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Sometimes called "the red city" or "the ochre city" after of the colours of its buildings, Marrakech is one of Morocco's four major cities along with Casablanca, Fez and Tangier. Since it is so close to Western Europe, Marrakech is the ideal destination for a romantic or family holiday. The city is renowned for its cultural heritage and monuments, as well as its delicious cuisine, all of which serve as a testiment to its common history with Andalusia.
You're going away for a few nights and you don't know where to start? This guide is for you!
>>> Discover our handpicked selection of luxury villas and riads in Marrakech
In Arab cities, the Medina is the oldest district and the historic centre of the city. It is where most of the monuments and activities are concentrated. If you like a bustling, lively atmosphere then this is the neighbourhood for you.
In this district, you can find the Koutoubia Mosque, the Lalla Hasna Park, the Marrakech Souk, the Ben Youssef Medersa, the Jemaa-el-Fna Square, the Bahia Palace and the Marrakech Museum, as well as a number of restaurants and places to enjoy during the day and at night.
The Koutoubia Mosque is located in the Medina district and it is one of the city's emblematic monuments. It is 70 metres high – 77 with the spire, which makes it visible from afar. Its access is forbidden to non-Muslims. If it is your case, you can still admire the external part of the building - which is totally worth it! Each side is decorated differently, with sumptuous details.
Next to the mosque, you will find the archaeological sites where the old mosque was discovered. In fact, the Koutoubia Mosque was built after it was discovered that the Qibla, the place where the prayer takes place, did not point exactly at Mecca!
If you want to take a quiet break, you can go to the Lalla Hasna Park, located just next to the mosque. It is very popular among sweethearts, who meet on the benches. The public library of Marrakech is right in the middle of the park.
The souks are full of people and you can find almost anything you want: fruit and vegetable sellers, babouches (oriental slippers), spices, carpets, djellabas... A symbol of Moroccan life, it is recommended to visit it even if you have no plans to buy anything.
Beware of swindlers and pickpockets who know how to spot tourists from afar. Moreover, don't feel uncomfortable negotiating the price of the items you are interested in, they can easily be halved down! We advise you to opt for the Ensemble Artisanal market for your purchases: the products are the same but the prices are fixed and, therefore, far more reasonable.
This former Koranic college was built in the 14th century and became a museum in 1960. It has hosted more than 900 law and theology students since its construction. Since its transformation into a museum, it has provided visitors with a great opportunity to admire the best of Moroccan architecture. Emblematic of Arab-Andalusian culture, this monument is a must for your bucket list!
This place is recognised as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage and it is wholly deserving of its place: it is quite simply an absolute must. Every day, from late morning to late at night, the square is bustling with activity and all kinds of entertainment: falcon trainers, snake charmers, traditional dancers, henna tattoo artists, fortune tellers, etc. In addition to all these people, there are also souvenir sellers and pop-up restaurants that set their stalls up in the late afternoon.
Be careful, nothing is free, especially not shows and photos, even taken on the go. Locals often demand a financial contribution in exchange for a snapshot.
The Bahia Palace was built in the 19th century and covers an area of 8 hectares. One of Marrakech’s unmissable landmarks, the former residence of Ahmed Ben Moussa, vizier of King Hassan I. I was built for his favorite mistress, hence the nickname of the palace being "the beautiful, the brilliant".
The houses that make up the palace are quite different from each other but one thing they all have in common is that they're exceedingly pretty. There are 150 marvellous rooms in the palace. The garden is also very pleasant: there, you can take a break in the shade of orange or banana trees while you admire the hibiscus and jasmine flowers.
As it is currently occupied by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a result, part of the palace is not open to visitors.
The museum is well worth a visit: the collections are as impressive as the architecture of the rooms in the building. It is located in an old palace dating back to the late 19th century, where it exhibits ceramics, weapons, carpets, etc.. It is also possible to visit a traditional hammam there.
The Guéliz district, also called “new city”, is the modern district located north of the Medina. It is the most "westernized" district of Marrakech: you can find American fast-food brands alongside European ready-to-wear stores (Zara, Mango...). In this district, there are fewer tourists (with the exception of the Majorelle garden), prices are displayed and alcohol is allowed to be sold. It is the ideal place for a one-day trip outside of the hustle and bustle of the Medina!
The Jardin Majorelle is not to be missed during your stay in Marrakech. It was purchased in 1980 by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent after having been abandoned. The Jardin Majorelle was originally designed to house hundreds of different varieties of plants.
If you are into photography, the you'll want to bring your camera! The house is designed in Art Deco style and the famous "majorelle blue" covering the walls with a vibrant colour is renowned for its photogenic qualities.
Also located in the Guéliz district, the Ensemble Artisanal market is a popular place where craftsmen sell products similar to those sold in the main souks of the Medina. However, here the prices are fixed, so you won't need to concern yourself with the risk of being ripped off. In addition, some craftsmen create their products in front of your very eyes, which reassures those of you who are the most worried about the authenticity of the products.
If you are looking for a break from the city, you can go hiking in the Ourika Valley. Several agencies offer daily packages including car transfer to taxi you from the hotel to the trail (about 1 hour's drive), meals and the services of a local guide.
The Valley path takes you through parts of the beautiful Atlas Mountains, where you can meet Berber nomad populations. You can also see a local market, visit an argan oil manufacturing cooperative and take in the Setti Fatma waterfall. The valley is well preserved despite its proximity to Marrakech, which makes it the perfect place for a active authentic getaway, ideal for couples or families.
Would you like to discover Marrakech and its surroundings from above? Then you can opt to see the place from the perspective of a hot air balloon. Around 40 minutes from the city, at sunrise you can discover villages around Marrakech. Some tour operators even offer breakfast and a trek on a camel after the balloon ride. A fantastic, quirky adventure not to be missed on your trip to Morocco!
Looking for something more than a balloon ride and hiking? Discover our selection of activities to do in Marrakech.
Here are some tips to follow to make sure you enjoy your trip in the best conditions possible.
Beware of pickpockets: there are many of them in the city and they know how to spot tourists. Do not put any valuables in the front pocket of your backpack and avoid keeping your phone and wallet in your trouser pockets. They're very skilled and you won't even realize they have taken something from you!
Scams are, unfortunately, rather common, especially in the souks: sellers often advertise a price that is sometimes 10 times higher than the price at which they actually plan to sell! Don't be shy about negotiating. Remain polite and smile and prices will easily fall.
Counterfeits from high-end brands are also really common in the souks: if you see a deal that seems too good to be true, then take a closer look at the product, including the brand label. Know that most high-end brands include certificates to prove the authenticity of the product. If yours doesn’t have one, it is a copy.
>>> Discover our handpicked selection of luxury villas and riads in Marrakech
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