Marrakesh is a city which very well sums up whole of the exotic North African charm of Morocco. The name of the city provided the root for the name of the country itself which spells out the importance of the town since ages. Amidst the hustle bustle of the city core, you’ll find old and new blending and clashing with each other. This at times, make some tourists almost dizzy. Smooth shop touts and snake charmers both compete for your attention amidst the colorful and noisy bustle which encapsulates within it the vibrant soul of Morocco.
For those who enjoy shopping, the city is popular as a frenzied center for bargain hunting. Besides this, if you are a lover of art and history, the monuments and museums of the country are the most important places to see. However, if you are tourist who wishes to dive into the local culture, the Medina here offers Moroccan life in all the hectic glory. The city is also the doorway to the Morocco’s High Atlas region where you can relish on the scenic mountain beauties after the Marrakesh metropolis adventures.
· The climate may be relatively cooler in winter months so do ensure that you do pack with you extra layer of warm clothing.
· Gather all the necessary information about the place you are traveling to.
· Do not sit in a taxi without negotiating for the fare. It is always a good idea to book prepaid taxis only.
· Check for the reviews before visiting any restaurant or hotel.
· Do not book a room in any shady hotel.
· Do not go to a restaurant that is empty.
· If a restaurant follows a particular dress code, make sure you adhere to it.
· Do not get involved in any form of drugs.
· Always make sure you are nice and gentle to the locals here.
· Do not mistreat anyone.
· Learn a few words from the local languages prevalent here.
· Carry at least one proof of your identity with you.
· Keep your passport safe at all times.
· Do not flaunt your cash or valuables in the public place.
· Make sure you check the quality of the street food before eating.
· Do not drink anything other than bottled drinking water.
· Check for the seal of the water bottle before purchasing.
· Cross check the restaurant and hotel bills before paying.
Drinking is disapproved in public places however you can enjoy a drink in the bars and restaurants here.
Medina Souks
The labyrinth of Marrakesh, Medina or the Old City is the principal tourist attraction of the town. Its narrow alleyways are a potpourri of scents, colors and sounds. This indeed is going to be the sightseeing highlight of your trip to Marrakesh. You can wander here on and on until you finally feel yourself to be lost here. This town also offers a number of shopping opportunities where you can put on your bargaining skills on display. Make sure you barter well because the prices here are really escalated. Shoppers must also check out the Chouari (carpenter's) Souk, Cherratine (leather) Souk, Babouche (shoe) Souk and the El-Attarine (perfume and spice) Souk.
Djemaa El Fna
It is a huge square that is seen as the gateway to the Medina. Nestled at the heart of the Marrakesh life, Djemaa El Fna is a lively hub of storytellers, bric-a-brac stalls, fortune-tellers, musicians and snake charmers that never seem to be at rest. At this square, a spectrum of Moroccan life enfolds before you.
Koutoubia Mosque
One of the best places to see in Marrakesh is the Koutoubia Mosque. Given its striking, 70 m tall minaret that is visible to you even miles from here in every direction, it is a beautiful attraction. Mosque here was constructed in the year 1162 and is believed to be an epitome of Almohad architecture. Sadly, if you are a non Muslim you might not be allowed to enter the prayer hall but you can still check out the other sections of the mosque. Make sure you do not wear anything that is skimpy or revealing as it may be taken offensive by the people here.
Medersa Ben Youssef
Medersa is an Islamic school of learning. Built in the year 1565, the Medersa Ben Youssef was founded by the Saadians. It is till date the largest theological college in Morocco. The warrens of rooms here which has student cells were once a home to around 900 pupils, are clustered around the small internal courtyards just in one of those typical Islamic architecture. Some highlights that you cannot afford to miss here include the Kufic inscriptions, fine zellige tiling and the stalactite ceilings.
Saadian Tombs
Saadian Tombs are the burial grounds that have been in existence ever since the 16th century. It is a home to the 66 members of the Saadian dynasty that once ruled over the city from the years spanning from 1524 to 1668. Tombs here include those dedicated to the ruler Al-Mansour along with his successor and the closest family members. It is an incoherent scenic place that has the mausoleums set amidst the overgrown garden.
Bahia Palace
Marrakech Souks & Markets
A simple visit to Marrakech Souks and Markets is definitely going to be the best experience you will have in this city. Souk is a place where all the goods and merchandise of Morocco such as ornaments, craftwork, beautiful fabrics, jewellery and the carpets are sold. Souks has a unique capability of selling just about anything and everything. You can find everything from the Moroccan fabrics to the cheap souvenirs and the spices. One thing that defines Marrakech is its markets. In order to make the most of your experience, you must plan a visit to the Souks nestled inside the Medina walls of Marrakech. Here, you’ll find a myriad of beautiful items such as carpets, lamps and jewelry. Shopping for these items can be a good fun.
Museum de Marrakech
Your visit to Marrakech will never be complete without exploring the various unique museums located here. These museums very well present the vast collection of local art and craft including abundant historic works that by all means, deserve your attention. One important place to see here is the Museum de Marrakech. Set in a historic building, this building is worth a visit no matter whether you love museums or not. This building once happened to be the royal chamberlain Sidi Said’s mansion however at present the museum houses a vast collection of strange kitchen tools, carved doors, daggers and musical instruments. You can find an authentic collection of Moroccan artworks at display in this museum. If you are a lover of art and history, this place will certainly amuse you.
A traditional Moroccan Hamman
Hamman is actually a place where the Moroccans usually go every week to cleanse themselves by taking a bathe here. The idea is to take a bathe until your skin glows and looks free from all the negativity. It is a significant part of the life and beliefs of Morocco. Besides sightseeing, you can also visit this site if you enjoy steam bath or sauna. You can also treat yourself you a massage, body and skin treatments with the fragrant perfumes and the essential oils here.
Luxury Accommodations
Enjoy luxury holidays? Marrakech is your ideal go to place. Marrakech Riads are the premier guest houses where you can stay during your holiday to the city. Affordability and luxury assured by Marrakech Riad is incomparable. Riads are very beautifully designed in a manner that they come with a rich and cultured atmosphere. So, if you want to indulge in luxury without breaking a bank, this Moroccan city could be a great choice to make.
Moroccan Food
The delicacies and food of Morocco is simply delightful. Trying out the local dishes is indeed one of the best things to do. The cuisines here are tasty and rich given the huge variety in meat dishes, fish and tajines. You can find a number of sweets and pastries too here. Every dish here is made to be reminisced and relished by all. Don’t forget to the taste the couscous dawdles and the mint tea. These are not going to leave your memory even after you have left Morocco. There are a variety of restaurants here that serve the most authentic Moroccan delights in Marrakech.
Ancient Gardens
Majorelle Gardens is a magnificent 12 acre botanical garden found in the city. It is indeed the best places to see here. Here you can also check out the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, vast species of birds which are predominant in North Africa, groves of coconut, banana and bougainvillea. The garden is indeed very beautiful and definitely demands a visit. Besides this, there are also other ancient gardens that can be explored. One such garden is the beautiful Menara Gardens It is a 88 hectare oasis which has been in existence ever since the 12th century. A respite for the city residents, the garden is today a great tourist attraction. Here you can explore the olive, palm and fruit trees which surround the huge lake here. Refurbished during the 19th century, the garden has a green-tiled pavilion. It is also the most ideal destination to catch the glimpse of the leading Atlas Mountains.
Desert tours with Dunes & Desert: from dune buggies to camel rides
The unmatched and unbridled range of wacky outdoor activitiesadventure filled days, you can enjoy quad biking in any of the nearby grasslands. You can also take week long camel excursion tours to explore the deserts. These tours throw guests into the undulating sand dunes of the wild. For every adventure seeker, this visit can be preferable. It is one of the best ways and means to explore the city’s interiors – Western Sahara Desert.