Marrakesh is a sensory feast – it’s loud and colourful, the air thick with spicy aromas, and if you’re there in summer, or even spring, it’s all intensified by the pulsating Moroccan heat.
People press upon you, donkeys run beside you and voices call out for you to come in to their tiny shops (looking, they say, is free). It’s a gorgeous antidote to minimalism and the white, bland cleanliness we so often see at home. Stay in a riad near the Medina for a traditional experience or head to a hotel for treatment fit for a Moroccan royal.
To make the most out of a trip to Marrakesh it’s worth having some kind of rough idea as to what you want to visit and when. Some of the sights (and sites) can get busy, so a bit of minimal planning can ensure you don’t miss a thing.
So in no particular order, here’s a list of Marrakesh’s most ultimate unmissable spots:
1. The Souks
The Souks are Marrakesh’s answer to the mall – only so, so much better.
Shop around because many places offer the same stuff, but don’t expect to find a place once you’ve left – the shops are a maze that takes a fair few days to understand. Souks sell everything from magnets to vintage embroidered silk wall hangings. The best buys are vintage pieces which are more likely to have been authentically made and be of a certain quality.
Newer goods are sometimes shipped from overseas or may be of low quality. That being said – they can make good souvenirs. It’s absolutely essential you bargain: often you can get a product for half the price they initially offer.
2. Majorelle Gardens
A stunning oasis hidden off the edge of a dusty road, The Majorelle Gardens play host to vibrant blues and yellow walls that offset a huge variety of plants from across the world. Whilst some travellers believe these gardens to be a bit of a let down (they certainly don’t match up to some more famous European gardens), they do offer some respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Maison de La Photographie
A hidden gem in Marrakesh, the photography museum boasts stunning prints from times past. The black and white film shows the special quality of light that sometimes filters through wooden rooftops and catches the glint of silver Berber jewellery. If you want to take home some of the history that seeps from this place – you can. Those strapped for luggage space can buy up in the postcards, whilst those with some extra room can buy beautiful quality prints.
4. Ben Youssef Madrasa
One of largest Madrassas in North Africa, this beautiful building is attached to a mosque by the same name. The rooms are filled with art, but it is the architecture that will take your breath away.
5. Saadian Tombs
Despite being discovered in the 20th century, these tombs date back to the late 14th and early 15th century – which makes them a relic of times long past. But it isn’t only for their historic value that guests line up to see the tombs – the mausoleum is stunningly beautiful thanks to the abundance of zeliii (Moroccan tiles). While you’re waiting to see the tombs spot tiny kittens in the gardens – they overrun Marrakech – and locals often leave cushions, water and food out for them.
6. Hammams
Walking the streets of Marrakech in sandals can leave your feet dusty and body exhausted. For the authentic Moroccan experience head to a neighbourhood hammam. You’ll need a towel, mat and some clean undies. If you’re going luxe your hotel will probably have its own hammam.
7. Djeema El-Fna
Djeema El-Fna is the main square within Marrakech’s Medina. Day and night it is an exciting, if overwhelming, place to be.
Surrounded by the alleyways and souks that Marrakech is famous for, the Medina is where you can find musicians, snake charmers and soothsayers. Make sure you’re firm in saying no if you don’t want a monkey atop your shoulder or a henna tattoo- it’ll cost you. At night food stalls pop up and the tourist finds their place beside locals for a night of mint tea, tagines and other Moroccan fare.
When you’re on the streets don’t be afraid to purchase food treats – if you stick to cooked, vegetarian food you should be fine. An un-missable treat is the little, puffy, light coloured biscuits sold by women sitting on the street. They are cheap and delicious – the perfect snack when you’re trawling the souks.
Don’t pass up a freshly pressed orange juice either. Other favourites are deep fried eggplant and chips – they’re flavoursome and piping hot- oh and did I mention they cost about 50c AUD.
8. Koutoubia Mosque
The mosque is beside Djeema El-Fna and thanks to Moroccan law, is the tallest building in Marrakesh (and easily visible from most areas). Its gorgeous minaret lights up at night – though sadly non-muslims cannot enter.
Inspired? Explore Morocco trips with Gap Year World.