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Introduction to Marrakesh

When you first arrive in Marrakesh, brace yourself for a sensory overload; you will instantly be surrounded by intoxicating smells, the most vibrant colors and a cacophony of sounds that welcome you into the city and pave the way for an amazing experience. Let yourself be enchanted by the Muezzin’s call to prayer five times a day from the loudspeakers of every Mosque in town.

History of Marrakesh

Gueliz is located in the European sector of the city, where you can find contemporary art galleries, modern boutiques and trendy restaurants

Chrifia, south of the Medina, is best suited for families with children. Although a bit further out from the city center, it has lots of fun activities, such as fun waterparks, lush gardens and golf courses. A perfect neighborhood if you want to avoid the hustling and bustling of the Medina.

Kennaria is a small neighborhood located within the walls of the Medina just east of Jemma El-Fna. It is home to many artisanal shops and it is famous for having more Hammams than any other area of the city.

Here are some the best riads Marrakesh has to offer:

Riad Farhan offers a spa, a terrace and an indoor pool where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast. The Riad Le Clos des Arts where, according to legend, this traditional arab house belonged to an arts trader. The Riad Charmes d’Orient is an adults only traditional riad. The gorgeous Riad de Tarabel offers colonial style and is filled with French antiques. The beautiful tree lined terrace of the Riad Camila offers magnificent views of the mountains and the Medina. The romantic Riad La Sultana offers cooking classes of traditional Moroccan cuisine. The elegant Riad Adore boast bright and airy rooms with luxurious furnishings and balconies.

If staying at a small, traditional riad is not your cup of tea, you can always find “big hotels” which capture the beauty and culture of Morocco. Among the best you can find La Mamounia, one hundred year old history but still inspiring. You can also try Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, The Oberoi Marrakesh or the Mandarin Oriental.

If you are feeling more adventurous and are willing to travel 30 kilometers outside of Marrakesh, you can plan for a stay at the Cameleon Camp in Agafay. Here you will spend the night in a tent, where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan fare for dinner and breakfast, as well as camel riding and ATV tours of the desert.

The souks are divided into different categories, such as, spices, basket makers, carpets or leather artisans are all grouped together; but these are just some of the merchants you will find in the vast markets.

Unless you explore streets that are fairly close to Jema El – Fna, it is very easy to get lost in the souks. After a while, all streets start to seem the same and, since most passageways are covered, it is very difficult to get a sense of where you are. If your time is short, the best way to explore the souks is with the aid of a licensed local guide.

Visible for miles in every direction, the 70 meters tall minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is the best known landmark in Marrakesh. Unfortunately, non Muslims are not allowed to visit the mosque.

Inside the Medina walls, The Ben Youssef Madrasa was once the largest theological college in Morocco, housing around 900 students for religious studies. Built around 1565, it’s a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. Get lost in the beauty of the elaborately decorated main courtyard, but don’t miss the upstairs where you experience extraordinary stucco work.

In the Saadian Tombs you can find the burial ground for 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled Marrakesh for over 100 years during the 16th and 17th centuries. The tombs were walled up by the Alawite and were just rediscovered in the early 20th century.

Built at the end of the 19th century, the Bahia Palace is one of Marrakesh’s most impressive buildings. It served as the residence of the grand Vizir serving under Sultan Moulay Al-Hasan I and it showcases the opulent lives led by those who were high up in the sultan’s court at that time.

The Marrakesh Museum is housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace which once belonged to a defense minister of Morocco. The palace itself is a great example of classic Andalusian architecture and the museum’s collection consists mainly of weapons, textiles, pottery and other traditional Moroccan objects.

Even though it now sits in ruins, the Badi Palace was once a magnificent palace built by Saadian rulers. Today you can explore the remnants of the palace’s stables, dungeons and the main courtyard, as well as the high enclosing walls, from which you can get a magnificent views of the surrounding Medina.

The tanneries of Marrakesh are not as well known as those in Fes, but you can still get a sense of how artisans have worked leather for generations. It is best to get there early and to take in the view from one of the shops terraces. Be advised that the smell can be overwhelming but most shop owners will offer you some mint to mask in the odors coming from below.

Outside of the city walls you can find a small oasis in the Menara Gardens. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Medina or are simply looking for some peace and quiet. come here for a stroll. Admire the beautiful pavilion and reflective pool where, on a clear day, you can see the magnificent Atlas reflected in the water.

Located in the Gueliz (Ville Nouvelle) sector of the city, the Jardin Majorelle offers another respite from the craziness that is the old town. Originally created by French artist Jacques Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent bought the property, brought it back to life and opened it to the public. On the grounds you will find the Musee Berber, which houses traditional Berber jewelry, textiles, costumes and cultural artifacts. There is also a small restaurant where you can enjoy a nice, albeit expensive, meal.

After a hot day of strolling through the Medina and shopping to your heart’s content, a good way to wind down is to take a hammam. A soapy rub, hot steam and an energetic exfoliation will leave you feeling like new.

Another fun experience is to attend a traditional Moroccan Dinner and Folklore show, where you will enjoy a sumptuous meal and a memorable show featuring belly dancers, acrobats, folk music and fireworks.

If you wish to leave the city, there are many companies that offer 2 or 3 day trips to the dessert where you will be able to ride camels, ride ATVs in the dunes, sand board and sleep under a Berber tent. This will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip to Marrakesh!

Harira is a traditional, hearty soup made with lentils, tomatoes, chickpeas and spices.

Couscous is made with durum-wheat semolina (which resembles a light pasta) and it serves as the base for various dishes cooked in the same pot using an assortment of lamb, vegetables and spices. A trip to Morocco is not complete until you try couscous!

Pastilla resembles a savory pie; made with flaky phyllo dough, it is filled with pigeon meat, almonds, eggs and sprinkled on top with powdered sugar and cinnamon. A must try delicacy!!

Zaalouk is a side dish (kind of like a salad) made with tomatoes, eggplant, olive oil, garlic and spices.

Sweet mint tea is a staple offering in Morocco, from local vendors in their shops, restaurants, tea shops or local stands, you can find it everywhere and it is absolutely something you must try during your visit to Marrakesh.

Alcohol is available in Morocco, however there is a strict no alcohol policy inside the Medina. The Ville Nouvelle does not have that restriction, but it is still forbidden to drink in public spaces.

Finding the best place to eat in Morocco is no easy feat as great food is served everywhere. In places like Marrakech, the rooftop terraces throughout the medina and around the Jema El – Fna are usually all great, with a view to match. The Grand Café de la Poste is a colonial French brasserie which often has a waiting list, while the Terrace des Epices serves traditional cuisine close to the souk. Chez Chegrouni also has a terrace with front-row views of the carnival that is the Jema El – Fna below.

There are a couple of Michelin star restaurants to try in Marrakech, including Al Fassia and La Grande Table Marocaine with its elegant dining room.

However, taxis are readily available for longer trips, usually along fixed routes. You can also use petits taxis which are more flexible and can take you anywhere you want. Be aware, however, that they are more expensive and don’t usually use the meter; you need to bargain with the driver before you embark on your journey. Another popular way to get around is on a caleche, which is a horse drawn carriage. Again, set the price with the driver before you hop in.

When you think of shopping in Marrakesh, your mind immediately goes to the exotic markets and souks. While this might be a thrilling experience, if you are in the hunt for something a little bit more refined, one can also find fine shops, designer boutiques and locally produced luxurious products.

Another truly luxurious adventure is to book a private Hot Air Balloon ride that will take you over Marrakesh’s countryside while you enjoy breakfast and Moroccan pastries from your vantage point above this breathtaking landscape.

Just like in the rest of Morocco, Marrakesh’s main language is Arabic; however  the Berbers, which are the largest ethnic group in the city, still speak their own version of an Arabic dialect. Due to extensive French influences in the region, French also functions as a central language. As a tourist, relying on French over English would be the safest bet, seeing as much of the population doesn’t speak English. However, many Morrocans can speak 3 to 4 languages, so language barriers shouldn’t be a source of trouble. 

Marrakesh , like the rest of Morocco, is officially a Muslim country and almost all its citizens practice Islam. You will see many symbols of the Islamic religion, such as mosques, religious inscriptions, medersas and, of course, hear the call to prayer from every minaret five times a day. As a tourist, when visiting Marrakesh you should be respectful of Muslim traditions and religious beliefs.

Weather in Marrakesh

Visiting Marrakesh soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Marrakesh.

MARRAKECH WEATHER