Things To Do In Marrakesh

Exploring Marrakesh: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Table of Contents

  1. Jamaa el Fnaa Square
  2. Bahia Palace
  3. Saadian Tombs
  4. Ben Youssef Madrasa
  5. Koutoubia Mosque
  6. Jardin Majorelle and Berber Museum
  7. Palace of Bahia
  8. Souks (Markets)
  9. Day Trips from Marrakesh
  10. Tips for Tourists

<a name"jamaael-fnaa">Jamaa el Fnaa Square

  • Location: Heart of the Medina, Marrakesh.
  • Atmosphere: Bustling square filled with food stalls, storytellers, snake charmers, and musicians.
  • Highlights: Traditional Moroccan cuisine, henna tattoos, spices, and local crafts.

<a name"bahia-palace">Bahia Palace

  • Location: Near Jamaa el Fnaa Square in the Medina.
  • Atmosphere: Beautiful palace showcasing a blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and Islamic styles.
  • Highlights: Ornate courtyards, intricate tilework, and stunning architecture.

<a name"saadian-tombs">Saadian Tombs

  • Location: North of Jemaa el Fnaa in the Saadian quarter of the Medina.
  • Atmosphere: Quiet and peaceful burial place for the Saadi dynasty.
  • Highlights: Lavish tombs decorated with gold, ivory, and semi-precious stones.

<a name"ben-youssef-madrasa">Ben Youssef Madrasa

  • Location: Near Bahia Palace in the Medina.
  • Atmosphere: Ancient Islamic college turned museum.
  • Highlights: Beautiful architecture, Koranic school, and a fascinating insight into the Islamic world.

<a name"koutoubia-mosque">Koutoubia Mosque

  • Location: South of Jemaa el Fnaa in the Medina.
  • Atmosphere: Majestic mosque and a symbol of Marrakesh’s heritage.
  • Highlights: Intricate architecture, stunning minaret, and panoramic views from the rooftop.

<a name"jardin-majorelle">Jardin Majorelle and Berber Museum

  • Location: North of the Medina in the Guéliz district.
  • Atmosphere: Beautiful botanical garden with a Berber museum.
  • Highlights: Unique cactus collection, colorful yuccas, exotic birds, and Berber artifacts.

<a name"palace-of-bahia">Palace of Bahia

  • Location: Near the Bahia Palace in the Mellah quarter.
  • Atmosphere: Magnificent palace showcasing a mix of Moorish, Andalusian, and Islamic styles.
  • Highlights: Ornate courtyards, intricate tilework, and stunning architecture.

<a name"souks">Souks (Markets)

  • Location: Throughout the Medina.
  • Atmosphere: Lively markets offering a wide variety of goods such as spices, textiles, leather products, jewelry, and more.
  • Highlights: Haggling for prices, discovering local crafts, and enjoying fresh Moroccan mint tea.

<a name"day-trips">Day Trips from Marrakesh

  • Ouarzazate: Known as the “gateway to the Sahara,” Ouarzazate offers stunning desert landscapes, Aït Benhaddou (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and film studios.
  • Essaouira: A charming coastal town known for its whitewashed buildings, blue doors, and beautiful beaches.

<a name"tips">Tips for Tourists

  1. Negotiate prices: Bargaining is expected in the souks and other markets.
  2. Dress respectfully: Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect when visiting mosques or religious sites.
  3. Stay safe: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid poorly lit areas or deserted streets.
  4. Try local food: Enjoy traditional Moroccan dishes such as couscous, tagine, and harira soup.
  5. Respect local customs: Learn a few words in Arabic or Darija (Moroccan dialect) to show your respect for the culture.