Anyone who’s been to Morocco knows of its blinding colors and senses-assaulting smells. The Djemma el Fna souk in Marrakech in particular, erupts with vibrant energy, chaotic beauty and characteristic fervor. In the day, get lost amidst its labyrinth-like market, picking out jewels and carpets. By night, the open-air food market roars alive with aromatic snails and sizzling goat head – perfect for the adventurous foodies.
During a recent road trip that brought us from Southern Spain through Northern Morocco into the heart of Marrakech, we revisited the charismatic city, reacquainting with it through its alleys, mosques and palm tree deserts. Here’s a pictorial tour of Marrakech through our eyes, hope you’ll feel its beauty as well.
The night lights of Djemma el Fna radiate brightly in contrast with the gentle glow from the mosques in its surrounding. For an excellent view of the souk from above, head up to one of the many rooftop terraces that line the square.
Multi-colored spices piled up in heaps are sold all over the market.
Food is a particular draw in the outdoor food market for Djemma el Fna. Here, a vendor stirs his pot of snails while the aroma pulls in the crowd, including us.
Snails up-close – a bowl like this for US$2 is an excellent appetizer
Brightly colored meat skewers and sausages on display as vendors prepare their charcoal grill.
Barbequed meat skewers sizzling from the fire, sprinkled with spicy chilli.
Goat heads stewed in herb gravy – a must-try for dare-devils.
As sunshine seeps through the rooftop, the souk is slowly waking up in the early hours, preparing for a busy day of bargaining.
A Berber dressed in traditional costumes roam the plaza.
My photoblog series feature the best images taken by myself and my partner, Alberto Molero. Check out other posts in the same series for more of our photography around the world.
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I would really like to go to Marrakesh … and your photos made me hungry! I especially like the second one with all the colorful spices. It looks like a fantastically beautiful place to travel.
Good to see you here JoAnna! I honestly had a strong urge to tip the heaps of colorful spices with my finger. Marrakesh is a magical place, so visually stimulating and unfathomable.
I can't wait to check out Marrakesh one of these days. Are the horror stories true: do people stalk you for blocks trying to get you to buy stuff?
What are some interesting things you ate? We're mildly adventurous when it comes to food. Goat head? Probably not. Something on the goat that isn't looking at me? Probably.
Thanks for the funny note! Yes, they can be rather persistent when it comes to selling you an Arabic lamp or a leather bag. But I wouldn't call that a horror story. With a straight face and a strong 'no', you're on your way.
Interesting foods – I would say the goat's head beats everything else. The snails were bigger than most I've eaten, with their antenna-like eyes in tact. We also had pigeon meat pie, that was to die for. The BBQed meat skewers were also crunchy and savoury – especially the intestines and liver.
Gorgeous photos! What IS that multicolored mountain of spice, anyway?
Good question! I never really asked for the spice’s name, but we did get some to bring home. We also bought a tajine to make typical Moroccan meat stew, I’ll let you know when I try out the spice!
a BIG WOWW, those photos are stunning!!! Would definitely put Marrakesh on my iwannagothere list! Found your blog from twitter from @nellihuang . Greetings from Bali, Indonesia!
Beautiful shots, Nellie! Your photos really show the very special ambiance of Marrakech. I've been there – awww – some 15 years ago, but not much seems to have changed.
Thanks Simon, the photos are shot by my partner in crime, he’s the photographer.
15 years – I’m sure Marrakesh has changed quite abit since. The food market might have retained its character, but I think the souk and hotel options around Djemma el Fna have developed into quite a touristy hub since Marrakesh is drawing in so many visitors these days.
I was there last week enjoying the BBQ – excellent food at the market towards nightfall.
Yes I had the grilled chicken bits including some internal organs just by the street market and they were outrageously good. At nightfall, the food market comes alive – the whole bustling scene is incredible.
Morocco has long been on my list of places to visit. But now with your vibrant pictures it is a MUST SEE! Or should I say taste… Lucky to have such a talented photographer in the family.
I loved Marrakeh, how the square of death is so alive, with all belly dancers and story tellers!
These are amazing photos. The spices WOW. There was a cooking show on TV from Morocco with these spices used in Tagines and I had to tape it. What a vibrant place to have visited. It is on my list for sure.
Hi Arlene – not sure if its the same program, but we had the "Jamie Oliver does…Marrakesh" show filmed at my hotel in Marrakech – maison mk. I am out there every month & as soon as I get into the old city, the cooking smells wafting out of the houses instantly makes me think of Marrakech – its the same at home in the UK now – a little cumin, or corriander & I am instantly transported back to North Africa.
This is my personal dream destination. The colors the smells, the sun, the colors, the culture, the colors. As you can gather I am inspired by color . Morocco and Spain what a combination. If my clients are looking to really experience time in their own sun, metaphorically, then I advise them to consider this part of the world.
Stunning and lively photoblog from Marrakesh! Love it, thanks Nellie!
That brings back old memories from when I went there, and reminded me how much I miss that food!!
I could have their cous cous meals all day every day..! The colors were so vibrant, and you really captured that in your photos!
Your post is a good introduction to what one may expect on a busy night on Jemma al-Fna.
I like the way you composed food pictures – with general overview followed by a more detailed shot.
Stunning set of shots. The colors are amazing.
love the photos – I am a photographer & also own maison mk, a riad in Marrakech. But I never seem to have time to shoot out there & your photos are really good – nice to see some great food shots in the square.
Gorgeous pictures, Nellie! Your opening paragraph had me excited even before I saw them. Good travel writing (plus excellent photos) is a perfect gotta-take-a-break-from-my-work escape. I'm putting Marrakech on my list of musts for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for such kind words! Glad you liked it. Marrakech is definitely one of my favorite places in the world.
Brings back memories of my trip there a few years ago.
Didn't think I was going to like it as I'm not a big shopper and thought the souks would be a little intimidating but my preconceptions were wrong.
It was fun to 'get lost' in the maze of the souks and the square just comes alive at night. Kissing a snake in the square is definitely something I wont forget!
Oh great post… love the photos!!!
Amazing colours.. I loved Marrakesh when i was there, but could not stand the smell of the snails in the Djaama el Fna!
Never did pluck up the courage to bring some spices home with me..
Duncan
Amazing photos. Marrakesh is unique.
Love Marrakesh, and loved this post. I hope to return soon and vow to work up the nerve to try the goat head (there was quite a crowd around that stall, so I must have missed something).
I am glad you noticed that DHL guy! it was the funniest thing ever to see him running through this narrow alleys
The colors are spectacular.
Makes me hungry just looking at the images.
Sometime next year we'll be visiting Marrakech with some friends and family. Thanks for those images!!