My Marrakech Selection
Food Scene
Marrakech is home to delicious food experiences. Mostly in restaurants but remember to try some of the street food too.
Adorable restaurant in a garden that you could easily pass by without noticing (the entrance is just one door and a corridor and there is a little sign).
Nice and fresh ambience, all-female staff, 100% gorgeous vegetarian and homemade food. No alcohol available and serves lunch only.
It is imperative to call ahead to book a table: two sittings a day, 12h30 and 14h30.
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Famille
34 Derb JdidAdorable restaurant in a garden that you could easily pass by without noticing (the entrance is just one door and a corridor and there is a little sign).
Nice and fresh ambience, all-female staff, 100% gorgeous vegetarian and homemade food. No alcohol available and serves lunch only.
It is imperative to call ahead to book a table: two sittings a day, 12h30 and 14h30.
Possibly some of the best rooftop views of Marrakech.
Uncomplicated Moroccan food with authentic flavour.
Service is very basic but does the job.
No alcohol served.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Atay Cafe Food
Route Sidi AbdelazizPossibly some of the best rooftop views of Marrakech.
Uncomplicated Moroccan food with authentic flavour.
Service is very basic but does the job.
No alcohol served.
A wonderful mix of locals and tourists just off the Jemaa El Fna Square. Perfect for a mid-morning coffee or mid-afternoon snack. It also has some of the best Moroccan pastries in town which you can eat on site or take away for a great souvenir. Pastries keep very well even without refrigerator.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Patisserie des Princes
Passage Prince Moulay RachidA wonderful mix of locals and tourists just off the Jemaa El Fna Square. Perfect for a mid-morning coffee or mid-afternoon snack. It also has some of the best Moroccan pastries in town which you can eat on site or take away for a great souvenir. Pastries keep very well even without refrigerator.
Parks & Nature
Marrakech can be quite hectic! It's ok to need a break from the hustle and bustle and long for some greenery. This is a selection of places in town and surroundings.
Great place to pick a bench, read a book and listen to the birds plus some lovely Moroccan features such as native plants plus a central tiled fountain for added freshness. Within walking distance from Jemaa El Fna Square.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cyber Park
Boulevard mohamed VGreat place to pick a bench, read a book and listen to the birds plus some lovely Moroccan features such as native plants plus a central tiled fountain for added freshness. Within walking distance from Jemaa El Fna Square.
Nice place to seat and people watch plus it has the most scenic view of the Koutoubia, although you're technically watching its behind. ;)
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ipharki Lalla Hasna
Nice place to seat and people watch plus it has the most scenic view of the Koutoubia, although you're technically watching its behind. ;)
I always think this place is a hidden gem at about 40min from the city. The lake is artificial as it is produced by the river dam. Landscapes are amazing and do give that bit of insight into Moroccan countryside living.
City bus no. 45 takes you to the village nearby and from there is a short walk to either shore of the lake. There are plenty of restaurants nearby to make for a perfect day getaway.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barrage Lalla Takerkoust
I always think this place is a hidden gem at about 40min from the city. The lake is artificial as it is produced by the river dam. Landscapes are amazing and do give that bit of insight into Moroccan countryside living.
City bus no. 45 takes you to the village nearby and from there is a short walk to either shore of the lake. There are plenty of restaurants nearby to make for a perfect day getaway.
Drinks & Nightlife
If you like partying, Marrakech is the place to be! Prices can be surprisingly high but it will be worth it to give yourself a treat.
Great place when you're looking for some nice live music and decent cocktails. Lovely dancefloor area and good location in the Hivernage district.
56 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Epicurien
Rue Hafid IbrahimGreat place when you're looking for some nice live music and decent cocktails. Lovely dancefloor area and good location in the Hivernage district.
It is a very good restaurant with Moroccan and international food. It is known for its festive ambience with live performers, bellydancers and direct access to a very stylish nightclub underground. Very extensive drink selection. Be ready to spend some money though!
99 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Palais Jad Mahal
Rue Haroun ErrachidIt is a very good restaurant with Moroccan and international food. It is known for its festive ambience with live performers, bellydancers and direct access to a very stylish nightclub underground. Very extensive drink selection. Be ready to spend some money though!
Arts & Culture
Discovering Moroccan history and culture while soaking up the vibes of the souks and the mix of new and old.
An absolute gem of a place. "Medersa" means "school" in Arabic although this was not just any regular school. It worked on a boarding basis, teaching Islam, mathematics, geometry and philosophy. Amazing to see the simple living quarters and the beauty of the smaller courtyards. The main one with the fountain for ablutions is absolutely gorgeous and one can feel the strong bond to a higher state of being.
273 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Isikolo sikaMntwana kaJosefu
Rue AssouelAn absolute gem of a place. "Medersa" means "school" in Arabic although this was not just any regular school. It worked on a boarding basis, teaching Islam, mathematics, geometry and philosophy. Amazing to see the simple living quarters and the beauty of the smaller courtyards. The main one with the fountain for ablutions is absolutely gorgeous and one can feel the strong bond to a higher state of being.
The "must see" cultural site of Marrakech. All the elements for which Moroccan interior design is known for are there: green lush courtyard, intricate tile patterns, dazzling hand-painted vaulted ceilings and beautiful arched doorways. Plus, stories of vizirs and courtesans. Open daily from 9h00 to 17h00.
354 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Bahia Palace
Rue Riad Zitoun el JdidThe "must see" cultural site of Marrakech. All the elements for which Moroccan interior design is known for are there: green lush courtyard, intricate tile patterns, dazzling hand-painted vaulted ceilings and beautiful arched doorways. Plus, stories of vizirs and courtesans. Open daily from 9h00 to 17h00.
Recently converted into a carpet Museum, this place is interesting for its permanent exhibition as for the architecture itself. The very pleasant inner courtyard offers a moment of contemplation and peace. As most public monuments, open 9h00 to 17h00 daily.
90 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iziko leDar Si Said
8 Rue de la BahiaRecently converted into a carpet Museum, this place is interesting for its permanent exhibition as for the architecture itself. The very pleasant inner courtyard offers a moment of contemplation and peace. As most public monuments, open 9h00 to 17h00 daily.
Yes, it is a cafe, but it shows under the "Arts and Culture" section as it is dedicated to promoting Moroccan arts and culture. From traditional singing (and dancing!) to preserving the old art of storytelling, their cultural program is rich and well worth a visit.
45 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Café Clock
224 Derb ChtoukaYes, it is a cafe, but it shows under the "Arts and Culture" section as it is dedicated to promoting Moroccan arts and culture. From traditional singing (and dancing!) to preserving the old art of storytelling, their cultural program is rich and well worth a visit.
Sightseeing
Live leather tanners! 50dh max per person for the visit and loads of shops that sell the finished product in the vicinity.
Bab Debbagh
10 KawtarLive leather tanners! 50dh max per person for the visit and loads of shops that sell the finished product in the vicinity.
Also known as ANIMA Garden. It is a bit pricey but still a very nice excuse to get out of the city and enjoy some greenery and change of scenery. Included in the ticket price is the bus shuttle (both ways) to the garden and back. Meeting point: parking place behind the Koutoubia Mosque.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Isityalo se-Anima Andre Heller
Also known as ANIMA Garden. It is a bit pricey but still a very nice excuse to get out of the city and enjoy some greenery and change of scenery. Included in the ticket price is the bus shuttle (both ways) to the garden and back. Meeting point: parking place behind the Koutoubia Mosque.
Essentials
Great choice of all the basics and alcohol sections downstairs!
52 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Carrefour Market
N°1 Bd Al YarmoukGreat choice of all the basics and alcohol sections downstairs!
Getting Around
Moving around the city and between cities in Morocco.
Place of arrival and departure of a great number of city buses.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Arset El Bilk
Place of arrival and departure of a great number of city buses.
The place to catch a bus to other Moroccan cities.
There is also a massive big taxi station behind it.
Smaller companies operate from this station and also the bigger national company CTM. During busy travel times (summer holidays, weekends, national holidays) it is a good idea to buy your ticket in advance.
Gare Routiere Voyageurs Marrakech
RueThe place to catch a bus to other Moroccan cities.
There is also a massive big taxi station behind it.
Smaller companies operate from this station and also the bigger national company CTM. During busy travel times (summer holidays, weekends, national holidays) it is a good idea to buy your ticket in advance.
Marrakech's one and only train station. Trains can only go north from here, so a good option when you're planning to visit Casablanca (3h) or Rabat (4h). There is also a night train for Tangiers (12h). Tickets can be purchased in advance.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Marrakech station
Marrakech's one and only train station. Trains can only go north from here, so a good option when you're planning to visit Casablanca (3h) or Rabat (4h). There is also a night train for Tangiers (12h). Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Although it says "Train Station" this actually refers to the old train station now transformed into the ONCF's (train company) subsidiary that deals with road transportation. So, it is a bus station indeed.
ONCF is regarded as the "luxury" bus company of Morocco with check-in, luggage, A/C on board as well as drinks and snacks. Possible to buy tickets in advance, online and on site.
Gare Train Oncf station
Although it says "Train Station" this actually refers to the old train station now transformed into the ONCF's (train company) subsidiary that deals with road transportation. So, it is a bus station indeed.
ONCF is regarded as the "luxury" bus company of Morocco with check-in, luggage, A/C on board as well as drinks and snacks. Possible to buy tickets in advance, online and on site.