Things To Do In Marrakech
Because of the vibrant mixture of Arab and Berber traditions, Marrakech is remarkable. While exploring the crowded souks in the historic Medina, listen to the enthusiasm of stall owners as they brilliantly sing their own praises. While the call to prayer rises over the commotion of craftspeople working on their items and the aroma of spices lingering in the air, explore the maze of little alleys.
We’ve created a list of our top Marrakech activities that perfectly represent the spirit of this wonderful city. Explore magnificent palaces, take in the culture of mint tea, and marvel at the alluring architecture while staying in the greatest riads in Marrakech. But most essential, lose yourself in the chaos and travel back in time.
Here are our top things to do in Marrakech.
1 – Get lost in the central souks
The souks in the heart of Marrakech are narrow laneways filled with outdoor marketplaces. They give the medieval medina its unique liveliness since they are crammed with a variety of vendors. One of the most energizing activities in Marrakech is getting lost while wandering the souks. It’s like being transported back in time.
The metalwork area of Souk Haddadine is where pots, trinkets, and jewelry are made to the sound of tin being smashed. While Souk des Babouche is lined with endless rows of vibrant slippers, Souk Cherratine is filled with the perfume of newly created leather items. The wool dyeing souk Souk des Teinturiers and La Criée Berbère, the proud manufacturer of Berber carpets, offer the ideal photo ops.
Enjoy the amazing colors of the fabrics, the enchanting aromas of the colorful mountains of spices, the fine leatherwork, and the sparkling lights reflecting off the lanterns and colored glassware without worrying about this. Visit the major souk, “Souk Semmarine,” which is close to Jamaa el Fnaa. The classic spice souk, “Souk Place des Epices,” is a bit further away.
2 – Bahia Palace
The grand vizier of the sultan constructed this remarkable castle, which has 150 rooms, in the 19th century with the intention of making it the biggest palace ever. Discover the stunning stained glass windows and tilework, as well as the typical Moroccan design of the courtyards that are home to orange trees and fountains.
The Bahia Palace is one of the most opulent sights in Morocco, with an aesthetically attractive courtyard, beautiful woodwork, and an overabundance of Italian marble. It was initially constructed in the 1860s and afterward expanded and excessively restored in the early 1900s.
The courtyards of the palace are where the opulence of the building is best seen. Whitewashed gardens with central fountains reminiscent of Moorish architecture are filled with lush vegetation. The enormous Grand Courtyard, with its broad marble floor covered in geometric patterns and wooden galleries around it, is the pièce de résistance.
3 – Local Neighbourhoods of Marrakech
Being a small city, it’s simple to venture beyond the medina’s most well-known tourist attractions. While getting lost in the maze is one of Marrakech’s must-do activities, just beyond the city center, a very traditional way of living reflects true Moroccan existence.
Bab Doukkala, which is to the west of the Medina, is the other region to investigate. This historic area, which is still enclosed by medieval walls, is ideal in the late afternoon when vendors begin to unwind, shisha smoke hangs in the air, and the aroma of tagine emanates from nearby cooks.
4. Jardin Majorelle
One of the top tourist attractions in Marrakech and a must-see is this amazing, vivid blue mansion. Jaques Majorelle, the creator of this deep blue tint known as “Majorelle blue,” also designed the lovely home and grounds.
Majorelle Blue was still proudly featured after Yves Saint Laurent bought and refurbished the building in the 1980s. It’s a lovely complex to wander through. The museum dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent’s design work and the riveting documentary about his life was both appealing even to non-fashionistas like us. Additionally, the on-site restaurant is rather good. With green plants from all over the world that contrast well with the blues and yellows of the house, this definitely has the sensation of a tropical paradise.
5 – Jemaa-el Fna
Jamaa el Fna plaza, known across the world, is located in the center of Medina. This plaza is a unique experience to go through. As you weave between snake charmers, performers, and food trucks serving fresh juices, feel the heat hammering off the stone floor.
Choosing a location on the terrace of Le Grand Balcon du Café Glace will allow you to enjoy the drama to its fullest. The balcony, which is three floors above and just on the edge of the plaza, is in the ideal location to watch the Koutoubia Mosque’s sunset as Jemaa el-Fna comes to life.
When the sun goes down, the plaza comes to life with music, with flute players, dancers, and artists all showcasing their skills beneath the stalls’ sparkling lights. Don’t miss this wonderful display of Moroccan culture!
6 – Rooftop Restaurants
Most visitors to Marrakech have fantasies of expensive cocktail lounges situated over breathtaking vistas of the historic medina on roof terraces. That does exist, but you can also be seated next to a cluster of satellite dishes or squeezing under a heap of laundry to get to your table.
Nevertheless, it is a magnificent experience to go above the craziness of the medina and eat amid mosque minarets that stick above the clay rooftop in Marrakech.
7 – Stay in a traditional Riad
There is a real riad in Marrakech to suit every preference, from conventional to cutting-edge, romantic to practical. The tranquil retreat that is hidden behind the enormous studded doors and solid mud walls is the ideal antidote to the busy medina. Staying in a riad in Marrakech is a great experience. Riads are constructed around a central courtyard and often include beautiful gardens and water features that are encircled by lavish tilework.
The greatest riads offer a sense of authentic Moroccan culture that is sometimes lacking in hotels. Listed below are some of our top picks for riads in Marrakech.
A world of gorgeously colored tiles, intricate designs, and vegetation, usually centered around an idyllic swimming pool. A riad stay is undoubtedly a serene experience that offers a calm haven away from Marrakech’s bustle.
