Marrakesh, which is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, is a charming city of vibrant colours and strong odours. It is true that in Marrakesh someone will not find impressive ancient edifices such as the Pyramids in Cairo or Acropolis in Athens. Nonetheless, large palaces, numerous museums, mosques and other religious buildings, tombs, and relaxing gardens can be found in this lively city. Different cultures, really tasty food, and good traditional music will entice the visitor again and again. It is no surprise that many European artists have chosen Marrakesh as their home. Marrakesh is in North Africa where winter is mild, especially during the day. If your accommodation is equipped with AC, then you can have a pleasant stay in the city in the colder months of the year. Spring and Autumn are excellent seasons for visiting Marrakesh, while summer can be very hot obviously. Book your cheap flight now! For maximum security and comfort book your transfer from the airport in advance.
Where to stay in Marrakesh
During my visit in marrakesh I stayed in three different areas. If you are going to visit the city for the first time, then it is certain that you want to be close to the Medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa, so that you will be able to walk to the most places of interest. Alternatively, another nice area not far from the centre is the Prestigia Golf City which lies close to the Menara Gardens. If you seek serenity, then this is the place for you. Book now your hotel or apartment on Agoda or Vrbo!
What to visit in Marrakesh
1) Jardin Majorelle
The Jardin Majorelle, the famous bewitching garden created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, is one of the most important landmarks in Marrakesh. If you want to visit this marvelous enclosed space which contains exotic plants from all over the world, you have to book your ticket online.Although you can’t avoid the crowds while visiting this one, it is still an experience that should not be missed.Moreover, don’t omit to visit the Berber Museum which exhibits objects of Amazigh culture.
2) Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the main landmark of Marrakesh. Its renowned minaret tower can be admired from many places of the city, especially from Jemma El-Fnaa, the huge square. Non-Muslims cannot enter the structure which was built in the 12th Century and can only take photos from outside. There are a lot of vendors close to the mosque.
3) Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the most important historical buildings in Marrakesh. The Islamic school, which was named after the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque, is famous for its architecture. When you get inside, you understand that it is much bigger than it is perceived from outside. There is a great number of rooms for the students that used to inhabit the place. It is definitely worth a visit.
4) Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakesh. The palace, which was built in the 19th century, it is renowned for its grand courtyard and it is occasionally still used by the King of Morocco for certain events.
5) El Badi Palace
“The Incomparable” Palace is a big palace constructed during the Saadian Dynasty. Its construction began at the end of the 16th century and as far as I am concerned, it is more interesting than the Bahia Palace described above, although it is not in good condition. The huge courtyard with the big pool will certainly draw your attention.
6) Le Jardin Secret
While you are wandering in the Medina, you may decide to visit Le Jardin Secret. Although it is true that by visiting the garden and the buildings you will get a taste of Islamic art and architecture, I have to mention that Le Jardin Secret is by no means among the most interesting places I visited in Marrakesh. Go there, but don’t expect something magnificent like the Jardin Majorelle.
7) Saadian Tombs
When you decide to visit the Saadian Tombs, the royal necropolis of Marrakesh, you will have to get ready for a long queue in order to enter the main chamber. The architecture of this chamber is really appealing and extraordinary. However, the rest of the area is not so interesting.
8) Dar El Bacha
Dar El Bacha, which means “house of the pasha,” is a famous palace in Marrakesh. It houses the Museum of Confluences and is considered a great example of riad architecture with its impressive central courtyard. The building itself is really interesting.
9) Museum of Marrakesh
The Museum of marrakesh, which was once a palace and now functions as a museum, is located in the Medina of the city. The edifice, which is much more interesting and big than it seems from the outside, has a large central chamber with some fountains. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century.
10)Almoravid Qubba
The Almoravid Qubba is a small monument located next to the Museum of Marrakesh. The structure, which was built in the 12th century, has a very beautiful small dome where a lot of pigeons can be found now. Don’t forget to go under it and admire it, but be careful of its small inhabitants!
11) Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens are a quite interesting historic garden full of olive trees. An artificial lake and a pavilion consist the centre of the garden, which is a popular place for many locals who enjoy walking there. It’s not an outstanding garden, but I certainly enjoyed my visit there.
12) House of Photography
If you want to see old photos of the first photographers who visited Morocco, then this is the place for you. It is housed in a centrally located riad in the heart of the Medina. In its many rooms one can have a taste of the life in old Morocco. It is certainly not one of the major landmarks of the city, but my experience there was very good. You can also visit the Museum of Music using the same ticket.
13) Water Museum
The Water Museum is housed in an impressive and modern edifice. It’s very informative on the subject of the water management in Morocco, but it is not a museum that you will remember for a long time. It is certainly worth a visit, though.
14) Museum of Music
The Museum of Music is housed in a centrally located riad in the heart of the Medina. It presents the diverse tradition of music in Morocco. Musical instruments that represent the Andalusian, Berber and African heritages of the local music can be found at the museum. There is a pleasant surprise for the visitor. Everyone has the chance to try and play real Moroccan musical instruments, become a creator, and enchant the crowds! The same ticket is also valid for the House of Photography.
15) Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the huge main square in Marrakesh. The ambience of the place is absolutely extraordinary! Musicians, performers, storytellers, snake charmers, and many sellers concetrate in the area which is heavily visited by locals and tourists alike. When I was there, it was like a peaceful demonstration every day! As darkness falls more and more people come to the square. To be honest I would like to have spent more time there.
16) The Souks of Marrakech
The legendary souks of Marrakech are located near Jemaa el-Fna square. Souk is the Arabic word for market. In the souks the visitor can find an enormous variety of products such as clothes, bags, jewellery, wood and metal works, different kind of foods etc. The Medina is like a labyrinth and it is almost certain that you will get lost eventually, but it’s probably part of the experience. The same goes for the annoying motorbikes that will run over you if you are not careful! What else can be found in the souks? Just some scammers who will be willing to show you the exit and then they will ask you for money! Book a tour if you want a smoother experience.
17) Yves Saint Laurent Museum
A lot of tourists combine their visit to Jardin Majorelle with a visit to Yves Saint Laurent Museum. This is a museum that presents the work of the famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. To be honest I didn’t find the museum very interesting.
