With its fascinating architecture, lively markets and intoxicating aromas, many a wandering traveller has been put under the spell of Marrakech. On top of all that, it’s a great and affordable place to soak up some last minute winter sun.
Follow our itinerary of the best things to check out while visiting this soulful city!
Step inside the great architecture
Marrakech is filled with fantastic cultural landmarks, but the best place to start is the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Built in 1565 under the reign of sultan Abu al-Hassan, this is a former Koranic school and a true architectural gem – filled with intricate and colourful tiles that you could spend hours exploring.
Next up, venture over to the the Koutoubia Mosque. With its 70m high minaret, it is the largest and most visible monument of the city. You can’t go inside if you are non-Muslim, but the Mosque’s beautiful gardens are a great place for a sunny picnic lunch, before heading south to the marbled and honeycomb-tinted Saadian tombs.
Finally, learn about the history of the city by visiting the Museum of Marrakech. It is located in the heart of the old city and is perhaps the best example of Marrakech’s sublime 19th century architecture.
Head for the souks
In the narrow streets of the Medina, these maze-like shopping arcades are the best place to come and lose yourself in the scents, sounds, colours and charisma of Morocco’s third largest city.
Haggle over everything from handmade leather goods to aromatic Moroccan spices and sweet delicacies, all while sipping the complimentary mint tea the happy shop-keeps are graciously offering you at every market stall.
Stroll through the Jemaa el-Fnaa
During the day, the Jemaa El-Fnaa market square in the fortified old town is a relatively relaxed shopping spot. By the early evening, thousands of off-work Moroccans flock to the streets to shop and socialise.
Yes, you never really know what you’re going to get at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you can always expect a great and lively evening ahead, filled with belly dancers, snake-charmers, storytellers, herbalists, showmen monkeys… and the inevitable sound of camera clicks!
Take a breath of fresh air at the Jardin Majorelle
When the hustle and bustle of the market place becomes too much, head to the Jardin Majorelle for a bit of serenity amongst the cacti, exotic birds and the striking cobalt-blue villa at the garden’s centre.
Built in 1924 by Art Deco French painter Jacques Majorelle, and formerly owned by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, the dwelling has since been refurbished as the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.
In all its forms, roving through the Majorelle is like walking through an impressionistic art installation, with the garden’s selection of flora from over five continents certainly offering a breath of fresh air from all the city swarm.
Trek, climb or ski on the Atlas Mountains
Just a 90-minute drive south of Marrakesh’s city centre, you can be slipping into your skis and rushing down the slopes of the premier Oukaimeden resort in the Atlas Mountains – North Africa’s highest ski spot.
It might be a little bit rough around the edges, but this unlikely ski spot features all the necessities you need – including four-star hotels, restaurants, ski runs ranging from nursery to black and gear hire – all without the extortionate prices and crowds.
If you’re visiting out of the December-March ski season, these beautifully craggy highs and lows are worth exploring either by trekking foot or humpy camels.
Relax!
Once you’ve stepped around this labyrinthian city, you’ll want a bit of time to put your feet up and unwind – you are on holiday, after all!
Start by enjoying the luxury of a real hammam (known elsewhere as a Turkish bath), an experience in itself which will leave you totally relaxed and revived. Then treat yourself to a cocktail on one of the city’s rooftop bars. There’s a few to choose from, but Kosy Bar in the corner of the Place des Ferblantiers square offers the perfect blend of city views and tasty brews.
A trip to Marrakech wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a riad. Most of these traditional Moroccan palaces have been transformed into some of the city’s best hotels, hostels and restaurants, with their enclosed courtyards offering a welcome bit of cool during the sweltering summers. There are many you can visit, but Le Riad Monceau is a great all-rounder, whether you want to wine and dine, stay overnight, or just wander through the stunningly opulent grounds.
