The most appealing sights in Marrakech are the daily events, the markets and people going about their business. There are lots of charming cafés and restaurants offering great perches for people-watching. Additionally, the main square and some of the mosques and museums are well worth a visit.
Bert Flint Museum
Housed in the municipal theatre, this museum offers a good collection of costumes, jewellery, arms, musical instruments, carpets and furniture – all gathered together by Dutch art historian Bert Flint.
Dar Si Saïd Museum
A must-see while in Marrakech, this is one of the most attractive museums in Morocco. The ground floor holds displays of Berber jewellery, clothes, copper objects and more. For more information, call +044 44 24 64.
Djemaa El Fna (Jemaa-el-Fna)
This square is the centre of Marrakech, decorated with many performers ranging from storytellers and comedians to musicians, dancers, acrobats, drummers and fortune tellers. In the daytime, stalls line the area, selling fresh orange juice, nuts and dried fruit. After lunch, the entertainers enter the scene, and by 5pm, food stalls line up to prepare a variety of delicious cuisine. You will hardly be able to move around by 9pm, as all the performers fill the square. It is said that the square offers a glimpse of Marrakech life that has not changed since medieval times.
Koutoubia Mosque
The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque can be seen from anywhere in the city. The mosque is the tallest building in Marrakech and dates from the 12th century. The beautiful architecture is surrounded by massive gardens. Although the mosque is closed to non-Muslims, the gardens are worth visiting and entry is free.
Majorelle Garden and Museum of Islamic Art
Dating from the 1920s and owned by Yves Saint Laurent, the beautiful gardens offer a cool respite from the bustle of Marrakech. There are beautiful plants and trees here, along with sparkling pools of water that draw in lots of birds. The museum holds some fine examples of Islamic art and adds to the charm of the gardens.
Musée de Marrakech
Housed in a well-restored 19th century mansion, this museum offers displays of art, carpets, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts. It is best seen along with a trip to the nearby Ben Youssef Medersa, a former Koranic school. Also along the same road is the Koubba el Badiyin, the only surviving structure of the city’s founders, the Almoravids. You can buy a combined ticket for all three sights. For more information, call +044 390 911/912.
Sa’adian Tombs
These fascinating Sa’adian Tombs are one of the most popular attractions in the entire city. There are over one hundred graves scattered around the garden area, all of which are detailed with intricate mosaic designs. Over 65 members of the Sa’adian royal family are buried here. For more information, call +044 389 192.
Shopping
Indulge yourself by enjoying some retail therapy at a word famous souk. You won’t need to go very far before running into one. The most popular souks can be found around Djemaa El Fna (Jemaa-el-Fna). Don’t be afraid to wander around and take in all the sights, sounds and smells, but make sure you always bargain for the best prices! There are plenty of souvenirs and gifts on offer, from exotic spices and carpets to water mugs, brassware, clothing and jewellery. The coverings and the coolness of the stone houses surrounding the souks make them a good place to hide from the sun in the summer.
Visit the famous Moroccan tanneries
Although the tanneries in Marrakech are not as well known as those in Fez, you’ll still find enough to keep your attention for hours. Historically, dyes for leather were comprised of everything from pigeon guano to pomegranates, but today, you’ll find the dyes are mostly made of chemical pigments. The most interesting part of visiting the tanneries is seeing the process itself and the equipment used, neither of which have changed for centuries. The majority of work is crafted by local artisans and then sold in the Marrakech souks.
Visit the Menara Gardens
Escape the bustle of the city for a day and relax at the Menara Gardens. These gardens are often seen on postcards of Morocco and boast a stunning location at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Locals often gather here for picnics which add a certain buzz, but if you want a bit of tranquillity, visit the gardens in the late afternoon when they are at their most peaceful. Dating from the 12th century, Menara has around 30,000 olive trees set around a splendid water pool filled with fish. There is also a pavilion house dating from 1870.
Breathe-in the Scenery
Take your time to enjoy the fantastic views of the city. Clear days in Marrakech provide excellent vistas of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. There are many tall buildings within the city from where to take in these stunning views, although regardless of where you are in Marrakech, it’s hard to miss the striking backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Check out the city’s nightlife
You may not associate Marrakech with a lively nightlife but despite Morocco being an Islamic country, there is a laid-back attitude towards alcohol and bars and most tourist areas have numerous late night bars and clubs. Marrakech does in fact have a reputation for its nightlife, which includes bars, modern discos and lounges where you can view professional belly-dancing. Of course, the main attraction is the Djemaa El Fna with its street entertainment, cafés, food stalls and crowds. It is not custom to drink alcohol outside and you’ll find many rooftop bars will let you consume alcohol inside and non-alcoholic beverages on the terrace. The district of Guéliz is home to many of the city’s bars, restaurants, bistros and pavement cafés, along with nightclubs and discos.
Try your luck at a casino
There are a few casinos in Marrakech, mostly located in hotels, where you can take a gamble and roll the dice. Try the Mamounia Casino in the Hôtel La Mamounia (tel: +044 388 600) for roulette, craps and blackjack. Not quite as pretty but still functional, is the casino inside Es Saadi Hôtel (tel: +044 448 811). Entrance to both casinos is free but you must be dressed appropriately and be prepared for high stakes.
A nice friendly hotel with very helpful staff and a particularly enjoyable little bar area which was open until late. The centre was easily accessible by taxi but beware of the fraudsters that take yo...
