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Hamid’s shop: from recycled glass bottles to perfect souvenirs in Marrakech
In Moroccan society, very little goes to waste: raw scrap materials are re-used and recycled; leftover food is often donated to the poor and if something is broken it is always repaired and fixed. Perhaps these decisions are not always environmentally focused, but it is nice to see a society that would rather recycle, re-use […]
Souk Cherifa: the home of bohemian fashion in Marrakech
Situated to the north of the world famous Marrakech Souks, under the Terraces des Epices restaurant and very close to Riad Star and Riad Cinnamon is Souk Cherifa, a small collection of high end boutiques selling stylish, modern and quirky interpretations of classic Marrakech items. From beautiful handmade tan sandals to traditional Moroccan inspired clothes […]
Leather Tanning process at the Marrakech Tanneries
The traditional process for tanning leather is undoubtedly smelly, yet this smell is a small price to pay for witnessing such a unique and interesting interesting sight.; where else would you get the chance to see the men tread and rinse skins in mysterious liquids and dyes before scraping and stretching the hides using traditional […]
Traditional Hand-Sewn Embroidery in the Heart of Marrakech
In Muslim societies, as in many places around the world, hand-sewn embroidery is traditionally regarded as a luxury item reserved for the high social class. These days, regardless of your social class or income, no matter how hard you look it is often difficult to find such quality craftsmanship anywhere. In the age of mass-production […]
Easyjet Glasgow (GLA) to Marrakech (RAK)
Budget airline easyjet have added a new route from Glasgow (GLA), Scotland to the great city of Marrakech (RAK). This convenient new flight will begin on Wednesday 29th of October and will run twice weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays. This is a great new way to get to the red city and start your luxury […]
Majorelle Blue: the most magical shade of Blue
Although Marrakech is often known as ‘The Red City’ thanks to the pisé-cement Ramparts that surround the old town, once you enter the Medina it becomes clear that Marrakech actually holds a multitude of vibrant and bright colours. One such colour is the distinctive and infamously unique Majorelle Blue. In 1924 the French artist Jacques […]
Kasbah Café
There are a lot of things to do in Marrakech, but sometimes the hot Moroccan sun can take its toll. It is in these moments that even the most hardened traveller requires a café to relax, drink a refreshing drink and maybe even grab something to eat. Situated in Kasbah district, close to the entrance […]
El Wifak Carpet Cooperative: Berber Rugs and Arabic Carpets at the Ensemble Artisanal, Marrakech
All around the world Morocco is famous for it’s carpets and many travellers land in Marrakech in search of a quality piece of authentic craftwork. But it is rare to find a carpet seller who sells quality products, at fixed prices, without the tourist-spiel. However, the El Wifak Carpet Cooperative, located in the Ensemble Artisanal […]
Dar Cherifa
Once you have followed the small sign off Rue Mouassine, worked your way through the alleyways and knocked on the almost anonymous door to be let in, you are greeted with a warm welcome and an amazing interior. Dar Cherifa can be found in one of the oldest Riads in Marrakech, dating back to the […]
Traditional Babouche Slippers
The Babouche is a traditional slipper found throughout the Arab-Muslim world including Morocco and Marrakech. Usually made from leather and found in a variety of colours, the Babouche comes in various styles ranging from thick soled slippers, often worn by local Marrakchis both in the Medina and in the new town, and more thin […]
Menara Gardens (Jardins de la Menara)
Located just west of the Medina lies the Menara Gardens: a 12th Cent garden consisting of rows of olive groves, tall palm tree and beautiful flowers. These tall trees are occasionally accompanied by a modern addition to the park: the planes flying into the nearby Marrakech Menara Airport. However, far from being a disruptive distraction, […]
Abdil’s Wood Workshop
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 […]
The Khalid Art Gallery
The Khalid Art Gallery is becoming somewhat of an institution in Marrakech. Located on Dar el Basha in a traditional Riad, the Art Gallery (perhaps more accurately defined as a shop) is bursting with some of the most sought after Moroccan antiques and exquisite artisanal products that Marrakech has to offer. It is easy to […]
Yassine, The Leather Artisan.
Situated on the road leading to the tanneries, facing the Mokf Hospital, lies a small leather workshop owned by Yassine, a 33 year old artisan. Yassine invited us in to his small shop to show us around. He explained that he had started sewing when he was just 12 years old and since then he […]
Sebaatou Rijales (The Seven Patrons of Marrakech): Mohamed Sidi Ben Slimane al-Jazouli
Mohamed Sidi Ben Slimane al-Jazouli is not only considered as one of the seven patronsS of Marrakech, but he is also recognised for his holiness throughout the Islamic world. As an Islamic scholar and Imam, Sidi Ben Slimane al-Jazouli, often known as “Imam al-Jazuli”, is best known for compiling the Dala’il al-Khayrat, an extremely popular […]
Where Sparks Fly: the hidden iron workshops of the Souks.
Lying at the northern point of the world famous Souks, hidden down a small alleyway off the main Souk passageways, it is possible to find a row of Iron workshops inhabited by local Marrakchis. Although this spot remains uncharted on the majority of tourist maps and guides, if you download our MarrakechRiad app and follow […]
The Saint Martyrs Church (L’Eglise des Saints Martyrs)
Nestled in the heart of Gueliz you can find the first Church to be built in Marrakech, The Saint Martyrs Church (L’Eglise des Saints Martyrs). As seen in the photo above, The Saint Martyrs Church is located opposite an equally stunning Mosque on Rue el Iman Ali . The face to face, almost symmetrical configuration […]
The Gates of the Medina: Bab Er-Robb
Bab Er-Robb, which translates as ‘Lord’s Gate’, was used for controlling spirits; nowadays it functions as the main entrance into the Medina. Whereas Bab Er-Robb is perhaps not as visually stunning as it’s close neighbor, Bab Agnaou, it is possible to find a beautiful rose garden and comfortable shady benches less than 10 metres from […]
The Gates of the Medina: Bab Agnaou
While it’s nearby neighbor Bab er-Robb acts as the official entrance to the city, Bab Agnaou functions as the main entrance to the Kasbah which is the site of the El Badi Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the El Mansouria (the kasbah mosque). Bab Aganou is perhaps the most unique of Marrakech’s nineteen gates and […]
The El-Harti Gardens (Jardins El-Harti)
Situated in the heart of Gueliz, the El-Harti Gardens have everything to offer. As one of Marrakech’s larger new gardens, it is possible to find playgrounds for children and sports areas for everyones enjoyment. However, what is perhaps most about El-Harti is the diverse range of plants and flowers it houses; alongside the the […]
The Koutoubia Mosque at night during Ramadan
During Ramadan, every night after the sun has set and their fast has been broken, many Muslims go to the mosque for extra prayers called Salat Atarawih. When night falls in Marrakech, many local people quickly descend on the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest and oldest mosque, in an effort to find a place to pray […]
The Ramparts
Commissioned by Ali Ben Yousef back in 1126, the ramparts that surround Marrakech’s old town have become the symbol of the red city. Standing at 8-10m high they once provided protection for the inhabitants of Marrakech and, until the early 20th century, the 10 gates that give access to the Medina (Marrakech’s old town) were […]
The Khomisa Symbol (The Hand of Fatima)
The Hamsa symbol, also known as the hand of fatima, can be found all across the Arabic and North African world and you will repeatedly see the amulet throughout your stay in Morrocco. Most Moroccans believe that the Hamsa, or Khomisa as it is known locally, acts as a form of protection from evil, whilst […]
Koutoubia Gardens (Lalla Hassna Park)
The Koutoubia Mosque is the most visited monument in Marrakech. Standing at an impressive 77 meters tall, the mosque’s magnificent minaret tower dominates the city’s skyline providing a useful landmark to tourists and locals alike. However, perhaps one of the best perspectives of the minaret is from the Koutobia Gardens. As you enter the garden […]
The Royal Theatre
Inaugurated on 19th of September 2001 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Théâtre Royal de Marrakech has worked to secure the red city’s reputation as one of the major artistic and cultural focal points of the world. Inside it’s impressive 1200-seat open-air theatre and 800-seat opera house, the theatre hosts a variety of […]
Charity motorcycle taxis
A welcome addition to the street scene in Marrakech are the bright canopies of the charity motorcycle taxis no located on the South side of the main Jema Al Fnaa square near to the horse and carriage rank. The three wheeled vehicles are ideal for negotiating the small streets of the Medina and the drivers […]