Marrakech sees millions of tourists per year, but there are still plenty of hidden spots that many don’t make it to.
On my recent trip to the Moroccan city, I wanted to explore some of the highlights, but also get to know Moroccan culture and history a little deeper.
So I enlisted the services of local guide Yousef, who’s lived in the city for over 20 years and knows all of its secrets.
Yousef offers bespoke tours that are tailor-made to individual requirements (you can see his listing on Get Your Guide here), so when I asked to focus on Marrakech’s hidden gems, he was very happy to take me to some more unusual places in the city!
Here are some of the places we covered:
This blog post is part of a collaboration with Get Your Guide on Instagram – although this post was not a requirement. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Hidden gems in Marrakech
Music Museum
The music museum is situated in the backstreets of the medina, tucked away from the tourist trail.
It’s 40 dirhams to enter and is set in a traditional riad, with rooms on different aspects of Moroccan music through the ages.
Exhibitions are immersive, with headphones enabling you to listen to the music.
But the highlight of the Music Museum are the rooms upstairs, which are adorned in Islamic art. “It’s similar to the palaces in the city” our guide, Yousef, told us, “but there are many more tourists there!”
On the next level, you’ll find a glorious rooftop with views over the old city and a cafe.
Here’s the Google maps location of the Music Museum.
Photography Museum
Just around the corner from the popular Madrasa, the Photography Museum is rising a little in popularity, but still remains a Marrakech hidden gem.
Here, you’ll find thousands of photographs exhibiting an 80 year period of Moroccan history. There are plenty of photos of Marrakech, but also of Fes, Tangier, Rabat and elsewhere in the North African country.
Again, it has a glorious rooftop!
Entry is 50 dirhams. Here’s the Google Maps location.
Leather Souk
Most of Marrakech’s souks are tourist-centric these days, but the leather souk is one of the last traditional spots of the city.
Here, Moroccan leatherwork is created, with furniture and clothing being some of the most popular items.
But the most interesting part of the leather souk, for me, was a small shop called Ballons d’Or (balls of gold).
This shop was first created to fix neighbourhood kids’ footballs. Over time, the owner decided to start making replicas of footballs and other balls used in sporting tournaments, selling them in his shop, and since then he has attracted football players AND has been awarded a decoration from the King of Morocco himself!
It’s a must-visit for any football fans. See the business card below for more information.
Metalwork Souk
“The metal and leather souks are the last two traditional ones, but they stick together” Yousef said to us as we entered it. “They both make quite a lot of noise!”
At the metalwork souk, household metal items like locks and mirrors are sold next to elaborate ornaments.
At Ettabba El Arabi stand, Yousef explained “this man is stencilling the pattern in, and then someone else will finish it”. I was invited to try my hand at it, but, being a very clumsy individual and not wanting to ruin the beautiful patterns, I declined!
Lots of gorgeous metalworks were sold at Artisanat Ben Kabbour – if I had room in my suitcase I’d definitely want to take some home with me!
You can find these two stalls at number 44 and number 49 Souk Belaarif. See the business cards below for more information.
Learning how to make bread
“Would you like to see a traditional bread oven?” Yousef asked as we walked through the medina.
We certainly did, and were taken to a small room where bread for the entire neighbourhood is made. All neighbourhoods in Marrakech have one bread oven, which typically supplies bread to both businesses and homes in the area.
The bread oven itself was the size of a room, and after the dough was kneaded and flattened, it was put onto a spade and moved to the back of the oven. After a few minutes, it came out, cooked, in the same way.
I was even invited to give it a go myself!
You’ll only be able to visit a neighbourhood bread oven with a guide, which is one reason why I’m so glad I opted to do this tour with Yousef!
Learning how the hammams work
Next to bread ovens, you’ll usually find a hammam (they generally keep each other warm, as they both operate by fire). Traditionally, Moroccan hammams are kept warm using a fire, and somebody keeps the fire operating throughout the day.
It was fascinating to see the “behind the scenes” of the hammam, and again, this isn’t something I would have been able to do independently.
(Note: When seeing the hammams and bread ovens, it’s important to give the person showing you a tip as an appreciation for sharing their work).
Dar Bellarj
Dar Bellarj, located near the Medersa Ben Youssef, is a hidden cultural spot in Medina.
Once a sanctuary for injured storks, it’s now an arts foundation preserving Moroccan heritage.
Entry is free, and inside you’ll find rotating exhibitions showcasing Moroccan art, from calligraphy to traditional crafts.
The peaceful courtyard and beautifully decorated rooms make it a lovely stop for a quiet look around. Here’s the Google Maps location of Dar Bellarj.
How to see these Marrakech hidden gems
I booked this tour with Yousef via Get Your Guide.
When you book, he’ll create a bespoke itinerary involving whatever interests you the most.
He speaks native-level English and is a mine of information with everything to do with Moroccan culture and history, and will make the city come to life with incredible stories about the popular North African destination.
If you want to see Marrakech in a completely new light, I highly recommend Yousef’s tour! Click here to see its listing and read more reviews.
