Not the medieval medina, nor the colonial Gueliz, not even the luxuries found in Hivernage... There is only one Daoudiate and it has its very own character, which lies on the fact that it needs no monuments, or important brands shops, or nothing of the like.
The tourist strolling around Daoudiate will have to keep his or her eyes and heart wide open if he or she does not want to miss the charm of this neighbourhood, which may seem at first sight just a collection of buildings from the 1980s, lacking any architectural or cultural interest.
Quite on the contrary, Daoudiate is one of the most authentic neighbourhoods in Marrakech. Its inhabitants are Moroccan families, what in Europe would be considered lower-middle class, which in Morocco is simply middle-class, just like that. There are no luxuries in the homes in Daoudiate, but there is no (at least not too much) hardship.
There is no European presence either in this place, since tourists tend not to find anything in this neighbourhood worth a visit, and those who live permanently in Marrakech prefer the comforts of Gueliz and the exuberance of the medina.
Shops do not sell souvenirs, or ceramic items, or anything like that. In Daoudiate you can buy stuff that you will really use, useful stuff such as a handmade wooden table crafted by a carpenter, made of solid and unbreakable wood, hammer blow-proof, or all sorts of food and exquisite delicacies: dates, spices, top-quality meat, nuts and dried fruit, traditional confectionery, etc.
Regarding this, we recommend a visit to the Rue Palestine, where there are several shops that sell and rent all the necessary equipment for celebrations: from the typical trays with conic lids decorated with multicoloured fabrics, to all the delicatessen that you may need in order to smother your guests with attention in a wedding (or to be enjoyed at the hotel after a stroll through the city). Prices are quite convenient because here we are not in a tourist area. Besides these shops, there are also other, simpler ones, such as ironmonger's, chemist's, plastic shops (very useful if you want to buy all your hammam equipment, etc.).
If you like music, Daoudiate offers, throughout the year, outdoor concerts, since festivals such as the Popular Arts Festival have their own venues here. There is also a conservatory recently inaugurated in Daoudiate.
And last but not least, there are several parks in Daoudiate. The famous Majorelle Garden is located on the edge of Daoudiate, but besides this tourist garden there are many other beautiful green spaces for walking, eating an ice cream or some popcorn, or simply take a nap lying on the grass and surrounded by the aroma of roses under the shadow of an olive tree.
Don't you think these are enough reasons to go off and beyond the tourist map?
Come to the fascinating city of Marrakech and discover its wonderful popular neighbourhoods, full of charm, warmth and authenticity. The Ochre City offers culture and a fascinating tradition, monuments and countless tourist attractions, and also a great nightlife, a delightful cuisine and the widest range of shopping opportunities.
Daoudiate - A Neighbourhood in Marrakech