Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: places to see in marrakech

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee.

    Traditional Saharan Coffee. 

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Coffee brewed using a centuries old technique.

    Check Bismillah Sand Coffee is a hidden gem inside Souk El Kebir.

    Rich, aromatic coffee is brewed using hot saharan sand and gently spiced with a touch of Cardamom, Turmeric, or Cinnamon to give it a distinct flavour.

    To make it, the coffee is added to iced water inside small brass pots and then heated by moving it around by hand in hot sand.

    The coffee has a rich, dense, creamy flavour unlike any other coffee found in the medina.

    This charming spot is humble in appearance, cosy and inviting.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is also a rooftop where you can sit to enjoy your coffee in peace, a moment of self-indulgence

    Chez Bismillah offers you a serene refuge where you can sit watching the medina come to life tucked away in a quiet space away from the crowds.

    It’s an experience seeing the coffee gently warmed by hot Merzouga desert sand and savouring its unique taste.

    I was surprised how quickly the coffee became hot. I sat watching it being made from arabica and fragrant spices, which filled the air around me.

    Chez Bismillah is a unique experience firmly rooted in place and tradition.

    The friendly, welcoming proprietor gives you a glimpse into a past that conjures up images of camel traders selling cloth in the fondouk and stretches of vast desert terrain.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s not just a cup of coffee.

    It’s an escape from reality, a moment of peace from the hectic rhythm of the busy alleyways of the souks.

    Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee can be found at 193 Souk El Kabir, it is open daily from 9.00am until 9.00pm with the exception of Saturday and Sunday when it closes at 7.00pm.

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  • The Spice Square In Marrakech.

    A vibrant area selling spices and so much more.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Spice Square, also known as Rahba Kedima, is a smaller market, less densely packed with tourists.

    It is located at the end of Souk Semmarine and a five minute walk from Jamaa El Fna.

    It is here that you will find a wonderful selection of spices, including saffron, cumin, and turmeric.

    The spices are beautifully displayed in pyramids around the square, and the air is fragrant with the scent of incense.

    There are dried herbs, oils, potions, tea, and the traditional Moroccan lip stain.

    The Spice Square is the traditional apothecary of Marrakech and a treasure trove of Moroccan culture.

    In the Spice Square, you will also find hand woven baskets, hats, baby tortoises, and a range of shops selling Amazigh jewellery and other stuff.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It is a vibrant, colourful market with a less frantic pace than Jamaa El Fna.

    It is home to popular restaurants like the Cafe Des Espices, a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the market.

    Nomad is also in close proximity to the Spice Square.

    The Spice Square is not far from the Medersa Ben Youseff and Marrakech museum, so it’s ideal for making it part of your day when visiting both of these attractions.

    Until the 20th century, Rahba Kedima was the cities grain market and the place where slaves were sold.

    It is now the epicentre of the medina where you can pick up the famous Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout and watch the spice sellers who come down from the mountain villages at 4.00 in the afternoon to sell their trade to the professionals.

    The smells and colours are heady with friendly vendors, demonstrating the benefits of eucalyptus.

    The Spice Square is a photogenic place where you will be met with a glimpse of trading traditions from the past.

    It’s the perfect balance between a bustling market experience and a relaxing, more laid-back atmosphere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Place Des Ferblantiers.

    Also known as Tinsmiths Square in the Mellah.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    This quieter area of Marrakech is often overlooked by tourists.

    Tinsmiths Square is located to the south of Jamaa El Fna.

    It is within the Mellah, the oldest Jewish quarter of Marrakech.

    It is here that skilled artisans make their wares to sell using traditional methods passed down through generations.

    Beautifully crafted jewellery, lamps, and traditional daggers made from copper and tinplate are skillfully handcrafted in this fascinating area of the city.

    Tinsmiths Square presents a calmer alternative to Jamaa El Fna with palm trees lining the pedestrian friendly walkway.

    It connects the old Jewish district with the Muslim quarter.

    Tinsmiths Square is a colourful, vibrant area with lots of spice shops, rooftop restaurants, and shops selling intricately carved items made in small workshops.

    There are comfortable benches around the square to sit and take in the sights and sounds of authentic life here and a central fountain.

    Cats roam freely across the square and are a popular sight, lazing in the plant pots and flower beds.

    Sometimes, they are quite cheeky and make themselves comfortable on tourist’s laps.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Fun games occasionally take place, and the square sometimes hosts events.

    Place des Ferblantiers is close to popular sightseeing spots like The Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, and The Saadian Tombs.

    The Kasbah is just a short walk away.

    I love Tinsmiths Square.

    There are some great cafes and restaurants and I have bought some perfect souvenirs here.

    There is a great vibe, and the pace is much more relaxed than in the densely packed medina.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    I was spoilt for choice with all the fragrant spice shops selling everything from eucalyptus to argan oil.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I even found a street vendor selling the tastiest dates I’d ever tried.

    If you want a feeling of authentic life in Marrakech and a slower, less touristic place to spend a few hours, don’t miss out on visiting Tinsmiths Square.

    I have featured a few articles in my blog recommending places to dine in this area and places of interest to visit.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Malah Cafe Restaurant In The Mellah.

    A budget restaurant in Tinsmiths Square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Melah Cafe restaurant is located in Place des Ferblantiers, otherwise known as Tinsmiths Square.

    It is in the oldest Jewish quarter of the city towards the south of Jamaa, El Fna.

    This is the area where  artisans make things out of copper and tinplate, using skills passed down from generation to generation.

    There are shops selling traditional daggers, jewellery, tea trays, incense burners, and lamps.

    If you visit the mellah, Melah Cafe restaurant is just one of the many places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

    The food served is traditional morroccan and international cuisine.

    I had a really nice sandwich and fries with a refreshing smoothie, and it was very reasonably priced in comparison to the main square.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is plenty to watch sitting outside shaded under a large umbrella, and lots of cats wander to and fro across the square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I like spending time here.

    It’s not as busy as other places around the medina and close to attractions like the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace.

    The kasbah is a short walk away.

    There is a good selection on the menu at Malah Cafe restaurant, and food suitable for vegetarians and vegans is also available.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Opening times are;

    8.30am until 11.00pm.

    The address is:

    23 Place des Ferblantiers

    The Mellah has a huge selection of herbs and spices. Don’t forget to check out the wonderful selection whilst you are visiting Tinsmiths Square.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • A Sunset Camel Ride In The Palmerai.

    I took a trip to the Palmerai to get out of the city for a while.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Palmerai is a 54 square mile palm oasis on the northeast edge of Marrakech.

    It’s a 20-minute drive from the city centre and is known for its lush landscape, high-end resorts, and popular activities.

    I needed to take a break from the manic pace of life in the medina, so I decided to visit for a camel ride at sunset.

    I booked through Get Your Guide and was picked up by my guide Mohammed next to the Islane Hotel.

    I was part of a small group, and we were taken to our destination in a small air-conditioned mini bus.

    After a short drive, the scenery changed, turning into a beautiful landscape with thousands of palm trees.

    There were so many camels with colourful seats sitting at the sides of the road.

    We stopped, and immediately, we were all dressed in traditional blue Tuareg clothing.

    Video taken by our guide Mohammed.

    After embarking on our camels, we set off trekking.

    It lasted for approximately 40 minutes, around palm trees and gravelly ground.

    I have every respect for Tuareg people, who can spend months on the back of a camel.

    I think they are wonderful creatures but not the most comfortable, and 40 minutes was more than enough for me.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The sunset was pretty, although I would imagine it to be more spectacular during the summer months.

    The camel drivers were friendly and entertaining, singing songs and making little camels for us by plaiting the grass they collected along our route.

    Back at the vehicle, our small group sat with the camel drivers who prepared traditional mint tea for us all.

    We drank it, and soon afterwards, we were heading back into Marrakech.

    It was nice to get out of the city for a while.

    In terms of value for money,

    I think that quad biking may be the better option.

    The scenery was amazing, and I enjoyed seeing another side of Marrakech, but I wasn’t blown away by the experience.

    Our guide was lovely.

    He took videos and photographs for everyone.

    The Palmerai also hosts balloon rides available through Paradise Ballooning and Marrakech Balloon.

    There are several golf courses in the area also.

    If I return again, I may try a different activity next time.

    For people who don’t wish to head out into the Sahara desert and want the experience of riding a camel, the Palmerai is worth considering due to its close proximity to Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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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.
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  • Dar Bouchaib.

    A fixed price store in the Kasbah selling everything.

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

    Here, you will find everything  that’s for sale in the souks but 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 you can wander around the shop leisurely without any pressure to buy.

    The store is huge and worth visiting just to see the craftsmanship and detail that’s gone into creating the furniture and mirrors on the upper floor.

    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 reflect what you should be paying for each item.

    There is also a massive selection of wonderful Berber rugs for sale in the store.

    Make it part of your visit to the Kasbah area.

    You won’t be disappointed.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Dar Bouchaib is a few steps away from Krepchy.

    If you’re sightseeing in the kasbah, I would recommend taking a look around this impressive store.

    You may find something interesting to take home with you.

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  • El Badi Palace.

    One of the must-see attractions in Marrakesh.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor of the Saadian dynasty.

    The palace was built to showcase the considerable wealth of the Saadian dynasty and was a prime example of Islamic architecture and exquisite craftsmanship.

    Using both Moroccan and European influences, the palace was beautifully decorated with intricate mosaic tiles, marble arches, and ornate carvings.

    The palace was home to the sultans harem and included over 500 women.

    Now, only the ruins remain.

    After Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor died in 1603, the palace fell into neglect and was subsequently stripped away with the materials being used for other buildings in Morocco.

    The palace is certainly worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of Marrakech and the ruling elite centuries ago.

    The exhibition space contains the Almoravid Minbar, which is a finely decorated pulpit that once  stood in the Koutoubia Mosque.

    It also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions.

    The underground chambers contain information and photographs about the palaces history.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The palace was badly damaged during the earthquake in 2023, and renovations have taken place to repair the cracks in the walls.

    El Badi Palace is situated in the Kasbah district of Marrakech and a popular tourist attraction.

    The courtyards are impressive, and the nesting storks on the towers give it a magical feel.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    You get a sense of the grandeur of the Saadian dynasty, and there’s a feeling of peace and tranquillity within the walls of the once opulent palace.

    El Badi Palace is open every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm and costs 100 dirhams to enter.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.
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