Discovery of the emblematic places of Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the largest cities in Morocco. Popular among tourists, it is a destination that offers many activities to do with family or friends. 

Its varied landscapes, historical monuments, and sumptuous gardens will leave you with unforgettable memories. Come and discover this land of traditions with incredible cultural wealth. Its crafts, its architecture, and its various museums, here are the places not to be missed for a cultural stay in Marrakech.

>>> Visit Marrakech

Historical tours

The districts

• Hivernage and Gueliz: located to the west of the Medina, these are the most modern districts of Marrakech. Built-in the 2000s, Hivernage is home to the most prestigious hotels and estates, while Gueliz has many shops and boutiques. Gueliz is often referred to as the new town, as opposed to the old city of the medina.
• The Palmeraie: a little further from the bustling city, the Palmeraie is a residential area planted with palm trees. Enjoy a camel ride to visit this area.
• The Medina: the heart of the city, this is the oldest and most visited part. From the Jemaa el Fna square to the Bahia Palace, the Medina concentrates most of the most emblematic buildings of Marrakech. Strolling through its streets and souks, you will feel closer to the Moroccan culture. Moreover, the Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most popular places in Marrakech 

• Jemaa el Fna Square: snake charmers, merchants, musicians, Jemaa el Fna Square is the most famous place in Marrakech! It is a place of meeting and exchange registered with the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. A mythical and lively place not to be missed during your stay!
• The Koutoubia Mosque: built in the 12th century, you can't miss the sight of its minaret, which is almost 70 meters high. This imposing building is only accessible to Muslims, but it is possible to admire this magnificent building from its gardens planted with orange trees.
• El Badi Palace: built at the end of the 16th century, only the remains of this palace remain today. Admire its walls, its basins and walk through the ruins of this historic monument.

• The Ben Youssef Medersa: a place frozen in time. This Koranic school has welcomed many students within its walls and has 130 rooms that you can discover during a visit. It is one of the largest medersa in Morocco. A must-see in Marrakech! 
• The Bahia Palace: often cited as the most beautiful palace in Marrakech, its decoration is of Arab-Andalusian inspiration. Built at the end of the 19th century, this palace has 150 rooms and a courtyard with a fountain. You can visit some of the rooms and walk in the gardens and patios.
• The Saadian Tombs: a remnant of the Saadian dynasty, tombs were also found in 1917 and a large mausoleum where Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur rests. It is a unique and historic site whose architecture will surprise you.

A land of traditions

• Wander through the souks: What better place to discover the diversity of Moroccan handicrafts than the souks? Located in the heart of the city, stroll through the streets and explore a wide range of artisanal products. From Berber carpets to babouches, get lost in this labyrinth of color and play the bargaining game.
• Take a bath in a hammam: much more than a bath, hammams are a place of purification and relaxation - an ancestral ritual with a massage and treatments. Come and discover the most beautiful hammams in Marrakech.
• Stay in a typical Moroccan house: traditional Moroccan houses are riads. Built around a central courtyard, a patio, staying in a riad is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Moroccan culture and to live an authentic experience 

A culture centre

The emblematic gardens of Marrakech 

• The Majorelle Garden and its museums: the Majorelle Garden is undoubtedly the most famous museum in Marrakech. You can stroll through the exotic plants and refresh yourself in this little oasis. Explore the Berber Museum that presents objects, jewels, and costumes, and do not miss the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
• The ANIMA Garden: designed and created by the artist André Heller, ANIMA is an open-air museum. With the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, you can't help but fall under the spell of this colorful garden where works of art and plants mingle. A unique place to visit without further ado!
• The Secret Garden: nestled in the center of the medina in a former palace, this garden opened its doors a few years ago. Stroll through the various paths and discover plants from all over the world. This paradise on earth has a café, which is the ideal place to take a gourmet break.

Museums to discover 

• The Mohammed VI Museum or Aman: the water museum is a unique concept that will surprise you. The project was held by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs. It is a place that traces the history of civilization and its use of water in a playful way. Stroll over 3 floors - the different rooms invite visitors to question themselves on the future stakes linked to this theme.
• The Confluences Museum: built in the 20th century, the Dar el Bacha Palace has been home to the Confluences Museum for several years. Richly decorated, its visit gives an insight into Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. The exhibitions hosted highlight this cultural and traditional wealth.
• The Tiskiwin Museum: founded by Bert Flint, a Dutch anthropologist and lover of Moroccan culture, this museum contains a collection of handicrafts such as jewelry, carpets, and furniture. Located in the home of this passionate art collector, the museum has various exhibitions, one of which invites you to discover the people of the Sahara.