my-astyle: Marrakech, 1001 Arabian nights..

Last weekend, my friend and i went to Marrakech for a 4-day citytrip. We had some ideas of what to expect, because we have visited Istanbul once before. These two cities are not the same, but they both share an Islamic culture.

Marrakech is 3,5 hours of flying from Amsterdam. The airport is very close to the city, what is a huge plus! In aprox. 30 minutes you will be able to check into your hotel. Be aware of the time difference in summer (2 hours) and winter (1 hour GMT time +1).

The city is located in the west of Morroco and is very near to the ‘Atlas’ mountains. By arriving at the Menara airport, you will be amazed by the view on the snowy tops of these mountains!

Menara airport, with in the back.. Atlas mountains

Our hotel was in the ‘New city’ district. This modern district is built to keep the authentic and old centre of Marrakech, with its famous square: Djemnaa el Fna and the surrounded souks.

The new district is divided in two parts: Hivernage and Gueliz. You can find many luxury hotels, clubs and trendy bars in these places.. Shop-addicts can find their way to the ‘Place de 16 Novembre’ for a lot of European chain stores mixed with Arabic ones. If you are into fashion definitely pay a visit to one of the Marwa stores. This Morrocan fashion store is in prices comparable with H&M and Zara and offers adorable trendy blouses, tops and pants with matching accessories. A must see for fashionistas would be the ‘Rue de la Liberté’ as well. This street is filled with small boutiques of amazing designers. Take a lunch-break at the trendy Kechmara café on its great roof-terrace!

This café is owned by a French guy, which is noticeable in the delicious variety of the menu..

We like to enjoy our evening while having a good glass of wine, nice atmosphere and delicious food. Of course you can enjoy the real Morrocan kitchen on the big square and experience the ultimate Arabic atmosphere, while having a cheap but delicious dish of Couscous, tajine, or soup with lentils.

If you are not into that, do like us.. Browse through the trendy hotspots, make some reservations and decide later on where you would like to go;) Works best for us and you even have the possibility to discover some new, trendy bars!

Because we both like Sushi, we decided to visit the Red Sun restaurant. This Japanese restaurant has also 2 branches in Holland and is known for its delicious food with a great atmosphere and bar.

Entrance of the Red Sun, Marrakech (Photo: theredsun.com)

The Djemaa el Fna square is filled with snake charmers, story tellers and artisians. Later on, in the evening the place is used for Morrocan people to come together and enjoy a typical Morrocan meal. You might think that hygiene is not a common thing around this busy area, but the government pays a lot of attention to this important subject. Around the square you will find tons of artisans with their little shops and selling all handmade products, like leather handbags, ceramic tajines, ashtrays and typical bachouks (cotton shoes for men). Remember, lower your price as much as possible!;)

Djemaa el Fna square

Handmade bags

Morrocan spices..

Typical Morrocan 'babouches'

After walking around the souks all day, we found a great restaurant in a beautiful setting. It is called Café Arabe. You can sit at the roof terrace, take place on the comfortable cushions, or enjoy a great dinner in the courtyard downstairs. We even had our own lounge sofa and enjoyed a meal of couscous, pasta and grilled vegetables.

Because of the Islam culture, alcohol is kind of a no-go in these countries. Although, Marrakech is a modern city, in a lot of trendy bars and restaurants you can enjoy a glass of delicious Morrocan wine or a home-made cocktail.

Beautiful interior @ Café Arabe

The upper east side of Marrakech, is called ‘Hivernage’. Here you will find big lanes with proper buildings and houses, surrounded by big palm trees. A small shopping area is build, with shops like Louis Vuitton, Missoni and La Perla. Hotels that you will find in this area: Sofitel, Club Med, Novotel and other nice places to spend your high-class holiday.

For a cup of coffee, or an afternoon tea.. Visit café Extrablatt on Avenue Echouhada. With its big terrace that is always filled by the trendy high-class society. Next to this café you will find ‘Le Comptoir’. This restaurant/night club offers drinks and cocktails and has a huge interior for many people to spend their night in style. On Wednesday and Sunday, live bands will play all night long..

A yet undiscovered hotspot would definitely be ‘Azar’ restaurant. On the corner of Rue de Yugoslavie and Avenue Hassan ll, you will find this trendy restaurant/ bar with delicious Libanese/ Arabic dishes. We shared a plate of hummus, tabouleh accompanied with Turkish bread and a salad of Artichokes and goat cheese. Even your visit to the toilet is an experience.. Check it out yourself! In the night, Dj’s are playing and belly dancers will seduce the men;)

Lunchbreak @ Café Elite..

For lunch, we loved to sit every day at ‘Elite Café’. Next to the Place de 16 Novembre, with all the big chain stores like Zara, Mango etc. After shopping, a perfect break to relax on the terrace and spot the people on the streets!

For more impressing culture: Visit the tanneries on the outside of the centre.. Here you will find a small village with families working together to finish all the leather skins that will ultimately be used by the artisans in the city that makes bags, accessoiries and clothes of them. People are working in the old way by only using their hands!

After, take a taxi to the 'Majorelle' gardens of Yves Saint Laurent. Definetely can't miss this beautiful garden with colorful trees, ceramics and flowers..