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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
There is a long tradition of decorating Berber furniture with painted patterns. In respect of islamic the patterns are geometric shapes that do not depict living things. This delightful litte table sits in the Essaouira Suite at Riad Cinnamon. The decor in our Marrakech Riads is carefully selected to be reflect local tradition.
Le Tanjia is a long established restaurant, South of the main square in the direction of the Jewish quarter, the Mellah. It is named after a classic Moroccan Lamb dish the Tanjia but the real signature dish is another slow cooked Marrakechi Lamb speciality ‘Mechoui’ where the whole lamb is cooked (traditionally undergound) for many […]
If you’re looking for a more historical perspective on Marrakech and Morocco or indeed just looking for a tranquil and interesting place to visit between the hustle and bustle of the markets and the souks then Marrakech Museum is what you’re looking for. The museum itself is a classic example of the local architecture meaning […]
The Cities of Fez, Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat are known as the Imperial Cities of Morocco. All four have served as Capital Cities of Morocco and indeed substantial Empires beyond. Rabat remains the administrative Capital today although Casablanca is very much the most important City for business. Our Marrakech Riad Cinnamon has two luxurious suites […]
Located on the Casablanca road out of Marrakech in the Commercial and shopping complex that includes the Marjane hypermarket there is a double height childrens play area and ball pond that is as impressive as anything we have seen in Europe. Usually open all day and into the early evening. If you are planning a […]
Chez Yassine is a well kept secret. A super little cafe located on the Rue Fatim Zohra just round the corner from the Dar El Bashah Palace. Yassine serves delicious and inexpensive Moroccan dishes. We are particularly fond of his freshly prepared vegetable soups. The best tables are upstairs. Our Marrakech Riads offer the perfect […]
Cafe France is a Marrakech institution, located at the north west corner of the Jemaa al Fnaa it has been a meeting place and watering hole for Europeans since the days of the French Protectorate in Morocco. It was redecorated at the end of 2009 and inconveniently for the new visitor the Cafe France sign […]
The Cafe Ben Youssef, Marrakech, Morocco opened in February 2010. Pictured to the right is the traditonal gift of warm milk and dates shared with friends and neighbours on the day of the opening. Look out for the colourful and impressive reclaimed entrance door. The cafe is conveniently located near the Ben Youssef Mosque in […]
NOW CLOSED this review was written in 2012 Just a few doors south of the well known Cafe Arabe at 180 Rue Mouassine is a pleasant and inexpensive cafe serving tea and simple foods at lunch time and throughout the afternoon. A group of Marrakech ‘water sellers’ live upstairs, you might catch a glimpse […]
Medina living is a very special experience with centuries old homes woven together in an intricate tapestry. In the Medina of Marrakech there is a huge variety of accommodation from modest houses to palaces, from the street it is almost impossible to guess what is behind each door. A stay in a Riad in the […]
It is surprisingly common to keep chickens in the Marrakech Medina, they are fed on scraps and kept mainly for eggs. When I first started visiting Marrakech regularly five years ago there were a particularly fine looking group of Andalusian hens that used to scratch around at the top of the well known Derb Semarine […]
Accommodation in the Marrakech Medina
We never forget that our guests have a choice of places to stay. If you are traveling to Marrakech, why not experience the old town medina first hand in one of our boutique riad hotels? Individual suites at Riad Cinnamon: Fez | Essaouira | Chefchaouen | Casablanca | Meknes Luxurious en suite rooms at Riad Papillion: Bougainvillea | Geranium […]