Your Tour de Maroc should not be limited to Marrakesh, although this stop is a must, don’t miss out on venturing into the Atlas Mountains, visiting the capital city of Casablanca, and quaint cities like Fes and Essaouira.
What to Expect
Marrakesh is one of those cities with a reputation. Some love it, and others wouldn’t consider a re-visit. While planning our trip we got a lot of feedback that many had gone and were left disappointed with the atmosphere and the overall interactions with locals. This is understood, since as many as 3 million tourists visit the city of 100,000 residents every year. Their entire economy is tourist-centered and with that comes the expectation that all visitors are to spend money.
The red city, as it’s known, is a burst of energy with an eclectic modern-Berber vibe. Be ready for chaos – the good kind and the bad kind. In many occasions, interactions between tourists and locals are forceful – hagglers will hassle you to buy souvenirs and trinkets, old ladies will invite you for tea and will try to sell handicrafts, men will offer to help you find your riad in exchange for money, and taxis and tuk-tuk drivers will make up fares as they see fit, and so on. Just be prepared to be firm, say ‘no thank you’ and keep it moving.
Frankly speaking, some places felt like we landed in an episode of the Devil Wears Prada that was being filmed in the bustling markets of Mumbai. With this dynamic in mind, we feel like if you set your expectations correctly you won’t be disappointed.
Tips to Plan a Visit to Marrakesh
Although most restaurants accept credit cards, having enough cash to get around for purchases, transportation and entry fees is a must. Be sure to exchange your money at the airport to avoid the hassle later on. If you prefer to do it later, don’t fret there are several exchange booths in the city.
Do grab a local sim-card before heading out of the Menara Airport. You’ll need internet to navigate the medina, otherwise download an offline map to make things easier.
Dress appropriately, after all this is a desert city and the temperature can get quite high. Ladies, stay modest and pack airy long dresses or pants.
Know one of three languages: Arabic, French or English. Again, the nice thing about Marrakesh is the diversity of tourists that come through every year. Everywhere you go, menus and signs will be displayed in three languages for ease of communication and reference.
Where to Stay in Marrakesh
Where do we begin? There are thousands of riads, or authentic Moroccan homes transformed into hotels, in Marrakesh that are top-notch! The trick is finding a riad that is centrally located or adjacent to a main road to avoid walking through the dark alleys of the medina at night. We stayed at several riads and hotels during our visit, and although all of them provided superb hospitality, the location wasn’t always the best. Here are our top picks for comfort and location. If you prefer Riads, which most of us do, check out Riad Le Pèlerin, Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis, Riad Idra, and Dar Mo’Da.
For Hotels, we absolutely loved the ambience and locations of El Fenn Hotel and Rooftop! If your budget allows, La Sultana Hotel in Kasbah is a little further out from the medina but it’s incredibly accessible and the hotel itself is stunning.
What to do in Marrakesh
Now that expectations are set, let’s talk about the many surprises that await you on your trip to Marrakesh. First off the terraces, lots of them, hundreds of them really. The most beautiful landscapes of the city will require short stair-hikes on the rooftops of the cafes and museums.
Secondly, the jardins or gardens. Intertwined in the cityscape are tens of green spaces that have been transformed into museums and restaurants.
And lastly, the plethora of art – whether it is skilled leather-handicrafts, hand-woven straw décor, photography exhibits or the mere beauty of the architecture sprinkled in Marrakesh, there is art everywhere.
The Medina and its Many Squares
The Medina
The old town is a beast on its own. You can get lost for hours, literally, in the winding streets of the medina. You’ll find that tourists and mopeds navigate the narrow roads at the same time, making it far from a graceful walk but nonetheless a very authentic Marrakesh experience. Just hold on to your hats and purses and all will be well.
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The main square of Marrakesh, Jemaa el-Fnaa is the epi-center of the old city. It’s a unique concentration of local vendors, performances, music and cafes. Frankly, it’s not a fan-favorite because it can quickly become overwhelming. We recommend walking around during the day, and stopping at Le Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier for a beautiful landscape of the square.
Place des Épices
A much smaller square than Jemaa el-Fnaa, but easier to navigate and enjoy. Here you’ll find many shops selling Argan oil products and authentic Moroccan spices like Ras-Al Hanout, which is used to marinate chicken, fish and other proteins – of course typically served with a side of couscous. While you wander around the small market, head over to the famed Café des Épices for a quick bite or refreshing drink!
The Famed Mosques, Museums and Gardens
Koutoubia Mosque
The symbol of Marrakesh and the center of the city, in fact it’s the first thing you’ll see when driving into the city. The mosque dates back to 1147 when the city was conquered from the Almoravid dynasty (the imperial Berber Muslim dynasty). Koutoubia likely inspired other Islamic architecture from that era, most notably the Giralda of Seville.
Ben Youssef Madrassa
Historically, one of the largest Islamic teaching schools in Morocco the madrassa is an icon of Andalusian-Arabic built in the 14th century. Now a museum, the former school has 130 cells built to accommodate the almost 900 students. It’s an absolute gem to walk-through; the extravagant décor and architecture are beautiful and are a wonderful example of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Le Jardin Secret
In the heart of the bustling medina, is a quite literally an intimate of haven of exotic plants, trees, and flowers. The historic palace compound also houses a riad open for guests to experience an authentic Moroccan stay. This was by far one of our favorite stops in Marrakesh!
Jardin Majorelle
An extremely stylish oasis, and one of the top-most visited attractions in Morocco. The Jardin Majorelle was bought out by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in 1980 to preserve the original vision of its owner. The one-hectare botanical garden surrounding the blue art deco villa and studio is home to hundreds of plant species from five continents! As you can imagine, swarms of people visit the gardens every day – you have to get your tickets ahead of time!
Bahia Palace
One of the more modern structures in Marrakesh, Bahia Palace was built in the 19th century. It was meant to be one of the greatest palaces in Morocco; which is quite evident as its decorated with stunning stuccos, paintings, tiles and mosaics. As you step into the different quarters, take a step back and just look at the magnificent ceilings!
Badi Palace
El Badi Palace, which translates to the incomparable palace was constructed over 15 years starting in 1578. The palace is decorated with materials and artifacts from different countries; an ode to the Saadian dynasty and their two-century rule in Morocco and parts of West Africa. Its most beautiful feature is its four grand and sunken gardens in the center of the courtyard. Today, the complex is used to display many exhibitions and sometimes concerts!
Unusual Suspects
Apart from the traditional tourist attractions, Marrakesh is full of small galleries and museums to be explored. Here are some of our favorite unusual stops to check out in the city.
Women’s Museum
Locally known as Musée de La Femme, this tiny museum is dedicated to none other than female pioneers that transformed Moroccan society. The three floors host different exhibits, if you’re lucky you can enjoy a display of Hafida Zizi’s naïve art – a fan favorite.
The House of Photography
Another quaint museum in the heart of the medina displaying a plethora of images dating back to the 1870s. The photographs commemorate traditional Moroccan lifestyles in different regions, time periods and the evolution of city life across the country.
Menara Gardens
No surprise here, more gardens! On the outskirts of Marrakesh, the Menara Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 12th century. In the center of the 100-hectare land, there’s a beautiful and striking artificial lake. On a clear day, you can see the Atlas Mountains in the background of the pavilion!
Other sites that may be of interest are the Anima (André Heller Garden), Dar Si Said Museum (the oldest museum in the city) and Dar El Bacha museum and coffee house.
Where to Eat in Marrakesh
Ah the options! You can never go wrong with traditional couscous whether vegetarian, lamb with prunes or chicken with olives. We’re certain that regardless of where you chose to dine, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. Ambience is really the unique factor in finding the right place to enjoy a meal. Here’s a list of our favorite places in order: Le Trou Au Mur, Nomad, Le Jardin, Le Tanjia, Mandala Society and L’Mida.
