Lively and exciting destination, Marrakech offers the perfect blend of culture, stunning landscapes and fascinating architecture. Although it is said to be disfigured by mass tourism, Marrakech has a myriad of places of interest that will make you want to visit more than one time :

Jemaa el-Fna Place

First things, first, you will surely pass on the Place Jemaa el-Fna when you visit Marrakech. A famous public square that attracts over a million visitors each year. “The cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna” has been registered as intangible cultural heritage since 2008 and as a world heritage since 1985 by Unesco. It’s its traditional and popular side that appeals, especially at night! Don’t be afraid from the crowds and jump into the good atmosphere of the city. You will meet snake charmers, avoid them as they are not treating those animal good. They will put the monkey or snake on your shoulder, let you take a picture and then ask you for money.

 

Go to the souk

Going to the souks is a must if you are visiting Marrakech. You can find fresh vegetables, spices, handmade decoration or light fittings. The souks are great for getting a good deal, but you have to be willing to bargain to get a good price. You are even expected to do so! How to negotiate? As a rule of thumb, split the price offered to you, and negotiate from it. Don’t necessarily feel like you have to buy, as you might be intimidated, but don’t give up if you’re not happy with the price.

 

Sip mint tea on the terraces

Morocco is known for its mint tea and every cafe will offer it to you. Try it with some pastry, you will love it. You can either go for café de France overlooking the Jemaa El Fna or go for one of the cafe’s rooftops in the Medina as Café des épices Marrakech or Nomad restaurant. You will witness a sunset over the Atlas Mountains. Be ready to taste fresh, local ingredients and natural juices. It’s in fact very popular, so make sure to book early to secure your table.

 

Watch artisans make leather at the tanneries

Head to the Bab Debbagh quarter, in the northern end of the Medina, to learn all about one of Morocco’s oldest crafts. Leather tanning is a practice that is transmitted from generation to generations and it’s fascinating watching artisans at work.

 

Get a Hammam experience

There is nothing as authentic as getting to the hammam, a thermal spa for Moroccans. Head on down to the public one, Hammam Dar el-Bacha, or opt for private and fancy ones. If you opt for a public one don’t forget your bathing essentials and enjoy being scrubbed across every inch of your body. If you go for a more fancy one, they will provide you with everything you need as well as towels. At the end of your hammam make sure to have a cup of mind tea with a lot of sugar to give you the energy.

 

Learn about local artisanal techniques at Museum of moroccan Art

Also called as Dar Si Saïd Museum is the oldest museum in the city and exhibits the largest number of works. As for the other great buildings of Marrakech, Dar Si Saïd was formerly the residence of an agent, in this case, of Si Saïd, the brother of the grand vizier Ahmed ben Moussa. Si Saïd’s house is very large, has several interior courtyards and two floors. The most captivating decor can be found at the entrance to the interior courtyard and up to the second floor with a larger number of exhibits. Among the elements of the collection, you will be able to discover furniture, objects of everyday life, weapons or musical instruments. You can also learn about the wearing techniques it takes them to create a traditional handmade rug.

 

Learn about Moroccan food in Museum of Moroccan Culinary Art

A new museum has opened in Marrakech not very known and yet it will delight all gourmets since it is the Museum of Moroccan Culinary Art! Near the Bahia Palace, you will be impressed by all the traditional Moroccan architectural techniques such as woodworking, painted ceilings, zelliges, tadelakt and so one. But let’s come back to the main theme: through its rooms, visitors will discover the richness of Moroccan cuisine by walking through several rooms dedicated to its emblematic dishes and ingredients. Nothing will escape: colorful spices and surprising herbs, Moroccan salads, vegetable soups, traditional briouates and pastillas, essential tagines and couscous but also Mediterranean Jewish cuisine, breads, pastries and tea. Moroccan cuisine will have no secrets for you, as you will learn all about the flavors, recipes, influences and history of the legendary Moroccan dishes for which it is internationally renowned. You will learn also the making of argan oil, the baking of tafarnout bread, the delicate art of couscous preparation. At the end of the tour, practice by joining the cooking classes taught by experts in French or English. Then you will taste the dishes that you prepared on the terrace. At the exit of the museum, a shop will offer you local products, crockery, embroidered tablecloths and napkins.

 

Visit the Palmeraie

The Palmeraie of Marrakech has more than 100,000 trees on approximately 15,000 hectares, mainly palm trees as well as a date production and a vegetable garden. It is a well-known natural and tourist heritage in Morocco that you absolutely must do if you come to visit Marrakech. In addition, it is possible to explore this place on a fun, free and environmental friendly way by a camel ride or a bike ride with our partner Pikala.

 

Atlas mountains around Marrakech

A few hours by car from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley in the Moroccan High Atlas is a real sight to see. The temperature can drop, so bring a small sweater or jacket and take your best walking shoes. The path in the mountain is rocky, you will cross small bridges over the rivers which flow on the sides of the mountain. The view from the mountains is great and well worth a day trip or even more. For the most sporty of you, you can go for a 4 days hike to Toubkal, the highest peak of Africa. Another alternative would be to walk around Berber villages and get to know behind the scenes of Marrakech.

Ouzoud waterfall

Located about 150 kilometers from Marrakech, it is impossible to miss the Ouzoud waterfalls if you come to visit Marrakech! Considered to be the most beautiful and highest waterfalls in Morocco, you can then swim, have a picnic, but also meet the local monkeys.

 

 

We would love to help you plan your trip to Marrakech and the surrounding on a sustainable way. Contact us today to help build an itinerary that meets your needs and goes beyond your expectations.