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The Arsat gardens of Marrakech
‘Arsat’ is a term coined by the 19th century writer and Islamic scholar Hocine El Yamani, it’s meaning is to indicate the urban spaces which were cultivated and transformed into botanical gardens by the order of the kings of the Alaouite dynasty. These gardens have held a key significance in Moroccan culture for many centuries, […]
The dagger clans of Mouassine
Like many areas of the red city of Marrakech, the Mouassine district has a history spanning hundreds of years. Previously called Houmat Abi Abidan, the name for this well-known part of the city came to be called Mouassine at some point in the 16th century after a large clan of Jewish settlers came to the area. […]
The Almoravid Dynasty and Moul Lksour
In the neighbourhood of Dar el Bacha there lies an ancient history of royalty, wealth and opulence of the former Almoravid Empire. About a thousand years ago, the area served a a residential and administrative sector for the princes and dignitaries who belonged to the dynasty. Yet the neighbourhood also holds a rich cultural significance for […]
Jemaa el-Fnaa – Fruit sellers
Where the growth of dates and the celebrated Argan nut thrive in Morocco’s arid climate, it’s only possible for tropical fruits such as coconut and pineapple to grow in the more humid parts of the country. That’s not to say that they won’t be seen in the humming central square of Marrakech, where everything from snail […]
Boxing
Among the huge variety of activity in the Jemma al Fnaa square there are sometimes amateur boxers competing in front of a hugely enthusiastic crowd. There is always something new to discover in the Red City
The Last Storyteller
The Marrakech tradition of story telling is as old as the Red City itself, one of great joys of the Jemaa al Fnaa square is the crowds that gather around storytellers who are often telling tales little altered since the middle ages. Englishman Richard Hamilton has written an outstanding book entitled the last storyteller. […]
Birkemeyer
The Birkemeyer gallery is the leading designer store for both international fashion and Moroccan leather goods. Located in the new town of Guiliez.
Dar Es Salaam
An iconic restaurant in the Marrakech old town. Founded in 1952 and still run by the same family. Its popularity has been assured since the restaurant was used in the 1956 Hitchcock thriller “The man who knew too much” starring James Stewart and Doris Day. Incidentally the movie also featured Doris Day singing the Oscar […]
ATM Jemaa El Fna
On the south side of the main square there is a concentration of banks most of which have ATM machines. One of the best known is the French owned Societe Generale on the main Bab Agnou shopping street. Alternatively walk in the direction of the Koutoubia mosque to the adjacent Rue Moulay Ismail
Carpets chez les Nomades
A long established family business this is the largest and best carpet shop in Marrakech located opposite the Ben Yussef fountain behind the Ben Yussef Mosque. Shopping here is a pleasant and relaxing experience. You will be stunned at the Aladinns cave behind this modest front door. Most carpets are labelled with a price (turn […]
Culture Break
Riad Papillon will be your home for a three night culture break. Just ten minutes walk from the drama and chaos of the Jemaa al Fnaa Square you could hardly believe the oasis of calm provided by the Riad courtyard. Great Value at £199 (Euros 239) per person. Explore the fabulous souks with a personal […]
Dar Donab Restaurant
Enjoy one of the best tasting menus in Marrakech in a relaxed atmosphere either in the spacious dining room or at a table by the pool. Try the cous cous which is among the best in Morocco.
Bennina Shoes
Visit Bennina shoes early in your stay and you can leave with a pair of hand made shoes a bargain at just 400 dirham (about £32). Three days in normally enough but be sure to check when you order. A variety of modern styles are available all hand made from Moroccan leather and suede. Every […]
KIS boutique
Keep It Secret! Not such a well kept secret these days is the KIS boutique on Mouassine not far from the main square. Clothes, accessories, bags, toiletries and household items from contemporary Moroccan and international designers. There is a small Cafe on the roof terrace.
Boutique Rock the Casbah
Among the traders in central medina district near the Sidi Abdelaziz shrine you will find English expat Jo from Essex and her wonderful boutique Rock the Casbah. Bags scarves bracelets postcards and a variety of distinctive souvenirs. Look out for the donkey! This shop is now a lovely Malian Jewellery outlet.( Feb 2107)
Boutique Abdou
Some of the most amusing and remarkable characters in the Medina are the Taureg traders who offer tinkets and jewelry as well as art and antiquities. One of our favourites is the charming Abdou (to the right) who will always offer a mint tea and smile, whether or not you buy from the shop on […]
Gastro MK
Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Marrakech. Located inside English owned Riad mk in the L’Ksour district of the Medina was in the top five of tripadvisor for ten years. A fusion of Moroccan and modern french cuisine, five course tasting menu at 650 Dirhams. Chef Omar famously visited each table at the […]
Dar Marjana
Classic family owned restaurant, serving a wonderful multi- course Moroccan banquet. Go early and go hungry. The ‘all inclusive’ format provides for an apperatif on the roof terrace then an evening of fabulous food and entertainment with wine included. You will love the gnawi musicians and belley dancers. The tea ceremony at the end of […]
Il Limoni
Il lomoni, or to give its full title, il giardino dei limoni, the lemon garden was newly opened in 2013. Classic Italian with the attentive owners usually on the premises. The bohemian atmosphere is set with a Bob Dylan poster in the lobby and continues throughout. Simple high quality food well presented and reasonably priced. […]
La Salama
Panoramic restaurant located just off the main Jema al Fnaa square, one of the classic Marrakech ‘dinner and show’ venues. Moroccan owned with a upscale traditional Moroccan menu, great atmosphere enlivened by a pianist and belly dancers.
Pepe Nero
Fabulous, Italian owned and run and without doubt one of the top restaurants in Marrakech. Set in a spacious and beautifully designed Riad courtyard, perfect for any special occasion. Gourmet food and outstanding service are the hallmarks of this restaurant. Not surprisingly classic Italian dishes feature heavily on the menu, there are also Moroccan favourites […]
Kosy Bar
Kosy Bar is a Marrakech institution. Unrivalled views from the two stunning roof terraces which overlook a lively square. Glance across to the Storks nesting on the walls of the nearby ruined palace. This is probably the best place in Marrakech for a ‘sundowner’ and an eternal favourite for a drink or a meal. The […]
Les perles des princes
Les Perles des princes is one of the best places in Marrakech from which to buy gold and silver jewelry. Conveniently located on L’avenue des princes, adjacent to the djema el fnaa square, you can find a small collection of shiny shops which sell rings, wedding bands, ear rings, bracelets and many more Moroccan and […]
Jamade boutique Marrakech
South od the square on the way to pepe nero restaurant jamade boutique is a great place from where to buy nice jewelry, handbags and many other small items, most of which would fit your hand luggage. Although it has an European look, this cute little shop still have that Moroccan feel to it…but you […]
Mostapha Blaoui Bazaar
Mostapha blaoui owns and runs a traditional bazaar located behind an unmarked door in the dar el basha area few steps from the charity project henna cafe. Here you can buy carpets, lamps, leather and art items, mostly manufactured within the local area. It is a great place especially if you are an inexperienced haggler […]
El jouli art gallery Marrakech
Miloud el Jouli is the proud owner of a fantastic art gallery, located just a few minutes walk from our Riad cinnamon. Spread over 2 levels they sell lams, carpets, clothing, leather bags local paintings and home decoration all hand made by local craftsmen. The highlight of the shop is a full size copper bathtub, […]
Sweet Seller
Several small vehicles lined up along the corners of the square each evening, they present a myriad of forms of traditional cakes and Moroccan sweets both home-made and the product of specialist bakeries. Many of these cakes are holidays specialities and all are best accompanied by tea. They contain sugars, spices, honey, chocolate, Sugar, Fruit […]