Dazzling souks and historical palaces decorate this walled, medieval city that brims with rich cultural traditions and opulent riads.
Explore the labyrinth of centuries old souks and sample iconic Moroccan flavours in Marrakech. Fondly called the “Rose City”, and once a caravan town on the sub-Saharan trading routes, Marrakech is surrounded by deserts and the Atlas Mountains. Within pink-tinged, historical ramparts, the medieval medina buzzes with entertainers and market stalls to thrill shoppers.
Visit Marrakech and you can also bask in the luxury of traditional riad hotels and lavish hammam spas. Rooftop terraces host glamorous restaurants and the new town of Gueliz features art galleries and chic fashion stores. Within the old and new backdrops, the city hosts vibrant festivals across each year, including the Marrakech International Film Festival and Oasis Festival.
Things to do in Marrakech
Strains of music and mouth-watering aromas of food greet you at Jemaa el Fna. The heart of the Marrakech Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square is at its liveliest from sunset with scrumptious food stalls. During the day, see henna artists, snake charmers and acrobats and venture into the themed souks branching off in all directions.
Souk Semmarine is the main thoroughfare of Jemaa el Fna and a treasure trove of souvenirs. Buy pottery and pashminas, admire jewellery and choose from seemingly endless rows of shimmering lanterns. Weave in and out of narrow lanes to find brightly coloured spices piled high among quaint silver teapots. In Souk Chouari, stop to watch artisan carpenters in action.
After the excitement of the souks, the desert landscapes of Jardin Majorelle take the pace down a notch. These botanical gardens were started by a French artist and then preserved by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, which may explain why this attraction is so popular. Be sure to book ahead and have your camera battery charged to take photos of the vivid blue villa at the heart of the grounds. While here visit the Berber Museum and nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, with thousands of couture garments and accessories.
History and culture in Marrakech
Visit the 14th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa to see the exquisite carved wood and stone of the courtyard and explore the rooms that housed hundreds of students at the former school. Brilliant paintings and mosaics adorn the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century marvel with a courtyard coloured blue and yellow above an Italian Carrara marble floor.
While exploring Marrakech look for the remnants of the Saadian dynasty, amongst which the Saadian Tombs are among the best preserved. Explore the mausoleums and the garden chamber tombs. At Dar Si Said Museum, delve into the heritage of Berber and Moroccan carpet weaving in the former palace. The Dar El Bacha palace showcases riad architecture with colourful zellige tiles and a courtyard filled with orange trees.
One of the oldest museums in the city, the Marrakech Museum is set in the decadent Dar Mnebhi palace. Gaze at the stained-glass windows and archways of the courtyard, then admire collections of paintings and pottery. For history with spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains, spend some time meandering around the Menara Gardens. First established in the 12th century, today the gardens are a favourite with locals looking for a quiet picnic spot.
Dining and nightlife in Marrakech
Sip mint tea while sitting on the floor cushions of rooftop terraces. Choose between Moroccan tagines with succulent meats and rich sauces at traditional restaurants across Marrakech. The smoke from open grills announces dining from dusk at Jemaa el Fna, where you can savour grilled meats and fresh salad or the local delicacy of snail soup in peppery broth. Dine in the square near the stalls or watch the action from many restaurant balconies surrounding it.
Gueliz offers a thriving café culture with Parisian-style bistros and international restaurants, along with trendy bars and fine dining. It’s here that you’ll find The Royal Theatre for opera and dance performances. Check schedules at riads, restaurants and palaces for traditional Moroccan folklore shows with shimmying belly dancers and traditional music.
Getting around Marrakech
Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport, which is approximately 20 minutes by taxi from hotels surrounding the medina. Many riads and resorts offer private transfers on booking. Wear your comfortable shoes for walking around the largely pedestrianised medina. The city offers the ALSA bus network, along with scooters and bike rentals to get around outside the medina.
Book tours, rent a car or use private transfer services through travel agents for day trips to popular places including Ouzoud Falls, the Palmeraie and the Agafay Desert. Tours from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert typically span two or more days due to the driving time of about 10 hours.
