Between tradition and modernity, Marrakesh Morocco promises unsurpassed sensations. Strolling through the Jemaa El-Fna square and the souks with glittering colors and oriental scents, the red city offers you a complete change of scenery. Horse-drawn carriage rides, sun terraces, traveling artists, and other day and night activities will bring a flavor of return.
Where is Marrakesh?
Marrakech or Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in Morocco. The name of Marrakech comes from the Amazigh (Berber) words mur(n) wakush, meaning “land of the gods”. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and is the capital of the Marrakesh-Safi region.
Marrakesh Morocco is located west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh is 580 km (360 mi) southwest of Tangier, 327 km (203 mi) southwest of Morocco’s capital Rabat, 239 km (149 mi) south of Casablanca and 246 km (153 mi) northeast of Agadir.
The region has been inhabited by Berber farmers since the Neolithic. The city was founded in 1070 by Emir Abu Bakr Ibn Umar as the imperial capital of the Almoravid Empire. The Almoravids established the first large structures in the city and shaped its layout for centuries to come.
The city is divided into two parts: the Medina, the historic city, and the new European modern district of Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is full of intertwined narrow passages and local shops full of character; it also contains the large Jemaa El-Fna square where many hotels are located and tourists, locals, and vendors congregate. In contrast, Gueliz hosts trendy restaurants, fast food chains, and big-brand stores.
You will be able to admire all the architectural wealth of the Medina while visiting one of the many riads, small oriental palaces overlooking a beautiful terrace. You can also relax and recharge in the Menara, a vast garden with a symbolic swimming pool. Marrakech overwhelms its visitors with its beauty and diversity, just leave the walls and immerse yourself in modern Morocco. The district of Gueliz and Hivernage offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, luxury boutiques, and international clothing stores, airy streets; which all contribute to the unique offer of Marrakech.
Marrakesh Morocco is a growing economic bustling city and has special festive and cultural venues such as the « Palais des Congres » and the magnificent Royal Theatre. Enjoy Marrakech at night by discovering the many themed establishments, trendy clubs, and traditional evenings that reflect the lively part of the city.
What is Marrakech Morocco famous for?
Marrakech is a city in Morocco that is famous for many things. Here are some of its most notable attractions and features:
Medina: Marrakech’s old town, or Medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its winding alleys, vibrant souks, and historical architecture.
Jemaa el-Fnaa: This is the city’s main square, which comes alive at night with street performers, food stalls, and music.
Koutoubia Mosque: This is the largest mosque in Marrakech and a significant landmark of the city.
Bahia Palace: A beautiful 19th-century palace with stunning courtyards and gardens.
Saadian Tombs: These tombs date back to the 16th century and are a rare example of Islamic architecture in Marrakech.
Majorelle Garden: This botanical garden, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Food: Marrakech is famous for its delicious cuisine, including tagines, couscous, and pastries.
Shopping: The souks of Marrakech are famous for their traditional crafts, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
Overall, Marrakech is a city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Tourist attractions in Marrakech, Morroco
Once you are in the Medina, you can see everything on foot, although you will be walking a lot. Many tourist destinations are marked with brown, red, or green signs on poles or buildings. Keep in mind that many of these signs do not take a direct route and some seem to deliberately send tourists through different markets or other places where money can be spent.
6 Things to Note Before Visiting Marrakesh Morocco
1. Google Maps will not work properly
In Marrakesh, you have to forget about maps. They just don’t work there, especially in the Medina, where the streets reminded me a lot of Italian ones, albeit busier and more complicated.
2. Marrakesh is safe for female travelers
It is quite safe for women travelers if the travelers take proper precautions.
3. Always negotiate with taxi drivers
Unfortunately, there are many taxi scams in Marrakech. One of the most common places where people get scammed is at the airport, where it should cost you about 50-70 dirhams to get to the medina, but the drivers won’t take you for less than 350.
4. You can book luxury accommodation cheaply
There are plenty of hostels and luxury riads in Marrakech and they are all very cheap.
5. Be prepared for madness in Jamaa el Fna Square
Jamaa el Fna is the main square in Marrakech and it’s absolutely crazy. People will try to get you to buy things and get you to take pictures of them.
They can put snakes, monkeys, and anything they can find on your shoulders. Yes, they abuse these animals.
6. There are two different Sahara tours – don’t be fooled by the Tour Operators
Be careful and don’t get fooled by local tour operators. You might be told that you can choose a 2 or 3-day desert tour from Marrakech and they are the same, only one is longer. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME trips and go to different places!
If you don’t have enough time for a trip to the desert – take a balloon trip
If you don’t have enough time to enjoy a multi-day desert experience and cross the Atlas Mountains, you can experience the mountains from a hot air balloon.
Actually, even if you have time, you should take a hot air balloon ride because it will give you a completely different experience.
