Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: tourist attractions 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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  • Les Bains Kenaria.

    A traditional Hammam and Rooftop Cafe.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Over 400 years old and beautifully preserved and restored.

    Les Bains Kenaria has been revived to become a sanctuary in the medina.

    It still uses the ancient Moroccan tradition of heating the Hammam 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 comfortable, colourful couch.

    The staff were really friendly and courteous, and they helped me to choose a vegetarian option from the menu.

    My food was one of the most delicious tagines I’d tried in Marrakech.

    The fresh vegetables included fava beans and olives and tasted absolutely sumptuous.

    I watched the sun setting as I tucked into my food, and I could hear the lively sounds of the souk below.

    It was a lovely atmosphere, and I could watch everyday life taking place on the adjacent rooftops.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I chose a beet smoothie for the first time, and it was quite different from anything I’d had before.

    The setting was peaceful despite it being in the busy medina, with tourists shopping in the street below.

    I was able to enjoy my meal in a relaxed, stressfree manner, taking my time and not feeling rushed at all.

    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 opening hours are;

    9.00am until 8.00pm daily.

    The address is;

    Bain Maure, N 132,

    Marrakech 40040, Morocco.

    I will certainly be back to eat here again, and next time, I may even try a Hammam experience.

    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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  • 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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  • The Saadian Tombs.

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

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    They showcase the wealth of the Saadian dynasty.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

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

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

    9.00am – 5.00pm

    The price of entry is 70 dirhams.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Le Jardin Secret.

    A place of serenity and calm in the middle of the souks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It’s a hidden gem, a peaceful retreat from the madness of the souks, and Jamaa el Fna.

    Le Jardin Secret is a little oasis with exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy calm, beautiful surroundings, listening to the birds in the trees.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There is a beautifully painted pergoda in the centre, for sitting in the shade.

    Le Jardin Secret boasts two attractive large gardens and has one of the highest towers in the medina.

    There is a museum, a boutique, and two coffee shops on site for light refreshments.

    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 perfect example of Islamic art and architecture, and you can read all 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.

    The sound of birdsong and the resident toads in the little pond feels like a world away from the busy souks outside the walls.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    As you wander around the tranquil gardens, you forget you are inside the busy medina, dodging motorcycles and donkey carts.

    There are plenty of benches dotted around the gardens to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that surrounds you.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret is located at,

    121 Rue Mouassine

    Marrakech 40030 Morocco.

    Opening times vary depending on the time of the year.

    It costs 100 dirhams to enter and it is wheelchair user-friendly.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The cafe has a good selection of sandwiches, pizzas and salads.

    Fruit and vegetable smoothies, tea and coffee, and homemade cakes.

    To get the most peaceful experience from your visit, try going early in the daytime before the gardens become too busy with tourists.

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  • The Bahia Palace.

    One of the most visited attractions in Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    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.

    I have written a separate article about it.

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