Marrakech has become a popular destination among tourists because of its exotic vibe and easy access from Europe. If Marrakech is on your bucket list, be prepared for a unique combination of culture, history, food, architecture, traditions, and unique energy that manages to balance the incredibly old with the new.

Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in central Morocco. It’s known as the Red City because of its warm terra cotta hues and is home to beautiful palaces, gardens and mosques, souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Its Vibrant walled medina dates back to medieval times and the Berber Empire.

Imagine the fragrant smell of rose water, orange blossom, and exotic North Africa spices combined with exhaust fumes and donkey dung.  Souks with aggressive haggling merchants selling their goods, densely packed with both locals and tourists manoeuvring their way through this bustling labyrinth of narrow walled streets.  People on motorbikes, bicycles, donkeys, and pushcarts making their way around pedestrians on foot.  This dance of organized chaos is a strange combination of ancient times and modern. An incredible mix of sounds smells and sites that are both amazing and overwhelming.

Many areas in the medina are specific to the goods that they sell. Herbalists, spice merchants, metal workers, leather tanners, tailors, food markets, as well as cheap souvenier souks, make up the majority of goods available. You will also find restaurants, riads, mosques, and Hammonds.

Top Things to Do

First time in Marrakech? For many of us, it’s a step outside of our comfort zones. Experiencing a culture as drastically different than our own can be as intimidating as exciting. For our first visit, I decided to hire a local guide through Viator.com to show us the ropes. For a very reasonable cost, we were given a 4-hour private tour of the medina Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque and gardens, and the Jewish Quarter. This tour checked several things off of our “must-see” list and made us more comfortable shopping and maneuvering the medina. Our knowledgeable guide patiently answered my many questions on his city’s culture, traditions, and history.  I recommend doing this on the day you arrive or the next day to familiarize yourself with the medina before exploring too much on your own.  If you’re interested you can find more information at this link:  Viator Marrakesh Guided Tour.

1. Explore the Medina

Be prepared to step back in time as you wander through this historic city center that was the hub of commerce for hundreds of years. Like a scene out of Aladdin, the architecture and bustling activity of these narrow walled streets will amaze you.

2. Visit Jemaa el Fnaa

This big open square in the heart of the medina is full of entertainers, snake charmers, henna artist street food and restaurants. It truly comes alive after sunset and is the central gathering spot for locals and tourists alike

3. Stay in a Traditional Riad

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house consisting of several floors with balconies overlooking a courtyard with a fountain. Most are adorned with traditional tiles, rugs, and Morrocan furniture. There are many in the medina converted into guest rooms that vary in price. Look for a Riad in a central location walking distance to Jemaa el Fnaa.

4. Enjoy the Koutoubia Mosque and Garden

This 12^th-century mosque is the largest in Marrakech. Not only a spiritual center but an architectural trendsetter for other mosques throughout the country. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque but can appreciate the architecture, history, and adjoining lush garden.

5. Tour the Jarden Majorelle

Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, this tranquil oasis is just what you need to relax and get centered again after spending time in the bustling medina. Discover over 300 species of plants and streams as you wander the gardens paths.

6. Take a Cooking Class

Make your way through the souq (which is a market) to gather all of the ingredients with your guide before entering a charming local riad and learning to make your own traditional Moroccan meal, including mint tea, tajine, and dessert. Enjoy your creation as you dine with fellow students in the bright, airy courtyard. We were quite happy with our cooking class experience, which we booked at:  Visit a Souq and Cook a Tagine

7. Go to a Hamman

Hammams or public bathhouses date back to ancient Roman times. With the introduction of Islam and the importance of cleansing before prayer, the Moroccan hammam has become somewhat spiritual in nature. Spending time in a warm steam room before lathering with traditional African black soap and scrubbing briskly with a kessa loofah followed by a cold rinse is the standard procedure. You can, however, opt for a Hamman spa and have the lathering, scrubbing, and rinsing done for you.  Add ons include mud packs, massages, and more. We really enjoyed a couples hammam and massage experience at  Assal Hammam

8. Watch the Sunset From a Rooftop Bar

Morocco is known for its stunning sunsets. Majenta, saffron, and deep purple are among the kaleidoscope of colors viewed on a typical end of day viewing. We were in awe as we enjoyed our adult beverage at the rooftop bar of La Salama restaurant. Just off Jemaa El Fnaa, this lively establishment offers cocktails and a full menu. It is not a place to go with your sweetie for a quiet romantic dinner, but a drink and appetizer while witnessing the splendor at dusk is a must.

9. Visit the Bahia Palace

Constructed in the late 19^th century, this palace demonstrates the essence of Morrocan style. Literally translated Bahia (beautiful or brilliant) took more than 10 years to complete. It was commissioned by the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed Ben Moussa to house his four wives, 24 concubines, and all of their children.

10. Have a Drink or Dinner

The Hotel La Mamouni is a luxurious hotel that may break the bank for most of us for a long stay, but it’s well worth a splurge for a meal or drinks. Be sure to make a reservation and dress up for the experience.