Local Guide — Marrakesh

A decade in the making, a definitive guide to the souks of Marrakesh and surrounds.

Words can't explain the beauty and magic that Marrakesh holds. It’s a place that breathes creativity. The place that introduced me to colour and showed how to use it boldly and wholeheartedly. The old world and handmade is celebrated and tradition and culture is alive, the city’s energy leaving a lasting impression on your mind. It’s a place everyone should experience at some stage in their life.

It's also a place where research pays off. We’ve been visiting Morocco, and especially Marrakesh, for over ten years now, and we still uncover new treasures, hidden within the narrow maze-like streets of the Medina. Riads are often hidden behind tiny coloured doors without any signage, and restaurants on rooftops, up multiple flights of stairs, invisible at eye level from the street.

I would be lying if I didn't admit to the countless times we have been lost or led astray, although this is often part of the fun. It takes some time to land into the rhythm of city, no two days the same, no street feels familiar, but once you fall into step, the possibilities feel endless.

A decade in the making, this is your definitive guide on where to stay, source antiques and textiles, buy groceries, sip coffee, and eat well. From modern to traditional, each spot radiates that unmistakable Moroccan warmth and hospitality.

As it is with Morocco, some of the places we shop don't have names and the maze of souks and streets can often be confused on a map. Over the years, Google Maps has become a lot more reliable in the Medina, so we have done our best to describe locations or pin them directly in our Marrakesh map which you’ll find at the end of this guide. Think of it like a real-life treasure hunt!