Sounds Of The Souks

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech In North Africa

  • Cafe Clock.

    A cross-cultural cafe chain in the Kasbah district of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Cafe Clock is a cultural hub based in Fez, Marrakech, and Chefchouen.

    It was founded by Mike Richardson when he visited Fez in 2006 and fell in love with the ancient city.

    It was named after the centuries old water clock situated on the facing wall of the Bou Inania Madrasa.

    Cafe Clock is now a buzzing hub of culture where you can sample its famous camel burgers.

    This lively space in the Kasbah district is a converted old school house and is renowned for its storytelling and live music that takes place most evenings.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Cafe Clock is popular with young Moroccans learning the ancient traditional art of storytelling and travellers who are curious.

    There is nice energy here, and it’s a great place to come and chill.

    At Cafe Clock, you can take  cookery classes.

    You will be taken to the local markets to buy fresh ingredients before learning how to make a traditional Morroccan dish.

    The interior of Cafe Clock has been decorated by local artists who have added a unique touch.

    Colourful vintage Berber cushions and an attractive display of whimsical finds around a large open fireplace give off a homely relaxing atmosphere.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I visited during December, and it was cold outside.

    Sitting by the roaring fire, listening to live acoustic guitar playing was just what I needed to feel warm and cosy.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The menu is very good and offers an interesting choice for vegetarians and vegans.

    I particularly recommend the falafel Super Bowl and vegetable pastilla.

    If you’re travelling around Morocco, Cafe Clock is also extending its empire into other areas like Chefchouen.

    Opening times for Cafe Clock are 9.00 am until 11.00pm daily.

    The address is;

    224 Derb Chtouka, Marrakech.

    Cafe Clock is a popular cultural space dedicated to keeping the ancient culture of Marrakech alive.

    Whether it’s traditional gnawa musicians or the best raconteurs in Marrakech entertaining you, you can expect a very interesting experience eating here.

    Cafe Clock also serves breakfast, with a good variety of choices on the menu.

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  • Maison Culturelle Du Tapis.

    A fascinating carpet museum in the souks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    This is a remarkable exhibition of Berber carpets and a journey through the ancestral history of the tribes who created them.

    Maison Culturelle du Tapis is tucked away in the souks and a place you must see if you’re in Marrakech.

    Beautiful carpets are draped along the walls of this boutique museum made by different tribes and eras in Moroccan history.

    Situated deep within the medina at 16-18 Derb Deffa Ourbaa, it’s a little difficult to find, but vendors will happily point you in the right direction.

    It’s a fascinating walk through the history of traditional weaving, and some of the carpets are generations old and beautifully preserved.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Every room of this tastefully restored 17th century riad invites you to look at each different region’s identity, from the Atlas Mountains to Rabat.

    You get to learn the Berber symbols and specific colours each tribe used when weaving their carpets.

    There are descriptions to help you appreciate the work that goes into creating each piece, including history about the Berber tribes who made them.

    There’s a video showing you the expertise and  process of creating the carpets and the history of the Berber women.

    There’s also a workshop where you can have a go at making one yourself to take away with you.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    One of the treasures on display in the museum is the Rabat carpet, a symbol of royal elegance renowned for its rich decoration and finery.

    The museum includes a collection of exquisite rare 20th-century carpets and modern contemporary pieces.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    A visit to this delightful place was a nice break for me from the densely packed medina, and I would thoroughly recommend stopping by to have a look around it.

    There’s a pretty rooftop terrace, where you’ll find a nice cafe to have a light snack or a drink.

    The views across the medina are exceptional.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The museum is open from 10.00 am until 6.00pm.

    There’s a small shop inside the museum selling things like cushion covers and bags with lovely examples of some of the weaving sewn onto the middle of them.

    To enter the museum, there’s a small entrance fee.

    It’s definitely worth every dirham to delve into the rich, cultural ancestry of the Amazigh and learn about their exceptional carpet weaving skills.

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  • Dates,Nuts,and Cactus Fruit In Marrakech.

    A few of the tempting treats on display around the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Imagine walking around the medina, and you fancy something to tickle your tastebuds.

    It’s too early for lunch or dinner, but you fancy a snack, something other than sweets and pastries.

    Marrakech is full of street vendors selling delicious things, some you may know, some you may not be so familiar with.

    Cactus fruit is commonly seen peeled and displayed on carts around the medina in Marrakech.

    Cactus fruit or prickly pear is a popular, spiky, sweet treat in season from July to September.

    The vibrantly coloured fruit is nutritious, refreshing, and packed with antioxidants.

    Eating cactus fruit is a great way to hydrate. It’s juicy and full of vitamin C.

    You can pick one up for 1 dirham, making them a great snack for travellers on a tight budget.

    If you haven’t tried one before, I would give them a go.

    They are absolutely delicious and a cheap, healthy alternative to sweets.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Nuts are central to Moroccan cuisine, and there’s a good variety available, including walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and peanuts.

    Souk Kchacha in the medina is the best place to buy quality nuts.

    Vendors in the main square also sell packets of mixed nuts in various flavours.

    They are absolutely delicious and the perfect snack to take sightseeing or to fill a gap before your next meal.

    Nuts can be filling and calorific, so bare that in mind.

    Once you pop, you might not stop.

    The problem for me was choosing which ones to buy from the huge variety on sale. Luckily, I was able to taste them before I purchased any.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of shops selling nuts all around the medina in Marrakech.

    One I also recommend is Marche aux Espices in Tinsmiths Square, open from 9.00am until 8.00pm.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Fruit is everywhere in Marrakesh, colourful, mouthwatering, fresh fruit all around the medina.

    There is a fruit and vegetable market where the locals shop called Market el Kheir,if you want an authentic experience of buying fresh produce.

    Its location is M233+FQG AV Ibn, Marrakech.

    It closes at 11.00pm, and everything is fresh with a lively, bustling atmosphere.

    There are carts all around the medina selling a wonderful variety of fruit, and Jamaa El Fna is abundant with fruit sellers plying their trade.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    One thing you really ought to try when you come to Marrakech are the dates.

    Dates are a staple in Marrakech, with the most popular being the large  sweet variety called Medjool and the popular Boufeggous, highly regarded by the local population.

    Medjool dates, also known as ‘The King of Dates’, have a caramel like flavour and soft texture.

    They are mainly grown in the Tafilalet region of Morocco and are rich in potassium, fibre, and energy.

    So, if you’re flagging from all the walking and sightseeing, they’re the ideal pick me up.

    The most common location for purchasing dates is from vendors in Jamaa El Fnaa or in the medina.

    They are considered safe to eat but get them packaged if you’re taking them home to avoid issues with customs at the airport.

    I was pleasantly surprised by the soft fleshy texture and the size of the dates in Marrakech.

    They tasted really fresh, completely different from the ones I’ve had back home.

    I was so impressed that I purchased some to bring back with me.

    On average, at the time of writing,  dates average at about MAD 99.57 and MAD 248.92 per kilogram.

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  • Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex.

    An arts and craft centre with a difference in Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is a government sponsored initiative for skilled artisans in Marrakech.

    A short walk away from Jamaa El Fna, opposite Cyber Park, is this unique space in Marrakech.

    Within the complex, you will find artisans creating beautiful artwork, including paintings, rugs, and pottery.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    It was established for artisans to teach their work to apprentices, and it’s a more low-key shopping experience than the souks.

    The best artisans are picked to work here, and there is usually only one or two representing each speciality, unlike in the souks.

    There are wonderful examples of excellent craft work, including brass and copper crafts, lamps, leather work, musical instruments, and much more..

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Prices are fixed, and the profit goes to the artisans.

    Shopping in this fascinating area gives you an idea of how much you should be charged for items in the souks.

    Some things here are slightly pricer, but you don’t have to bargain hard, and it’s a more relaxed shopping experience.

    Within the complex is a simple restaurant for food and drinks.

    The tiled surroundings of Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex are very beautiful to look at and complimented by small green areas with plants.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There is also calligraphy available.

    If you want a gift for someone, consider getting their name in Arabic printed onto a nice postcard.

    I enjoyed spending a couple of hours away from the hectic pace of the medina.

    The slow rhythm and gentle tapping of skilled artisans at work was a nice change of pace.

    I was also invited to have a go on a loom by the ladies making traditional carpets.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is located on Mohammed V Avenue. It’s about a 6 minute walk from the Jamaa El Fna.

    The times of opening are 9.30am until 7.00pm, with the exception of Sunday when they close at 2.00pm.

    I found a few lovely paintings here to take home with me and was tempted by the beautifully handcrafted mirrors.

    This is a perfect respite from the chaos of the medina and a wonderful spot to pick up a few treasures.

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  • Chez Bismillah Sand Coffee.

    Traditional Saharan Coffee. 

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Coffee brewed using a centuries old technique.

    Chez 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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