The Sound Of The Souks

Tag: tourist attractions in marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • The Spice Square.

    Visit the apothecary of Marrakech.

    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, dried 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,  straw hats, baby tortoises, and shops selling Amazigh jewellery ,Tuareg leather amulets and beautiful throws and wall hangings. It is a vibrant, colourful market with a less frantic pace than Jamaa El Fna.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Spice Square is home to popular restaurants like Cafe Des Espices and Nomad, a well-known restaurant amongst tourists who flock to watch the setting sun from the rooftop terrace.

    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. The smells and colours are heady, as friendly vendors demonstrate the benefits of eucalyptus and other herbal remedies to the tourists.

    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 relaxed, more laid-back atmosphere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    As you meander your way through the busy Semmarine souk, it suddenly opens up to this feast of exotic colours that seem to appear out of nowhere. You will be greeted by a display of tantalising and pungent aromas that have become the essence of Marrakech.

    There are a few budget cafes around the spice square that are ideal spots for a pot of mint tea whilst sitting in the sunshine absorbing this sensual experience.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Bahia Palace.

    One of the most visited attractions in Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace in Marrakesh. It’s definitely a must-see if you’re visiting the city, as it is quite spectacular.

    The word Bahia means  ‘brilliance’ in Arabic, a reflection of the splendour of Islamic architecture and art. The rooms inside the Bahia Palace are beautifully decorated with sculpted stucco, zellige tiles, paintings, and mosaics to capture the essence and skill of divine craftsmanship. The intricately carved cedar wood ceilings are a testimony to the beauty and precision involved in the creation of such a spectacular palace.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The huge courtyard is one of the focal points of Bahia Palace. It is rather grand and very spacious with a fountain in the centre and intricate zellige tile work typical of Morroccan design and culture. All the doors open out into it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are approximately 150 rooms organised around multiple internal courtyards and riad gardens. The palace covers around two hectares.

    In 1956, when Morocco gained independence from the French, the palace became the residence of King Hassan II until it was later transferred to the Moroccan Ministry of Culture to serve as a cultural icon and tourist attraction. Bahia Palace has now become one of the most significant landmarks and tourist destinations in Marrakech, attracting 1000s of visitors.

    If you’re planning a visit, it is advisable to book tickets as queues can be extremely long. They cost 70 dirhams at the time of writing, and the palace is open between 8.00am-5.00pm daily.

    The gardens surrounding the palace are also impressive, with orange trees lining the route to the entrance. It’s worth having a wander around them after seeing the interior.

    I would suggest arriving as close to opening time as you possibly can to avoid the crowds. That way, you can spend time reading about the history of the palace before it becomes too busy, and you also have a better chance to capture a few photos of the internal chambers and exquisitely decorated rooms.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re visiting marrakech, the Bahia Palace will give you a good understanding of both Moroccan and Islamic culture and the architecture, art and craftsmanship that defines it.

    If you enjoy looking at Islamic architecture, you should also visit Badi Palace and the Saadian tombs in the Kasbah area of the city.

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  • The Saadian Tombs.

    A testimony to the opulence of the Saadian dynasty.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

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

    The Saadian tombs have become a historical landmark dating back as far as the late sixteenth century. Built by the Saadian dynasty, they house the mausoleums of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour and his family.

    The  mixture of Spanish and Moorish architecture is really impressive, with detailed stucco work, intricate mosaic tiles, and Italian Carrara marble.The main mausoleum is quite remarkable, with beautifully decorated ceilings and columns and there are usually very long queues waiting to see it. The Saadian tombs are very decadent with a mixture of Morroccan, Andalusian, and European styles, showcasing the wealth of the Saadian dynasty.

    I recommend arriving early around opening time to avoid waiting too long to see the main mausoleum. Tourists can wait for over an hour in the heat, so make sure you have a bottle of water handy just in case.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Saadian Tombs were hidden for centuries. They were spotted through aerial photography and are now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakesh.

    Housing over 100 tombs with beautiful zellige tiles and marble columns, this royal necropolis was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour to honour his ancestors. The chamber of 12 columns is where the tombs of Ahmed al- Mansour and his successors are laid to rest. In the gardens lie the tombs of soldiers and servants. There is a smaller  tranquil chamber, which is called the Chamber of Three Niches.

    The Saadian Tombs are an example of Moroccos’ rich history and culture. They are in close proximity to El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace. Both are worth a visit if your you’re interested in Islamic art and architecture.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Saadian Tombs are in the Kasbah next to the mosque, and the opening times are 9.00 am until 5.00pm daily. The price of entry at the time of writing is 100 dirhams.

    The Kasbah is located to the south of the medina.

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  • El Badi Palace.

    The ruins of an extravagant palace from the Saadian dynasty.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour 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. There were 300 rooms decorated in gold, turquoise, and crystal. It was also home to the sultans harem, which included over 500 women.

    When Meknes became the new capital city, the palace was completely stripped of all its materials and transported there to create a new palace.  After the death of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour in 1603, the palace fell into neglect. Now, only the ruins remain.

    El Badi is worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of Marrakech and the elite who ruled centuries ago.There is an interesting exhibition area containing the Almoravid Minbar, which is the finely decorated pulpit that once  stood inside the Koutoubia Mosque. The area also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions. There are underground chambers that contain information and photographs about the history of the palace.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Unfortunately, the palace was badly damaged during the earthquake in 2023, and renovations have taken place to repair the cracks in the walls. It’s still a tranquil place to visit, and the huge courtyard feels very calm and peaceful. The storks nesting on top of the towers give it a mystical atmosphere.

    El Badi Palace is situated in the Kasbah district, which is to the south of the city. It is close to the Saadian tombs, an impressive burial site, and another place to visit to get an understanding of the history of Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Visiting this once opulent palace, you get a sense of the wealth and grandeur of the Saadian dynasty. There’s a feeling of tranquillity within its walls, and you appreciate its historical significance.

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

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  • The House of Photography.

    See a private collection of 10,000 rare exhibits.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The House of Photography is an important cultural venue in Marrakech. Housed in an old fondouk in the medina, a visit here is a fascinating journey through time.

    It was established by Patrick Manac’h and Hamid Mergani as a place where old photos taken in Morocco could be displayed for the public to view. It opened its doors to the public in 2009 and is now home to thousands of original documents, photographs, postcards, newspapers, and photographic glass plates.

    A private collection of 10,000 exhibits from 1879-1960, including contemporary photos from the present, allows visitors an opportunity to get to know the history of the Berber tribes in the high Atlas Mountains.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The first colour film recorded in the High Atlas Mountains in 1957, called ‘Landscapes and Faces of the High Atlas Mountains’ by Daniel Chicault, is also available for visitors to watch.

    The Museum of Photography is incredibly interesting, and the photos on display are well preserved, giving visitors to Marrakech a detailed account of how Berbers lived. I was fascinated by how the women dressed and their incredible hairstyles. Watching the video has broadened my knowledge about the history of Berber culture and their customs. It’s only as recent as the 1950s, yet they survived without electricity or medical care.

    The displays stay interesting because they changed them periodically, and at the time I visited, there was one about Berber Jews.

    Inside the museum, there is a rooftop cafe serving drinks, including speciality coffee and food. There are views across the rooftops of the medina, and you can see the Atlas mountains in the distance. It can get pretty busy during the lunchtime rush.

    You can purchase copies of some of the photographs in the entrance, and the quality of the prints is good. I bought a copy of Un Charmeur de Serpents – vers 1920, and it looks great in a vintage photo frame.

    The museum is open daily from 9.00 am until 7.00pm.

    The address is 46 rue Ahl Fes, Bin Lafnadek Marrakech 400030, not far from Ben Youssef Madrasa.

    Payment is on entry only, and it’s 80 dirhams for adults, 15 years old and under are free. The ticket also permits entry into the museum of music.

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  • Le Jardin Secret.

    Spend time in a serene corner of the souks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret is a hidden gem inside the medina. It’s a restored 19th-century palace complex in the Mouassine district of Marrakech. An oasis of exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings, listening to the birds singing in the trees.  Nestled secretly in the middle of the souks amidst the chaos, suddenly appears this quiet, enchanting space to spend a little time recharging your batteries.

    In the heart of this magical oasis, there is a decorative pagoda to sit in the shade and recollect your thoughts.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret boasts two attractive large gardens. One containing a range of plants from around the world, the other a traditional geometric Islamic garden. It also has one of the highest towers in the medina with panoramic views.

    There is also a museum, a boutique, and two coffee shops on site if you want to enjoy a drink or a few light refreshments sitting in the sunshine.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret dates back 400 years ago to the Saadian dynasty and was left to decay before being discovered and renovated in the nineteenth century. It is a prime example of the beauty of Islamic art and architecture, and you can find out more about its history inside the museum.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The gardens are simply beautiful with Cacti, palm trees, and other exotic plants, flowers, and shrubs. There is a small pond with resident toads and turtles who sit basking on the rocks to the delight of passing tourists. The harmonious sound of birdsong allows you to feel like you’re a world away from the busy souks outside the walls.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of benches dotted around the gardens for you to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that surrounds you, sitting here peacefully, you forget you are still inside the busy medina, dodging motorcycles, tourists, and donkeys.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    To get the most peaceful experience from your visit to Le Jardin Secret, I suggest arriving early in the daytime before the gardens become too busy with other tourists.

    Le Jardin Secret is located at 121 Rue Mouassine Marrakech 40030 Morocco. Opening times may vary depending on the time of year.It costs 100 dirhams to enter, and the gardens are wheelchair user-friendly.

    The cafes serve sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. They also offer hot and cold beverages, including juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, and a selection of delicious homemade cakes.

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  • Ben Youssef Madrasa

    Visit a centuries old Koranic school.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Ben Youssef Madrasa was once the largest and most important Islamic college in Morocco.

    It was commissioned by Saadian Sultan, Abdellah al- Ghaleb Assaadi in 1564-65 and named after the adjacent Ben Youseff mosque.

    It’s a fascinating place to visit with invaluable historical and cultural significance. The spectacular architecture inside the Madrasa is simply breathtaking and a testimony to the beauty of Islamic art and craftsmanship.

    Students who studied at the Madrasa would learn many subjects, including religious science, mathematics, philosophy, and medicine.The Madrasa attracted the best scholars and thinkers from the Arab Muslim world.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Ben Youseff Madrasa has been beautifully restored. Zellige tiles decorated with floral, geometric motifs and Arabic scripts adorn the walls. Carved cedarwood doors, ceilings, and intricately crafted pillars showcase the quality of the craftsmanship. It’s a prime example of the skill used to create traditional Islamic architecture.

    There are approximately 130 dormitories and in it’s heyday as a koranic school, the Madrasa housed around 900 students.The small rooms were just big enough for them to roll out their mats to sleep on.The main focus for each student was study and prayer.

    The rooms overlook the large courtyard, and tourists cram inside to have their photos taken standing in the window frames.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Ben Youseff Madrasa is one of the most touristic sightseeing spots in Marrakech. Due to its popularity, you have to get there early to appreciate the serene environment that the students would have lived in. If you arrive later in the day, expect huge crowds to jostle with each other for perfect photo opportunities.

    I visited at opening time, and although there was a small queue of people waiting to enter, it wasn’t too packed with tourists.

    Ben Youseff Madrasa is next to Marrakech Museum. The address is Rue Assoual, Marrakech 40000.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Opening times are 9.00 am until 7.00pm, except on Tuesdays when they close at 4.30 pm. The entrance fee is 70 dirhams.

    There are guided tours available to book online. Some include skipping the line entry. I didn’t bother booking a tour. There is information inside the Madrasa, which gave me an idea of what it would have been like to study there. For a more detailed history, a reputable, knowledgeable guide would be helpful.

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  • Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee.

    Taste traditional Saharan Coffee. 

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee is a hidden gem inside Souk El Kebir. It is here that rich aromatic coffee is brewed using hot saharan sand, 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. It’s an ancient technique of brewing coffee that involves no electricity, simply hot Merzouga sand.

    The coffee has a rich, dense, creamy flavour unlike any other coffee found in the medina. It is soothing and velvety.

    This charming little spot is humble in appearance, cosy and inviting. There is a small rooftop terrace where you can sit and enjoy your coffee in peace, a moment of sheer self-indulgence

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    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 watching the coffee being made from rich arabica and fragrant spices. In moments, it has heated up as if by magic. I savoured its unique taste whilst congratulating myself for finding this amazing discovery in the alleyways of the souks.

    Chez Bismillah is a unique experience firmly rooted in place and tradition. The friendly 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 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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  • A Camel Ride In The Palmerai.

    Watch the sunset as you ride through palm groves. 

    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 well 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 the Palmerai for a camel ride at sunset. I booked the activity through Get Your Guide, and I was picked up at 4.00pm next to the Islane Hotel. I was part of a small group, and we were taken to our destination in a small air-conditioned van.

    After a short drive, the scenery began to change into open roads landscaped with thousands of palm trees. There were camels sitting at the sides of the road wearing colourfully decorated seats, waiting to take tourists for a ride around the scenic area.

    Once we had arrived at our destination, I was dressed in traditional blue Tuareg clothing and helped onto my camel by a friendly camel driver.

    Video taken by our guide Mohammed.

    Soon afterwards, we set off trekking through the palm groves as the sun began to set. The trek lasted for around 40 minutes across a stretch of gravelly ground.

    I have every respect for the Tuareg, who would spend months on the back of a camel in search of salt mines. However, they are not the most comfortable creatures, and 40 minutes was more than enough for me.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It was late March when I went. Therefore, I imagine the sunset would be more spectacular during the summer months. It was still nice and peaceful, even if I didn’t get the wow factor I was hoping for.

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

    Back at the vehicle, the camel drivers prepared a pot of mint tea for us all. After drinking it, we got back into the van and were soon heading back into Marrakech.

    My thoughts on the activity are mixed. It was good to get out of the busy city for a short while, and the scenery was nice. I enjoyed seeing another side of Marrakech, but I didn’t really get the experience I was hoping for. Perhaps it was the overcast sky spoiling my expectations of a dramatic sunset or how swiftly the event seemed to come to an end.

    In terms of value for money, I think that quad biking may have been the better option. On a positive note, our guide was lovely. He took videos and photographs for me and helped me into my headscarf.

    If I return to this part of Marrakech, I will try another activity. The Palmerai hosts balloon rides, which are available through Paradise Ballooning and Marrakech Balloon. There are several golf courses in the area also.

    For people who want to experience riding a camel, the Palmerai is ideal due to its close proximity to Marrakech.

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  • Les Bains Kenaria.

    A Hammam with a Rooftop Cafe.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Les Bains Kenaria has been revived to become a sanctuary in the medina. It’s over 400 years old and has been beautifully preserved and restored. The hammam still uses the ancient Moroccan tradition of heating using the wood fired method.

    Services include newly added thermal rooms, warm baths, cold baths, a jacuzzi style pool, and a massage.

    Les Bains Kenaria is also a rooftop cafe, and this is where my experience here began. I was lured in by the lush tropical plants that spoke to me from the intricately crafted doorway.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I made my way upstairs onto the pretty rooftop and was seated on a colourful couch. The staff were really friendly and courteous, and helped me to choose a vegetarian option from the menu.

    I had one of the most delicious tagines I’ve had in Marrakech.The fresh vegetables included fava beans and olives and tasted absolutely sumptuous. I chose a beet smoothie for the first time. It was quite different from anything I’d had before, and I couldn’t decide if I liked it or not.

    I watched the sun setting as I ate. I could hear the lively sounds of the souk below. It was a lovely atmosphere, and I could see everyday life taking place on the adjacent rooftops.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The setting was peaceful, despite it being in the busy medina. There were tourists shopping in the street below. I was still able to enjoy my meal feeling relaxed and stressfree. I took my time and didn’t feel rushed.

    Dining on the rooftop terrace of Les Bains Kenaria was a lovely experience. The food is traditional Morroccan cuisine, and prices are very competitive. There is plenty of choice for lunch and dinner on the menu, and breakfast is also available. The lush plants and comfortable surroundings made it extra special. It was a contrast from the manic rhythm of the street below. This is definitely a place I will visit regularly.

    The opening hours are 9.00 am until 8.00pm daily. The address is Bain Maure, N 132,Marrakech 40040, Morocco.

    Next time, I may even try the Hammam.

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