Top 10 Marrakech
Marrakech is a fascinating city, with a dynamic energy that pulses
almost 24 hours a day. A large part of appreciating the city of Marrakech is simply
wandering through the labrynth of the medina and observing the local
life as it happens around you. In addition, there are some "must sees"
that will complete the Marrakech experience.
La Maison de la Photographie
The Maison de la Photographie is located at 46 Ahal Fès, just up from the Medersa Ben Youssef and a few doors along from Le Foundouk restaurant. The collection of largely black and white photographs, displayed on three floors of a converted Marrakech riad, contains approximately 3,500 images of Morocco, covering the period 1870-1950. The terrace offers a stunning 360° view of the Marrakech medina, and the café serves decent, inexpensive Moroccan fare.
Dar Cherifa
Dar Cherifa is a magical, wonderfully restored, 16th century house built around a central courtyard with tall columns, ancient stucco work and old carved beams. Located near the Mouassine Mosque, it serves as a literary café (drinks and light refreshments) and an art exhibition space. There is a small reference library of books about Morocco, lots of alcoves with lazy sofas for dreaming, and a delightful two-tier sun terrace.
Beldi Country Club
The Beldi Country Club is an incredible place, just 15 minutes outside of Marrakech. Rustic yet chic, it offers rose gardens, two stunning swimming pools and relaxing areas, and a wonderful spa complex offering hammam, massage and a host of treatments. The swimming pools are classy, lined with black tiles instead of the usual blue. A day by the pool with a three-course lunch will set you back 350 dirhams, plus drinks.
Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden, made famous by Yves Saint Laurent, is one place every visitor to Marrakech must experience. Created by Jacques Majorelle, the gardens were first opened to the public in 1947. Purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in 1980, the garden was developed further and is now a stunning tropical sanctuary in the middle of Marrakech.
Medersa Ben Youssef
Originally constructed in the 12th century, this exceptionally preserved Koranic school is one of the largest in North Africa. Here too are excellent examples of Moroccan arches, wall carvings, tiles and mosaics. Hundreds of students once studied here, gathered in the large and peaceful courtyard. There is also a small mosque on-site.
Bahia Palace
This 19th century palace boasts a large courtyard, beautiful fountains, tiles, ornate wall-carvings, gardens, and is an excellent spot to find tranquility and marvel at traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. This palace was once home to a harem, but now hosts daily tours. This site is occasionally closed to the public when the royal family’s entourage visits Marrakech.
Koutoubia Mosque
The minaret of this 12th century mosque seems to be visible from nearly everywhere in the city. Other than the inspiring tower itself, the mosque has a courtyard, gardens, beautiful arches and a cemetery. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque; however the haunting, regular calls-to-prayer originating from within cannot be missed by anyone in the area.
Cooking Classes in Marrakech
What better way to preserve and re-live the memories of your trip to Marrakech than to take home the secrets of how to cook your favourite Moroccan tagine? Both Riad Shemsi and Riad Dar Zaman offer fun cooking classes. They start immediately after breakfast with a visit to the local communal baking oven and then to the souks to buy the ingredients for the class. Back at the riad you'll learn to prepare Moroccan Salads and a tagine, and when you're finished, you get to eat it all. We guarantee it will be one of the most delicious meals you'll eat in Morocco!
The Souks
Essentially, the Marrakech souks are like a giant, Moroccan flea-market. These dark, mostly covered alleyways are broken up into distinct districts, based upon the nature of their wares. Be prepared to bargain hard for purchases, but maintain a good sense of humour and an open-mind, and deals can be found. If you’re just looking and not interested in buying, a simple “non merci” or “la shukran” and a smile while you walk by should suffice.
La Mamounia Hotel
One of the world’s great old hotels, since opening in 1923 the Mamounia has been welcoming the rich and famous to Marrakech; Winston Churchill was one of the most celebrated guests to have frequented this hotel. It was originally built in the 19th century as the palace of the crown prince of Morocco but under French rule the building was annexed for use as a hotel. Since independence the property passed into royal hands and is now owned by the king. Non-guests wishing to visit the Mamounia should dress smartly - people wearing shorts and T-shirts are generally not allowed to enter.
La Maison de la Photographie
The Maison de la Photographie is located at 46 Ahal Fès, just up from the Medersa Ben Youssef and a few doors along from Le Foundouk restaurant. The collection of largely black and white photographs, displayed on three floors of a converted Marrakech riad, contains approximately 3,500 images of Morocco, covering the period 1870-1950. The terrace offers a stunning 360° view of the Marrakech medina, and the café serves decent, inexpensive Moroccan fare.
Dar Cherifa
Dar Cherifa is a magical, wonderfully restored, 16th century house built around a central courtyard with tall columns, ancient stucco work and old carved beams. Located near the Mouassine Mosque, it serves as a literary café (drinks and light refreshments) and an art exhibition space. There is a small reference library of books about Morocco, lots of alcoves with lazy sofas for dreaming, and a delightful two-tier sun terrace.
Beldi Country Club
The Beldi Country Club is an incredible place, just 15 minutes outside of Marrakech. Rustic yet chic, it offers rose gardens, two stunning swimming pools and relaxing areas, and a wonderful spa complex offering hammam, massage and a host of treatments. The swimming pools are classy, lined with black tiles instead of the usual blue. A day by the pool with a three-course lunch will set you back 350 dirhams, plus drinks.
Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden, made famous by Yves Saint Laurent, is one place every visitor to Marrakech must experience. Created by Jacques Majorelle, the gardens were first opened to the public in 1947. Purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in 1980, the garden was developed further and is now a stunning tropical sanctuary in the middle of Marrakech.
Medersa Ben Youssef
Originally constructed in the 12th century, this exceptionally preserved Koranic school is one of the largest in North Africa. Here too are excellent examples of Moroccan arches, wall carvings, tiles and mosaics. Hundreds of students once studied here, gathered in the large and peaceful courtyard. There is also a small mosque on-site.
Bahia Palace
This 19th century palace boasts a large courtyard, beautiful fountains, tiles, ornate wall-carvings, gardens, and is an excellent spot to find tranquility and marvel at traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. This palace was once home to a harem, but now hosts daily tours. This site is occasionally closed to the public when the royal family’s entourage visits Marrakech.
Koutoubia Mosque
The minaret of this 12th century mosque seems to be visible from nearly everywhere in the city. Other than the inspiring tower itself, the mosque has a courtyard, gardens, beautiful arches and a cemetery. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque; however the haunting, regular calls-to-prayer originating from within cannot be missed by anyone in the area.
Cooking Classes in Marrakech
What better way to preserve and re-live the memories of your trip to Marrakech than to take home the secrets of how to cook your favourite Moroccan tagine? Both Riad Shemsi and Riad Dar Zaman offer fun cooking classes. They start immediately after breakfast with a visit to the local communal baking oven and then to the souks to buy the ingredients for the class. Back at the riad you'll learn to prepare Moroccan Salads and a tagine, and when you're finished, you get to eat it all. We guarantee it will be one of the most delicious meals you'll eat in Morocco!
The Souks
Essentially, the Marrakech souks are like a giant, Moroccan flea-market. These dark, mostly covered alleyways are broken up into distinct districts, based upon the nature of their wares. Be prepared to bargain hard for purchases, but maintain a good sense of humour and an open-mind, and deals can be found. If you’re just looking and not interested in buying, a simple “non merci” or “la shukran” and a smile while you walk by should suffice.
La Mamounia Hotel
One of the world’s great old hotels, since opening in 1923 the Mamounia has been welcoming the rich and famous to Marrakech; Winston Churchill was one of the most celebrated guests to have frequented this hotel. It was originally built in the 19th century as the palace of the crown prince of Morocco but under French rule the building was annexed for use as a hotel. Since independence the property passed into royal hands and is now owned by the king. Non-guests wishing to visit the Mamounia should dress smartly - people wearing shorts and T-shirts are generally not allowed to enter.