The moment the traveler sets foot in Marrakech, he is awestruck by the contrast in colors-the ochre of its adobe city walls, and its bougainvillea-covered exteriors, from behind which great bouquets of palm trees and lush greenery burst forth.
take one look at the city of Marrakech and it’s easy to see why so many of us have a longing to visit this exotic realm. Poetically referred to as ‘The Daughter of the Desert’, this is a travel destination to awaken all your senses, from the vibrant colors of the buildings to the fragrances that fill the air throughout the renowned Marrakech souks. There are so many things to do in Marrakech that it can be hard to know where to start! Marrakech offers tourists sun, culture, amazing food and much more, which makes it no surprise that this city is at the top of so many people’s ‘must-visit’ travel destinations list.
Yes, Marrakech is an unforgettable experience, New discoveries await you every time you return-and many have returned never to leave.
The top things to see in Marrakech
Most of the city’s « unmissable » sights are to be found within the old city walls-The Koutoubia, the great square of Jemaa El Fna and the Menara and even more..are all symbolic of Marrakech.
The Koutoubia Mosque:
The Almohads started on the building of the Koutoubia in 1150, and it took them 40years to complete. Wit hits simplicity of design, highly sophisticated decoration, it is regarded as one of the Maghreb’s most beautiful monuments. It served as a model for two sister mosques, the Giralda in Seville and Hassan Tower in Rabat. The mosque becomes particularly gorgeous at night when it’s illuminated and covered in a golden light.
Jemaa el Fna Square:
If you want to truly understand and feel what Marrakesh is about, you should visit its main square. Jemaa el Fna is a place unlike any other. It is the living heart of the city and is on UNESCO’s Oral and Immaterial Heritage List. There are thousands of people filling up the square and an endless amount of captivating street performances and shows.
Menara Garden:
If it’s a bit of peace and quiet you’re after, then the Menara Gardens are just what you’re looking for. Located to the west of Marrakech and with views of the Atlas Mountains, these gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Saadian tombs:
The Saadian dynasty sultan Ahmad al-Mansur built lavish mausoleums with imported Italian marble and gold, zellige tilework, and intricately carved woodwork which was abandoned for centuries, and only rediscovered in 1917 via aerial photography. Today it has been beautifully renovated and is an easy one of the most popular historical sites and things to see in Marrakech.
The Ben Youssef Madrasa:
was built by the Saadians and is an undisputed jewel of Moroccan architecture which attracted students from throughout the Muslim world, make sure you go upstairs to look into tiny rooms that were once home to around 900 students.
If you go there early enough during the day, the inner courtyard will be absolutely quiet and peaceful.
The Bahia and Badi Palaces:
These palaces are probably the highlight of the touristic attractions in Marrakech. They are one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture, one of the major monuments of the country’s cultural heritage and one of the main places of tourism in Morocco. It’s absolutely worth to visit.
The Majorelle Garden:
This enchanting spot, a symphony of light and color, filled with exotic flowers and plant life. It was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, who came to live in Marrakech in 1922. It is probably Morocco’s most gorgeous botanical garden. Although Marrakech can be quite hectic, this garden is the best place to escape from the noise and chaos of the city.
The Yves Saint Laurent museum:
This captivating museum showcases finely selected collections of haute couture clothing and accessories that span 40 years of creative work by the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The aesthetically warped designed by Studio KO resembles woven fabric and holds a 150-seat auditorium, a research library, bookstore and terrace cafe serving light snacks.
The Old Medina:
The Medina is the center of the city, filled with winding alleyways, bustling squares, and souks. Touring the Medina will take you into picturesque palaces, busy markets, and mesmerizing mosques as you learn about the history and culture of this unique, ancient and UNESCO World Heritage-listed neighborhood.
Get lost in the souks of Marrakech:
There’s nothing like wandering through the medina’s souks if you want to get a real idea of the richness of Marrakchi craftsmanship and of the extraordinary know-how of the city’s master craftsmen. And As you walk through the back alleys and small markets, you’ll find handmade pottery and ceramic, leather products, bags and shoes, and beautiful wood crafts.
The Marrakech Palmeraie:
One of the most intriguing sites in the world is the Palmeraie, which has thousands of palm trees, just outside of Marrakech. And one of the best ways to experience this expanse of land is via a camel ride and quad bike where you can zip through ancient villages while soaking in the awe-inspiring views.
