Marrakech is a city that captures the imagination with its vibrant colors, bustling markets, and rich history. As someone who has travelled to Marrakech, I can attest that it is a city that offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or cuisine, there is something for everyone in Marrakech. In this article, I will share my top 10 things to see and do in Marrakech, based on my personal experiences and recommendations.
1. Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square in Marrakech, and it’s one of the busiest and most vibrant places in the city. Located in the heart of the medina, the square is surrounded by food stalls, souvenir shops, and street performers. During the day, you’ll find snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, and musicians performing for crowds of locals and tourists. As the sun sets, the square transforms into a lively night market, with food stalls serving up traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tagine and couscous. It’s a great place to people-watch, try new foods, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech.
2. Explore the Medina
The Medina is the historic old town of Marrakech, and it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions. The Medina is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with traditional shops and craftspeople selling everything from spices and textiles to ceramics and jewelry. It’s a great place to get lost and explore, and there’s always something new to discover around every corner.
Some of the must-see sights in the Medina include the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic college with stunning architecture and intricate tilework; the Koutoubia Mosque, a beautiful mosque with an impressive minaret; and the Bahia Palace, a stunning 19th-century palace with beautiful gardens and ornate decoration. The Medina can be overwhelming at first, but it’s an essential part of any trip to Marrakech, and it’s a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture.
FUN FACT: The name Marrakech is derived from the Berber language and means “Land of God”. The city has had several different names throughout history, including “Marrakesh” and “Marrakesh al-Hamra” (Red Marrakech), referring to the red walls and buildings that are a signature feature of the city.
3. Admire the Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is one of Marrakech’s most impressive architectural wonders, located in the heart of the Medina. This 19th-century palace was built for a wealthy Moroccan nobleman and features beautiful gardens, ornate architecture, and intricate tilework. The palace consists of a series of courtyards and rooms, each with its own unique charm and beauty.
Some of the highlights include the Grand Courtyard, with its beautiful gardens and fountains; the Council Chamber, with its impressive dome and intricate decoration; and the Harem, with its ornate tiles and secluded courtyards. Visiting the Bahia Palace is a great way to get a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Moroccan nobility and appreciate the country’s rich architectural heritage.
4. Visit the Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are an essential stop for anyone interested in Marrakech’s history and culture. These tombs date back to the 16th century and were only rediscovered in the early 20th century. They feature beautiful mausoleums and intricate decoration, including beautiful carvings, colorful tiles, and ornate calligraphy.
The tombs are the final resting place of many members of the Saadian dynasty, including Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur and his family. The highlight of the Saadian Tombs is the Chamber of the 12 Pillars, which is named for its 12 marble columns and features beautiful decoration and intricate carvings. Visiting the Saadian Tombs is a great way to learn more about Marrakech’s rich history and appreciate the country’s intricate craftsmanship.
5. Experience a traditional Hammam
A hammam is a Moroccan bathhouse, and it’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing. Experiencing the traditional Hammam in Marrakech is a unique and immersive cultural experience. Hammam is a traditional Moroccan public bathhouse that has been used for centuries for relaxation, socialization, and cleansing. It is a popular practice in the Muslim world and is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. A Hammam typically consists of a steam room, hot and cold water baths, and a relaxation area.
What makes the traditional Hammam experience unique in Marrakech is the traditional Moroccan approach to this practice. The Hammam ritual in Marrakech usually starts with a visit to the steam room, where the heat helps to open up the pores and relax the muscles. Next, a therapist applies a traditional black soap made from olive oil, which helps to exfoliate the skin and remove impurities. Then, the therapist will use a Kessa glove to scrub the body, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin soft and smooth. After the scrub, a moisturizing Ghassoul clay mask is applied to the body, which nourishes and hydrates the skin. Finally, the therapist will rinse off the soap and the mask with warm water.
The Hammam experience in Marrakech is not just about cleansing the body but also about socializing and relaxing. It is a popular pastime for both locals and tourists and is often seen as a way to unwind and recharge. Many Hammams also offer additional services, such as massages and beauty treatments, which make the experience even more luxurious.
Here are my top recommendations for hammams in Marrakech:
Heritage Spa: This luxurious spa is located in the heart of the Medina and offers a traditional hammam experience, complete with black soap scrub, clay mask, and argan oil massage. The spa also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Les Bains de Marrakech: This popular spa has two locations in the city, one in the Medina and one in the Palmeraie. The hammam experience includes a body scrub with black soap, a clay mask, and a relaxing massage with argan oil.
La Sultana Spa: Located in a beautiful riad in the heart of the Medina, this spa offers a luxurious hammam experience with a black soap scrub, ghassoul clay mask, and a massage with fragrant oils. The spa also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Hammam de la Rose: This traditional hammam is located in the Medina and offers a relaxing and authentic experience with a black soap scrub, ghassoul clay mask, and a massage with argan oil. The spa also has a tea room where you can enjoy Moroccan mint tea and traditional sweets.
Hammam Dar el-Bacha: This historic hammam is located in a 19th-century palace in the Medina and offers a traditional and authentic experience with a black soap scrub, ghassoul clay mask, and a massage with argan oil. The hammam is also decorated with beautiful zellige tiles and intricate mosaics.
FUN FACT: Marrakech is home to the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco, with over 20 kilometers of stalls and shops selling everything from spices and textiles to pottery and jewelry. The market is a maze of narrow alleys and squares, and exploring it is a must-do experience for visitors to Marrakech.
6. Shop at the Souks
Shopping at the Souks in Marrakech is a unique and exciting experience that should not be missed. Souks are traditional marketplaces that have been an essential part of Moroccan culture for centuries. They are a labyrinth of narrow alleys and lanes that are packed with vendors selling a wide range of goods, including traditional textiles, spices, ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, and much more.
One of the most exciting aspects of shopping at the Souks in Marrakech is the thrill of bargaining. Haggling is a common practice in the Souks, and vendors often start with high prices, expecting visitors to negotiate a lower price. Bargaining is a fun and engaging way to interact with the vendors, learn more about the products, and immerse yourself in the local culture. It is also an opportunity to get unique and authentic souvenirs to take home.
Another exciting aspect of shopping at the Souks is the variety of products available. You can find anything from traditional Moroccan slippers and colorful fabrics to intricate lanterns and spices. The Souks are also an excellent place to try traditional Moroccan street food, such as tagine and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Shopping at the Souks is not just about buying goods; it’s also an opportunity to experience the local culture and meet the locals. The Souks are full of interesting characters, from vendors to street performers, and the energy and atmosphere are contagious. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe daily life in Marrakech, get a glimpse of the local customs and traditions, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
7. Visit the Majorelle Garden
Majorelle Garden is a stunning botanical garden located in the heart of Marrakech. It was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s and was later purchased and restored by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The garden features a beautiful collection of plants, including cacti, palm trees, and bamboo, as well as an iconic bright blue villa that serves as a museum of Berber culture. The garden is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city, and visitors can stroll along the winding paths, admire the vibrant colors, and relax in the shade of the trees.
8. Watch the sunset from a rooftop
Marrakech is known for its breathtaking sunsets, with the warm hues of the sky reflecting on the city’s red walls and buildings. Watching the sunset from a rooftop is a magical and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Marrakech’s beauty. From the rooftop, you can soak in the stunning views of the city skyline, the Atlas Mountains, and the bustling streets below. There are many rooftop terraces in Marrakech, some of which offer drinks and snacks while you watch the sunset, making it the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Here are my Rooftop Terraces recommendations:
Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier – located on the rooftop of the Cafe de France in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, this terrace offers stunning panoramic views of the square and the Atlas Mountains.
La Terrasse des Epices – located in the heart of the Medina, this rooftop terrace offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets below, with beautiful views of the city and a relaxed atmosphere.
Nomad – located near the Spice Market, this trendy rooftop terrace offers a modern twist on traditional Moroccan cuisine, as well as stunning views of the city and the Koutoubia Mosque.
FUN FACT: Marrakech is known for its bustling and lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which transforms into a vibrant hub of street performers, musicians, and food vendors at night. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” and attracts both locals and tourists alike, making it a must-visit destination in Marrakech.
9. Take a cooking class
Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, unique spices, and diverse ingredients, and taking a cooking class in Marrakech is a great way to learn more about it. Cooking classes are typically led by local chefs who will guide you through the process of preparing traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla.
The classes usually start with a visit to the local market, where you can select fresh ingredients and learn more about the local food culture. You will then return to the kitchen, where you will learn about the spices and techniques used in Moroccan cuisine and have the opportunity to prepare and enjoy your own meal. Taking a cooking class in Marrakech is a fun and immersive way to experience the local culture, learn new skills, and sample some delicious food.
Here are my Cooking Classes recommendations:
Faim d’Epices – located in the Medina, Faim d’Epices offers cooking classes led by local chefs who specialize in traditional Moroccan cuisine. The classes start with a visit to the local market and end with a delicious meal that you have prepared yourself.
La Maison Arabe – this luxury riad hotel offers cooking classes that focus on Moroccan gastronomy, with a variety of classes available for all skill levels. Classes are held in a beautiful outdoor kitchen, surrounded by gardens and fountains.
Souk Cuisine – located in a traditional Moroccan house in the Medina, Souk Cuisine offers cooking classes that are tailored to your preferences, with a focus on using local, organic ingredients. Classes are led by experienced chefs who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Moroccan cuisine.
10. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Marrakech, with its towering minaret visible from many parts of the city. It was constructed in the 12th century during the reign of the Almohad Caliphate and features stunning architectural details, including intricate geometric patterns and ornate tilework.
The mosque is also renowned for its impressive size, with a prayer hall that can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers. Visitors to Marrakech can admire the mosque from the outside or attend a guided tour to learn more about its history and significance. While non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque itself, the surrounding gardens and public spaces offer stunning views of the building and its surroundings.
In conclusion, Marrakech is a city that truly has it all. From its bustling markets to its tranquil gardens, there is always something new to discover. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s rich history, sampling its delicious cuisine, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant streets, Marrakech is sure to captivate and inspire. I hope that this article has given you some inspiration for your own trip to Marrakech, and that you will have the opportunity to experience all of these amazing sights and activities for yourself.
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