City trip to colorful Marrakesh
OtherMarrakesh is a city full of colors and scents, located in western Morocco. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. A royal city is a city that was declared the capital by the king in the past. This means that during that period, many mosques and palaces were built in the city, many of which can still be visited. These cities also have a walled city center, called the medina.
Transport in Marrakesh
There are no cars in the medina, the old city center. Walking will be the primary mode of transportation. You'll also see many scooters cruising the medina's narrow alleyways. You'll also see people on donkeys or with carts transporting various goods. Outside the medina, you can take taxis. It's helpful to download offline maps beforehand, as many streets in Marrakech don't have nameplates, making it easy to get lost in the maze of streets. If you get lost, ask someone in a shop or restaurant for directions so you don't have to haggle with someone on the street over the price.
Where to stay
It's recommended to stay in a riad when visiting Marrakesh: a traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard garden. These houses used to belong to the more affluent. From the outside, you often don't see the beauty that lies behind the doors. Some riads also have a cozy rooftop terrace where you can enjoy breakfast or coffee with a stunning view of the city.
Things to do in Marrakesh
Shopping for colorful souvenirs
A souk is a traditional Arab market that often takes place outdoors, but can also be covered. In Marrakesh, you'll see both improvised roofs made of canvas, bamboo, or thatch, as well as "real" roofs and open-air souks. You'll be amazed the first time you walk through the streets. Marrakesh has countless shops selling various goods such as ceramics, textiles, leather, and spices. It's no exaggeration to say you'll want to leave room in your suitcase when visiting Marrakesh, as there are so many beautiful souvenirs to be found. Prices aren't fixed, but are always subject to negotiation (so keep this in mind).
Visit beautiful buildings
As mentioned in the introduction, Marrakesh is a royal city. It has several beautiful buildings you can visit.
Medersa Ben Youssef
One of these buildings is the Quranic school: Medersa Ben Youssef. This building was built around 1570 and restored in 1950. Originally, there were 130 "cells" in the building, where the students were housed. The building is beautifully decorated with cedarwood, marble, and vibrantly colored tiles.
Bahia paleis
The Bahia Palace is also beautifully decorated with cedar wood, stained glass, marble, and colored tiles. Construction of the first section of the palace began in 1859. The palace consists of several courtyards and 150 rooms, some of which are open to the public. The palace is especially known for its beautiful rear courtyard.
El-Badipaleis
The El Badi Palace was built by order of the sultan in 1578. The building likely contained 360 rooms and was richly decorated with gold and marble. The ruins surround a large courtyard with a pond.
Strolling through the squares
For carpets and wicker baskets, you'll find them around and in Rahba Kedima Square. It's a charming and relatively small square compared to the nearby Djemaa el-Fnaa. This 500-meter-long square offers everything from spices and fruit to musicians and snake charmers. If you need a break from the chaotic hustle and bustle, you can relax on one of the nearby rooftops.
View from Café Des Épices
For a delicious lunch, coffee, or tea, this is the perfect place. It overlooks Rahba Kedima Square.
Cycling through the old and new city
A fun way to get to know the city better is by taking a bike tour. We booked this with Pikala Bicycle Atelier. The guide will take you not only through the city's tourist areas but also to places you wouldn't normally visit. For example, you'll visit the "bakkerij": a building with an oven where locals come to have their breads or tagines baked.
Viewing plants in Jardin Majorelle
The Jardin Majorelle botanical garden was designed by a French artist in 1924. Here you'll find cacti, tropical plants, and ponds that complement the cobalt-blue walls. Despite being one of the most famous sights in Marrakesh, you can still experience tranquility here.
Dining in the Agafay Desert
Thirty kilometers outside Marrakesh, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, lies the Agafay Desert. While you might think of sand when you think of a desert, there's no sand to be found in this (rocky) desert. A desert is an area that receives less than 200 millimeters of rain per year. It's a beautiful area that you definitely should visit when visiting Marrakesh. Various tours can be booked that will take you into the desert. You can cool off in a swimming pool, ride a quad bike or camel (usually dromedary), dine, or even spend the night.
Hiking through the Atlas Mountains
Another unmissable day trip from Marrakesh is a visit to the Atlas Mountains. From the mountains, you'll have stunning, expansive views of rock formations, lush trees, and sometimes even snow-capped peaks. At the foot of the mountains, you'll find numerous riverside restaurants with colorful cushions where you can relax after a day or several hours of hiking. There are also many souvenir shops in the villages surrounding the Atlas Mountains.
Eating and drinking in Marrakesh
You'll be drinking a lot of tea when you're in Marrakesh. It's often served tall. If you don't like sweets, ask for tea without sugar. Keep in mind that alcohol isn't available in every café or restaurant. If you do want it, it's a good idea to check the menu beforehand. On weekends and public holidays, it's advisable to make a reservation, as many restaurants fill up quickly.
Here are a few of my tips:
The Moorish Kitchen & Coffee
On this cozy, but quiet, rooftop terrace you can have lunch and/or drink coffee.
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Naranj
While the couscous and tagine dishes are delicious, this restaurant is also highly recommended if you're looking for something different. The menu features a variety of Lebanese dishes.
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Dardar Rooftop - Cocktails & Eat
In this atmospheric restaurant you can enjoy your drink either on the roof terrace or inside.
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Pointbar
You'll find Pointbar in the new city center. Here you can enjoy a drink in the courtyard or listen to music from the DJ inside.
View on Google MapsMarrakesh combines colorful markets, historic buildings, and surprising nature for a city trip full of discoveries (and souvenirs).
Useful information
Official language: Arabic (many people in Marrakesh also speak French)
Currency: Moroccan dirham
Area: 230 km²
Best time to visit: In the spring or autumn. Although Marrakesh is a year-round destination, it can get very hot in summer, averaging 38 degrees Celsius, sometimes reaching 45 degrees Celsius. Marrakesh is also a pleasant place to visit in winter, with temperatures averaging 20 degrees Celsius. If you're visiting in winter, keep in mind that evening temperatures can drop to around 7 degrees Celsius.
