A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Trawling the humming streets of Marrakesh in the afternoon sun will wear out even the most enthusiastic of explorers. When the sales pitches and the crowds get to be too much, it’s a lifesaver to know that tranquillity and cooler temperatures can be found in one of the many garden spaces only a walk or taxi ride away from the walled medina.
Marrakeshis like an excited child that takes you by the hand and wants you to come and play. Tugging at your sleeves, the city pulls you into souks and drags you down side streets to explore all of the irresistible colours, perfumes and flavours.
When French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent saved Jardin Majorelle from property developers in 1980, he couldn’t possibly have imagined how popular this garden in Marrakesh would become.
The dazzling souks of Marrakesh are teeming with beautiful objects to be taken home; colourful spices, walls of brightly lit lanterns, and radiantly patterned ceramics, to name a few. These simple haggling tips will help you secure a fair price while making unique purchases. Just remember to leave space in your suitcase.
Marrakesh is a city that fizzes with life, where the default-blue of the sky sings against peach-gold architecture. Whether it’s your first visit or your 15th, the technicolor souqs and the street theatrics of Djemaa El Fna, the city’s main square, exert a magnetic pull, perpetually filled with movement no matter the time of day.
With Ramadan generally meaning a wind-down all over the Muslim world, you might expect that the red city of Marrakesh shuts up shop for the month, but that isn’t exactly the case. While the holy month means that many in Muslim-majority Morocco will be fasting during daylight hours, that doesn’t mean that Marrakesh is in any way off limits (though it might make finding an end-of-the-day beer a bit harder).
Marrakesh is not necessarily known for its drinking scene; the majority of restaurants in the city won’t offer a wine list with your menu. However, this doesn’t mean your visit has to be totally dry. The red city’s confluence of themed bars, smoky pubs, and rooftop getaways means this cosmopolitan desert wonderland can indeed quench your thirst.
GoTravelDaily Local Chris Griffiths has been photographing Morocco for over four years and has now settled in Marrakesh, attracted by the historic architecture and dynamic creative scene. Navigating through the maze of the medina, he’s typically on the lookout for affordable eats, a break from the hustle, and captivating photo opportunities.
Marrakesh is no stranger to tourists, and travellers flock to the rose-hued city to discover the medina, scour the souqs for treasures, admire traditionalzellige(colourful geometric tiles) on ancient mosques and savour local flavours at the food stalls of Djemaa El Fna. With the threat of overtourism encroaching on the red city, it’s imperative that travellers leave a minimal footprint as they wander Marrakesh’s labyrinth.
Marrakesh is undeniably a visual feast! One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting Morocco, especially Marrakesh, is the sheer vibrancy and colorfulness that the city boasts.
The first time my husband and I went to Marrakesh was on our honeymoon, March 2020, shortly before COVID was declared a global pandemic.
Marrakech is one of the vibrant cities that frequently appears on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. With its energetic lifestyle, bustling Souks, and aromatic Moroccan cuisine, it is the ultimate destination for those in search of unique stays!
A triangular plaza at the heart of the Marrakesh medina, Djemma el Fna is the epicenter of Morocco’s most iconic tourist destination. Serving as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, this square has fostered cultural exchange in Marrakesh since the city’s foundation in the 11th century. With the souk to one side and terraced cafés, gardens, and public buildings to the others, Djemma el Fna buzzes with energy from dawn to dusk. It is the ideal spot to people-watch, sample authentic Moroccan street food, and admire entertainers who have mesmerized crowds for centuries.
The Moroccan city of Marrakesh is rich with captivating historical architecture. One of the most intriguing sites is the Saadian Tombs, situated just outside the medina walls near the renowned Koutoubia Mosque. Constructed during the reign of Sultan Ahmad el Mansour in the 16th century, these tombs are now an essential attraction for visitors worldwide.
Located to the south of Marrakesh’s historic medina, El Badi Palace was commissioned by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad el Mansour towards the end of the 16th century. Its Arabic name roughly translates as “the incomparable palace”, and indeed it was once the most splendid edifice in the city. Although the palace is now a shadow of its former glory, it nevertheless remains one of Marrakesh’s most famous sights.
In addition to its bustling souks and mouthwatering Moroccan cuisine, Marrakesh is known for its historic architecture. Although not the oldest of the city’s landmarks, El Bahia Palace is nevertheless one of the most beautiful. Fittingly, its Arabic name translates to “brilliance.” Located in the medina near the Mellah, or Jewish Quarter, it offers a stunning example of imperialAlaouitearchitecture.
Colorful, chaotic, and steeped in history, the imperial city of Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s most popular destinations. Moreover, it’s an excellent base for exploring the rest of the country, especially due to its remarkable railway connections. From Marrakesh’s easily navigable train station, you can travel to other major cities including Casablanca, Fez, Tangier, and Meknes. As well as being incredibly efficient, Morocco’s trains are considered clean and safe. Tickets are also affordable, making this one of the most budget-friendly methods of traveling around the country.
The most famous of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Marrakesh is filled with must-see attractions. Founded in 1062, its history is reflected in a wealth of fascinating mosques, palaces, and museums, each with its own stories to tell. In the walled medina, visitors can watch artisans practicing skills that have remained unchanged for centuries and purchase their products in the bustling souks. Luxury riads, tranquil gardens, and annual arts festivals make up some of the city’s modern attractions. This article explores 10 of the best ways to spend your time in Marrakesh, from sampling traditional street fare in Djemma el Fna to learning how to prepare Moroccan meals at one of the city’s culinary schools.
Discover the vibrant city of Marrakesh, a captivating destination nestled at the foot of the Atlas mountains. Known for its rich history, cultural significance in Morocco, and sensory experiences, Marrakesh promises an unforgettable adventure.
Marrakech truly epitomizes the exotic. Often referred to as the “Red City” due to its vibrant pink-hued walls, Marrakech is an enchanting fusion of ancient traditions and modern flair. Nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in Morocco, this city brims with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural marvels. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler returning for more, here’s a curated list of the best things to do in Marrakech that promises a journey like no other. Dive deep into the heart of Moroccan culture and uncover the treasures that lie within this mesmerizing metropolis.