In this post, we will be telling, 10 amazing things to do in Marrakesh. Here are our 10 picks:
The Souks of The Medina
Medina, the old part of Marrakech, offers, amongst other things, a special authentic experience – the souks.
A souk is a street marketplace where you can buy all sorts of products, from leather bags, spices, silver and gold products, to more modern items and food. Each street was traditionally named after the commodity that was sold there and even today you can see that certain streets mostly sell spices, others sell leather products, and so on. Getting lost in the chaotic souks of Medina is an interesting experience and offers a glimpse of life in Morocco centuries ago.
El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace is a ruined palace in Marrakech, constructed in late 16th century by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, belonging to the Saadian dynasty. The original palace consisted of over 350 rooms, a large swimming pool, and several gardens, however, most of its former shine is now gone.
El Badi Palace is now a museum with several detached compartments displaying different art and even a fully restored 12th-century minbar. The rooftop terrace offers amazing views of Marrakech and the bird’s eye view of the palace.
Gardens
Marrakech is famous for its world-renowned gardens. In fact, gardens are such an important part of it, of it, that Marrakech is also known as the garden city. Gardens symbolize paradise and are a great escape from the desert-ish atmosphere and busy city streets. You will even find gardens in riads, traditional Moroccan houses, and palaces with interior courtyards. While you can find countless amazing gardens in Marrakech, the following ones are considered one of the most beautiful and open to the public: Jardin Majorelle, created in 1923 by a French orientalist Jacques Majorelle, but it took over 40 additional years to complete.
The garden includes a colorful villa, which now became a favorite Instagram spot. Don’t miss the nearby Yves Saint Laurent museum, dedicated to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Menara Gardens: botanical gardens located on the west side of Marrakech.
While Jardin Majorelle is mostly popular with tourists, the Menara gardens are a popular relaxation spot for the locals. Le Jardin Secret, a place in Medina with a traditional Islamic garden, offering a great escape from the crowded streets of Marrakech.
Koutoubia Mosque
Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech, located in Medina. Because of its 253 feet (77 m) tall minaret it is very easy to spot and can even help you with orientation around Marrakech.
Koutoubia Mosque was built in the 12th century and was an inspiration for other prominent buildings. Outside the mosque, you will find a beautiful large garden plaza.
Jemaa El-Fna Square
Located next to Koutoubia Mosque, you will find the central square of Medina, Jemaa El-Fna. Here, you will find an interesting mix of locals and tourists with street vendors selling everything from fresh orange juice to souvenirs. You will also find numerous entertainers such as snake charmers, fortune tellers, etc.
However, if you plan to stop and watch or take a photo with them, they will demand money, sometimes quite aggressively. For the ultimate experience, you can go to one of the rooftop bars and order the traditional Moroccan mint tea and soak in the atmosphere.
Tanneries
Morocco is famous for its traditional leather tanning industry. In fact, leather bags, shoes, and other products are common items sold in the souks. Most tanneries are located in the Northern part of Medina, outside the main tourist areas. You can experience the process of treating the animal skins to produce leather. But be careful because there are many scams related to visiting the tanneries.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace was built in the 19th century for Si Moussa, grand vizier of the sultan. Unlike the El Badi Place that we mentioned before, Bahia Palace is well preserved. A great way to travel back in history and experience life in over 150 rooms and an impressive 2-acre garden constructed in the Islamic and Moroccan style.
One of the more interesting places and another popular Instagram spot in Marrakech is the harem with its outside court, opening to the living quarter for concubines residing in Bahia Palace.
Miara Jewish Cemetery
Following a mass exile of Jews from Spain in the 15th century, Marrakech became a new home for many of them. Over 35,000 resided in Melach, the Jewish quarter, with approximately 40 Synagogues. In 1537, the Jewish Cemetery was built just outside the Melach quarter. The cemetery exists to this day. Visit the Jewish quarter and the Jewish Cemetery to experience the historic dimension of this culturally rich city.
Bab Agnaou
There were 19 gates to Marrakech, providing entrance to different districts of the city. Bab Agnaou was built in the 12th century and was providing entrance to the royal part of Medina and was built to impress the visitors.
Today, Bab Agnaou is still admired by visitors as one of the main tourist attractions in Marrakech A cute addition to the ancient gates is the storks nesting at the top.
Saadian Tombs
Entering Marrakech through the Bab Agnaou gates gives access to the Kabash, Marrakech’s royal district. Here, you can find the Kasbah Mosque, another important historical Mosque in the city. However, hidden for centuries behind the Kasbah Mosque, and now excavated, lies the impressive Saadian Tombs, where over 60 members of the influential Saadi dynasty were buried.
Saadi dynasty ruled Morocco in the 16th and 17th century. The tombs were rediscovered in 1917 and you can now see them, along with another impressive Moroccan garden. Of course, there are many other interesting places to see in Marrakech.