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Marrakech, a former imperial city in Western Morocco, is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. With a densely packed medina, and lots of mouths to feed, there’s a surplus of beautiful cafes in which to eat and relax. From charity run cafes, to traditional Moroccan havens, there’s no shortage of choice. Here’s our guide to 10 of Marrakech’s best cafes.

Cafe Arabe

Restaurant, Pastry Shop, French, Moroccan, Italian

Cafe Arabe offers a charming and enchanting atmosphere where guests can relax with lunch, dinner, or just a snack. In the medina of Marrakech, yet away from the madness of the souks, Cafe Arabe features Italian and Moroccan cuisine. Enjoy relaxing in the lounge or on the terrace: you’ll feel right at home in this spacious and colorful cafe.

Grand Cafe de La Poste

Restaurant, French

Interior of Grand Cafe de la Poste
Courtesy of Grand Café de la Poste
Located in the more modern Gueliz area of Marrakech, this delightful cafe features a interior with clear Moorish and European influences creating a relaxing and homely feel. With its salon room featuring club chairs, chaise lounges, and cushions, guests can relax on old Berber carpets by the fireplace and revel in the warm, musical atmosphere. Cafe de La Poste serves French and Moroccan inspired food – the duck breast with baby potato is highly recommended.

Cafe Clock

Cafe, Moroccan

Chicken pastilla
© c3lsius_bb / Flickr
Much like its successful counterpart in Fes, Cafe Clock Marrakech serves a popular, signature camel burger. This venue offers sunset views over the Kasbah, and is located in an old school with a light-filled courtyard. With travelers from all over the world gathering here for an almond milkshake or quick snack, it’s a place to enjoy tasty food and meet new people. Not only does Cafe Clock serve a consistently delicious menu, they also offer cooking classes, and Sunday ‘sunset concerts’, making it a truly cultural experience.

Cafe du Livre

Restaurant, European

Part library, part cafe, you can’t get more homely than Cafe du Livre. Tucked away in the old French district of Gueliz guests can enjoy a coffee whilst diving into one of approximately 2000 great books, snack on a light lunch, or enjoy a hearty dinner. Serving continental cuisine, and excellent wines and beers, Cafe du Livre even hosts quiz nights and live TV sessions for the most popular sports events.

Cafe des Epices

Cafe, Moroccan

Cooking class
© Spice Bazaar
In the city’s charming ‘spice square’ the aptly name Cafe des Epices‘ spreads over 3 levels, including a rooftop from which guests can enjoy views of the Atlas mountains and even admire the glowing sunset by evening. The interior reflects the colors and architecture of Marrakech, and the menu offers beverages such as spiced tea and cinnamon coffee, as well as juices and light snacks, from Moroccan pastries to tagines. This is a delightful and relaxed place to take a break from exploring the medina.

Henna Cafe

Cafe, Healthy, Coffee, Moroccan

The unique and characterful Henna Cafe offers the usual tea, coffee and salads guests can expect at a cafe, but with the added extras of Moroccan Arabic classes, henna tattoos and even a kids’ club. A registered cultural foundation, the Henna Cafe serves wonderful traditional Berber dishes. All profits from are used to assist with educational related projects and help those in need, making Henna Cafe the perfect place to please both your stomach and your conscience.

Un Déjeuner à Marrakech

Restaurant, Moroccan

A good choice for after visiting the famous Palais Bahia, this cafe is not far from Jemaa el Fna, and is located in its very own little square. There are a few tables outside, as well a roof terrace where guests can enjoy a French inspired menu. With fresh fruit drinks, warm goats cheese, salmon sandwiches, and a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, this is the perfect spot for something a little different.

Earth Cafe

Cafe, Vegetarian

Earth Café
© Courtesy of Earth Café
Located down a side street just a short walk away from the famous Jemaa el Fna square, Earth Cafe is Marrakech’s only exclusively vegan and vegetarian cafe. The owner of Earth Cafe grows most of the ingredients on his farm just outside of the city, and guests can even arrange to visit this farm and participate in cooking classes.

Café Littéraire: Dar Cherifa

Cafe, Moroccan

Situated in one of the oldest riads in Marrakech and paying homage to the beautiful ancient architecture of the city, Café Littéraire offers guests the chance to enjoy a traditional mint tea or fresh juice, browse exhibitions of painters and sculptors, or even attend an evening concert or workshop. A cultural hotspot, Dar Cherifa is an architectural treasure that attracts all kinds of artists and intellectuals.

About the author

From her first ever trip to Spain at 10 years old, Rebecca became obsessed with Spanish. This passion for Spanish has since developed into a love for all things language and travel related and has inspired her dream of working for the Foreign Office. Now studying for a degree in Spanish and Arabic, Rebecca has visited Spain over 10 times, and has just spent a year living, studying and teaching in the historic and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes. An adventurous and ambitious individual, Rebecca hates to be stuck in one place for too long, so next stop Nigeria! When not studying, she loves to spend time with her friends and supportive boyfriend and metaphorical rock Ayman, usually smoking shisha, and is passionate about gymnastics.

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