Though only discovered in 1917, the tombs date back to the Saadian Dynasty of the 16th and 17th centuries. TheMajorelle gardensare filled with color, plants of all shapes and sizes, flowers, fish ponds and perhaps the most pleasing aspect, tranquility. At best it will end up with a trip to this helpful stranger's family shop, at worst it could end with an aggressive insistence that you pay for their guide (often after you've already followed them and completely lost you sense of direction). in and was greeted by an awful smell. to end. Goods and spices were carried up the Saharan trade routes by camel. Tip: Come late in the day when the hordes have moved on and the lines to see the tombs are shorter. OK, OK, we know. It tastes delicious;,it slows down the process, and makes it a little more enjoyable. We took the half-day camel ride through the desert, and it was a real highlight. When youre done exploring the outside, take a look at the Berber Museum and Islamic Art Museum. Why go? (scrub), but also to reconnect with themselves and with friends and family. You cant go to Morocco and not ride a camel. hotel. off El Fna Square that leads to the Hotel Grand Tazi. They will smile and nod that that isnt possible so start walking away. The reason the above point can get a little tricky, is that in Marrakech,ATMs can be difficult to track down. If you are looking for a place to party, book here. Situated as the gateway to soaring Grand Teton National Park and untamed Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming boasts access to some of North Americas most awesome natural beauty. Late at night, the live music and drumming go crazy in the best possible way. Saadian TombsThe Saadian dynasty ruled much of southern Morocco during the 16th and 17th centuries. (street theatre). The fascinating, intricate architecture makes the mosques and palaces the best places to visit in Marrakech. Were about to answer your questions, and were about to show you the best of what Iceland has to offer. Palmeraie is an oasis of palm trees right outside of the city, waiting for you to explore via camel. The best food in Marrakech is often where youd least expect, and typically out of the main tourist hot spots. This experience is truly one of the most unique things to do in Marrakech and guarantees you an authentic Moroccan experience. Try them wherever you see them. Welcome to Marrakech, Africa's Capital of. To immerse yourself in the visual history of Morocco. An expert guide to Marrakech | Telegraph Travel Also, since taxis cannot drive into the medina, you need to know the closest gate to be dropped off. Why go? Makes sense considering the countrys high mountains and cool breezes from the Atlantic. What to Expect in Marrakech Language: In Marrakech, you'll hear a flurry of languages including French, Spanish, Arabic, and Berber. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. It has since become a museum and is open to the public daily. The vast open square at the heart of the medina is one of Marrakechs biggest attractions and is a Unesco world heritage site. It was away from the main hustle and bustle in a more residential area, meaning that it was a wonderful place to slink back to after a crazy day in the souks. Don't Trust Any Weather Forecasts. He just wouldn't take no for an answer. OK, this is easy. It's best to take a taxi to the train station in Marrakech since it's quite far from the old town (if that's where you're staying). Example: If a pair of shoes are 500 dirham, offer 250. He was absolutely right. But dont let that turn you off. The designer Yves Saint Laurent now owns the gardens and has also built himself a house on the property. Ask your hotel in Marrakesh to book a round-trip car to take you up and into the mountains where you will drive by Berber villages and vast vistas. a mystery as to how it came to be on the window sill. We visited Marrakech in the deepest darkest depths of winter; it was still 24C and sunny most of the time. We stayed at Riad Porte Royale and were delighted with our stay, but if you're really not sure, you should definitely take a look at this post on the best budget riads in Marrakech. Phone cameras at the ready Jardin Majorelle is pure Instagram gold. (function() { When to visit? These hotels are often housed in historic buildings and retain the Moroccan character and style. This is probably the most beautiful construction in the medina, vast in ambition and covered in intricate detail: coffered cedar ceilings, geometric tiling, stucco worked into elaborate floral motifs. Be prepared for both extremely hot and quite cold weather conditions. ), we set about indulging in overpriced airport food but even that didn't really work, and so, perhaps a tad controversially, we have a decent amount of dirham stored away in that little jar. Need help planning your trip from start to finish? Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts)A palace and museum in one and well worth a visit. Couscous is the countrys main dish, and beef, chicken and lamb are commonly consumed. Before coming to Marrakesh I triple-checked the weather forecast and it indicated 18-25 degrees all the time. It can certainly get overwhelming, but there are some great places to stop for a tea or lunch (Caf Arab and Terrace des Epices are two favorites). Morocco. If the meter isn't working, negotiate a price. Thanks for subscribing! A must visit for everyone who's looking for a fun city trip to a destination that's perhaps not top of mind for a weekend break. 17 Best Things to Do In Marrakech in 2023 The transport company ASLA runs reliable buses every 30 minutes between the medina, the new town and the airport. Two distinct areas make up Marrakech. Morocco has boasted vineyards since the Ancient Greeks were making moves in the region (around 1500 BC). Why go? Why go? Its an opportunity to meet serious artisans on their own terms and hear how they became masters of their craft. Previously, Cator was covering, Iceland Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More, Jackson Hole Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More, Wyoming Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More. to bring enough provisions, including drinks, so the day passed just fine. Moroccan cuisine is a fascinating mix of Arabic, Mediterranean, Berber and Andalusian foods. If you enjoy a daily assault on all your senses then you'll have a lot of fun. to stay at least a week in Marrakech. Hi, Im Sam. Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. And don't worry if you'd rather save your pennies for desert adventures or countless tagines, you don't have to spend a fortune to get an awesome riad experience (although we hear this one is incredible if you feel like going completely and utterly crazy). With all the antiques and unsupervised pools, this is not the place to bring the kids. In a past life, I was a finance managing guru by day and a travel blogging enthusiast by well day too! The best things to see in Marrakech Getting Around: the staff or some real budget travelers use these rooms. A three-storey riad-turned-gallery housing the vintage Moroccan photography collection of Patrick Menach and Marrakshi Hamid Mergani. This three-hour historical and cultural tour has an abundance of excellent reviews and covers Marrakechs most popular sights. The square comes alive at night with storytellers, musicians, snake-charmers, and food vendors. Although Riad Idra is located right within the medina, its an idyllic oasis inside. It is best to try and avoid the summer heat and crowds and visit Marrakesh in the cooler months between September and May. We use True Traveller, but you can find other options and our advice on finding the right policy for you in this post. If you prefer to observe the chaos rather than be amongst it, grab a drink at Le Grand Balcon du Caf Glacier. Youll never see these served together, they are separate dishesand couscous from a package is sacrilege! The streets are packed, it's a big city, and poverty (to an extent) is an issue. El Badi may be a ruin, but it offers a fascinating insight into the power and wealth of past Moroccan dynasties. When it comes to tipping, there is no set rule. It will be two hours of total relaxation. As far as muslim countries go, Morocco is relatively relaxed, but you'll still draw an awful lot of unpleasant and unwanted attention should you choose to venture out in anything too revealing. For example, one afternoon we enquired with our riad manager how much a taxi should cost to 'x'. We're fortunate in that Andrew's french is actually pretty good (not by Parisian standards, but the rest of the French speaking world seems to tolerate it), and so this was actually our go to language in Morocco - whether or not people could speak some English. to $1). } This guide will show you all of the top things to do in Marrakech, Morocco, including what to see and where to stay. What is it? Tip: Buy a combo ticket for the YSL museum and Marjorelle Gardens at the YSL museum. Why go? Be prepared to be asked for money when you take photos of the performers and stop to watch the entertainment. Morocco doesnt have a culture of eating out so the majority of restaurants are targeted at visitors rather than locals; its all too easy to come away having eaten average tagines at inflated prices. And dont worry, whilst Marrakech has plenty of standard hostels with cheap bests and somewhat lacking facilities, there are several truly fantastic riads that cater to solo travellers - places like the impeccably designed Equity Point, with a gorgeous pool, roof terrace and excellent rooms (both dorms and privates). The Souk is where you will find everything and more from those beautiful brass lanterns to carpets, djellabas, scarves, spices, babouches (Berber shoes), bags, pottery, jewelry, fragrances, even tiny turtles. These are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Marrakech: Marrakech Quad Bike Experience: Desert and Palmeraie. The Jewish quarter of Marrakech, which has undergone an extensive renovation programme. Marrakech, the legendary city lying at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, is famous for it's souks (markets) where you can buy just about anything. It was okay for that purpose, but a huge cockroach was waiting to greet It is considered to be a masterpiece, with colourfully stained glass windows and engraved columns. } Those clever Moroccans always amaze me with their ingenuity. The airport is only about 4 miles (15 minutes) from the city and buses, as well as taxis, operate throughout the day. We paid about 100 dirhams ($10) for nearly all of our trips. Now it's your turn, so quickly decide how much you'd like to pay and go in a little lower. of a quiet retreat. Grab some food from one of the barbecue stalls, listen to some music, head up to a rooftop bar and marvel at the sunset. You wont believe the decor until you see it, with high, gilded ceilings, rooms filled with paintings, mosaics and stuccos, and a huge, open garden to wander. Haggle with the traders for that beautiful rug you spotted. Marrakech's Coolest Neighbourhoods for Millennials If youre looking for free things to do in Marrakech after spending all your money at the souks, head to Koutoubia Mosque. It's best to take a taxi to the train station in Marrakech since it's quite far from the old town (if that's where you're staying). Clearly, you can tell that King Mohammed VI, one of the wealthiest men in the world, has taken good care of the city he calls home. } Food is a huge part of Moroccan culture, and the course is a fab way to learn more aboutthe country and its traditions. Riad Al Jazira is elegant and modern while still maintaining Moroccan charm. Remember, that by paying massively over the odds, you're making it much harder for everybody else that chooses to visit. Want to tick something off your bucket list? Certainly, you won't struggle to get by if you don't speak French or Arabic, but as with anywhere in the world, a little smattering of the local lingo goes a long way -not only when establishing important information such as directions or bus times, but also in showing that you're willing to try. Marrakesh Travel Guide - Transport, Lodging & More The Essential Guide for MenThe Manual is simple we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. Opened next door to the gardens in 2017, the Muse Yves Saint Laurent is dedicated to Yvess couture legacy and has a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career. Also, 10 dirhams from every camel burger goes to charity. Marrakech is an energetic and eclectic city in the southwest of Morocco. One of Marakkechs many souks (meaning markets), Souk Semmarine is a must see. If only every food tour was this good. A jewel of 16th-century Saadian architecture, thisdouiria(guest apartment) was built by achorfa(noble) family and retains all its exquisite original decoration that acts as a backdrop to thoughtful exhibitions and musical events. If you're only visiting Marrakech, and nowhere else in Morocco, you can move on from this point - go forth and spend all your monies on spices, rugs and pretty pots. The most convenient way to wander Marrakech is on foot. If you have any cash left over at the end of your trip, remember to exchange it back before you leave. of Morocco, and the country's name is derived from the city's, or so they The Hotel Menara is While this one is new and designed to resemble an American barbershop, my barber gave me 40 minutes of total peace while he cut my hair and gave me a shave. The enormous complex fell into decay following a civil war in the late 17th century. It's basically a laid-back version of Marrakech. Enjoy its scenes play out from one of the cafe terraces, maybe have a meal at its lively night restaurants, but lower your expectations. man followed us through several souks, for half an hour trying to sell Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Featuring tourist information, excursions and tours as well as selected Riads. Marrakech is huge, with over 500,000 Inspired by the Alhambra in Spain, the palace was built for a favorite mistress and is covered in zellij tile work, painting, and stained glass. There is also a laundry The hand Djemaa El Fna square is the starting point to explore the souks of Marrakech. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Just go. Marrakech fulfilled all of our 1,001 nights worth Arabian fantasies from the quality cuisine, stimulating souks, and rich history around every corner. stay, as this is THE classic example of a one star of the Mamounia Hotel, Marrakech has something for everyone. This guide will show you all of the top things to do in Marrakech, Morocco, including what to see and where to stay. There are several ski lifts and if they don't work you can always take a donkey up the slopes. coming out of the Sahara Desert, Marrakech is a spicy mixture of Arab, It is generous to leave 15 to 20 dirhams to taxi drivers and hotel porters, while 100 may be appropriate to leave a maid after a week-long stay. At the end of the afternoon, the Djemma el Fna transforms into an entertainers paradise -- if you're into snake charming, juggling, music and that sort of thing. Just beware of the snake charmers, monkey handlers, and even the occasional wandering tortoise! To dive deep into Moroccan culture and give some things a go yourself. There is also anovernight trainbetween Tangier and Marrakech. From the exotic Djemaa El Fna square where snake We were What is it? What is it? The evening tour takes in a number of stops around the medina. Budget hotelsare also plentiful and Bootsnall has a decent listing of affordable options. After enduring a week of dirt, noise, Check the latest reviews and prices on Amazon. Kasbah Le Mirage diverges from the traditional riad, but still captures the essence of Morocco. Heres a selection of some of the best cafes in Marrakech to shelter from the sun and get your caffeine fix: Heres a selection of the most renowned and popular dining spots in the city, from trendy to Frenchified upscale: As well as the many variations on tagine and couscous, here are a few local specialities and snacks to keep an eye out for whilst wandering the Medina: The markets of Marrakech Medina need little introduction and are arguably the citys main draw. There is also an overnight train between Tangier and Marrakech. Better, cheaper food is available in the smaller alleys of the Medina. where Jimmy Hendrix and others from that era used to hang out. By Bus. Long-distance buses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned. Hip Guide to Marrakech, Morocco The home and personal gallery of Hassan Hajjaj, the so-called Andy Warhol of Marrakech. The whole place is filled with his upcycled pop art, from furniture and art objects to his sought-after photographs. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. on: function(evt, cb) { The trip took us to the coast of Morocco at Rabat, then Although we went in January and it was a cozy time to be there with warm days and cool nights. However, if you want to partake in this religious holiday and think you can handle the heat, you will certainly have a memorable trip. CITIES. What is it? CITIES A Quick Guide to Marrakech, Morocco Marrakech is chaotic and delightful, spellbinding, and a mysterious metropolis. What is it? The palace is open daily with a break for lunch although it is closed when the royal family visits. us when we got to our room. The very name conjures up spices, snake-charmers, and sensual delights. carved plaster in the sadly faded lobby was a nice touch; but the incredible We took the Marrakech Express Spring and Autumn are the ideal times to visit Marrakech and Morocco in general. This increases the chances of being able to explore the city with others, perhaps increasing the level of comfort youll feel whilst doing it. listeners: [], Showcasing affordable, luxurious getaways for the budget conscious! El Fna Square is an important place to visit with us, the roof, has some small rooms without toilet facilities. Djemma el FnaTheDjemma el Fnais really the heart of Marrakech. What we enjoyed most about the marketplace was that we got to know the locals since we were walking through it every day. If you reach gridlock, politely turn down the offer and go to leave - you may find that this is enough to quickly get your final offer accepted. Haha!Now a days, Im a full-time travel blogger, dedicated to showcasing affordable, luxurious getaways for the budget conscious!Travelling King is a one stop shop for all your travel needs. You can view the The Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech, Morocco By Cator Sparks February 1, 2018 Listen to article Marrakech: The name itself conjures up ancient buildings bathed in pink paint nestled under. African and European influences. When Branson bought the place it came stocked with this amazing collection. The riad is a few hundred metres from the Museum of Women and Le Jardin Secret, and a 10-minute walk from the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. also lucky to find a wonderful new patisserie on a pedestrian side street This boutique accommodation brings together three separate riads and patios, including a rooftop terrace and a swimming pool. Get your guide is a Great company, that often offersheavily discounted tours! Without a doubt, if youre into trying local foods then you should check out the Marrakech Food Tours run by Amanda of Maroc Mama. If you can afford it, treat yourself to a stay in a Riad so when you return from a hectic day amidst carpet salesman, fire jugglers and noisy souqs, you can relax and have a cup of mint tea in a nice quiet courtyard. It is illuminated in the evenings, so be sure to visit during sunset. Marrakech is shopping nirvana, you wont struggle to fill your suitcase with goodies. Morning Start by discovering the city's history at the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, where Sultan al-Mansour spared no expense decorating his mausoleum with imported Italian Carrara marble and a. It is absolutely one of the top things for couples to do in Marrakech! a public bathhouse is a Moroccan institution and youll find one in every neighbourhood in Marrakech. of dusty old palaces. We returned to Marrakech after our Stalls in the medina are piled high with spices and mint and figs. window tightly and left the room gagging. This did mean however that given it was winter when we visited, it was pitch dark by the time we ventured back after dinner. From Marrakech: Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari with Food. A note on taxis: While we stayed in the medina, where you could walk everywhere, if you want to go somewhere that requires a taxi, be sure to ask at your riad (the name for a traditional-style Moroccan house or hotel with a central courtyard) where to find a taxi stand. AlibenYoussef Medersa and MosqueThe Medersa was built in the 16th century by the Saadians and could house up to 900 religious students. Food: Many of the streets and alleyways are winding and narrow, making some areas difficult for cars to pass through. This was the hot spot to dine during our stay lots of jet-set French families and hipsters galore. experience, with frequent visits to the end of the car (and the end of Save yourself from mediocre couscous with this guide to finding the best food in Marrakech. expensive and elegant at La Mamounia Hotel. The Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech, Morocco Opened in the fall of 2017, the museum was designed by contemporary firmStudio Ko. Riadsare not all expensive, check out theMaison Mnabha,Dar Mouassineand theHotel Sherazadewhere you can stay in style but pay less. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! For lunch, we strolled in on the early side, but for dinner, book in advance. The Ultimate Guide to Marrakech and a TV with five channels, all in Arabic and/or French. at night after you've eaten in a one star restaurant, you don't have time According to recent traveller accounts on VirtualTourist.comSATASdoesn't have a very good reputation. with its $43 US lunch buffet by the pool; the Sedan Tombs and an assortment Arrive early to avoid unwanted photo-bombers. Its time to get vacation planning in gear. at the same time! While group tours are the cheapest, you can book a private flight for a more romantic occasion. Check out these helpful links: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. When taking a taxi, the fare is typically 150 dirhams. Specific dates vary year to year, but it generally begins in May and ends in June. El Fan is a spiritual center of Marrakech, and it is definitely the center While his successor, Moulay Ismail, tore apart El Badi, he could not destroy a place of burial, so he simply filled in the entrances and there it sat until 1917 when it was discovered and restored by the French. Marrakech, A Visual Guide. Couscous is traditionally eaten on a Friday (the holy day) and is the Moroccan equivalent of Sunday lunch. He informed us 10 dh - but then very quickly stated that we would never find a taxi driver that would charge us that, that the going rate for a tourist is at least 50 dh. English is common anywhere touristy, but it's definitely handy to know a few words of French. Moroccan dirham is the local currency, and can only be acquired once you arrive in the country. The gentleman walked behind us begging us to buy them until he went down to 150. Lastly, you cant forget one of the most gorgeous Marrakech sites, the Ben Youssef Madrasa. The theatre is unmatched, but many stalls are tourist traps. CITIES. The mosque is adjacent to the Medersa. Theres one place, though, that offers all the excitement an adventure road trip requires Wyoming. enough snowfall in the Atlas mountains to accommodate skiers. Craving somewhere with food like youve never tasted, markets to get lost in and jaw-dropping sunsets on the beach? It's the dirtiest place we'd seen since Ketama, and noisy This bold botanical garden is one of the most frequented spots in all of Morocco. Find a spot in the shade and sit for hours to take it all in. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( It just so happens to be one of those places where tap water simply isn't all that good for you. say. Originally built as a country house in the 1920s, it was later owned by an interior designer and antique collector, Luciano Tempo. CITIES. To be honest, it's not surprising. If there's not enough snow the views are always spectacular and it's still worth the trip. If youre travelling to Marrakech from elsewhere in Morocco, the railway system links most of the major cities. Ramadan also occurs at the beginning of summer, since the majority of the population are Muslim. You can buy your tickets at the bus depot. Fortunately, most of the must-see attractions are within walking distance. Itll help you get your bearings a little, and embolden you to discover the city by yourself in the days following. We asked our hotel to book a guide for us for half a day ($50) and it was well worth it. get out and explore the surrounding regions and taste the more relaxing Palais Lamrani (Left Images)/Saadian Tombs (Right Image), Take a dip in these 9 best hot springs across the globe, Oaxaca coast travel guide: Where to stay, where to eat, and more, Orlando travel guide: Its more than just Disney, The ultimate travel essentials checklist: Dont leave home without these items, RV shopping 101: A simple, yet complete guide for first-time RV, camper, and travel trailer buyers, Istanbul travel guide in 48 hours: Where to stay and eat and what to do, Your Key West travel guide for enjoying Floridas more bohemian side, San Francisco Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More, Las Vegas Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More. One of Marakkechs many souks (meaning markets), Souk Semmarine is a must see. The staff couldnt be more accommodating, and the location in the heart of the souk is ideal. Its laid-back vibemakes for a refreshing change from the intensity of the medina. Stick around for lunch the caf is a treat! You will absolutely fall in love with everything this bustling and vibrant city has to offer! If you paid a price you were happy with, that's all that matters. Looking for a reliable airport transfer service? Located up the street from the Palais Lamrani, Zouina is similar in scale. If youre buying food from a street seller or produce, you shouldnt need to barter. So, sit back and let me help you make your travel dreams into reality! We're not saying don't try, but we definitely found some things cheaper elsewhere. Why go? CITIES. Even if shopping isnt your priority, a visit to the square is still a must. Either The best time of year to go is from March to May before the city is boiling and you can catch all the famous roses in bloom. Why not try the vin gris, or gray wine, which is white wine made from red grapes. At some point during your trip, youll need a break from the searing heat and intensity of the Medina. Trains to Marrakech from Casablanca and Rabat take about four hours. Dinner here is upscale, so come here for a romantic night under the palm and banana trees or book a big table for a celebratory event. We have a little jar currently sitting on our shelf full of small amounts of currency from around the world. Morocco's pink city can be incredibly overwhelming, and whilst you can absolutely visit without having done the research, knowing what to expect or some top travel tips for Marrakech can make your visit all that more enjoyable. We had the foresight It is basically the lightest color of ros and quite refreshing.

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