Marrakech (sometimes spelled Marrakesh in English), Morroco is best known for its red-hued walls, confusing complex of Souks, long history of trading and wonderfully aromatic street foods, available from the main Square (Djemaa el-Fna). Listen out for the haunting voices of the muezzins as they call the faithful to prayer five times per day in this extremely spiritual city.
As soon as you arrive in Marrakech, you will be transported into another world, just three and a half hours from London or nine hours from New York and yet still truly exotic. While the city is rapidly changing, it remains unique, with its muddle of narrow streets, frantic with activity and alive with the smells of North African street food.
Around every corner you will find something of interest, from artisan workshops to shady tranquil courtyards, buzzing street markets and bustling souks. Marrakech is a gateway to Africa, the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains, but is so worth a visit in its own right.
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Marrakech: A riad pool
Marrakech City Guide
Djemaa el-Fna (Jemaa el-Fna)
This is the Old Town’s main square and a wonderful place for people watching. Here you will find the evening market, as well as cafés and restaurants, street acrobats, snake charmers and henna ladies ready to decorate your hands. Sit on the roof terrace café and watch the fascinating spectacle of the market being set up in the late afternoon whilst enjoying a glass of mint tea. Although non-Muslims cannot visit the mosques of Marrakech, you will want to see the sun set behind the Koutoubia Mosque, which can also be viewed from the square.
Jardin Majorelle
An oasis of peace, shade and tranquility just north of the city. Famous for an impressive variety of palms and cacti planted by French painter Jacques Morelle, who took 40 years to create these gardens, they were restored in the 1980s and are open to the public. The lotus ponds are particularly beautiful and the gardens are also home to a museum of Berber culture.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace dates back to the late nineteenth century and is worth a visit with its extravagant mosaic tilework and beautiful courtyard fountains.
The Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs can be found down a narrow passageway off Rue de la Kasbah. This is the final resting place of Sultan Ahmed el-Mansur which was rediscovered early in the twentieth century.
Dar Cherifa
Dar Cherifa is a cultural center in a beautifully restored old riad deep in the ancient Medina. You may not find it easily, and don’t be shy about ringing the doorbell if it looks closed on arrival, but this hidden gem is well worth a visit for its mix of cultural activities, art exhibitions and cookery courses as well as a quiet café on the roof terrace.
Traditional Bath Houses
Visiting a hammam or traditional bathhouse is an experience not to be missed. The public bath houses offer separate facilities for men and women where you can be scrubbed to within an inch of your life if you so desire it. Don’t forget to take your own towel and flipflops. There are also a range of more expensive private hammams which offer a more relaxing experience akin to visiting a spa.
Budget Options
Riad Marrakiss
Riad Marrakiss is the best of the budget riads, with clean facilities and a nice roof terrace in a convenient location for the main square. All of the rooms are en suite and the hotel has air conditioning, a laundry and wifi.
Riad Adore
Riad Adore is a beautifully restored mid-range comfortable riad located in a fantastic location. You will certainly appreciate a dip in the swimming pool after a hot day walking around the Medina.
Riad Magi
Riad Magi is a gorgeous guesthouse from Origin Hotels. Full of color, charm and traditional Moroccan décor with a peaceful courtyard (complete with orange trees) and well equipped rooms. It won’t break the bank to stay here but don’t expect many straight lines in this quirky little hotel which is accessed via a maze of narrow streets.
Riad Moulay Said
Riad Moulay Said is the place to stay if a large pool is important to you and is located in the heart of the Medina.
Splurge Options
Maison MK
Maison MK offers contemporary style and comfortable luxury if you can afford accommodation at the top of the range. It also has an awesome restaurant (open to non-residents) and in-house beauty therapies.
Marrakech is a wonderful city for foodies, with options ranging from simple but delicious street food to high end cuisine.Local dishes to try include the slow cooked meat, chicken, fish or vegetable tagine, which will be stuffed full of wonderful flavors; the pastille, which is a pigeon pie with egg, almonds, cinnamon and honey; or harira soup made from lentils and chickpeas.
Djemaa el-Fna
No visit to Marrakech is complete without a look around the food stalls in the evening market in Djemaa el-Fna where you can try everything from steamed snails and sheep tongue to dried fruits, kebab and tagine. The food here is authentic and cheap.
Earth Café
If you are a veggie or vegan traveler then check out Earth Café, located a few minutes’ walk away from Djemaa el-Fna and offering vegan, vegetarian and organic food in a fun and comfortable environment. The food is delicious and the prices reasonable, but save room for dessert! Earth Café II has also recently opened, and offers a backup plan if required. Cookery classes are also available from Earth Café.
Al Fassia
The two Al Fassia restaurants are worth a visit, not least of all because all of the food is prepared and served exclusively by women, providing valuable employment and training for young women. Al Fassia Gueliz is the original and has a welcoming and cosy atmosphere while Al Fassia Aguedal offers a more formal dining experience, but both serve wonderful traditional Moroccan food, including vegetarian options. (Click on “Restaurants” on their website).
Kosybar
If you are a fan of Sex and the City you may like to check out Kosybar for either food or cocktails, as you may recognize it from the movies. It is slightly pricier than other options but is trendy with a decent bar scene, live music and a wonderful candlelit roof terrace, ideal for watching the sun go down. From here you can also view the Storks nesting in Place des Ferblantiers.
La Maison Dar Saada
La Maison Dar Saada in Derb Zaari, near Djemaa el-Fna, is one of the only licensed restaurants in the Medina, and as well as the main dining room there are two smaller more comfortable areas to relax with a drink.
- Dress Modestly – Morocco is a Muslim country and it is important to respect religious belief by dressing and behaving modestly, ideally for women this means that legs, shoulders and upper arms should be covered. Always carry a headscarf in case you need it, although these are not obligatory.
Women who do not dress modestly are at risk of experiencing some harassment or causing offense. Women should not smoke or drink alcohol in the streets, as the general assumption in Morocco is that only prostitutes would do this. If you follow these basic precautions Marrakech is a safe and friendly place to visit.
- Avoid Driving – You should avoid driving in Marrakech, the streets in the Medina are too narrow (and frankly a little confusing) and the traffic congestion can be bad. Walking is by far the best option within the Medina and you can use a beige-colored petit taxi to travel between the Medina and the New Town (but agree your fare in advance). Public buses are a generally safe and cheap option for going further afield.
- Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Caleche – Many visitors enjoy a tour of the Medina on a horse-drawn caleche, which you can catch at Place de Foucauld. Before you set off make sure you have agreed a price in advance and checked the horse’s front leg for a colored band showing it has received its biannual health check from SPANA, a welfare charity for working animals.
- Pick up a Street Map – Finding your way around Marrakech can be tricky so make sure you pick up a street map at the first opportunity. These are usually available from most hotels and riads.
Contributor: Amanda Williams, Website: Amanda’s Wanderlust
