Things to Do in Marrakech for an Authentic Experience

Cocktail lover? Head down to the experimental Baromètre – Marrakech’s top nightspot, bar and restaurant. Along with a menu of classic drinks, this underground bar brings in a bit of the Medina with local spice-infused spirits. Try the Marrakech Market, which blends whisky with cinnamon, orange and saffron.

Morocco is known for its mint tea – and Cafe de France brews a mean pot. Enjoy this sweet drink (or something stronger on the menu) from the cafe’s terrace, which overlooks the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market in the Medina quarter. Here, you can expect to watch a roster of local street performers.

Head to the Bab Debbagh quarter, in the northern end of the Medina, to learn all about one of Marrakech’s oldest crafts. Leather tanning is a time-honoured practice and it’s fascinating watching artisans at work. Jump in a taxi to Place Moukef or Bab Debbagh to get there and visit first thing in the morning to see the tradesmen in action.

Take cues from Marrakech locals and head up to the mountains for respite. The (yellow) shared cabs, parked just down from Jemaa el-Fnaa, can whizz you up to the Atlas Mountains in an hour and a half. Trek up to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, or walk around Berber villages.

For hundreds of years and several generations, the families of Mechoui Alley have woken up early in the morning, stuck a whole lamb on a stick and put it in a large underground oven to slowly roast for four-to-six hours. The result is a deliciously succulent and tender plate of meat that practically falls off the bone. Sprinkle on some cumin and salt for an extra layer of flavour.

There are few things as quintessentially Moroccan as a trip to the hammam – the Middle East’s answer to a thermal spa. Head on down to the largest public one, Hammam Dar el-Bacha, with your bathing essentials and enjoy being scrubbed across every inch of your body. Be sure to check the timings for men and women before you go.

Dar Si Said, otherwise known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, is Marrakech’s oldest museum and it’s where you’ll learn about different Moroccan rug styles. Each region and city in Morocco has its own flair. You’ll see some magnificent examples of traditionally made rugs here, all while also learning about the weaving techniques it takes to create them.

Having visited the tanneries, you’ll no doubt feel inspired to leave with some leather goods. Head to Atika for some of the best handmade leather loafers in the city. And don’t be surprised if you leave with more than one pair – there are endless leather colourways, while the store stocks many suede styles too.

If you’re looking for English-language books to pass the time on your bus journey down south, then Marrakech isn’t much help as most bookshops only stock French novels. But fortunately the Cafe du Livre keeps a good selection of second-hand English books. It also has the only weekly pub quiz in town.