Souks

L'atelier des saveurs restaurant Marrakech.

Nestled into the medina just around the corner from the beautiful Riad Papillon, you will find this trendy little spot which is aptly named “L’atelier des Saveurs”. This attractive, open fronted eatery is on the section of street that runs between the palace at Dar ‘l Bacha and the busy taxi drop-off point of Riad […]

Felt necklaces made and dyed in the souks of Marrakech

Make your way through the open arch portal beside the historic Mouassine fountain, and you will find yourself inside Sebbaghine, Marrakech’s vibrant Souk des teinturiers. (Dyers Souk) If you have a passion for textiles, an eye for colour, or an interest in all things artisanal; then you will certainly enjoy a look at the dyers […]

cactus fruit in marrakech riad

The cactus plants seen at the roadsides of Morocco bear a wonderful fruit; the prickly pear. The plants are often a natural boundary between properties, and in the late summer they become laden with fruit. Take care when opening the fruit, as the spines are fine and spiky! You will notice that the street vendors […]

Morocco to Timbuktu

“Morocco to Timbuktu – An Arabian Adventure,” BBC  production. Marrakech resident Alice Morrison takes us on an epic travel adventure to discover the salt traders routes of North Africa. Starting her voyage in  Tangier, the Gateway to Europe, Alice uses ancient trading routes into sub-Saharan Africa. Winding her way towards the Sahara via Marrakech and onward […]

riad-papillon-_ALK2248

From the moment you step off the plane you are immersed in the beauty and wonder of Marrakech. The heat of the desert sun greets you warmly like an old friend as you disembark from your flight. The cool slick interior of the brand new airport terminal greets you and ‘wows’ you with stunning architecture. The […]

Amber Beads Morocco

Morocco is the furthest West of the countries of the Mahgreb, these countries which are situated along the North African coast are at the end of the long and hugely important silk routes from the East. Along this highway of commerce came caravans with exotic treasures to trade. The 10th century written accounts from those who trod this […]

What to pack for Marrakech

It’s always helpful to have some local info for your holidays, so here are a few top tips to make your stay in Marrakech simple. I have been travelling in Morocco for over 16 years, and here are a few very easy things which I always do which make my trip more comfortable. Bring the name and address of […]

wood workshop, marrakech

Whilst walking around Marrakech, it is impossible not to notice how many of the doors, window shutters and wooden tables are carefully adorned with exquisite carvings or intricately painted tessellated patterns. These humble items extend far beyond their functional use: the beautiful designs, that are so unique to the region, represent a certain respect for […]

boutique mostafa

One of our favourite merchants in the Marrakech Souks is the friendly Mostafa whose boutique is located on fashionable Dar El Bashah near to its junction with the Rue Mouassine. Mostafa offers a colourful and modern twist to traditional Moroccan designs and he will always be pleased to share a glass of mint tea in […]

Lamp Makers Souk

Abdel Monaim works in partnership with a childhood friend. They learned their craft together as young men and now share a workshop in the Souk Belaarif in the Central Medina near to Riad Cinnamon and Riad Star. A Riad in Marrakech is the perfect base from which to explore the historic Medina. Make your reservation […]

Riad Cinnamon Marrakech

Marrakech is a riot of colour, take a short stroll from your Riad hotel into the Souks and you will be captivated.  The patterns of decoration are also enchanting, in Islam it is forbidden to produce a representation of a living creature, for this reason traditional arabic and Moroccan decoration involves repeating geometric shapes. Our friend […]

Fes style Zellig tile work

The Marrakech Souks contain an astonishing variety of life.  Just a 15 minute walk though the Souks near to Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon in the central medina gives a window onto an ancient culture. Start in a Caravanserai ( a camel motel!) recently restored using UNESCO funding (Marrakech is a UNESCO world heritage site), […]

Souks overhead

The Marrakech Souks are endlessly entertaining. Take a stroll through the ancient medina with our friend Paul, just minutes from your Marrakech Riad The streets of Marrakech are a scene of constant change and motion. Browse our Marrakech accommodation before making your reservation. Individual suites at Riad Cinnamon: Fez | Essaouira | Chefchaouen | Casablanca | Meknes Luxurious […]

Morocco Pottery Marrakech

There are an amazing variety of goods for sale in the Marrakech Souks, take your time to browse and you will find glazed pottery to fit any colour scheme! Our Riads in the Medina provide the perfect base for your holiday or short break in Magical Marrakech. Make contact today.

marrakech cafe des epices

The Cafe des Epices (Spice Cafe) is a charming inexpensive cafe located on the historic Rahba Kedima square just north of the main Jemma al Fnaa. Historically the Rahba Kedima was the Marrakech slave market, today it is a bustling showcase for a variety of crafts as well as a centre for herbalists and spice […]

Tassel shop in Souk Cherifa, Marrakech

There are a number of shops in the Marrakech Souks specialising in tassels. Our favourite is located in the Souk Cherifa, just five minutes from Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon. Our luxury Riads are the perfect base from which to explore the ancient medina. Reserve accommodation today!

A glimpse of Marrakech at dusk

Shopping in Marrakech is an experience like no other:  The billowing silk scarves and hand woven shawls, shiny brass lamps in shimmering gold and silver metals, fragrant mint and exotic spices such as cinnamon and cumin, handmade Berber rugs with geometric designs and silky smooth tadelakt bowls in intense sky blues, ox blood reds and […]

Metalwork in the Marrakech Souks

The Marrakech Souks are great fun to explore whether on your own or with a guide. For centuries craftsmen and merchants have congregated in specialist souks including areas for metalworkers, leatherworkers, dyers, carpets, spices, traditional medicines and many others. There was a time when the persistent attention of hustlers and self appointed guides made it […]