Marrakech, the rose city, is the obvious destination for your first visit to Morocco. With its sun-baked walls, tropical gardens, covered markets and a magical main square, it is a city just waiting to be explored and with nine UNESCO World Heritage sites there is certainly plenty to see.
It has wide Parisian-style boulevards in the new part of the city and narrow rabbit warren-like alleys within the old walls of the Medina. It’s fringed with palm trees, olive and orange groves and is sheltered from the fierce Saharan winds by the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. It is a bustling and energetic city that wears its Muslim heart on its sleeve with pride and shouts about its colourful influences including; Berber, Roman, Arab, French and even Andalusian.
Here our the top 10 things to do whilst in Marrakech…
1 – Bhaia Palace
Bahia meaning beautiful, sums up this impressive 150 room palace, which dates back to 1859, built by Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman.
2 – The Souks
The area of the Medina, just north of the Jemaa el Fna, is a network of souks, the endless alleyways with their tiny retail cubicles become more interesting the further you delve in. This is where Berber tribes once traded slaves, gold, ivory and leather. Now tourists and locals barter for everything from carpets to kaftans, cooked snails to spices, and clothing to baskets. The two main routes into the heart are Rue Semarine (aka Souk Semarine) which is the full-on bazaar route or Rue Mouassine which is calmer and leads to boutique shops (with their fixed and fair pricing).
3 – Le Jardin Majorelle
Le Jardin Majorelle, in the grounds of the former home of designer Yves Saint Laurent, is amazing. The colours and the cacti in this botanical garden are incredible.
4- Jemaa el Fnaa
The main square of Jemaa el Fnaa is just a big open space during the day with snake charmers, medicine men and soothsayers to entertain you. However, come back at dusk and the square becomes an open-air theatre of storytellers, acrobats, musicians and entertainers. It has been like this ever since this plaza was the site of public executions around AD 1050 – hence its name, which means ‘assembly of the dead’. When you want to escape the bustle, head up to a rooftop terrace, like the Café du Grand Balcon, for a great view over the square.
5 – Koutoubia Mosque
Walk through the luscious gardens around the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s most famous symbol. The minaret, built in a traditional Almohad style and topped with four copper globes is visible from near and far as local ordinance forbids any other building in the Medina to be higher than a palm tree, it towers majestically over its surroundings. Listen out for the regular call to prayer, which can be heard for miles around and use the tower as a ‘compass’ and focal point when scurrying through the mystical Medina maze.
6 – Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The former house of the French designer is now a museum and one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech. There is a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career.
7 – El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace, which although predominantly in ruins, and entirely reduced to its red pisé walls, is still breath-taking. The scale of the palace, its sunken gardens and impressive mosaics are well worth visiting.
8 – Saadian Tombs
Next to the Kasbah Mosque, the Saadian Tombs were forgotten about until 1917 when they were rediscovered by aerial photography. The lavish tombs were built in the 16th Century using pure gold and Italian marble.
9 – The Mellah (Jewish Quarter).
The Jewish quarter of Marrakech has undergone an extensive renovation programme and is an unexplored part of the city, but well worth a visit. Also make sure you stop at Al Azama synagogue and the Miara cemetery.
10 – Arset El-Mamoun gardens
The world-famous Arset El-Mamoun gardens just outside the Medina were established in the 18th century by Crown Prince Moulay Mamoun. Designed in traditional style with walkways, flowerbeds, orange groves and olive trees, non-residents who want to enjoy the gardens can visit by having a buffet lunch at the poolside restaurant, afternoon tea at Le Menzeh tea and ice-cream pavilion in the gardens, or on the back terrace overlooking the gardens.
Combine the city with more stops…
Marrakech is well connected to its surroundings. Team up your stay with other Moroccan cities for a multi-centre holiday with a difference. Travel first class inexpensively by train to Casablanca, Rabat & Fez in the North or have a few days relaxing on the east coast beaches at Agadir. Trek up in to the High Atlas Mountains for the experience of a life-time visiting the Berber tribes or lay low in a Gite in the foothills or even try out the ski slopes if you’re there between November & March.
The sun is always shining in Marrakech and from March to October it’s pretty difficult to avoid. There are lots of fabulous places to relax & unwind and watch the world go by. There’s so much to see & do with the famous gardens, tombs & palaces, so many more places to explore and so much more to write about…you’ll wonder why you didn’t stay for longer.
More guides you may like
- City Guides
- Morocco Guides
- Guides by this author
City Guides
Explore the majestic Canadian Rockies to the mind-blowing Niagara Falls, and all its vibrant cities and quaint towns.
Read MoreWhether you're looking for adventure, history, nature or world-class cuisine, Cape Town delivers on every level.
Read MoreWith so much to do in San Francisco, it’s tricky to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together our team’s favourites.
Read MoreIndia's Golden Triangle is an unforgettable introduction to the country's cultural splendour and colourful exuberance.
Read MoreMorocco
Top 5 Cities With The World’s Best Street Food Where To Tuck In (Hidden Spots And All)
Read MoreIf you're looking for an action-packed holiday, it could be a idea to go to a destination that allows you to get on some skis
Read MoreMorocco’s incredible landscape stretches from one sensational extreme to the next with flawless ease.
Read MoreOther Guides from this author
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
-
Steven
Friendly staff, great service. Sorted it all out for us, Chris was really helpful. Hopefully when we go in May we'll have no worries. Definitely use again
Posted 2 days ago -
Alison
This is the first time I have used this company and I am so pleased I found them. I couldn’t find any multi centre trips to Andalucia until I came across this company. It’s exactly what I wanted. From my first contact with them until I booked the trip I couldn’t fault them. Kelly was very efficient, friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. I would certainly recommend this company.
Posted 2 days ago -
Kadi
This is our 2nd time booking with Gavin. He organised our 1st teip to Thailand and now it is time to go to Vietnam. It is so easy and straightforward with him. He knows his stuff, recommends great places to go/see and is always after a great price for his clients. We will continue to book with eShores for custom made holidays.
Posted 2 days ago -
Arunkumar
eShores is great and Andy is brilliant!
Posted 3 days ago -
Carol
Found Kadie very efficient and helpful. This is the first time we have used eshores so hoping for a wonderful Greek Island hopping experience.
Posted 3 days ago -
SelinaMaria Rita
It was the team photo on eShores website that drew me to them - real people, who might actually care about planning my trip. I chose well - Dave Felton listened to what I wanted, and amazingly managed to work to my budget! Couldn't be happier with my booked trip to Australia in October. Thank you Dave.
Posted 3 days ago -
Anonymous
I was referred to Nick by a friend and found him to be extremely helpful. He listened to my requirements and provided an excellent service. I would definitely recommend Nick to others.
Posted 3 days ago -
David
Very quick and easy way to book a holiday online. Amendments were dealt with quickly and the whole experience was excellant. Loking forward to the holiday and hope that everything goes just as moothly!
Posted 3 days ago -
LisaJayne
Booked a trip with Eshore followingng recommendation from a friend. Really pleased with the service. Took the time to offer us a great itinerary.
Posted 4 days ago -
MatthewAllan
Hi. 10/10 Just booked our holiday via these guys. This was a highly recommended travel agent. So we contacted them. Told them what I wanted. They were able to beat all the quotes I was about to find. Always quick to get back to me. Will use these guys again.
Posted 4 days ago