1. Grab a Sand Coffee at Café Bismillah
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Medina, Café Bismillah is a modest spot famous for its sand coffee. If you’re unfamiliar with it, sand coffee is made by heating coffee over hot sand, giving it a rich, earthy flavor that you won’t find at your average café. The café is nothing fancy, but that’s part of its charm — it’s an authentic spot to sip your coffee, watch the Medina come to life, and start your day like a true Marrakshi! The owner and his family use a mix of spices to give the coffee a delicate taste – even a winner for people that don’t traditionally enjoy the good stuff!
2. Experience a Public Hammam
A visit to Marrakech wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a public hammam—the local bathhouse. Unlike the luxury spa hammams you might find in fancy riads, the public ones offer an authentic slice of Moroccan life. One of the most famous is Hammam Mouassine, located near the Mouassine Mosque.
Expect a vigorous scrub-down and a steamy, rejuvenating experience. You’ll leave feeling like a new person and it’s a great way to connect with the local culture (nothing quite like being soaped down by a friendly and helpful local for that!).
If you’re unsure about the process, don’t worry—locals are usually friendly and happy to guide you through the experience.
3. Sheesh Kebabs and Tangia in Lamb Alley
For food lovers, a visit to Marrakech’s Mechoui Alley is a must. This tiny, smoke-filled corner of the Medina is where you’ll find the best sheesh kebabs and tangia—a traditional slow-cooked lamb stew that’s prepared in clay pots and buried in the coals of a communal oven to cook for hours.
The locals swear by these little stalls, and the kebabs here are as simple as they are delicious—perfectly grilled meat served with fresh bread.
The surroundings might not always be the plushest but trust us, this will be one of the tastiest meals you’ll have in Marrakech.
4. Get a Haircut at a Local Coiffure
Always a favourite if you’re not one of those people who can only use their own hairdresser/barber!
A great way to get chatting to a local and to be immersed in the comings and goings of peopIf you really want to immerse yourself in Marrakech life, skip the fancy salons and head to a local coiffure for a traditional haircut. These barber shops are scattered throughout the Medina, and they offer more than just a trim—they’re a window into daily life.
Step inside, and you’ll see locals catching up on the latest news while the barbers work their magic. It’s quick, affordable, and a great way to meet locals. You’ll leave with a fresh look and maybe even a few tips on where to go next!
5. Shop Where the Locals Do
Marrakech is famous for its souks but many visitors stick to the main tourist spots and end up being lured into places that can be notorious tourist traps.
As a very general rule of thumb it’s a good idea to find a specialist. Looking for a specific item then try finding a souk that only sells that and nothing or little else. For example, at the time of writing Bazar Houzi just outside Souk Tapis is a great spot to go looking for crockery if you’re after some decorative plates, bowls or a tagine to try your hand at Moroccan cooking with.
It’s a far cry from the tourist traps selling overpriced souvenirs, and the quality is exceptional. We’ve made a few purchases here ourselves, and it’s one of the best spots for authentic Moroccan ceramics. Plus, the shopkeepers are warm and welcoming.
And looking for spices? The perfectly conical mounds of colourful powders might make for a great photo but they’re not always the best place to buy from. It’s a bit of a minefield finding the right souk for the right item. All of our trips start with a city tour from a local expert which is a great opportunity to ask them where to pick up whatever it is you’re looking for.
6. Wander the Back Alleys of the Souks
While the main souks are bustling and packed with goods, the back alleys hold hidden treasures. Explore the quieter parts of the Medina where you’ll find artisans working on leather goods, textiles, and metalwork in small, tucked-away workshops. This is where the craft of Marrakech truly shines, away from the mass-produced items you’ll find in the more touristy areas.
Look for dyers’ souk, where the vivid colors of freshly dyed wool hang from the walls, or the souks specializing in spices and perfumes—these often get overshadowed by the bigger ones but offer an authentic and sensory experience.
7. Try a Moroccan Pastry from a Hidden Bakery
The Medina is filled with the scent of freshly baked Moroccan pastries, but some of the best treats come from small, family-run bakeries that are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Keep an eye out for a Makroud—a delicious date-filled pastry coated in honey—or try a chebakia, a sesame and honey treat often enjoyed during Ramadan.
You’ll find locals queuing up for these goodies, especially in the morning. Don’t hesitate to join them and sample some of the most delightful sweets Morocco has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Marrakech’s Medina is a treasure trove of hidden gems, waiting to be discovered by those willing to stray off the beaten path. From the rich flavours of sand coffee at Café Bismillah to the authentic craftsmanship at Bazar Houzi, there’s so much more to this vibrant city than the typical tourist stops. So take your time, explore the back alleys, and experience the Medina like a local—you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and a true taste of Marrakech’s unique charm.