What to see in Marrakesh

 

What to see in Marrakesh

Marrakesh, a former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewelry. A symbol of the city, and visible for miles, is the Moorish minaret of 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque.

1. Jardin Majorelle

What is it? Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is home to more types of cacti than you can shake a terrarium at, and has a stunning indigo blue art deco house as its centrepiece.

Why go? Phone cameras at the ready – Jardin Majorelle is pure Instagram gold. Though you’ll see some cringe photoshoots going on, it’s impossible to take a bad picture here. Arrive early to avoid unwanted photo-bombers.

2. Musée Yves Saint Laurent

What is it? The French designer loved spending time in Marrakech so much he actually bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980. Opened next door to the gardens in 2017, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is dedicated to Yves’s couture legacy and has a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career.

Why go? The YSL collection is an amazing body of work that even non-fashionistas can appreciate. It’s housed in one of the city’s most striking buildings, alongside a beautiful garden café, bookshop, temporary exhibition hall and auditorium.

3. Bahia Palace

What is it? This 150-room palace was home to slave-turned-vizier Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed, who spared no expense in its gorgeous decoration. The painted, gilded ceilings, polychrome zellige tiling and carved stucco still have the intended effect – which is just ‘wow’.

Why go? Bahia is roughly translated as ‘beautiful’ and that’s definitely not an overstatement. Escape from the heat of the midday sun to the palace’s shaded spaces and get lost in all the intricate detailing.

4. Maison de la Photographie

What is it? A three-storey riad-turned-gallery housing the vintage Moroccan photography collection of Patrick Menac’h and Marrakshi Hamid Mergani. The images document the lifestyle and landscapes of Morocco between 1870 and 1950 – more than a century a later, many things remain exactly the same.

Why go? To immerse yourself in a visual history of Morocco. The rooftop café is also one of the highest in the medina and is a great spot for a drink.

5. Souk Place des Épices

What is it? Moroccan cuisine is famous for its rich, aromatic flavours. Place des Épices is the traditional spice souk where you’ll find merchants selling everything from allspice to ras al hanout (a mix of more than a dozen spices).

Why go? This open-air souk is truly atmospheric. As well as bags of spices, you can pick up colourful basketry or simply watch the show from one of the cafés that ring the square.

6. Jemaa el-Fna

What is it? The vast open square at the heart of the medina is one of Marrakech’s biggest attractions and is a Unesco world heritage site. Expect snake charmers, street entertainers and over-enthusiastic henna artists at every turn.

Why go? Locals and tourists descend on the Jemaa every night, drawn by the ceaseless hoopla and halqa (street theatre). Grab some food from one of the barbecue stalls, listen to some music, then head up to a rooftop bar and marvel at the sunset.

7. Souk Cuisine

What is it? Souk Cuisine puts on cookery classes with a twist. Starting with a tour of the souks, you shop for ingredients before heading to a riad where you’re taught how to cook by a group of local women.

Why go? Food is a huge part of Moroccan culture, and the course is a fab way to learn more about the country and its traditions. You’ll also make some of the tastiest tagines in town.

8. Hammam

What is it? The hammam – public bath house – is a Moroccan institution and you’ll find one in every neighbourhood in Marrakech. It’s where Moroccans go for their weekly, relaxing gommage (scrub), but also to reconnect with themselves and with friends and family.

Why go? Because it’s a restorative experience and this hammam offers traditional treatments – scrubs, masques and massages – in luxurious surroundings.

9. Tours

What is it? Sahara Desert Kingdom is a moroccan desert tour company based in marrakech, offers the best tour guide.

Why go? Because of it's amazing services

Link : Morocco Desert Tours