The Tagine (or Tajine) is perhaps the most popular dish in Morocco. It can be found literally everywhere, from the roadside café to the luxury restaurant, and remains a staple meal for both tourists and locals alike. The slow-cooked savoury stew is typically made with sliced meat, poultry, or fish together with vegetables – although […]
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Although Marrakech is often known as ‘The Red City’ thanks to the pisé-cement ramparts that surround the old town, once you enter the Medina it becomes clear that Marrakech actually holds a multitude of bright and vibrant colours. We noticed at this point in the ‘Needle and Thread’ Medina walk, as you turn south towards the Jemaa el-Fna Square, there […]
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The Berber people are the ethnicity indigenous to North Africa, known for their fine craftwork, delicious cuisine and traditional music. The newly refurbished Berber museum, situated within the Majourelle Garden, is a fantastic resource cataloguing Berber life from diverse regions of Morocco. The exhibits document all aspects of Berber life, from craftwork to clothing and […]
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I n the Marrakech Medina there are many shops selling a variety of leather bags ranging from massive travel bags to day s atchels to small leather purses. Despite the plethora of bags on sale, the traditional Moroccan Choukara is a bag which has eluded many Marrakechi stallholders. Traditionally made from Goat leather, the Choukara […]
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As I have been vegetarian for over 14 years, I know how difficult it can be to source vegetarian options on menus in England, let alone whilst travelling on holiday.Here is our guide to Vegetarian travel in Marrakech. For many Moroccans, especially those who live more rural areas, vegetarian cuisine often means taking the meat […]
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Although Marrakech is famous for the shops and stalls of the Souks, every single alleyway, derb or street in the red city is filled with wonderful shops. These shops range from unique boutiques selling handmade jewellery, woodcraft items or leather shoes to more standard ‘newsagent-style’ shops selling water, drinks and confectionary. The frequency of these […]
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During the summer, local Marrakchis will always tell you that their city is better during the night. Many often chuckle at the idea of leaving indoors and traipsing around the streets during the day on the tourist trail, preferring to nap the day away inside. Indeed, Marrakech summers are always very hot; just this last […]
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The Kaftan is perhaps the most common item of clothing worn by women across Morocco. It functions as a robe or tunic can be found in a variety of materials including Wool, Cashmere, silk and cotton. It is perhaps this versatility that makes the Kaftan so popular: it can be worn all year round and […]
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Don McCullin is an internationally renowned British photographer widely considered as a pioneer in the art of Photojournalism. His black and white photography documents a wide variety of subjects from traditional African tribes to warzones in Palestine, Vietnam and Northern Ireland, from stunning landscapes of his home in Somerset to images of urban strife […]
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One of the biggest talking points in yesterday’s papers and on social media was the occurrence of the so-called ‘Supermoon’. A Supermoon – or the ‘perigee moon’ to give it it’s technical name – is the correspondence of a full moon with the closest approach the moon makes to the earth during it’s orbit. This […]
Read More »Moroccan pastries come in many different shapes and sizes and use many different ingredients. During the holy fasting month of Ramadan, the Chabakeya is most commonly eaten by Moroccans to break fast as it is sweet and contains a lot of energy. But even outside of Ramadan the pastries are still very popular: they are eaten at […]
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Isn’t it wonderful when you receive a postcard or handwritten letter from a loved one whilst they are holiday? There is nothing better than sharing the magic of Marrakech with a friend, family or loved one in a personal note. Furthermore, with the risk of sounding like a stamp collector, there is something quite enjoyable […]
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For a book that includes the word humour in the title, ‘Humour and Morocan Culture’ is not particularly a funny book; but that is not to say that it is not worth a read. The books author, Matthew Helmke, promises that his short book “will explore and discuss the hidden aspects of Moroccan culture, things […]
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The Figue de Barbarie goes by many names: the prickly pear, Karmous, Handia, Opuntia ficus-indica or simply, and perhaps most obviously, the Fig. However, whatever you call it, it is delicious. The Figue de Barbarie, as we shall call it for now, is a popular summer fruit throughout Marrakech and, between May and October, it is sold […]
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The Iftar, taken from the Arabic إفطار, which literally translates as ‘Breakfast’, refers to the evening meal when Muslims end their fast during Ramadan. In Morocco, as elsewhere, it is traditional for people to try and break their fast at home, with their families. Therefore in the moments leading up to Iftar there is a […]
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Watermelons are thought to have originated in southern Africa, where it is often found growing wild. Of course, today the watermelon is enjoyed all over the world and is often associated with warm climates and hot weather. It is not surprising then that Morocco is the world’s 12th melon exporter in the world. Indeed, melon […]
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The city of Marrakech contains more than 360 mosques and, of course, the visual focal point of each mosque is the minaret. The minaret – from the arabic manāra (منارة), meaning lighthouse – is a tall spire or tower that extends up from the main mosque. Perhaps the most prominent example is the beautiful minaret […]
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During the month of Ramadan, many Moroccan’s change their job to fit the alternate rhythm of life during this period. As the Muslim people fast during the day, the small shops and many of the non-tourist restaurants which sell food and drink to locals need to find a way to make money. Abdil invited us […]
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100 hundred years ago the first train line was built in Morocco. It connected the cities of Casablanca and Berrechid and was used to transport supply military troops of the French Protectorate. Fast forward almost exactly 50 years and The National Office of Railways – or the ONCF as it is now more commonly known […]
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Though the ancient city of Marrakech has gained its nickname as the ‘red city’ because of the intense shade of red that is used to colour many of the residences here, don’t think that the city can be easily defined by this one colour.
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As well as simply being delicious, Moroccan confectioneries are encompassed by important cultural significance from the very first stages of their production to their final destinations on the tables of families.
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Especially during the summer months, tourists and Marrakshi locals alike flock to the sleepy seaside oasis of Essaouira to enjoy the cool seaside breeze which washes over the coast town.
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If you speak to anyone who has traveled to the red city of Marrakech, one thing they will not forget to mention are the famous orange juice stalls that are colourfully scattered through the central square of Jemaa al-Fnaa.
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From the new town of Guilez to the winding streets of the Medina, street art is a common sight throughout the red city of Marrakech. Just north of the cities famous souk district and a two minute walk from the Riad Star you will discover one piece of art with has become particularly popular among locals […]
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Lamp’s have been a hugely important aspect of Moroccan architecture and design for centuries and are used in all four corners of Morocco to decorate shops, restaurants and houses. Hand-crafted Moroccan lamps come in all shapes and sizes and often take a painstakingly long time to complete. This lamp boutique in the centre of the of Marrakech […]
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Multilingualism has evolved in Morocco over the centuries to a point where many Moroccan’s speak French, Spanish or English as additional languages. Darija Arabic and Berber are widely acknowledged as the countries two official languages however. In the Marrakech region of Morocco the ‘Tachalhit’ form of Berber often be heard being called through the streets. […]
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Located in the heart of the Medina, just a five minute walk from Marrakech’s central square is the Bahia Palace. The palace is an enclosed oasis next to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the red city and inside it you will find trickling fountains, orange trees and shaded gardens. Perhaps the most […]
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From the red city of ancient Marrakech to the blue streets of Chefchaouen one thing you will not miss are the abundance of ‘Gnawa’ musicians. There is a world of mystery surrounding the origin of this revered and celebrated art form. Moroccan’s agree that it originated from the southern reaches of the Saharan deserts but […]
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Deep in the souks of Marrakech you will discover one of the many stalls that sells traditional Moroccan chests and boxes. Hand crafted from the timber of walnut and coconut trees these chests come in a variety of designs that are unique to this corner of the world. There is one box however that is […]
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As the red city of Marrakech slowly gets close to it’s 1000th year anniversary, it is fascinating to see how the city has evolved in a very unique way. Instead of the uniform roads you will find throughout many European cities, Marrakech has, and perhaps always will be a bustling hive of inter-linked pathways […]
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Within the ramparts of the Marrakech Medina, you will discover a city of interlinking alcoves and winding streets. As this ancient city has evolved in this unique way the task of assigning street names to many of the paths in the Medina is a difficult one. Although sign posts and street names are established […]
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From sandals to slippers, Morocco is an ideal place to buy yourself a new pair of shoes. This is specifically because leather work is a craft that has been practiced for centuries within Morocco and is as a result, renowned for its high caliber quality. Moroccan slippers or ‘Balgha’ are one of the most sought after […]
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Street art can be found all over the Marrakech Medina and the new town of Guilez. I have discovered that many of the murals throughout the city are in dedication to ‘KAC Marrakech’, the cities primary football club. However in a city of artists and craftsmen, it’s not surprising to see street art used in place […]
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For adventurous food lovers, Marrakech has an exciting scope of dishes and specialties to test your taste buds with. Camel milk, for example is a staple quite commonly drank by the Moroccan people. The milk retains a quite a sweet aftertaste and is usually drank on its own after dinner. Camel’s milk is highly nutritious […]
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Only a 2 hour drive from the centre of Marrakech is the sleepy seaside town of Essaouira. Sandy beaches, a delicious variety of fish restaurants and the East-African ocean give the port town a unique sense of character, making it a popular destination for those wanting to take a break from the intense heat […]
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Scattered throughout Morocco are women’s co-operatives, facilities in which women living in the surrounding area who may not be able to find employment are able to congregate and earn some extra income. On my way towards the seaside town of Essaouira (just a few hours from Marrakech by car) I encounter this co-operative. Here the […]
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One excursion that you cannot afford to miss during your stay in Marrakech, is the short hours drive to the the Ourika valley’s. The valleys are inhabited mainly by the Berber peoples and are a popular destination for tourists and the Marrakshi people, who make the climb to the top of the valley too bathe […]
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Marrakech is renowned for being a bustling hive of activity. During you’re visit you will discover a city charged with movement as cars, taxis and motorbikes finding their destinations through the city streets, day and night. What is perhaps most fascinating however is that donkeys, horses and ponies are still widely used by the Moroccan […]
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The perfect way to spend an afternoon in Marrakech is by visiting one of the many restaurants and cafes in the central square (Jemaa El fnaa). From there you can enjoy a glass of traditional mint tea on top of the terraces and appreciate the astounding views as the sun slowly sets behind the […]
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Fastened to shops, houses and apartments the flag of Morocco is a common sight in the city of Marrakech. The bold shade of red holds significant cultural significance throughout Morocco, symbolising strength, valour and bravery. The five-pointed star that dominates the centre of the flag represents the seal of Solomon, an ancient symbol with much […]
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During your stay in Morocco you will see that it is often custom for a variety of fresh fruits to be eaten for desert in place of the confectioneries that we might be more used to back in the UK for example. Grapes, pineapples, plums, dates and melon are but a few of the favorites […]
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Alongside the food stalls and tradesmen in the centre of Marrakech is this interesting spectacle. Tourists and locals alike test their patience and focus as they try their hand at this hoop game. “It looks a lot easier than it is” a passing tourist informs me, as I watch the crowd try and loop small […]
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This friday was a special day in regards to the fasting month of Ramadan which is currently going on in the Muslim world. On this day was ‘Gunua’, a distinct occasion which left the mosques overflowing onto the street, as is pictured above outside a mosque in Jemaa El Fnaa, central Marrakech.
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On a clear day in Marrakech, a stunning view of the rooftops of the Marrakech Medina and the looming Atlas mountains is best seen from one of the many cafe and restaurant terraces in the centre of Marrakech, Jemaa El Fnaa. As your day draws to a close you may consider returning as this […]
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After arriving at the remarkable Ourika Valley I soon discover that the only way is up. Following a short hike through the Berber communities that inhabit the area I arrived at the Ourika waterfall itself. After speaking with the owner of a cafe just next to the cascade, he informs me that when […]
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This is a photo of the strikingly beautiful Ourika Valley. Being only an hour’s drive from the centre of the Marrakech Medina this is a short excursion that your visit to Morocco won’t be complete without. After arriving to the valley a short hike will take you to the waterfalls that rest at the peak.
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This is just a short post to introduce myself as the new resident blogger for www.hipmarrakech.com! My name’s James Andersen, I’m currently a third year student of English Language and Literature at Leeds University. I’m on the editorial team for ‘Leeds Student’, the UK’s largest student newspaper and previously I’ve worked presenting radio shows in […]
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