Exploring Marrakesh: A Local’s Guide
iBestTravel Local Chris Griffiths has been photographing Morocco for over four years and has now settled in Marrakesh, attracted by the historic architecture and dynamic creative scene. Navigating through the maze of the medina, he’s typically on the lookout for affordable eats, a break from the hustle, and captivating photo opportunities.
The best places in Marrakesh are… the souqs and food markets. As someone who’s passionate about herbs and spices, I’m constantly captivated by the diverse offerings, such as lemon geranium and verbena, which thrive in the medina. There’s nothing quite like indulging in a Moroccan sheba tea accompanied by a platter of dried fruit, nuts, olives, oil, honey, and bread for an afternoon treat. Seasonal variations can complicate sourcing specific produce; however, I relish spending entire afternoons discovering the finest ingredients and attempting to recreate tajines and Moroccan tapas dishes at home.
For cheap eats… nothing beats the street food experience. Although it may seem hard to find at times—hidden behind mosaic-tiled counters and worn tables—the key is to observe what locals are enjoying around you and opt for the busy stalls. My favorite morning snack is a slice of meloui (a Moroccan-style pancake) drizzled with honey, best enjoyed with nus-nus (half milk, half espresso) or classic mint tea. For an afternoon bite, I often grab a quick seafood pastilla (savory pie) from a bakery or savor small plates of loubia (stewed white beans in herbed tomato sauce).
When I need to relax… I often seek solace in a garden or palace for a few hours. The sunken gardens of Badi Palace rank among my favorites, alongside the eclectic layout of Bahia Palace. The numerous quiet gardens and palace complexes in Marrakesh provide wonderful calm oases. To experience them at their finest, it’s best to rise early for a stroll.
A typical weekend involves… discovering exhibitions and pop-up galleries while finding creative inspiration for the day. Marrakesh is a fascinating place to be currently. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Museum of Contemporary African Art Al Maaden have recently opened their doors, showcasing brilliant displays. As a photographer, I find myself particularly drawn to the Voice Gallery, Galerie 127, and the Maison de la Photographie, as they consistently host impressively curated exhibitions.
When I meet friends for a drink… Barometre is often my destination. The ambiance, reminiscent of a smoky lab, features apothecary jars filled with all kinds of herb-infused liquors mixed into cocktails. They also offer quality tapas, making it a perfect spot for drinks and snacks. For a great vibe, Café du Livre is known for its affordable beers. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed atmosphere, Cafe Clock is ideal for chilling out while enjoying live traditional music, such as gnaoua performances. I usually reserve late-night outings for when festivals are happening, and I’m particularly excited about the upcoming Oasis Festival.
When I want to get out of the city… I visit Essaouira for its laidback coastal atmosphere or head up to Imlil in the High Atlas region for some invigorating trekking. Escaping the city’s urban sprawl is quite simple in Marrakesh, as the arid expanse of the Agafay Desert is just an hour away, and the tranquil Berber villages of the Ourika Valley are also easily accessible. This accessibility is one reason I cherish living here; Marrakesh is well connected, providing numerous options for weekend escapes amidst the vibrant surroundings of Morocco.
