LIFESTYLE IN MARRAKECH

Marrakech, ‘The Red City’ is the most cosmopolitan of all Morocco’s major cities. Today it is the regions premier tourist destination comprising 2 parts; the modern business district with its ample boulevards, traditional buildings, banks and high street stores and the old city; the Medina with its narrow streets, souks and the famous D’Jemma El Fna.

For a traditional take on Moroccan nightlife visitors should spend an evening or two at the lively D’Jemma El Fna square packed with entertainers, acrobats, snake charmers and story tellers. The square comes alive every evening as crowds flock here to meander amongst the crowds; taking in the local atmosphere. Close to the famous plaza are the wonderfully colourful souks, or local market stalls which offer everything imaginable to the enthusiastic tourist, including spices, jewelry, leather goods, pottery and perfumes.

As the sun sets over the city; more than 100 food stalls are set up offering a selection of BBQ meats, kebabs, vegetables, salads and Moroccan bread. There are also many restaurants located around the medina and the new part of the city offering everything from international a la carte menus to traditional lamb or chicken tagines, cous cous and harira. 

Jnane Tamsna: Located in the Palmeraie offering a Moroccan-Mediterranean menu with fresh produce grown in the gardens of the estate.  www.tamnsa.com

Café Arabe: Located in the Medina, this delightful restaurant offers a variety of tasty Italian food.

Le Comptoir: Located in l’Hivernage. A favourite with the Marrakech elite. Cocktail bar and gourmet restaurant.www.comptoirdarna.com

Le Marrakchi: Located in D’Jemaa el Fna serving traditional a la carte cuisine as well as a set menu. www.lemarrakchi.com

Rôtisserie de la Paix: Located in Gueliz this popular restaurant serves a variety of charcoal grilled meats.

 

There is a very relaxed attitude towards alcohol in Marrakech with most bars in the tourist areas of the city staying open late.

Gueliz is home to many of the citys trendy bars and clubs most of them located along the boulevard Mohammed V but for the best in the city go to l’Hivernage where many of the clubs are located in the 5 star hotels. Music tends to be a good mix of western pop, RnB, funk and Moroccan hits.

Pacha Marrakech: Located on the Boulevard Mohammed VI. This world famous club provides modern décor, chill out lounge, swimming pool and gourmet menu.

www.pachamarrakech.com

Cotton Club Marrakech: One of the most popular and glamorous clubs in the city located in the Hotel Tropicana, Semlalia.

New Feeling, Palmeraie Golf Palace: Spacious and modern with a mix of foreigners and locals.

Not to be missed is an evening spent at Chez Ali which has been running for over 25 years. This purpose built arena is located in the Palmeraie; only a few minutes drive outside of the city and offers a 5 course meal in heated tents with attractions such as Moroccan musicians, singers, belly dancers, fire works, and acrobatic horsemen.