City Guide
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech (Marrakech) is one of Africa's most compelling cities — a former imperial capital at the foot of the Atlas Mountains with an ancient medina, the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square (liveliest in Africa), elaborate palaces, riads, souks, and a distinctive red-earth colour that gives the city its nickname "the Red City." Exotic, intense, sensory, and completely unlike any European city.
Best Places to Stay
- Luxury: La Mamounia (legendary, gardens, Atlas Mountains views), Royal Mansour (owned by the King), Four Seasons Marrakech
- Mid-range: Riad Yasmine (beautiful riad in the medina), Dar Rocmar, Riad Mazaya
- Budget: Hostel Marrakech, Riad elZN
Best Places to Eat
- Fine dining: Le Jardin (in a stunning courtyard), Dar Yacout, La Maison Arabe
- Street food: Food stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa square — eat where the locals eat. Tagines, couscous, pastilla, harira soup.
- Roof terraces: Many riads have rooftop terraces — eat with a view over the medina.
Best Sites to Visit
Jemaa el-Fnaa: The iconic central square — snake charmers, storytellers, food stalls, orange juice sellers. Changes completely from morning to night. UNESCO intangible heritage.
Medina Souks: The labyrinth market — spices, textiles, leather, metalwork, ceramics. Get lost on purpose.
Bahia Palace: 19th-century palace with beautiful courtyards and zellij tilework.
El Badi Palace: Ruins of a 16th-century palace — now a stork nesting ground, atmospheric.
Majorelle Garden: The Yves Saint Laurent garden — exotic plants, cobalt blue villa, peaceful.
Saadian Tombs: The royal necropolis — extraordinary detail, restored to near-perfect condition.
Koutoubia Mosque: The 77m minaret is visible from everywhere in the city.
Hammam: Take a traditional steam bath — it is a Marrakech ritual.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Jemaa el-Fnaa and Medina
Morning: Jemaa el-Fnaa (quiet, atmospheric). Explore the medina. Lunch at the food stalls. Afternoon: Bahia Palace then El Badi Palace. Evening: Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk — the performers and food stalls come alive.
Day 2: Gardens and Souks
Morning: Majorelle Garden (best visited early — allow 2 hours). Afternoon: Saadian Tombs, then the souks — spice, leather, carpet sections. Evening: Roof terrace dinner in a riad.
Day 3: Day Trip
Option A: Atlas Mountains (40 min — Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, Ourika valley). Option B: Essaouira (3h by bus — Portuguese walled city, fresh fish, arts scene).
Getting There and Around
- By air: Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) — direct from most European cities. Taxi to medina (15-20 min, €10–15).
- By train: Marrakech Gare — direct from Casablanca (4h), Rabat (3.5h), Tangier (5h).
- By bus: CTM and Supratours companies operate routes.
- Getting around: The medina is best explored on foot — compact but maze-like.
Travel Tips and Practical Info
- Best time: April–May or October–November. Summer is very hot (40°C+).
- Haggle always: Expected and culturally normal. Start at 25–40% of the asking price.
- Stay in a riad: The medina is best experienced from inside one — street noise is intense but riads are peaceful.
- Photography: Always ask before photographing people — especially performers who will charge you.
- Free: Jemaa el-Fnaa (entering), walking the souks (not buying), mosque exteriors.
Where to Next?
- Essaouira (3h by bus — Portuguese ramparts, fresh fish, arts and music scene)
- Fez (4h by train — the world's largest car-free medina)
- Casablanca (3h by train — Hassan II Mosque is extraordinary)
- Atlas Mountains day trips (Aït Benhaddou, Ourika valley)