Best Things To Do in Marrakech
Introduction
For the organized, logical traveler, Marrakech may seem like a nightmare. Its labyrinth of twisty alleyways is almost impossible to navigate, not that its array of snake charmers, fortune tellers, and spice sellers will let you go anywhere fast. The problem here isn’t the city; It’s your state of mind. Leave your structured daily routine behind and let the ebb and flow of Marrakesh draw you deeper into its colorful chaos. Start your visit within the salmon-pink walls of the Medina of Marrakech, which contrasts with the white, jagged peaks of the nearby Atlas Mountains and is the inspiration for the city’s nickname, the Red City. This ancient part of Marrakech houses the famous Jemaa El Fna square that brims with food vendors selling everything from sheep’s heads to snails beneath creamy awnings. From here, allow yourself to be lured down the shadowy alleyways to souks (or markets) filled with cones of burgundy-, auburn- and citrine-hued spices exuding an aromatic haze. Stroll past the carpet sellers with their cobalt-, jade-, and crimson-threaded merchandise and make your way to architectural marvels like the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. Should you desire a break from the Medina’s bustling streets, retreat to a hammam (public bath) or Majorelle Garden.
Major Attractions of Marrakech
The major attraction here is the city itself. Marrakesh’s vibrant colors, aromatic dishes, indecipherable sounds, and inimitable feel will linger in your memory long after you leave its corridors. Plan to spend most of your time in or around the Medina, Marrakech’s fortified old city, before testing your haggling skills in Jemaa El Fna. Marvel at ancient, elaborately decorated sights like the Saadian Tombs, the Badi Palace, and the Koutoubia Mosque. And don’t forget to save time for quintessential Moroccan experiences, such as camel rides in the desert and soaks in hammams (public baths).
Medina of Marrakech
The heart of Marrakech lies in its historic city center – a UNESCO World Heritage site. For centuries, the Medina acted as a political and economic hub whose influence radiated throughout the Middle East. Royals resided here, international trade took place, and cultures developed here. As you stroll through this 11th-century labyrinth of alleyways, you’ll see that Marrakesh’s history remains intact. The Medina of Marrakesh is free to visit 24 hours a day, but additional fees apply for items purchased on-site and guide services. Attractions found within the city center include the Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque. Be mindful of your belongings in the area since pickpockets frequently target unsuspecting tourists (especially in Jemaa El Fna). Also, consider using ALSA’s History Tourist Bus or a company’s numerous traditional routes to reach farther locales in the Medina, such as the Museum of Photography and the Medersa Ben Youssef. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s Medina of Marrakech page to learn more about this lively area.
Jemaa El Fna
It’s hard to miss Jemaa El Fna. Sitting at the center of the Medina, this open-air square stands as the city’s central gathering spot. By day, Jemaa El Fna hosts dozens of entertainers, from snake charmers to fortune tellers to herbalists. By night, the area fills with the aromas of piping hot couscous, grilled meats, and simmering vegetables from the food stalls. From the square, narrow alleyways lead intrepid shoppers through a maze of souks (markets) composed of spice vendors and carpet sellers who will stop at nothing to get you to buy something. Here’s a tip: Never settle for the original price. Half the fun of shopping around Jemaa El Fna is practicing your bargaining skills. Most hawkers will negotiate with you but walk away if you encounter a stubborn seller. Jemaa El Fna welcomes visitors 24 hours a day, but individual vendors operate at different hours. The square is free to visit (though extra charges apply for items purchased on-site) and can be reached by taking ALSA’s History Tourist Bus to the No. 15 stop. Multiple traditional bus routes (including line Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14, 15, 16 and 66) also stop by the square. Another option is to walk from nearby attractions like the Koutoubia Mosque, the Badi Palace, and the Saadien Tombs. Additional information about Jemaa El Fna is available on the attraction’s website.
Bahia Palace
The intricate Bahia Palace sits within walking distance of must-see sights like Jemaa El Fna, the Badi Palace, and the Saadian Tombs. This 19th-century palace exemplifies the lavish lifestyle of the Moroccan elite. Before it was accessible to the public, this property housed various Moroccan royals. Although the castle was ransacked in the early 1900s, members of the royal family continue to stay here occasionally. Meanwhile, visitors can check out the public areas of the property, which feature rounded entryways that lead to colorful mosaics and intricate latticework, as well as fantastic, shady walkways that guide you to vast, sunny courtyards and gardens. The Bahia Palace opens its doors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including on days when royal family members are staying at the property. Admission costs around 1 euro or 10 Moroccan dirhams (just over $1) per person. Gift shops, cafes, and other amenities are unavailable on-site, but several can be found nearby. To get to the property, plan to walk from other Medina sights or ride ALSA’s History Tourist Bus to stop No. 14. You can also reach the attraction via ALSA’s Nos. 6, 7, 9, and 20 lines. Find out more about the palace by visiting the attraction’s website.
Badi Palace
It’s hard to imagine at first glance, but during the 16th century, the Badi Palace was once a playground for Saadian royalty. Today, all that remains of the Badi Palace are picturesque sandstone ruins, the skeleton of a once wealthy home. But you can still envision the Badi’s grandeur as you stroll past the four sunken gardens and empty reflecting pools, walk beneath the 50 chandeliers and eight Venetian sconces in the prayer hall, and admire the 300,000 aluminum tiles that adorn the roof. The former palace also houses several objects from Koutoubia Mosque’s minbar (or pulpit) worth looking at. The Badi Palace is located just east of the Saadian Tombs and a half-mile southwest of the Bahia Palace. The palace welcomes visitors every day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and admission (which covers access to all areas except the minbar) costs 1 euro or 10 Moroccan dirhams (about $1) per person. You’ll need to pay an additional euro or 10 dirhams to access the minibar. There are no on-site facilities, and parking is not available, but visitors can take ALSA’s History Tourist Bus to the No. 14 stop. A few traditional bus routes also operate in the area. Learn more about the Badi Palace by visiting the property’s website.
Koutoubia Mosque
In the southwest corner of the Medina, within walking distance of the bustling Jemaa El Fna, lies Marrakesh’s most recognizable landmark, Koutoubia Mosque. Featuring intricate tile work, salmon-hued walls, expansive archways, and an impressive 253-foot-tall minaret (or tower), this 12th-century Moorish mosque has served as the model for several other notable religious sites, including the Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco, and La Giralda in Seville, Spain. Visitors of all faiths can check out Koutoubia’s plaza and gardens for free, while Muslims can also head inside the mosque without paying a fee. The mosque is open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. No additional facilities are available on-site, but you’ll find a variety of shops and eateries in the surrounding area. To reach the mosque, plan on walking from nearby attractions or hotels or take ALSA’s History Tour Tourist Bus to the No. 15 stop. You can also get to the sight via ALSA’s Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19 and 66 lines. For more information about the property, visit Koutoubia Mosque’s website.
Majorelle Garden
Regarding beautiful green spaces in Marrakesh, Majorelle Garden, situated northwest of the Medina, steals the show. The garden was crafted by French painter Jacques Majorelle (who lived in the Red City from 1923 to 1961). After he died in 1962, the property was bought by fellow Marrakesh-lover and late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, and it was eventually opened to the public after Saint Laurent died in 2008. In this garden, you won’t find the city’s typical desert setting: Thick bamboo, palm, and cactus groves shelter trickling streams, ponds filled with water lilies, and a bright blue water fountain that matches the adjacent Berber Museum are just some of the property’s features. An art gallery, a gift shop, a bookstore, and a cafe are also located on-site. Admission to Majorelle Garden costs 70 Moroccan dirhams (less than $8) per person; children 11 and younger enter for free. Tickets that include access to the garden and museum cost 100 dirhams (or about $11) each. Garden hours vary by month. From October through April, the property opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. daily; between May and September, you can visit until 6 p.m.; during Ramadan, the garden welcomes visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, check out Majorelle Garden’s website.
Museum of Photography
Consider checking out the Museum of Photography when you need a break from Marrakesh’s street hawkers and religious sites. Situated in the Medina by the Medersa Ben Youssef, this photography museum features roughly 10,000 original prints from photographers like Jean Besancenot, Joseph Bouhsira, and Pierre Boucher, many depicting various Moroccan scenes and landmarks. Collections with postcards, glass negatives, and documentaries, plus a library with 19th- and 20th-century works, are also available on-site. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. admissions cost 40 Moroccan dirhams (less than $5) per person. Children 11 and younger get in for free. To find out more, visit the attraction’s website.
