Guide to Marrakech
Guide to Marrakech
Amal Saha: Jemaa al Fnaa
You never truly quite know what to expect before venturing into Marrakech’s thriving central hub, Jemaa al-Fnaa. A five minute wander through this ancient space and you will witness acrobats, story tellers and magicians all competing to hold the gaze of the moving crowds. There is one act, however that is perhaps quite different from […]
Snack Toubkal: Jemaa al-Fnaa
The centre of Marrakech (Jemaa al-Fnaa) is not only the cultural hub of the red city, it’s also a thriving centre for cuisine. Here you will find restaurants, cafe’s and open air stalls to match any budget. Tucked away on the Eastern side of Djemaa al-Fnaa as you enter the square from Rue Riad Zitoun […]
Gnawa music in the heart of the Medina
From the red city of Marrakech to the sleepy oasis of Essaouira, one thing you will not miss on your visit to Morocco is the intense presence of ‘Gnawa’ music. From single musicians to whole troops practice this art form and you will instantly be able to recognise Gnawa in the streets by the distinctive […]
Babbouche: snails of the square
Moroccan snails are a street-stall staple and many people will tell you that the perfect place to try this delicacy is in Jemaa al-Fnaa, the center of Marrakech and the heart of the red city. Served in a peppery broth called ‘babbouche’, the white snails of Morocco must be cooked slowly over a low heat […]
Camels: majestic beasts of Morocco
Camels have played a important role for North Africans for thousands of years. In ancient times they were crucial as a mode of transport and this tradition continues today in more rural areas of Morocco. The guardian of the Riad Dar Habiba tells me that throughout Morocco these majestic beasts are universally respected. A camels […]
Eid Mubarak: Religious celebrations in Marrakech
As the holy fasting month of Ramadan draws to a close in the world of Islam, the red city of Marrakech comes alive as vibrant religious festivities for Eid go underway. Eid celebrations are split into two parts, ‘Eid al-Fitr’ (festival of the breaking of the fast) which is followed by ‘Eid as-Adha’ (festival of […]
Cafe Arabe
Just a five minute stroll from Riad Papillon, Riad Cinnamon and Riad Star is the Cafe Arabe. Nicely situated in a sleepy neighborhood just north of the renowned souk district, Cafe Arabe offers traditional Moroccan cuisine in a modern and sophisticated environment. The atmosphere inside the cafe/ restaurant is relaxed and welcoming and an hour spent here […]
Royalty in the Medina: Bahia Palace
Located in the Mellah district of the Marrakech Medina along Rue Bahia Bab Mellah is Bahia Palace (Palais de la Bahia), just south of the cities central square and a five minute stroll from the Riad Dar Habiba. The Bahia Palace and the stunning sets of tranquil gardens enclosed behind its walls are within easy […]
Modern Marrakech: the Medina cyberpark
Nestled alongside Boulevard Al Yarmouk is the Marrakech Medina’s cyber park. If you are looking to seek some shade from the Moroccan sun or need to send a quick e-mail while you are on the move in the city, then the cyber park is the ideal location to spend an hour and recharge your batteries. […]
Chebakia: A Ramadan delicacy
Chebakia is a sesame based cookie, hand folded into the shape of a flower and then fried and coated in honey. During the holy month of Ramadan, Chebakia is one of the many specialties that’s widely consumed throughout Morocco and Marrakech is no exception. Chebakia isn’t only eaten because it’s delicious, for many Moroccans Chebakia […]
The Tankkacht of the Medina – Moroccan copper-work
Marrakech is a ancient city which has acted as a hub of trade and commerce for nearly a thousand years. One of the most fascinating aspects of the cities rich and diverse history that is well worth your attention is it’s relationship with the arts and crafts. From leather, textiles and especially metal, craftsmen and […]
Ensemble Artisanal in Marrakech
If you take a five minute walk from Koutoubia Mosque and Marrakech’s central square (Jemaa El Fnaa) in the direction of the new town of Guillez, you will find the ‘Ensemble Artisanal’. The Ensemble offers the same wide selection of handcrafted goods that you could hope to find in the Souks, however the prices are at […]
Photography museum in Marrakech
Located just north of Marrakech’s central square only a five minute walk away from Riad Cinnamon is one of the cities popular attractions: la Maison de la Photographie. Established 3 years ago, the photography museum set its aims to founding a cataloged archive of Moroccan history in which the memories of these times gone past could […]
Tin craftsmen in Marrakech
Although there are a huge variety of crafts being practiced in Marrakech, one that you’re path will definitely cross as you discover what the souk’s have to offer is the Moroccan tin work. After a short walk to Jemaa El Fnaa, I come across some of the striking pieces the Marrakshi craftsmen have to offer. […]
The snake charmers of Jemaa El Fnaa
Snake charming is an ancient skill in Morocco and those who practice this art can always be found in Marrakech’s central square, Jemaa El Fnaa. Although there are a myriad of remarkable sights to be discovered in the centre of the city, the small communities of charmers will perhaps be those you hear, before you […]
Orange juice stalls in the centre of Marrakech
Situated in the middle of Marrakech, the central square (Jemaa El Fnaa) truly can be described as the beating heart of the city and a day spent wandering through the groups of performers, artists and musicians can indeed be thirsty work. So when you’re ready for refreshment there really is no other option than to […]
Motorbikes in the Marrakech Medina
Anyone who has experienced Marrakech will know that unlike most Europeans, the Marrakshi are on the move 24/7. Be it by donkey, horse, motorbike or car you will see the local inhabitants speeding through the ancient city all through the day and night. This does indeed give Marrakech a unique atmosphere. At times it feels […]
Street art in Marrakech
Above is an example of the kind of street art that can be seen on a walk through Marrakech. This piece of art is the work of French street artist Christian Guémy who goes under the pseudonym of ‘C215’. Guémy has been described as being akin in style and popularity to British street artist ‘Banksy’ and his stencil […]
Herb shopping in Marrakech – holistic remedies
Herb shopping is a hugely important role in Moroccan day to day life and during a trip through the souk’s you simply have to get talking to someone in order to discover the fascinating culinary, spiritual and medicinal uses for the herbs you can buy in Marrakech. Here is a list of just a few […]
New travel writing team in Marrakech
This is just a short post to properly introduce ourselves as the new resident travel journalists for the Marrakech-Riad blog. Our team is split into two, on one side is Jamie Horton, owner of Chasing Safety Media and the resident video blogger. Jamie will be joining us for 2 weeks and he’ll be spending his […]
Moroccan hospitality in the Marrakech poultry market
There are 18 souk’s which employ over 40,000 locals of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicity in Marrakech alone. Although that makes for an almost uncountable number of wares to explore and choose from, no adventure in the Marrakshi souk’s is complete without a trip to the poultry market in Marché de Volaille, just a ten minute walk away […]
Moroccan football
As you explore the areas surrounding the central square (Djemma El Fna) of Marrakech you will come into contact with all kinds of the weird and the wonderful. From snake charmers to acrobats it’s easy to wonder how these individuals started and developed their own unique skills. This is arguably one of the most alluring aspects […]
Moroccan Argan oil – a unique commodity
If, during your stay you find yourself wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh for a few hours, by travelling just a few miles from the city outskirts you can not only take a pause to gather your senses but you can also get hands on with a unique aspect of Moroccan agriculture. These are […]
New times, new money
The official currency in Morocco is the Dirham (DH), divided into 100 centimes, and the word derives from the Greek Drachmae, meaning ‘handful’. In 2009, a new 50-dirham note appeared, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Central Bank and this was the first commemorative banknote issued in Morocco. Front shows portraits of kings Mohammed VI, […]
Folk Art Festival Marrakech 2013
For a period of five days, between 17th and 21st of June, Marrakech will be hosting a cultural event of music diversity. At the Folk Art Festival of Marrakech, one of the oldest events of such amplitude, you will see important Moroccan bands like Reggada, Ahwach, Ahidous, Dekka Elmarrakchia, Houara, Elguedra, Rakba, S’kel. The purpose […]
Place Ozadria – the “Tinsmiths square”
Located in the heart of Mellah district, the old Jewish quarter, Place Ozadria also called Place des Ferblantiers is one of the main tourist attractions of Marrakech given the numerous shops and workshops where local craftsmen use to make lamps, candle holders or other glass or metal items from where the name of “tinsmiths square”. […]