Marrakesh is a popular getaway to Moroccan culture. Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca, Fez and Tangier. Nevertheless, the capital city of Morocco is Rabat. Marrakesh is a place that people either love or hate. It is a place where tourists need to adapt and show respect. Filled with many vibrant souks (markets), medieval old towns or beautiful mosques and gardens. Marrakesh or the so-called “Red City” has established itself as a cultural, religious and trading centre for the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa.
Things to do and see
1. Jemaa el-Fna
It is apparently the busiest square in Africa. Jemaa el-Fna is the largest and main square in Marrakesh, packed with food, trading stalls, shops and entertainment street performances. It is located right at the heart of Medina (the old city). Visit the square during the day and night, you will find it buzzing with locals as well as tourists.
2. Jardin Majorelle & YSL museum
The Majorelle Garden is a botanical garden created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle. Majorelle was forced to sell the house and land in 1950. After this, the garden was neglected and fell into disrepair. The garden and villa were rediscovered in the 1980s, by fashion designers, Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé who set about restoring it and saving it. Nowadays, this complex consists of a garden, YSL house and a Barber museum.
Just next to Jardin Majorelle, you can find the newly built Yves Saint Laurent museum dedicated to Yves’s life in Marrakesh and as an iconic designer. You can purchase the combo ticket to save some money when sitting on both sites. The entrance fee for both attractions is about 183 Moroccan Dirhams.
3. Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is a palace built in 19th century, and it is a perfect example to capture the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan styles. This palace is divided into different rooms with spectacular ceiling details. Each room is opened to a small and large courtyard as well as to a beautiful garden. The entrance fee for the palace was about 70 DH.
4. Koutobia mosque
Koutobia mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, located not far from Saadian tombs and Jemaa el-Fna square. Next to the large tower, you will find excavated remains of the first mosque. The building is built from bricks and sandstone. It is believed that the architectural style is very similar to the first mosque. As with any mosques in Morocco, non-muslims can’t enter the mosques, so we can just admire the mosque and its gardens from outside.
5. Saadian Tombs
The Saadian tombs, located nearby to Koutobia mosque, are dated to the time of the Saadian dynasty sultan Amad al-Mansur. The museum consists of about 60 members of Saadi Dynasty. Outside of the building, you can visit the gardens and graves of soldiers and servants.
6. Menara gardens
The panorama of the Menara Gardens is one of the popular scenery of Marrakesh, due to the Atlas mountains in the background. The large green space with water basic and vegetation is located a bit further from the old city, less on the way to the airport. The basis is about 150 m wide and about 200 m long. The pavilion in the middle of the lake against the mountains is a picturesque spot for many tourists.
7. El Badi palace
El Badi palace is an architectural ensemble built at the end of the 16th century and located near Bahia palace. The former palace was built by Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Dhabi. The palace’s construction was funded by Portuguese after the Battle of the Three Kings. The palace took about 15 years to build, it was completed in 1593. However, after the fall of the Saadians and the rise of the Alaouite dynasty, sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif demolished the building’s content, materials and materials so he can use it to build a new palace at Meknes.
8. Marrakesh museum
Marrakesh museum is housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace, a former residence of Mehdi Mnebhi who was the defence minister of Abdelaziz of Morocco. The building is a great example of classical Andalusian architecture. Apart from the extensive museum collection, the building’s highlight is the patio, courtyards and decorations.
8. Medina and souks of Marrakesh
If you are travelling to Morocco, you will be flooded with souks, and it is okay to get lost among them. Souks are Moroccan markets, where you will find everything. Simply everything. From spices, food, clothes, handcraft items, and carpets to home decor. Always do negotiate if you shop at the markets, and don’t ask for prices if you have no interest in buying it.
9. Bab Agnaou gate
Bab Agnaou is one of the 19 gates of Marrakesh. It was built in the 12th century during the Almohad dynasty. Do you know that Bab er Robb was the official entrance to the city? However, Bab Agnaou gave entrance to the royal kasbah in the southern part of the Media of Marrakesh.
10. Dar Si Said museum
Another interesting local museum in Marrakesh to visit is Dar Si Said. It is the oldest museum in the city that exhibits many craftsmanship works and art. The museum is officially called the Museum of Moroccan Arts.
11. Le Jardin Secret
A smaller “secret” garden located just in the old city of Marrakesh is called Le Jardin Secret. Compared to the famous and popular Majorelle, Le Jardin Secret is an elegant 19th-century palace complex with traditional Islamic gardens. Within the oasis of these gardens, you may visit also the tower for a view.
12. Ben Youssef mosque
Ben Youssef Medersa mosque is one of the major landmarks of Marrakesh’s old city, named after the Almoravid emir Ali ibn Yusuf. It is the oldest and one of the most important mosques in Marrakesh. Apart from the mosque, Medersa Ben Youseff served as a home for students as well. Yet again, it is unfortunately not accessible inside by non-Muslim visitors.
13. Cyber park
Cyber park is a large green space just nearby Koutobia mosque. The park which dates back in the 18th century has many nice fountains or green spaces for a nice walk and chilling. Very popular among students and locals.
14. Ensemble Artisanal Marrakesh
This artistic and shopping complex consists of many small boutiques and studios where you can admire the craftsmanship of rugs, leather or straw decorations. You will find very similar items as you would in souks. Soaking up the vibrant souks in old medina can be very fun and experiential, but if you are looking for a more relaxing alternative, definitely make a visit to Ensemble Artisanal.
15. Marrakesh Tanneries
Tanning is the process of treating the skins and hides of animals to produce leather. Sometimes also in a tannery, people process dies and other materials. Fez is a famous place for tanneries. However, Marrakesh has its own small place too. Located about 10 minutes away from Old Medina.
Food & drink
Marrakesh is full of food stands and places to eat and chill. The only thing they are lacking is supermarkets though!
Nevertheless, do taste local cuisine whenever you are travelling, and Marrakesh has many beautiful local places to offer. From traditional Moroccan restaurants to more modern places. What I loved the most in Marrakesh, was the endless choice of rooftop coffee shops and restaurants. Whilst admiring the beautiful view of the local life, you can even admire the amazing interior design.
Make sure to always have cash with you, as not so many places accept cards. Below are some of the places you should check out:
1. Azar (great Moroccan/Lebanese dining with shisha and entertainment)
2. Zwin Zwin Cafe (Rooftop cafe and healthy dining place)
3. Le Salama (4 stores dining and bar place in Medina)
4. Nomad (A dining place with a rooftop)
5. Cafe Des Epices (A dining place with a rooftop)
5. Argana (Dining and cafe place at the market square)
6. Le Jardin (Garden dining restaurant in Medina)
7. Atay Cafe Food (3-store dining and cafe place in Medina)
8. La Table de la Kasbah (Rooftop cafe and dining place near Koutobia mosque)
9. Dar about (Moroccan restaurant)
10. Katsura (Japanese restaurant)
Where to stay?
You must have heard that the best experiential place to stay is in Riads in Medinas. They are small guest houses with courtyards. Tourists love it, as they are decorated in traditional Moroccan mosaics and colours. Usually, riads are located in the Old Town. However, if you looking to stay outside of Medina, outside of the busy rush, you can look into many hotels via hotels.com or booking.com (make sure to use my link to get some discount off your first booking!)During my stay in Marrakesh, I stayed at Zwin Zwin boutique hotel which is located just 10 minutes away from Medina. Therefore, the location makes it super convenient to get around the nearby tourist attractions. The other place is the Dellarosa hotel suite and spa which is about half an hour from Medina on a walk. Closer to the main train station, but the location was super clean and quiet. Surrounded by many higher-class dining and bars, it was a great stay to relax and see the different parts of Marrakesh.
How to get around
I have not used public transport in Marrakesh, to be honest. The best way how travel is by foot or by getting a taxi. Accommodate yourself either in the old city or nearby, so it will ease your hassle to travel around. The old city is walkable easily and there is no other way of transport apart from bikes and motorcycles. Nevertheless, taxis are affordable and you can get them just outside of Medina or anywhere close to a tourist attraction. Make sure to always negotiate the price for a taxi before getting in, as they don’t have meters.
On the other hand, if you are looking to travel outside of Marrakesh, you have 3 ways. Either you can either hire a car or plan your trip yourself. Book a tour bus with a guide, or lastly, larger towns in Morocco are well connected by trains that are reliable, so you can use get on a train to explore.
Trips out of the city
Marrakesh is a beautiful and vibrant city, full of locals and tourists. However, don’t get trapped and don’t spend the whole holiday there. Use your time to explore the surrounding. Go on trips to valleys, deserts and other smaller villages or towns. Morocco is beautiful itself and there is so much you should see. Whether you want more landscape, hiking or chilling, pick a tour and a trip suitable to your needs. There are plenty of tourist agencies in the city to help you book a tour, so don’t be afraid to reach out and look out for what you want. Below are some great locations nearby Marrakesh that are worth considering:
