.
What every female should know before arriving in the red city.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I would say that Marrakech is perfectly safe for women who travel alone..
The overall crime rate is relatively low, and most female travellers have a wonderful experience.
However, there are certain things to consider to help you feel confident and fit into Moroccan society.
Women in Marrakech dress modestly.
How you want to be treated will depend on how you present yourself.
Although Marrakech is a Muslim city, it is quite liberal and used to tourists, but showing too much flesh would be considered inappropriate.
Whilst you’re not expecting to adopt the hijab, you will certainly be regarded favourably if you dress slightly more conservatively.
Long, silk, or cotton dresses are perfect and keep you cool at the same time.
Palazzo trousers are comfortable and elegant.
I wore turbans, and I loved that my hair was tucked away, keeping me from feeling too hot whilst feeling sophisticated.
Many tourists wear the same style of clothing that they would back at home, so it’s really a matter of choice.
I would certainly encourage dressing appropriately if you’re visiting religious sites, though.
It’s a matter of respect.
You’ll notice how happy a small gesture like this makes the locals happy.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The people in Marrakesh are friendly and hospitable.
There may be situations where you will be asked if you need help to find your riad or the main square.
Simply decline the offer politely and go about your business.
Stand your ground when negotiating a price for something. Show you are confident and don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not happy.
Some men may cat call or make comments, which may feel slightly intrusive.
Ignore them and move away. If anyone follows you, find a shop vendor or restaurant to sit in or threaten to find a police officer.
It’s rare that this happens, though, and police are everywhere around Marrakech, making sure that tourists are not hassled.
Knowing a few words in Arabic or French is always useful.
‘Non merci’ or ‘La Shukran’ for ‘no thank you’ will automatically bring a smile to the locals’ faces.
On the whole, I have never felt uncomfortable as a solo female traveller in Marrakech.
There are plenty of us about wandering through the souks and enjoying the tourist hot-spots.
Consider using a tour guide or joining a guided tour of the medina if you’re slightly anxious about exploring by yourself or if it’s your first time.
There are night tours, street food tours, and registered guides for visiting the local attractions.
Marrakech is a great place to visit as a solo female traveller if you treat it the same way as you would any other country wandering around by yourself.
In some ways, I would consider it safer than some European countries.
Most local people can’t wait to tell you all about their fascinating city.
Educate yourself on the cultural norms and differences and respect the local customs and traditions, and you will be perfectly safe.
You could carry a personal alarm with you if it helps you to feel less vulnerable.
Overall, you will feel perfectly safe.
Marrakech is very touristic, and there’s always crowds of people around.
Just be extra vigilant in busy, congested areas with your belongings.
The same way you would be anywhere else in the world.
Relax and trust that the people of Marrakech are friendly, kind, and caring.
Whilst it’s true that Marrakech is a meat eaters’ paradise, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes serving vegetarian and vegan food.
Not being a meat eater myself, I was initially concerned that I’d spend my time in Marrakesh living off the delicious olives on sale in the souks.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I was pleasantly surprised.
There are a number of restaurants popping up that serve only vegetarian and vegan food.
One I highly recommend is La Famille.
Run solely by women, and in a pleasant outdoor setting, the food here was incredibly good.
The menu was small and creative and changed regularly to keep it exciting.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There are plenty of choices for non meat eaters on the menu in most restaurants and cafes around the medina.
Sumptuous vegetable tagine, vegetable couscous, salads, and pasta dishes, to name just a few.
I never had a problem sourcing tasty and beautifully prepared meals whilst staying in Marrakesh.
The smaller cafes tucked away in the souks were slightly less accommodating, but if it’s a quick snack you’re looking for, the fresh olives and delicious pastries are a wonderful treat.
In the more luxurious restaurants, there is a good deal of variety for vegetarians and vegans.
The abundance of freshly cooked seasonal vegetables is mouth wateringly delicious.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Harissa soup was also a favourite of mine, deliciously tasty, served with traditional Morroccan bread.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I highly recommend trying the soup.
Some restaurants serve a healthy brunch.
I loved the avocado toast at La Ferme and again at Mandala Society.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The Clock in the kasbah does a really nice vegetable pastilla.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Please don’t be put off visiting Marrakech because you consider it to be a meat eaters paradise only.
By doing a little bit of research before travelling, you will find a good selection of fine restaurants and cafes serving authentic and traditional Morroccan cuisine that don’t include animal products.
A few I recommend are;
. La Famille
. La Ferme
. Enjoy your meal
Veggie Lovers.
. Mandala Society.
. Broc The Kasbah.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Palais Donab also does a lovely vegetable tagine, and it’s a beautiful place to have lunch or dinner.
I have written a separate article about Palais Dar Donab.
Write down the restaurants you wish to try before travelling, including their address and opening times.
This will save wandering around in the heat, looking for places suitable for your dietary preference.
Marrakech is a safe place for travellers with a relatively low crime rate, but scams can happen.
Like any other destination, there are several things to be mindful of as a first-time visitor to the red city.
There are a few potential scams that visitors for the first time to Marrakech should know about.
.The road is closed.
This is a regular scam that can leave tourists confused.
You’re trying to locate your riad or a point of interest, and someone (usually a young male) tells you that the road ahead is closed.
He asks you your destination and offers to escort you via an alternative route.
Before you know it, you’re wandering endlessly through the souks until you arrive at his friends shop.
You’re still lost, and now you’re being offered mint tea whilst his friend brings out a multitude of exotic spices or rugs.
The male who took you there gets a commission for safely delivering you there.
Slightly more if you buy.
If you’re approached in this way, a firm no thank you or La shoukran usually does the trick.
If he is very persistent, head to a nearest trader, and ask their advice about whether the road is closed or not.
Make your boundaries clear but remain polite and try not to get too impatient.
It can be difficult if you’re tired or overwhelmed, but showing your weakness will only show how vulnerable you are feeling, and you may become a target for more opportunists.
. I can take you to your riad.
When you first arrive in the medina, you are faced with a maze of alleyways and tunnels.
Often, your riad will be tucked away inside the souks or down one of these alleyways, hidden from view.
A tourist who looks as though they’re lost will invite the so-called ‘ helpful guide’ to your side who can show you exactly where you need to go.
He will escort you, taking the long route to your riad, and then demand a payment from you.
He may become quite persistent and insult you if you refuse to cough up.
I was taken off guard seconds away from my riad.
A young male basically nudged me along the narrow alleyway shoulder to shoulder. He demanded a payment, holding his hand out as I knocked on the door of my riad.
I told him I wasn’t lost and knew where I was going and that I hadn’t requested his help. He was quite cross with me and began insulting me in Arabic.
I stood my ground and ignored him until, eventually, the door opened, and I was let inside my riad.
This can feel somewhat intimidating, but don’t give in.
There are occasions when friendly locals really do want to genuinely help you find your way, and you will be grateful for their knowledge of the area.
Especially after a long flight.
However, this is a common problem and can become irritating, to say the least, if you have luggage with you.
Marrakech has a good police presence, and, in the worst case scenario, threatening persistent hangers on with that often does the trick.
Most will back off before it gets to that situation, though.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
.Over inflated prices for tourists.
There is a price for the attractions around the medina for tourists and a price for Moroccan residents.
This happens in many countries nowadays and you can’t protest much about it.
On the other hand, prices for street food and things you might wish to purchase in the souks are often much higher than they should be.
Learn to bargain with the salesperson, try dropping around 25%, and eventually, the pair of you will reach a price you’re both happy with.
Haggling is an art form, and it takes time to feel confident, but it’s a way of life in Marrakesh and can be quite a rewarding experience when you think you’ve managed to buy something for a fair price.
If you’re not happy, shop around. There are plenty of places selling the same goods around the souks.
There are also fixed price stores such as Dar Bouchaib in the kasbah.
. Gambling games in Jamaa El Fna.
During the evening, when the square comes to life, there are a few pockets of entertainment where gambling games take place.
These are scams that involve the winners working with the person in charge of the game.
They impersonate curious onlookers and ask to take part. They win, and a prize is exchanged.
These are not genuine participants, and the likelihood of you winning a cash prize is virtually nil.
. Unofficial tour guides.
Some tourists mentioned being approached by unofficial tour guides whilst visiting some of the attractions around the medina.
Males who begin by asking where you’re from, then following you around telling you a brief history of the place.
After some time, they ask you for a fee.
If you want a genuine tour guide, check the website of the attraction you’re visiting or consider booking an activity through Get Your Guide.
Booking. Com also offers attractions with a guided tour and transport.
Payment is upfront, and the guides are very friendly and knowledgeable.
Marrakech is an amazing destination with so much to see and do.
I have pointed out a few negative aspects that you should be aware of.
You may not experience any of these things.
I have been incredibly lucky with taxi drivers who often get a bad press for inflating prices.
I have had some positive experiences with taxis and felt very safe whilst travelling back to my hotel in a remote area.
Generally, the locals are very friendly, and tourists are made to feel very welcome.
There are the occasional poor people in Marrakech who see tourists as financially secure with more money than sense.
My advice is to make your boundaries clear from the start.
Get yourself some data by buying an Orange SIM for negotiating your way around the medina, and learn a few words of Arabic or French to help you to say no thank you.
Like anywhere else in the world, keep your wits about you in crowded places, and stay calm.
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.
Sounds Of The Souks 