A Cool Content Creator Shares Her Guide To Morocco
@OumaymaBoumeshouli
My perfect day in Morocco would start with wearing comfortable sneakers – so I could comfortably explore all day long. I'd start in the medina, enjoying a traditional breakfast at Café des Épices. Then, I would take a stroll around the medina, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and browsing the various shops. For a midday break, I would head to L'Mdina, a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views over the medina. It would be the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch and take in the stunning surroundings. After recharging, I would continue my shopping adventure and soaking up the vibrant energy of the medina. An orange juice in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square would keep me hydrated and refreshed and to end the day on a high note, I would indulge in a dinner at Al Fassia in Marrakech. This traditional Moroccan restaurant, owned and operated by women, offers a truly authentic dining experience.
The best place for people watching in Morocco is Jemaa el-Fna square. This vibrant and bustling square in Marrakech is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse range of people. From locals going about their daily lives to tourists exploring the city, you can witness a kaleidoscope of cultures, traditions and personalities. The square is filled with street performers, musicians, food stalls, and market vendors. Whether you prefer to sit at a café or immerse yourself completely, Djemaa el-Fna square is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant tapestry of Moroccan life.
One of the best ways to experience authentic Morocco is a trip to the traditional Berber villages and exploring the beautiful Ourika Valley. These areas offer an authentic insight into the rich cultural heritage of Morocco. The traditional villages, nestled in the Atlas Mountains, provide a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Berber people. You can wander through narrow streets, visit local homes, and interact with friendly locals who are eager to share their stories and traditions. It's a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of rural life in Morocco. The Ourika Valley is located about an hour's drive from Marrakech, and is a stunning natural oasis. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, and I really recommend enjoying a traditional tajine meal in the middle of the valley, with your feet in the crystal-clear water.
The best place for coffee in Morocco is Bacha Coffee. It’s widely regarded as one of the top coffee shops in the country and is known for its exceptional coffee selection, including a variety of specialty blends and single-origin options. The café prides itself on its meticulous approach to coffee preparation, and also offers a stylish and cosy atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy your favorite brew.
One of the best restaurants in Morocco is Al Fassia. Known for its traditional atmosphere and exceptional cuisine, what sets Al Fassia apart is that it’s owned and operated by women, which adds a unique touch to the dining experience. When it comes to the best dishes at Al Fassia, one of the highlights is the lamb tajine with prunes. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavours, which is a common characteristic of Moroccan cuisine.
The coolest hotel in Morocco isn’t open yet – but Villa Menara, my upcoming B&B near Ouarzazate, is a hidden gem. It is located just 10 kilometres from the beautiful rose valleys of Kelaat M'Gouna, offering a picturesque setting for travellers like myself who are looking for a unique experience. What makes it even more special is that the property is a tribute to my father. His love for nature, photography, and music will all be showcased throughout the villa, from the fountain he built to his vinyl collection and archival photographs. These personal touches will add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the interior. I'm also excited about the presence of an organic garden where I will grow my own fruits and vegetables. It's a wonderful touch that will allow me and other guests to indulge in fresh and healthy produce during our stay. I have no doubt that Villa Menara will be a haven for visitors looking for tranquility, natural beauty, and a connection to Moroccan culture.
The best place to enjoy a spa in Morocco is the Royal Mansour Spa in Marrakech. It offers a luxurious setting, personalised service, traditional hammam rituals, and unique signature treatments. My favorite treatment is definitely a traditional hammam. You can indulge in the ancient Moroccan bathing tradition, which includes a series of cleansing and exfoliating treatments, followed by a relaxing massage.
When it comes to partying, a popular destination is Les Jardins Du Lotus in Marrakech. It has a lively atmosphere, vibrant music and energetic crowd. It's somewhere locals and tourists come together to dance, enjoy live music performances, and whether you're looking for a place to dance the night away or simply relax with friends, Les Jardins Du Lotus in Marrakech is definitely worth checking out.
If I could only shop on one street in Morocco, I’d pick the medina in Marrakech. It's the best destination for shopping in Morocco, especially for interiors. There are also many small concept stores stocking local Moroccan designers. You can find vintage Moroccan caftans for good prices near the Nomad restaurant – I enjoy buying them and customising them.
The most unusual shop in Morocco is Zyne, located on a luxury street in Casablanca. Zyne is known for its beautiful Moroccan mules and other shoe creations, all handmade by women in the atelier. What makes Zyne unusual is the combination of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern design elements. The attention to detail and use of high-quality materials make their shoes truly unique. I personally enjoy Zyne because its shoes aren’t just stylish, but they also have cultural significance. Each pair tells a story and represents the rich heritage of Moroccan craftsmanship. It's a way to support local artisans and represent Moroccan culture wherever I go.
The coolest boutiques in Morocco have to be The 6 Concept Store in Marrakech and 33 Rue Majorelle, located close to the famous YSL Jardin Majorelle. Both concept stores offer a curated selection of the coolest local designers, along with beautiful interior items. These boutiques are known for showcasing unique and emerging Moroccan talent, making them a must-visit for anyone looking for one-of-a-kind pieces. Another must-visit is the concept store Riad El Fenn that offers a carefully curated collection of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products.
Casablanca is full of small, independent boutiques offering a wide variety of unique fashion, décor, and lifestyle products. These lesser-known stores showcase the creativity and talent of local designers and artisans, making them a must-visit for those looking for hidden gems. Tangier is also an unexpected destination for great fashion in Morocco because it offers a blend of traditional wear and innovative designs. Talented designers like Himmi create beautiful and authentic pieces that showcase Moroccan heritage while pushing the boundaries of fashion.
My most recent Moroccan brand discovery is Late for Work Wear – which is a super cool and edgy label. The designer is extremely talented and I think he has a lot of potential to be huge. It's always exciting to discover young and talented designers with a lot of potential. Another one is Casablanca Brand, already highly popular but every collection and campaign is always so well done.
In Morocco, I love to pick up basics from local markets or traditional clothing stores. The basics I rely on are typically traditional jellebas, which are a typical dress worn for going out. There are many styles available, but I personally prefer minimal ones that can be easily combined with daily clothes. These jellebas are versatile and timeless, making them perfect for adding a touch of Moroccan culture to your everyday wardrobe.
The best place to buy vintage in Morocco is the area in the medina in Marrakech where you can find old traditional caftans at incredibly affordable prices. One of my favourite vintage pieces I ever bought was a stunning caftan from the 80s. It has big shoulders and is made from a luxurious silky fabric. When I wear it, it feels like I'm wearing a piece straight off the runway.
If there's one souvenir that everyone should take home, it would be a traditional Moroccan rug. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, unique designs, and vibrant colours, most are handwoven by skilled artisans using traditional techniques, and each one tells a story and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Morocco.
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