Snake charmers and Henna tattoo artists in Jama Elfna square? The Majorelle Garden, its cactuses elsewhere and its immaculate blue? Riads transformed into a guest house as numerous as majestic? At the risk of surprise, the Ochre city offers many more wonders to discover! Marrakech Insider shares with you its ideal program to spend 3 days in Marrakech off the trails trampled every day by hordes of tourists. Yes, Marrakech can still amaze you!
Friday
10:00 am – Tame the beautiful Ochre
Marha’ba, or Welcome in Arabic! After waiting, sometimes a few long minutes, at the customs, one catches his suitcase on the fly and we go, usually by taxi, to the city centre to find his “home” Marrakechi. For the race, count 70MAD and not a penny more! While in winter we prefer a cozy Riad in the medina, we will often prefer a hotel in the new part of town or in Palm Grove in summer, to be able to cool in the swimming pool during the great heats.
1:00 pm – Savor couscous at Amal!
We’re as hungry as a hunter! On Friday, it is couscous day so we head to Amal, in the district of Gueliz. This non-profit association supports women in difficulties, training them in the catering trades and accompanying them in their professional reintegration. Their couscous with chicken with its generous glass of Leben (fermented milk) is a real treat. At Amal, we eat deliciously well, and in addition, it is for the good cause.
3:00 pm – This afternoon we stroll through the streets of Gueliz, the French Quarter of Marrakech.
To digest, we will foot it in peace in the Gueliz, this France-like corner in Marrakech. We will not hesitate to wander our eyes and admire the art Deco buildings of period that still throne, for some, not so proudly. Others include art and photo galleries, including Gallery 127 or CM Galerie, installed in the former Mine counter. For the lovers of history, direction La Librairie Chatr, which offers a nice selection of works on Marrakech and Morocco and for the most curious, discover MACMA, the Museum of Art and Culture of Marrakech?
The alleys of the neighborhood are also rich of small addresses must for lovers of beautiful things. Among other things:
– The Showroom Yahyah creation, where the artist exhibits his creations, from majestic lamps to delicate arabesques.
– The Orientalist’s shops, offering a selection of Moroccan antiques and a homemade collection of interior fragrances and candles.
– Kaftan Queen, this is the address for fashion aficionados combining modernism and Moroccan tradition. You can’t leave empty-handed!
– Some – Slow Concept Store, opened only a few weeks ago, it is the new address of the district where you can find its small dose of daily happiness. We love the “Basket Bar”. Choose your base, your handles and your accessories and make the basket that fits you!
5:00 pm – Refresh ideas and taste buds
Because we are avidly starving and we assume, we will gladly enjoy a delicious ice cream. In the very owl (but little known!) district of Sidi Abbad, Pinocchio, an Italian pure stump, has settled there and proposes his creations made homemade. The little Plus: its ice creams are made without egg and gluten-free. More Classic by location (in the Menara Mall of Mohammed VI Avenue or Jama Elfna), Oriental Legend ice cream will surprise you with their flavors. Mint tea, gazelle horn, or Raibi Jamila (a yogurt to drink with nationally famous grenadine), its guaranteed travel for your taste buds!
7:00 pm – because it is time for an aperitif
Tonight, we will come sipping original cocktails and 20-year-old whiskies at the Le Churchill Bar (baptized in honor of his most famous guest) of the mythical palace of Marrakech, La Mamounia. For an open-air aperitif, push the doors and sit comfortably under the main garden pavilion. Calm, serenity and voluptuousness will be the master words. “Proper attire required”, even if the rule is more flexible for the female gent!
8:30 pm – for dinner, dream of the grandiose evenings of the Marrakech years
In the absence of couscous, we will be tempted by the Trattoria, an Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Gueliz. Built during 1930s, it received the whole bohemian Jet set of Marrakech in the 60s. Designed by the famous American designer Bill Willis, enjoy the “Pastas de la Mama” in a chic and refined setting!
11:00 pm – One last drink for the road at Factory’s Club
Factory’s Club is located in the heart of Gueliz; it’s the new spot in Marrakech to celebrate! Plunge into a very “Las Vegas” atmosphere, and let yourself be surprise by its three floors with different atmospheres combining lounge space and inflamed dance floor! Our favorites: The retro furniture, the statues of nature of Elvis Presley, the bar at shots or the cabin of the DJ, mounted on elevator to broadcast sound in the three floors
Saturday
10:00 am – Feeding the beast in Crêperie Cuisine.
La Crêperie Cuisine is the address to start the day well. Located next to the Church of the Saints-Martyrs, this “mini” Resto offers five breakfast formulas: pancakes, crêpes, honey or maple syrup, fresh juice and fruit, fried or scrambled eggs… The greedy will not be left out! The most: a DIET formula and a very good value for money, count on average 40 MAD per formula and per person.
11:00 am – Pause and Take a Break.
We will gladly digest our Crêpe by a strolling in two of the many gardens that count the Ochre city. The Jnane Harti Garden, on the 16th-November Square is the green lung of the gueliz. Built in the 30s -with its benches and its original central kiosk- and renovated in the early 2000, it offers a fresh pose away from the Marrakchia frenzy. Further along the Av Mohammed V, discover the dreamlike universe of the art garden. The sculptures are the work of many artists, including Mahi Binebine, who is also the initiator.
1:00 pm – Lunch at the Grand Café in the Post office
For lunch, we go to Gueliz where we take a seat at the Grand Café de la Poste, an institution in Marrakech. On the terrace or indoors, this café-restaurant with the allure of a brasserie in the colonial decor is the meeting place for lovers of French cuisine and offer a meticulous menu. We cracked for Tartare or a coffee, generous as we love them!
3:00 pm – Feel the atmosphere of the Medina
While you will tread at least once the mythical place Jama El Fna and its souks, Bab Khemiss -one of Marrakech’s main gates- nestled in the north of the medina, this “flea market” is the destination for those who want to experience immersion in the heart of Moroccan culture and to be in direct contact with its inhabitants. In the open air on Thursday and Sunday mornings, or covered the rest of the week, it contains unique, recycled or new, and looks like a little piece of paradise on earth for those who love to look for the rare gem.
5:00 pm – Go to in the footsteps of France in Morocco
At the Koutoubia Mosque stands a beautiful residence of the 19thcentury: Dar Moulay Ali. Renovated with taste and authenticity, this building is now the residence of the general Consul of France, but also offers an open part to the public, with an exhibition gallery, a tea room and a travel shop. For 40 MAD, enter stroll in this place laden with history, and enjoy a delicious mint tea!
7:00 pm – a rooftop and a glass of wine, it is not beautiful life?
We stay in the medina and we go to Riad Camilia to offer a small glass of champagne with breathtaking view on the mountains of the Atlas. The owner, Nicolas, will welcome you in this 18th century building, set up in sobriety and refinement. The charm of time skilfully blended with today’s modernism will make your early evening an intimate and unique moment.
8:30 pm – we feast on latitude 31
Fan of refined Moroccan cuisine? This place is definitely made for you! Both confidential and warm, you will be surprised as we have been by its discreet entrance, it’s pretty inner courtyard adorned with cement tiles and its atmosphere from here and elsewhere. A friendly and smiling welcome will make you feel at home. On the map side, there is a beautiful range of dishes from Moroccan gastronomy nicely balanced with international flavors and recently a few vegetarian suggestions. Enjoy!
11:00 pm – Get your hips in the Jad Mahal Palace
Nestled in the heart of the wintering district, this “Palace of 1001 Nights” offers the ideal setting for those who want to be hedonistic until the end of the night. From 22:30, the Mahal’s Band entered the stage for an exceptional musical show. Different acrobats – jugglers, fire-eaters, etc. – Join the party to make a simple evening a surprising spectacle where you will have only one desire: to dance! We loved the Lounge Bar with its long list of cocktails as fresh as tasty… And with a nice smile and a little imagination, the bartender will concoct your custom cocktail!
Sunday
10:00 am – Go on three-wheel adventure
It’s Sunday and today we are going to the adventure with Marrakech Insiders! In vintage Sidecars, discover the secluded slopes of the Agafay desert with its villages, Valleys and Oasis and live a quasi-lunar experience only a few kilometers from Marrakech. For the more down-to-earth, this 6-hour getaway will also take you to the discovery of an ancient Koranic school of the 16th century, closed to the public and still inhabited by the descendants of the holy builder. During a well-deserved lunch break, you will enjoy a tasty Moroccan meal in a luxurious “out of Africa” style camp before heading back to the beautiful Ochre city.
4:00 pm – After the effort, the comfort
History to relax after a strong day in emotions, what better than a good relaxing hammam? Just before the Dar El Bacha Palace, on the left, a local hammam is nestled with splendid vaults and domes. The hours of operation are divided between men and women throughout the day. 12 MAD The entrance, arm yourself with a towel, black soap and a horsehair glove, and let yourself be caught by the experience of a real traditional hammam!
Marrakech Insider, the highlight of your weekend in Morocco
