Neighbourhood
Cooking Classes in Gueliz (New Town Marrakech)
Gueliz is Marrakech's new town — laid out by the French in the 1910s with wide boulevards, cafés and the famous Majorelle Garden. Cooking classes here trade the riad romance for practicality: modern, well-lit teaching kitchens you can reach by taxi in minutes, usually step-free and air-conditioned.
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Group size
- Small group or private (2–12)
- Level
- All levels
- Price
- Mid-range
What this class covers
If you are staying in a Gueliz or Hivernage hotel, a class on this side of the city saves you the trek into the Medina alleys. Taxis drop you right at the door, kitchens tend to have proper counters and ventilation, and many are purpose-built for teaching rather than squeezed into a family home.
The neighbourhood also sits near Marrakech's more contemporary food scene, so some Gueliz classes lean modern — plating techniques, lighter versions of the classics, or a market visit to the Marché Central (the covered new-town market) rather than the old spice souk.
You lose a little of the old-city atmosphere, but you gain comfort, air-conditioning in summer, and far easier logistics if you have mobility needs or are short on time.
What you'll cook
- Vegetable or chicken tagine — The classic, taught with the same spice logic but often in a modern kitchen.
- Hand-rolled couscous or a grain salad — Some Gueliz classes lean lighter and more contemporary.
- Moroccan starters — Zaalouk, carrot-and-cumin salad, or a beetroot salad plated neatly.
- Mint tea and a simple dessert — Orange-and-cinnamon salad or a few almond pastries.
How the class runs & how long it takes
A typical session runs about 3–4 hours. Here is the usual shape of the day:
- 1
Taxi to the venue
Easy door-to-door access; no long walk required.
- 2
Intro & spices
The host runs through the Moroccan spice rack and the day's menu.
- 3
Cook
Hands-on at a proper counter, usually 90–120 minutes.
- 4
Eat
Sit down to your full meal, often with a glass of tea or a soft drink.
What to expect
Expect a smoother, more Western-feeling experience than a Medina riad: clear counters, good lighting, and often English or French spoken fluently. Great if you value ease over atmosphere.
Expect a slightly more polished, sometimes modern take on the classics — Gueliz is where Marrakech's contemporary food scene lives.
Usually included
- Purpose-built teaching kitchen
- All ingredients
- Sit-down tasting
- Printed or emailed recipes
Who this class suits
- Guests staying in Gueliz, Hivernage or the airport corridor
- Anyone who prefers a step-free, air-conditioned kitchen
- Travellers short on time who want zero navigation stress
- People who like a modern, lighter spin on Moroccan food
How to choose the right class
- Confirm the class is in a dedicated teaching kitchen if step-free access matters.
- Ask whether the market visit is the new-town Marché Central or the Medina souk.
- Check the menu still covers a full traditional tagine if authenticity is your goal.
- Verify taxi drop-off details — Gueliz addresses are numbered, unlike the Medina.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gueliz a good area for a cooking class?
Yes, especially if you are staying in a modern hotel nearby. Gueliz classes are easy to reach by taxi, usually step-free and air-conditioned, and often use purpose-built teaching kitchens.
How do I get from Gueliz to a cooking class?
Most Gueliz venues are a short, cheap taxi ride and drop you at a numbered street address, unlike Medina riads where you finish the journey on foot.
Are Gueliz cooking classes still authentic?
Yes. The recipes and spices are the same Moroccan classics; the difference is the setting — a modern kitchen rather than an old riad courtyard. Some hosts add a lighter, contemporary touch.
Try the recipes at home
Booked, or just browsing? These free step-by-step recipes cover the dishes this class teaches: