The jewel of southern Morocco, Marrakech combines modernism, history, and culture in rather amazing ways. Every street, every square, every souk relates a different narrative. If you intend to visit Marrakech, get ready for a sensory experience ranging from fiery tastes to mesmerizing noises, breathtaking scenery to alien environments. Here's a summary of everything you just must miss while visiting.
Jemaa el-Fna Square in the Medina
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Medina of Marrakech is a real maze of little lanes, vibrant markets, and secret gems. One of the most famous sites in the Medina is Jemaa el-Fna Square right at its center. It becomes a living show in the evening featuring musicians, food vendors, street artists, and snake charmers. A wonderful location where you might savor regional delicacies such skewers, fresh orange juice, or tanjia, a classic Marrakech meal.
A must-see for a green pause in the city are the Majorelle Gardens. Originally owned by Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical garden is a serene refuge with unusual species, vivid hues, and a Berber museum. More understated but nonetheless a lovely example of an Andalusian garden with fountains, palaces, and aromatic flora awakening your senses is The Secret Garden.
The palaces and monuments of Marrakech provide an amazing window into her royal past. Among the most amazing are the Bahia Palace, with its Andalusian architecture and breathtaking gardens. Though partly in ruins, the El Badi Palace reminds one of grandeur from the past. With its 77-meter-high minaret, commanding the city, the Koutoubia Mosque is not missed.
For those like shopping, Marrakech's souks are a heaven. Everything from handcrafted Berber rugs to silver jewelry, aromatic spices to handcrafted things is available. Wandering these vibrant markets is an absorbing experience, a trip through time where every vendor offers a story.
The Agafay Desert presents an other experience within an hour from Marrakech. Agafay is a stone desert unlike the dunes of the Sahara; you might have a camel ride, dine under the stars, or even spend a night in a luxurious camp here. The ideal approach to interact with nature and get away from city bustle.
An amazing experience if you like to view Marrakech from another perspective is a hot air balloon trip. Over the city, its gardens, and palm groves, you will soar with breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains far off. Usually followed by a brunch in a wonderful environment, this is a special way to start the day.
Marrakech presents not only classic Moroccan food but also a lot of contemporary eateries combining local and foreign inspirations. These are some of the finest restaurants around:
The highlights to see in Marrakech
Offering a gastronomic experience in a peaceful garden environment, a classy vegetarian restaurant right in the middle of the Medina Ideal place for a rest following a day of sightseeing.
The Mamounia
a famous Marrakech hotel as well as a restaurant offering Moroccan and foreign cuisine in a luxurious environment. Perfect for a refined evening.
Nomad in nature
Situated on the Medina's rooftops, this stylish restaurant offers sophisticated Moroccan food with breathtaking city vistas. Ideal spot for lunch or dinner with a view.
Marrakech is a wellness city as well. What might be better than lounging in a conventional spa following a day of sightseeing? Two locations where you may have a hammam, a relaxing massage, or even a facial in a lovely and peaceful surroundings are Hammam de la Rose or Les Bains de Marrakech.
