Tag: shopping

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.
  • DAR BOUCHAIB.

    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..

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  • WHAT DOES A PERFECT DAY IN MARRAKECH LOOK LIKE?

    For myself, the perfect day in Marrakech begins by waking up early to watch the sunrise from the rooftop of my riad.

    View from the rooftop of Riad Zouhour

    Listening to the birds chirping and the sound of the medina waking up.

    Watching cats prowling along the rooftops and hearing the clatter of plates as staff in the riad prepare for breakfast.

    The first glass of freshly squeezed orange juice hits the spot perfectly.

    I enjoy a breakfast of pancakes with homemade jam and honey, bread, yoghurt, and fresh fruit.

    Traditional riad breakfast.

    After a refreshing shower, I head out into the medina for a nice coffee in a cafe on the main square.

    Sat outside, I observe the vendors setting up for the day. The entertainers get ready to entice the crowds of tourists and the local ladies on their way to the market for fresh spices.

    The medina waking up.

    My next destination is the souks for a browse around before they get too busy.

    I suggest just after 9.00 am. is the perfect time to go.

    Vendors are eager for their first sale of the day, and bargaining is much easier.

    The colourful array of beautiful things on offer is a sight to behold.

    The cats gather for a few morsels off the butcher.

    Cats are well looked after in the medina.

    I check out the wonderful Amazigh jewellery, the argan oil, and the beautiful ceramics and mirrors.

    Amazigh jewellery in the souks.

    I buy one or two keepsakes and then decide it’s time for a snack.

    A colourful outdoor cafe calls out to me, and I choose some delicious pastries with a mint tea.

    It’s magical watching the world of Marrakech go by.

    The motorcycles, the donkeys, all competing for space in the narrow streets.

    Tourists wandering about, looking in awe at the beautiful colours around the medina.

    After recharging my batteries, it’s time for some sightseeing.

    I head towards Madrasa Ben Youssef and get some amazing photos of the stunning architecture.

    The incredible Islamic architecture in the Mederssa Ben Youssef .

    The medina is beginning to get rather busy, so I make my way to the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque to sit quietly for a while.

    Enjoying the stunning gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque.

    Afterwards, I treat myself to a sugarcane juice from a vendor outside.

    Sugar cane vendor.

    The heat is now quite intense, so I return to the riad for a rest.

    I head upstairs onto the rooftop for a rest from the busy medina and a spot of sunbathing.

    Enjoying the peace and tranquillity in my riad.

    The call to prayer echos across the medina.

    I read a book and order myself a glass of mint tea and a dish of olives.

    Soon, it’s time to get ready for the evening.

    I decide to go to La Pergola rooftop bar for a couple of cocktails.

    It’s a lively atmosphere, and there’s a jazz band playing downstairs in the courtyard of  Le Bistro Arabe.

    I stop and listen for a while before heading towards Jamaa El Fna.

    The energy is electric, food vendors touting for business, dancing, drumming, and crowds of people everywhere.

    The smell of food makes me hungry, so I decide to find a nice place to dine.

    I choose a place overlooking the square and observe the action from above, sat on the rooftop.

    I enjoy a traditional tagine, flavourful and aromatic. I’m tempted by the exotic sounding smoothies on the menu and treat myself to one containing dried fruit.

    I watch the beautiful sunset and everywhere has a golden glow.

    Once dinner is finished, I nip into The Clock, situated in the square to listen to some traditional storytelling.

    After an interesting time immersing myself in the culture of Morrocco, I decide to head back to my riad.

    I pick up a few souvenirs along the way.

    Back at the riad, I sit in the courtyard reflecting on my day.

    The staff in the riad are happy to help me decide where to go the following day.

    We chat about possibilities, and they help me put together the perfect plan for another day sightseeing.

    I have had a perfect day…

    I have experienced a different culture, tasted delicious food, watched a magnificent sunset, chatted with the locals, and navigated the maze of the souks successfully.

    I have made a mental note of some of the things I want to buy to take home with me, and I look forward to haggling for a fair price before the end of my trip.

    I fall asleep, happy and content, ready to do it all again tomorrow..

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  • SHOPPING IN THE MEDINA.

    A spot of shopping or browsing around the busy souks in the medina is an exciting experience.

    Berber jewellery in the souks.

    There is everything that you could possibly dream of.

    As you meander through the maze of colourful alleyways, be prepared for a complete assault on the senses.

    From beautiful jewellery to exotic spices, leather shoes and bags, to Morroccan lamps and ceramics.

    Traditional Morroccan Babouches.

    The craftsmanship is astonishing, and you can find areas that are dedicated to certain products, such as leather goods and handmade Berber rugs or cushion covers.

    It’s a lovely experience watching the locals making their goods to sell, and there is also the opportunity to have a go at making things yourself, such as a pair of babouche shoes to take home.

    Berber rugs are beautifully displayed, and the assortment of colours and patterns are a feast for the eyes.

    Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float on the gentle breeze.

    Oils and perfumes for sale in the souks.

    Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys tempt you for the perfect souvenir to take back for family and friends.

    Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries.

    Traditional sweets for sale in the souks.

    The olives and exotic fruits.

    The medicinal herbs and spices, a cacophony of colours and fragrances.

    Paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors and Berber people.

    Hand painted pictures for sale.

    For the person who loves shopping, Marrakech is an absolute delight.

    The souks are crowded and busy.

    You have to dodge motorcycles and donkeys, vendors with carts, and tourists looking for the perfect gift.

    You can expect to get lost, but that’s all part of the experience.

    No one went into the souks and was never heard from again…

    So, if you’re coming to Marrakech for the vibrant abundance of enticing goods on sale around the medina, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute.

    It’s an unforgettable experience, one which will envoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago.

    A few helpful tips to make the most of your shopping experience:

    Pace yourself.

    The souks are very busy with motorcycles, donkeys, and tourists. It can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.

    Stop for a drink and rehydrate.

    Rest for a while, try a spot of lunch on the rooftop of a cafe.

    Be prepared to haggle. It may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

    Stay vigilant, and keep your wits about you.

    Marrakech is a safe city, but pick pocketing can happen just like anywhere else in the world.

    In crowded, narrow streets, keep your possessions safe in a closed bag at the front of your body.

    If you’re lost, try to use Google maps or look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.

    If you need help or advice, ask a shop vendor or try calling the riad you are staying in.

    They may offer to collect you.

    Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so they can get commission.

    You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.

    Colourful spice drums in the medina.

    Take time to shop around and walk away if you don’t think you’re being offered a fair price.

    You will usually find yourself being called back, and a good price reached.

    If not, the same items will most likely be found on sale elsewhere in the souks.

    Exercise patience.

    Remember, this is someone’s livelihood, and it’s a different culture to what you may be used to.

    Wages are not very high for most people in Marrakesh, and tourists with money to spend are fair game for boosting the take-home salary of most vendors.

    After all, they too have mouths to feed..

    Although the souks can be overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience.

    You will be dazzled by the vast number of weird and wonderful items on display.

    The sights, sounds, and smells will stay with you a long time after you leave this fascinating city.

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  • MINT TEA AND MOROCCAN PASTRIES

    Marrakech is full of delightful little places to sit, and people watch whilst sipping traditional mint tea.

    A pretty little spot inside the medina.

    The colourful, boho decor and tempting pastries are the perfect way to take a much needed breather from the chaos of the souks.

    Shopping in the medina is a fascinating experience, but it can be overwhelming.

    I found out that taking a break and pacing myself was the best way to thoroughly enjoy my time looking around and navigating the maze of the souks.

    I especially loved the sweets and pastries on offer. They were absolutely delicious and complimented the refreshing mint tea perfectly.

    There were so many to choose from, and I decided to treat myself to a selection of smaller pastries to see which were my favourites.

    A tasty snack inside the medina.

    If you are shopping for gifts or spending time in the colourful, vibrant souks, I would highly recommend that you take some time out to rest and pace yourself.

    Sitting outside a cute little tea shop and sampling something light and tasty is a great way to engage in the culture of Morrocco and its people.

    Enjoying a breather from shopping.

    There are plenty of places offering mint tea and pastries dotted in and around the main square.

    The sweets are an absolute treat, but you will be spoilt for choice.

    The choice of delicious treats on offer in the souks.

    Part of the pleasure of exploring the medina is finding hidden gems where you can sit and gather yourself before venturing further.

    Marrakech is known for its delicious pastries, and they’re a nice snack that won’t spoil your appetite for later in the day.

    Watching the world go by in the medina.

    A few suggestions are,

    . Medina Kawa Marrakech.

    . La Patisserie de la Terracce Spices

    . Boughaz Coffee in the Kasbah.

    Also, check out my blog post about traditional Morroccan mint tea.

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  • FIVE THINGS I LOVE AND HATE ABOUT MARRAKECH.

    A list of my favourite and more challenging things in Marrakech.

    Colourful Babouches

    Marrakech is ‘my happy place’. It’s a city of contrasts, from the ancient walls of the medina to the plush bars and clubs of Hivernage in the new part of the city.

    Visitors may find the experience to be an assault on the senses.

    The lively sounds, sights, and smells can be a complete overload on the senses and somewhat overwhelming to the most seasoned traveller.

    However, don’t let that put you off coming to Marrakech.

    You do become accustomed to it, and it’s part of the charm of Marrakech.

    I have made a list of the 5 things that I myself love and hate about this fascinating city to help you get the most out of your visit.

    Here are the 5 things I hate about Marrakech.

    1.

    If you’re an animal lover, you might find the hustlers in the main square too much to cope with.

    The monkeys on chains and the snakes (which you are encouraged to have a photo taken with) are difficult to accept.

    Don’t encourage this.

    The monkies have been brought down from the Atlas mountains, and although people need to make a living, they clearly don’t want to be there.

    Then there are the horses, taking tourists through busy traffic and the donkeys pulling carts through narrow alleyways full of motorbikes and tourists.

    The horses seem to be looked after, but the traffic is horrendous, and I’ve witnessed accidents where they’ve been clipped by passing motorists.

    The donkeys look overworked and neglected.

    It’s the culture of the city, but very different from what I’m used to.

    I avoided eye contact with the  snake charmers and monkeys in the square, and they stopped approaching me eventually.

    There are a lot of stray dogs and cats, but they are looked after by the locals, and many of the cats have been rehomed by the owners of the riads.

    They are regularly fed, and the people in Marrakesh are kind and caring as a rule.

    If you are an animal lover, you may find Marrakech a bit of a culture shock to begin with.

    I joined Brooke, a sanctuary, for working animals abroad when I arrived home.

    I can’t change how people earn their money, but I can help to educate them.

    2.

    Queueing at the airport.

    Be prepared to stand in line for up to 2 hours on arrival. The process is slow, so get used to it.

    Take a snack and keep a drink readily available. You will most likely need it.

    You can pay extra for the fast- track service, but it may cost you around €230 for the first person and €190 for the second person.

    Tip: Try to visit the bathroom before the plane lands and consider choosing a seat near the exit.

    Get off the plane and boot it to passport control as quickly as you can.

    3.

    Marrakech is touristy.

    The narrow alleys of the Souks can be very crowded most of the time.

    Don’t expect to get anywhere quickly because you and hundreds of other tourists will be browsing around the shops at the same time.

    Marrakech is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and it will certainly feel as though they’re all there at the same time as you.

    Tip: Plan to visit in January or November to avoid the crowds.

    It is still sunny but much cooler than during the summer months.

    There are fewer people around the tourist attractions, so you will get that perfect photo opportunity.

    Tip: Don’t try taking photographs of the local people or vendors. They don’t feel comfortable about it and may even expect a payment from you.

    4.

    The smell of fumes from the motorcycles in the souks.

    Everyone in Marrakech seems to own a motorcycle, and they all appear to be riding them at the same time.

    The souks are full of motorcycles and tuk-tuks, giving off clouds of fumes as they hurtle past.

    This can get stuck in the back of your throat, causing you to feel a little bit nauseous occasionally.

    There is little you can do to change this, but I recommend doing your shopping in the souks early in the morning before they get busy.

    Around 9.00 is an ideal time.

    There are a lot of vehicles on the roads, and it can be chaotic at times.

    Pollution is fairly bad, so just be aware of this if you struggle with asthma or other breathing issues.

    5.

    The street vendors in the main square can be rather persistent.

    During the evening, the main square opens up becoming a meeting place for thousands of people.

    This includes the locals and tourists alike, and it gets incredibly busy.

    The food stalls are all in competition with each other, and vendors can follow you persistently with a menu to get your custom.

    Some of them can be very persuasive, even pushing the boundaries of what’s considered to be harassment

    It can be very overwhelming, and it’s often difficult to remain calm in those kinds of situations

    The henna ladies are also demanding your custom.

    It’s not uncommon for them to take hold of your hand and begin applying henna on them without your consent.

    Tip: If you’re not interested, try not to make eye contact with any of the vendors.

    Saying “ La Shukran” which means no thank you in Arabic, is a helpful way to discourage unwanted attention.

    It’s important to remember, every one is simply trying to make a living.

    Marrakech was badly affected by the devastating earthquake in 2023, and many people have lost their livelihoods and homes.

    Whilst it’s difficult to cope with the constant barage of vendors vying for your custom, it’s worth remembering their own struggle to survive.

    Marrakech is certainly a different way of life from what you may be used to and a culture shock to many first-time visitors.

    So now I’ve told you about a few of the things I find challenging in Marrakech, I would like to tell you about what keeps me going back time and time again…

    A lovely man shows me inside the Hammam/image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is definitely my ‘happy place’

    I am absolutely in love with this city.

    Here’s why…

    1.

    The people are wonderful.

    You can expect to encounter the friendliest and most welcoming people you have ever met.

    They are constantly smiling and can’t wait to tell you all about their beautiful city.

    They are multi-lingual, and many people speak up to 5 different languages.

    They love to teach you about the Amazigh culture, the indigenous tribes of North Africa.

    It’s absolutely fascinating, and it’s possible to stay with Amazigh people in the Atlas mountains during your trip.

    The level of service in restaurants is astonishing, and the riad owners go out of their way to make sure that your stay is nothing short of perfect.

    I highly recommend staying in a riad at least once.

    They are traditional Moroccan houses with a central indoor garden or courtyard. The views over the rooftops of the medina are stunning, and listening to the birds singing in the morning is delightful.

    They are a haven of peace and tranquillity after the exhilaration outside.

    NB: I have a separate post about staying in a traditional riad.

    2.

    The vibrant colours and wonderful craftsmanship.

    If, like myself, you are drawn to beautiful colours and intricate designs, you will be in paradise in the Souks.

    You will find an assortment of fine jewellery, inticately designed Berber rugs, wood carvings, and a vast array of other wonderfully crafted products

    You will be blown away by the artisans, creating wonderfully curated pieces of work in front of you, and the displays of various items at a decent price.

    Wherever you look, you will notice something that catches your eye.

    Just be prepared to barter.

    3.

    The food is delicious.

    There are some amazing places to dine in Marrakech, and the food is of an incredibly high standard.

    There are good quality vegetarian restaurants and cafes, and many cater for vegans and people with gluten intolerance.

    The food in Marrakech is diverse, and you can find dishes to suit everyone’s palate from all over the world.

    I found delicious Italian restaurants that made the most wonderful pizzas and pasta dishes.

    The signature dish of Marrakech is Tagine.

    Tagine is the name of the clay pot used to cook the dish in

    It’s cooked very slowly, resulting in the most decadent, mouthwatering flavours.

    Choose from meat or vegetable tagine, you won’t be disappointed.

    There are some more unusual options, such as sheep’s head and snails found around the square.

    This seemed to be more popular amongst curious tourists and locals than those people who prefer fine dining.

    Overall, I was very impressed with the amount of variety on offer and the stunning restaurant settings.

    I also recommend visiting Bacha Coffee ( see my separate post)

    There are hundreds of different coffees to choose from and a nice selection of cakes, pastries, and other light snacks.

    You do have to wait for a table, but you get to look around the museum and enjoy the lush garden whilst waiting.

    4.

    The architecture is absolutely stunning.

    There are so many interesting places to visit, and the intricacy of the tile work is absolutely astonishing.

    Islamic craftsmanship with its symmetry and attention to detail is beautiful, and I was spellbound.

    The lush gardens are also breathtaking and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the Souks.

    I recommend visiting these places to get an idea of how exceptional everything truly is,

    . Bahia Palace.

    . Madrasa Ben Youssef.

    . The saadian Tombs.

    . The Koutoubia Mosque.

    . The Secret Garden.

    . Bacha Museum.

    Marrakech is steeped in history, and there is something exciting to see for every visitor.

    5.

    Marrakech is a great starting place for visiting other places

    I took a wonderful trip out to the Agafay desert, and it was absolutely magical.

    I had dinner in the desert watching the sunset it was unforgettable..

    There are trips to Ouzoud to see the second largest waterfall in North Africa and experience the monkeys.

    You can also take a train to Casablanca or visit Essaouira for the day.

    If you wish, you can venture into the Sahara desert if you have about 3 days to spare. It’s a very popular destination amongst tourists.

    Tours are very well organised, and the tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They go out of their way to make sure you have the best experience.

    Riads or hotels are happy to help you organise your trip, but you can also check other popular online sights for price comparison.

    Ouzoud Waterfall.

    There are many different reasons why I love Marrakech, I have listed only a few.

    Here are a few other things to take into consideration..

    Marrakech is a safe place to visit, especially for solo female travellers.

    Although it is mainly an Islamic city, it is relatively liberal.

    I would always encourage showing a little bit of respect regarding your dress code. Wearing a loose cover around your shoulders when visiting religious sites is advisable.

    Marrakech can reach temperatures of 50° in the summer, which is incredibly hot, so bare that in mind when choosing when to go.

    Riads and hotels have places for you to sunbathe, and it is acceptable to wear shorts and bathing suits there..

    If you’re looking for a place that is a combination of many different things, from the ancient to modernity,

    A place that is diverse and can often feel like an organised chaos, yet  perfectly functional,

    A place that will transport you to the world of 1001 Nights,

    Then Marrakech is for you.

    I would recommend doing your research before visiting. Watch YouTube videos and read travel blogs.

    Arm yourself with plenty of knowledge before you arrive so that you will know what to expect.

    That way, you will have an unforgettable experience and come away with memories of places and people that will stay with you forever.

    Intricately tiled fountain.

    Continue reading for more information about the places mentioned in this post..

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  • GETTING AROUND MARRAKECH.

    The best options for exploring the red city.

    Walking around Marrakech

    Marrakech is easily doable on foot.

    If you’re staying in the medina, you can get to most places relatively quickly by walking.

    If this is not easy for you or the heat is a bit much, the other option is to take a tuk- tuk.

    Most riads can organise a pick-up point and give the driver directions to where you need to go.

    It’s a fun way to get around, and some of them are rather elaborately decorated.

    They rattle through the souks, competing with the motorcycles, donkeys, and pedestrians.

    Another option is to take a taxi.

    Check with your hotel or riad beforehand, and find out how much you should be paying to travel the distance you want to go.

    It’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to try to charge more, so stick to your guns and, if necessary, walk away.

    There are plenty of drivers available, and they are all competing with each other for fares, so you don’t have to put up with being ripped off.

    I only used taxis to get from the medina to Jardin Majorelle and Gueliz. It was a warm day, and I didn’t feel like walking in the sun.

    After a little polite negotiation, there were no problems, and I paid the correct fare, give or take a few dirhams.

    There are many tourists who pay to see the city on horse-drawn carriages.

    Horse-drawn carriage in Marrakech

    The horses are taken into the chaotic traffic, and I’ve witnessed a few upsetting incidents where they’ve been hit by a car.

    There doesn’t appear to be any rules on the roads, and they’re pretty crazy. The horses look scared and I’ve seen them freeze in the centre of the traffic.

    It’s a personal decision if you want to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. However, I would suggest only going around the medina walls and during the evening.

    It’s quieter for the horses than the madness of the busy main roads in the exhausting heat.

    Part of the fun in Marrakesh is walking from A to B..

    There are so many interesting things to see and you miss so much if you don’t walk.

    I especially enjoyed walking through the kasbah, seeing the locals going about their business and getting a feel for the real Marrakech.

    There are also walking tours around Marrakech, which you can book.

    These tours take you around the tourist hot spots, usually in a group of people.

    NB. There are separate tours for food sampling.

    It’s also possible to hire a bicycle if you’re brave enough.

    Check out Cafe Pikala for bicycle hire. It’s very popular.

    The Alsa bus runs around Marrakech for about 2 dirhams. The numbers 1 and 16 will ferry you between the medina and Gueliz.

    For venturing further, there are trains going to places like Casablanca daily.

    There is a good service, and prices and times can be found online.

    A rest in the shade after walking around Marrakech
  • MAJORELLE GARDEN.

    The stunning botanical garden called Le Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech.

    Lilypads and Koi Carp at Majorelle Garden.

    Inside the beautiful Majorelle Garden, there are over 300 stunning plant species from all over the world.

    Mexican agave, Chinese windmill palms, African date palms, coconut, and banana trees amongst a labyrinth of pathways.

    The incredibly tall bamboo and exotic Cacti species coexist together to create one of the most beautiful gardens in marrakech.

    Two acres of botanical landscape gardens.

    Originally designed by Jean Majorelle in the 1920s.

    After he was forced to abandon his home because of divorce, the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent took it over with his partner Pierre Berge to save it from hotel development in 1980.

    They restored it and made it their home, bringing the garden back to it’s former glory.

    For many years the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours – Yves Saint Laurent

    There is a memorial to Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge in the garden. 

    Majorelle Garden attracts over 900,000 visitors each year, making it a less than tranquil place to sit and reflect.

    I would have loved to have sat in quiet contemplation amongst the lush green vegetation, admiring the pop of colour from the bougainvillea, but I was never alone for very long.

    The attractive art deco pavilion with its striking colours of blue and yellow is a popular place for visitors to get their photographs taken.

    The colourful pavilion
    The exotic blue and Islamic green tiles.

    There is also a cafe and shop.

    I purchased some postcards of Yves Saint Laurents’ yearly ‘Love’ drawings.

    I didn’t go to the cafe because there were too many people and the queues were really long.

    Yves Saint Laurent early ‘Love’ drawings

    The gardens open daily at 8.00am and close at 6.00pm, and the last entry is at 5.30pm.

    I would suggest getting there before 10.00 am, preferably at opening time if you want a more peaceful experience.

    Luckily, I had prebooked online, so I didn’t have to queue.

    I’m thankful that I did because the queues were really long, and it was a very hot day for standing around without any shade.

    The YSL museum is also part of the visit, along with the Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Arts. It’s worth a look around if you are interested in Berber history. 

    Opening times are from 9.00 am until 5.30 pm with the last entry at 5.00pm.

    You can’t take photographs inside the museum.

    The price varies depending on where you purchase tickets from but you can expect to pay approximately €24 to visit everything.

    There are plenty of nice restaurants outside the gardens, and I decided to get something to eat and drink in one of those. It was much quieter.

    I recommend My Kawa for a nice salad.

    There are a few shops across the road from Majorelle Garden selling souvenirs and a few attractive boutiques.

    Shopping around Majorelle Garden

    Stuff was a bit pricey, but I picked up some nice jasmine oil at a fairly decent price.

    Overall, Majorelle Garden was absolutely beautiful. It is  colourful and lush with several spots to sit and absorb the exotic sights and sounds.

    However, it is incredibly busy with tourists, which detracts from the calm sense of serenity you’d expect to get from such a delightful setting.

    It was worth visiting for the wonderful trees and plants and to get some great photos, but unless you go very early during the quiet season, you won’t get a peaceful, relaxing vibe..

    Majorelle Garden is located to the north west of Marrakech medina.

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  • BACHA COFFEE.

    Calling all coffee lovers,

    This place is an absolute gem.

    The interior of Bacha Coffee.

    With over 200 different coffees to choose from, this place is a coffee lovers paradise.

    From the exuberant interior with beautifully tiled floors and plants to the finely dressed waiters in their elegant uniforms.

    Bacha Coffee is a wonderful experience.

    The service is impeccable, and the coffee from all over the world is incredible.

    You do have to wait for a table, but you can wander around the museum with its exotic plants and Islamic architecture whilst you wait.

    The museum and garden at Bacha Coffee

    You are given a bleeper to notify you when your table is ready.

    Once inside, you are free to take your time to paw over the extensive menu and believe me..I couldn’t decide for ages.

    I chose a Caribbean coffee from the Blue Mountains, and it didn’t disappoint.

    It came served in beautiful little cups with fresh cream, chocolate chips, and an assortment of other interesting little delights to enhance the taste of the coffee.

    I also had a slice of cake, which was delicately spiced and beautifully presented.

    My tastebuds were in heaven.

    I want to try every coffee on the menu, so I’ve promised myself I will go back again and again until I have.

    That’s a lot of coffee.

    Example of the coffee menu in Bacha Coffee.

    One thing to note,

    The queues can be very long, so I suggest going early around 9.30 am when they first open.

    The prices were fairly reasonable considering the quality of the food being served and the stunning decor, I was pleasantly surprised.

    Whenever I return to Marrakech, I always make a point of going to Bacha Coffee.

    Hopefully, I’ll eventually make my way through the hundreds of coffees on offer from around the world.

    I’m certainly up for trying.

    It’s worth visiting just to capture those perfect Instagram photos.

    The beautiful interior inside Bacha Coffee

    You can also buy coffee to take home, and it comes beautifully packaged.

    The ideal gift for someone special.

    Bacha Coffee is an instagrammable place.

    Opening hours are,

    Tuesday-Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm

    I would recommend getting there for 9.30 a.m., ready for opening time, and joining the queues. It can get incredibly busy later in the day.

    The address is,

    Dar el Bacha, Rte Sidi

    Abdelaziz Marrakech 40000

    Morocco

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  • COME ON A FASCINATING JOURNEY WITH ME TO THE RED CITY OF MARRAKECH.

    An introduction to the red city of Marrakech in North Africa.

    If Africa is a peacock, Morocco is its tail

    Welcome to my blog featuring everything you need to know about Marrakech.

    I include my own personal stories, experiences, and adventures, giving an authentic insight into the red city of Marrakech.

    My name is Freebird Tracey, and I’ve been a regular visitor to Marrakech for many years.

    As a solo female traveller, I have always felt safe travelling around Marrakech. The friendly locals treat me with respect wherever I go, always helpful and always with a smile.

    I believe I have found my happy place in the sunshine amongst the fragrance of orange blossom, the vibrant colours, and the magical sounds of Jamaa El Fna.

    Marrakech is a diverse and magical city, steeped in history. 

    From its beautiful Islamic architecture to the culinary delights and fine craftsmanship on display, there is something to tempt the senses on every corner.

    I never get tired of exploring this alluring, magnetising corner of our planet.

    There is always something new to see, and it’s full of little surprises.

    Marrakech is an assault on the senses..

    Allow me to take you on a fascinating journey to North Africa and show you how to make the most of your time in Marrakech.

    I will share interesting articles and suggest the best places to eat, including vegetarian and vegan options.

    I will tell you where to find cool bars that serve alcohol with live music.

    If you’re interested in activities, excursions, or day trips, I will share some of my own personal experiences with you.

    I will give you truthful  opinions, honest reviews, and provide helpful suggestions to get the most out of your visit.

    I share tips on how to stay safe and what to do to make sure you have the best experience whilst visiting Marrakech.

    This is a tell-all blog at your fingertips..

    So, buckle up and join me on a mind-blowing trip of a lifetime.

    Let me introduce you to the sights, sounds, and tastes of the red city. 

    All beautifully entwined with each other,creating what can only be described as a little piece of heaven here on earth..

    (more…)