Marrakech enjoys the benefit of being a Makhzen city, which is to say, imperial, like the cities of Fes, Rabat, and Meknes, and the several kings that have inhabited it has enriched it. Additionally, it possesses the unique distinction of being the nation’s name. One of the most significant Moroccan cultural hubs in Marrakech. It is also Morocco’s tourist hub and the country’s primary travel destination. The city is also quite vibrant and well-known for, among other things, its markets and festivals.
According to legend, when the Koutoubia was constructed in the center of this city, it started to bleed and was colored red, the hue that dominates the city and its neighboring homes as well as the country’s flag. We outline everything you need to know about this city in the lines that follow, including what to visit in Marrakech and advice on picking a hotel and airfare.
Although its beginnings are unknown, it is generally agreed that the city was founded as a military camp around 1070 by the famous Almoravid chief Abu Bekr. Yusef Ben Tachfin, his cousin and successor, started the process of turning the undeveloped oasis into a metropolis befitting of his kingdom, which spanned from the Atlantic to Algeria and from the Sahara to the Ebro. The first building projects were almost completely replaced after the Almohad conquest by new ones, many of which are still beautiful today.
The renowned Marrakech Jemaa el Fna square is located in the heart of this vibrant city. The representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, maintained by UNESCO, includes this cultural area, also known as Jemaa el-Fna Square. This vast open area, which is inside the city’s historic district, is home to jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and a wide variety of amiable lunatics.
Its souks (markets) are known for being some of the best in the nation. Because of this, tourists select Marrakech as one of their top destinations.
We advise you to properly explore Marrakech in order to fully understand its history as well as its rich cultural and aesthetic heritage.
The warmer months are the best time to visit Marrakech. The best months to go are from September through May to avoid being overheated. Early June, when the city’s largest cultural event is held, can also be a great time to travel there.
By plane: The distance between the city center and Marrakech International Airport is only 6 kilometers. Low-cost carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling are also authorized for flights to Marrakech, linking many locations across the world with this airport, in addition to Iberia and Royal Air Maroc. Scheduled flights are fairly affordable from everywhere.
Taxis or private transfers are the most convenient ways to go from the airport to the city center. The cost of a cab ride from the airport to the medina is approximately 80 MAD during the day and 100 MAD at night. Remember that much of the medina is not accessible by car, so if your lodging is there and the cab cannot get there, you will have to leave and complete the remainder of the route on foot. With a private shuttle, you won’t have to haggle like you would with cabs and you’ll be accompanied to your hotel.
By driving: In addition to taking a trip to Marrakech, you can also choose to rent a car and drive to the city. This option gives you more freedom and enables you to visit all the villages along the way. Of course, if you so choose, you can drive across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco in your own vehicle. Driving your own vehicle is a great choice if you intend to stay in Morocco for an extended period of time because it will be less expensive than renting one there.
By train: Marrakech is connected to Casablanca and other major cities by railway lines, and the train drops you down close to the city’s heart (in the new part, not in the medina). Prices are moderate (check timetables on the Moroccan Railways website).
This inland city is regularly connected to Casablanca and Rabat by train and bus services.
It is a city best explored on foot because the majority of its top attractions are found inside the medina, or old city, which is easily accessible by foot and largely off-limits to motorized traffic. It is crucial to obtain a precise map of the medina, which we can receive in our hotel, as Marrakech’s urbanism is a maze, making it difficult to explore on foot. It takes around 30 minutes to walk from the ancient city to the new city, which was constructed in the nineteenth century during the French dominion (medina). There are various ways you can get about the new city:
You won’t find a map of Marrakech that shows where the bus stops are, so it’s better to ask at your hotel. The two that stand out the most are number 11 from Jemaa el Fna, which takes you to the airport, and number 19 from the business Alsa. You may get to the train station by dialing numbers 3, 8, and 10.
They are little taxis that will take you to various locations within the city for a very low fare; they come in handy when traveling to new or isolated locations. You must use a Grand Taxi if you have more than three passengers or if you wish to leave the city.
Carriages carried by horses (Rickshaws)
Additionally, an affordable and pleasant method to go around Marrakech is rickshaws. The area between the Koutoubia Mosque and the Jemaa el Fna square is where you can board a horse-drawn carriage.
Marrakech is a city where you may enjoy exploring on foot and getting lost in its culture. The finest destinations to visit are those that fit our schedules. Depending on how quickly you visit, it can be viewed “well” in two or three days. If you only have a short amount of time, we suggest you take it easy while you’re there rather than attempting to see everything because you’ll miss the city’s true character. For your information, these are a few Marrakech travel must-sees.
Mosque of Koutoubia It is a symbol of the city, the most significant and largest in the Muslim West. The Koutoubia’s minaret, which is visible from virtually everywhere in the city, has taken on the role of the city’s axis. It is the tallest building in all of Marrakech with a height of about 70 meters, and any structure that is taller than it is prohibited. It was constructed by Abd el Mou before the sanctuary was established, and his youngest son Yacoub El Mansour finished it (1184-1189). Its name derives from the Arabic word “kutubiyun” for the nearby book market. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as the Mosque of the Booksellers. Non-Muslims are forbidden to enter the Koutoubia Mosque, as is the case with all mosques with a few exceptions, but it is still worth seeing even if only from the outside.
One of the most well-known and frequently photographed gardens is The Menara Gardens. With the lovely backdrop of the Atlas Mountains totally covered in snow, the Minzah, also known as a gorgeous pavilion covered in green tiles, is one of the most picturesque images typical of the city. It is located next to the garden. Families from Marrakesh frequently visit these gardens to spend time together and unwind from the bustle of the city. The Jemaa el Fna square is roughly a 45-minute walk from these gardens, which are situated at the southern end.
They are made up of a sizable enclosure that is 3 km long by 1.5 km broad, with the majority of the trees being fruit and olive trees, and a sizable man-made pond. The Almohads constructed these gardens in the 12th century. To irrigate the orchards and olive trees, they came up with a plan to send water from the Atlas snowmelt here through a network of underground channels. Moulay Abd er Rahman’s directive in the nineteenth-century condition (allow) it (1922-1859).
The renowned Jemaa el Fna square is a short distance from the Badi Palace. With the intention of constructing the most opulent and magnificent palace ever seen, Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour constructed this palace in the latter half of the sixteenth century, five months after defeating the Portuguese forces in the renowned Battle of the Three Kings on August 4, 1578. Thus, The Badi, which is Arabic for “The Incomparable,” got its name.
Today, it is essentially in ruins, with nothing remaining save a vast orange esplanade and the building’s walls, from which we can still enjoy stunning views of the city and its surroundings. You should include it in your list of things to do in Marrakech just for the history it contains. The grandiose ruins of this palace served as the setting for the annual festival of Moroccan folklore.
One of the most popular attractions is the Saadies Tombs, which are situated in the Kasbah neighborhood. They were constructed in the sixteenth century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, who also built the Badi Palace, but weren’t found until 1917 as a result of French aerial flights. It is one of the few surviving artifacts from the Saadies, who controlled the city from 1524 to 1659 when it was at its most prosperous. A tall wall isolates the mausoleums’ Kasbah and encloses their tombs. Additionally, we can observe a lovely garden with more than 100 tombs that have mosaic decorations.
One of the most amazing and stunning structures, and a must-see on any list of Marrakech’s attractions, the Medersa Ben Youssef is situated close to the mosque of the same name. The Merinid Sultan Abou el Hassan developed this school of Koranic theology, which rose to prominence in the middle of the fourteenth century as the most significant in all of North Africa. It was made up of a home and a university of the Koran. More than 900 pupils from all across the Muslim world attended this school. The harmony of the combination of stucco and mosaics, marble and cedar wood, defines its architecture and subdued ornamentation. The highlight is its inner courtyard and the decoration and recreation of the rooms, which will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
It was likewise constructed in the middle of the nineteenth century under the vizier Ahmed Ben Moussar‘s orders by the same craftsmen who worked on the Bahia Palace, and it is close by. One of Marrakech’s most stunning palaces is this one. The Moroccan Arts Museum is now located there. Its visit is a true introduction to Moroccan workmanship because, in addition to admiring its stunning architecture and interior design, you can also take in Moroccan marvels including carpets, wooden objects, jewelry, fabrics, and many other items.
The Jamaa el Fna square is Marrakech’s most well-known and central area. Both inhabitants and visitors use this square to experience the city’s culture and way of life. It is crowded with orange juice stands during the day, and in the fall and winter, they also sell tangerine and grapefruit juice. There are a variety of characters in the area, including jugglers, snake charmers, chained monkeys that have been trained to pose in tourist photos, water carriers, and storytellers. The square reaches its pinnacle in the evening when hundreds of well-known eateries start to sell their delicacies. To capture its essence it is necessary to stroll through it without haste or enjoy it from one of the terraces of the local numbers that border it. It is an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
It is a stunning palace that is less than a kilometer from Jemaa el Fna Square and was built by Ahmed ben Moussa, a grand vizier of the sultan, for his own use. It is an example of a wealthy, princely, and realistic home from the late nineteenth century. The palace was created by the renowned Moroccan architect Muhammad al-Mekki, who employed the finest artisans in its construction. Due to the vizier’s weight, which prohibited him from ascending stairs, it contains 160 rooms all placed on one floor, as well as an eight-hectare gorgeous garden. Legend has it that Ahmed ben Moussa dedicated this beautiful palace to his favorite among the 24 concubines and 4 wives of his harem; in fact, Bahia Palace means “the beautiful”
The city’s ramparts are one of its defining features. The Marrakech walls, which were constructed of adobe and have been preserved for centuries, have various colors depending on the time of day and the weather. They protect the medina’s secrets and enclose its nine-gated ancient town as they round its complicated maze of lanes.
The Majorelle Garden is situated in the Guéliz neighborhood of the new city. Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, created this lovely garden (now owned by Yves Saint-Laurent). A cobalt blue art deco villa is surrounded by a natural reserve of cacti, bamboos, bougainvillea, and many other types of vegetation. In addition, the gardens are well known for housing a sizable collection of birds. Inside the grounds is a modest museum dedicated to Islamic art. After the bustle of the city, it is an excellent location to unwind.
This area was founded in 1559 and, up until 1936, had 16,000 residents, making it Morocco’s most significant Jewish enclave. Since 1956, the majority of the population has been Muslims. Approximately 300 Jews are claimed to be living in the city at the moment, mostly in the Guéliz. The Jewish neighborhoods in Morocco are known as Mellah, and it’s said that their name derives from some salt mines that once stood where the Jewish neighborhood of Fez is located. The Mellah of Marrakech was enclosed by walls with only two gates and strategically placed next to the Royal Palace, which offered protection.
They provided entrance to the medina, which was guarded by troops and closed at night and opened the next morning. The Mellah was self-sufficient, with its own marketplaces, synagogues, and cemeteries; yet, the congestion of more than 15,000 people living there was notable, and it also placed some restrictions, like prohibiting the use of horses and preventing access to other areas of the city.
The early twelfth-century modest dome-shaped structure, also known as Qubba Ba’Adiyn or Almoravid Koubba, was constructed by the second Almoravid king, Ali Ben Youssef. It has recently undergone restoration. In addition to being the only remaining example of Almoravid architecture in Morocco and the birthplace of Marrakech, it has the added benefit of serving as an illustration of the sophisticated methods used by the Almoravids to bring water to the city. We must descend some stairs to get there because the city’s ground level has risen over time.
The ski areas of Ouikameden and the Ourika Valley are also close by.
We arrange holidays of all kinds to the fabled Red City at VacationsInMorocco.com, which mostly fall into three categories:
More information about each choice is provided below.
From the minute you step foot in the country, VacationsInMorocco.com can assist you in planning and carrying out your trip to Marrakech all inclusive. Because we manage proposals for different preferences and budgets, get in touch with us and we will begin working on the program that best suits you.
We can arrange a first-rate proposal for every traveler who wants to have an unmatched experience in Marrakech. When it comes to luxury travel, this city is the leader in the nation. It is the one that provides the best infrastructure, along with the most knowledgeable and specialized employees, for a picky and discerning clientele that will only accept the best.
We will incorporate high-end services and a variety of professional accompaniments in your premium trip. Some of the services that can be included in your Premium trip include the following:
If you intend to travel to Marrakech and want to begin your journey through Morocco from this city, we offer a variety of tours in Morocco that depart from Marrakech and visit the country’s most popular tourist attractions, including the imperial cities, the most picturesque cities along the Atlantic coast, charming villages, the Sahara desert, arid regions, fortified Berber villages, sand dunes, and the most inhospitable regions. Find the top Morocco tours and reserve the itinerary that most closely matches your requirements. If the circuit doesn’t fit your interests or preferences, contact us to create a custom itinerary, request information, and take a memorable vacation.
Our company’s travels to Marrakech frequently serve as the starting point for many vacations in Morocco that feature tours of the major towns and tourist hotspots in the nation. This is because several various airline routes arrive at the major airport in the nation, Menara-Marrakech International Airport. Marrakech is therefore a fantastic entry point for travelers even if it is a southern, inland city.
These excursions and tours in Morocco include a wide range of topics and elements, including historical, archeological, natural, vacation, and seaside locations. Examples of this include the imperial towns, the most picturesque cities along the country’s Atlantic coast, lovely villages, the Sahara desert, desolate areas, fortified settlements, and Berber villages, as well as the most hostile landscapes and sand dunes. If you prefer to depend on the prior experiences of other customers rather than planning an all-inclusive and personalised trip to Marrakech, pick one of the pre-designed packages and reserve the circuit that best meets your needs. Whichever path you take, this city will win you over.
Marrakech offers the widest range of options because it is the city that receives the most tourists in the entire nation. For every taste and every budget. As a result, we have divided the suggestions in this section into two categories: budget restaurants and fine dining establishments.
Eating at one of the many stalls in the Djemaa el-Fna square is one of the city’s culinary recommendations. quality, choice, and reasonable costs. Jumping from market to stall and trying a little bit of everything is what makes it exciting. In the late afternoon, this square resembles a smoking factory where the most diverse scents emanate. A wonderful natural orange juice might help you finish your diet. Without leaving this square, consider the following ideas:
Located in Jemaa-el-Fna, Chez Chegrouni is a very affordable restaurant with a lovely terrace where you can enjoy the food and the nighttime activity of Morocco’s most significant plaza.
Café de France: It is highly advised. One of Marrakech’s most well-known cafes, with a patio on the Jemaa-el-Fna itself and a location there as well, will allow you to experience the most genuine and bohemian ambiance at night while sipping coffee or tea.
The sanitation of the Jemma-el-Fna restaurant, which is situated in the same-named square, is not one of its strongest points; nonetheless, its traditional and well-liked food is. You will have to eat with your hands and assist yourself with the bread in this restaurant because there are no utensils or plates available (actually, there are if you ask for them, but we do not recommend them). Very interesting.
Le Marrakchi Restaurant Delicious traditional food that is complemented by lively dance acts. adjacent to the square at 52 Rue des Banques.
Pizzeria Venezia: This pizzeria, which is located on Mohammed V Avenue, is a great affordable option if you ever wish to avoid traditional food and its hot meals. It provides an extensive selection of well-made pizzas and salads and has a terrace with views of the Koutoubia Mosque.
In front of the Glaui Palace is Dar Marjana.
One of the hottest restaurants, Palais Jad Mahal is situated in the Fontaine de la Mamounia neighborhood of Bab Jdid. Although it isn’t the cheapest, it is very affordable when compared to other eateries in its class that serve worldwide cuisine, with Indian food taking center stage.
Dar es Salam is another restaurant that offers good value for the money even though it isn’t the cheapest. Located at Riad Zitoun el Quedim.
The Riad Tamsna Restaurant is situated in the Palmeraie neighborhood at number 23 of Derb Zanka Daika. It is a fairly quiet restaurant with a jazz vibe that serves worldwide cuisine, with Maghrebi cuisine as one of its specialties. Although costly, the restaurant is nonetheless worthwhile. Wine is always included, so if you don’t want some, let the host know beforehand.
Marrakech’s casino is a part of the La Mamounia Hotel. You can order from a menu that includes a good belly dancing performance in between rounds of blackjack and roulette.
Le Stylia: Fixed-menu dinner. Excellent local cuisine is served in the heart of the medina in a house dating back to the 15th century. Rue Ksour 34
The fact that Marrakech is situated in such a fortunate area is a benefit. You may take a number of day trips from Marrakech to amazing locations. Some of the more well-liked excursions are listed below:
If you are looking for excursions from Marrakech to the Atlas, you have several options. But undoubtedly one of the most interesting is ….
The day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls is a perfect opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of a city like Marrakech and will also mak…
The day trip to Agafay Desert or also called mini sahara can be a perfect option for you, since it is only 40 minutes away from Marrakech…
This excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech is a splendid opportunity to make a round trip in the same day, with which you can discover…
This day trip to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate will take you through spectacular mountainous, desert and fortified landscapes with kasbahs…
There are a number of excursions from Marrakech and the Ourika Valley is certainly one of them…. This excursion also has the advantage…
Depending on your budget, there are several sorts of lodging, just like there are for restaurants. The most affordable and the most exclusive, each with unique characteristics that are described below, can be found in that order.
You can find a wide range of pricing in Marrakech, some of them are reasonable and make it easier to see the historic section of the city. You may search and make reservations at the cheapest prices for more than 400 hotels at the following website.
Shopping is one of the biggest draws of visiting Marrakech. However, the cost of this activity also varies widely depending on your budget, therefore we have divided the choices into premium and budget-friendly restaurants and lodging options.
In terms of crafts, Marrakech is one of the most fascinating places. Numerous souks can be found all across the medina where you can purchase handicrafts and traditional goods, frequently straight from the producer, who is occasionally seen working in the souk. A souk unto itself, the Jemaa El Fna square is home to a diverse range of retail establishments. The Koutoubia is home to a number of bookshops, whereas Batna and El Maazi have leather goods stores, Alcaicerias and Smata have clothing stores, and so on. Here is a brief selection of typical items you can purchase in Marrakech as gifts: backpacks, rugs, ceramics, Argan oil, slippers, and carpets.
You can be sure that these proposals and all those you find in the intricate streets of the old town are traditional items, whose producers are kept afloat thanks, in part, to tourists like you.
The good news is that these products’ average pricing are well within reach. At the very least, if you are skilled at haggling, as one of the fundamental principles of this kind of purchasing is to haggle over the price with the vendor.
Along with the aforementioned traditional handicraft shopping, Marrakech has welcomed Western designers and artists for decades, who have given the Marrakech handicraft tradition a modern twist. This is what is today referred to as ethnochic, a term that describes the blend of ethnic and chic, local and global, traditional and modern. Many shops, like KIS Boutique (Keep It Secret) and Aya’s, have examples of this.
Finally, because Marrakech is the most visited and multicultural city, we must not overlook the presence of the world’s most prestigious companies there. With shopping areas like Rue de la Libertè, Gueliz is a fantastic area to use as a benchmark. The chains, some of which are strongly tied to the city, are present there, just as they are in the main capitals of the world. This is the case with Yves Saint Laurent, a brand that even has a museum in Marrakech because the city served as the famed French designer’s home and source of inspiration. You can also stroll through sizable, brand-new, Western-style shopping centers like the Al Mazar Mall.
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Whether you prefer authentic markets, delectable food, or the beautiful outdoors, there is a Marrakech private holiday that is perfect for you. Every excursion, from bustling Souk visits to day hikes in the Atlas Mountains, is certain to be a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to your tour expert.
Zagora desert tour is one of the most popular, for two reasons: the beauty of its sandy landscape and its proximity to Marrakech.
This program is unquestionably one of the most popular. It’s a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga full of new discoveries.
It is possible to do a camel trek and overnight camping in the deep desert on a 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert Tour.
During this Marrakech to Merzouga tour, see the beautiful Atlas Mountains, ride a camel into the desert, and overnight in Berber Camp.
Desert Tour From Marrakech Itinerary to enjoy the breathtaking sceneries of the south of Morocco, with its Atlas Mountains, gorges, valley
For those who arrive in Marrakech and depart in Tangier, a 5-day from Marrakech to Tangier Desert tour via Chefchaouen is the finest option.
Marrakech To Merzouga Desert Itinerary will take you to one of the most aesthetically spectacular places on earth, learning about the habits
Combine culture, desert adventures, and seaside relaxation with this 7 days from Marrakech to Essaouira desert Tour
Desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier through the Imperial Cities: Fes, Marrakech, Meknes. Enjoy the views of mountains and explore Volubilis
8 days itinerary From Marrakech through imperial cities will permit you to explore the amazing wonders of Morocco. In this private tour,…
Take a personalized 8-day Morocco tour from Marrakech. Highlights the finest of Morocco; enjoy landscapes along the Moroccan coast
In this desert vacation in Marrakech, we will discover the most spectacular corners of sahara, traveling through its three characteristic Ergs
By starting with our travel blog on Morocco, you can discover the most significant Moroccan facts and traits. On our blog, women can find out more information on traveling to Morocco. The travel company Vacations In Morocco offers travel blogs from Fes, Marrakech, Casablanca, and many other locations.
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