FASCINATING THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH MOROCCO 1. SEE THE KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE AND MINARET The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrak...
FASCINATING THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH MOROCCO
1. SEE THE KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE AND MINARET
The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrakech’s most famous icons. Although it only sits at 77 meters high, you can see it from near and far. It is still an active place of worship and non-Muslims cannot enter, but you can admire it from the outside.Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech, Morocco
2. VISIT THE BEN YOUSSEF MADRASAThe Ben Youssef Medersa was founded in the 14th century and was dedicated to the teaching of Islamic scripture and law. Since it’s closure in 1960, it has be refurbished and reopened to the public as historical site in the 80s.Address: Kaat Benahid, Marrakech 40000, MoroccoPhone: +212 524 44 1893Hours: 9AM – 6PM DailyEntrance Fee: 50 Dh
The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrakech’s most famous icons. Although it only sits at 77 meters high, you can see it from near and far. It is still an active place of worship and non-Muslims cannot enter, but you can admire it from the outside.
Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech, Morocco
2. VISIT THE BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA
2. VISIT THE BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA
The Ben Youssef Medersa was founded in the 14th century and was dedicated to the teaching of Islamic scripture and law. Since it’s closure in 1960, it has be refurbished and reopened to the public as historical site in the 80s.
Address: Kaat Benahid, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 44 1893
Hours: 9AM – 6PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 50 Dh
3. SEE THE SAADIAN TOMBS
No expense was spared building this tomb. Italian Carrara marble, intricate platerwork, and pure gold were used to make the Chamber of the 12 Pillars.Address: Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakesh, MoroccoHours: 8AM – 4PM DailyEntrance Fee: 10 Dh
No expense was spared building this tomb. Italian Carrara marble, intricate platerwork, and pure gold were used to make the Chamber of the 12 Pillars.
Address: Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakesh, Morocco
Hours: 8AM – 4PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 10 Dh
4. EXPLORE THE RUINS OF THE EL BADI PALACE
Built in the 16th century by Saadian King Ahmad al-Mansur, it was later looted by his successor and left as bare ruins. You get amazing views of the Atlas mountains from the terrace and you’ll find that storks have made their home here.Address: Ksibat Nhass, Marrakesh, MoroccoHours: 8AM – 5PM DailyEntrance Fee: 10 Dh
Built in the 16th century by Saadian King Ahmad al-Mansur, it was later looted by his successor and left as bare ruins. You get amazing views of the Atlas mountains from the terrace and you’ll find that storks have made their home here.
Address: Ksibat Nhass, Marrakesh, Morocco
Hours: 8AM – 5PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 10 Dh
5. JEMAA EL FNA SQUARE
Coordinates: 31.6258 N, 7.9894 WHours: Approximately 9AM – 1AMThis is one of the best-known squares in Africa and definitely something you picture when thinking of Marrakech. During the day it’s filled with buskers, orange juice stands, and shops, and in the evening it transforms into a huge outdoor food court.
Coordinates: 31.6258 N, 7.9894 W
Hours: Approximately 9AM – 1AM
This is one of the best-known squares in Africa and definitely something you picture when thinking of Marrakech. During the day it’s filled with buskers, orange juice stands, and shops, and in the evening it transforms into a huge outdoor food court.
6. MARRAKECH SOUK / MARKETPLACE
Just north of the Jemaa El Fna, there is an intricate maze of alleyways filled with shops. You’ll find everything from everyday goods, to handcrafts, to souvenirs. Be prepared to bargain to get the best prices you can! We couldn’t figure out the actual hours of the marketplace, but when we returned at around 9PM, many shops were starting to close or were closed.
Just north of the Jemaa El Fna, there is an intricate maze of alleyways filled with shops. You’ll find everything from everyday goods, to handcrafts, to souvenirs. Be prepared to bargain to get the best prices you can! We couldn’t figure out the actual hours of the marketplace, but when we returned at around 9PM, many shops were starting to close or were closed.
7. TRY THE LOCAL CUISINE
Be sure to try all the local delicacies like tagine, cous-cous, kebabs, snail, sheep’s head, and pigeon pie. Jemaa El Fna turns into a huge food market every night so that’s a great place to get a bit of everything. We ate tagine almost every day.
Be sure to try all the local delicacies like tagine, cous-cous, kebabs, snail, sheep’s head, and pigeon pie. Jemaa El Fna turns into a huge food market every night so that’s a great place to get a bit of everything. We ate tagine almost every day.
8. TAKE A STROLL IN JARDIN MAJORELLE
This 12-acre botanical garden is home to an electric blue villa and is the perfect place for stunning photos and a peaceful walk.Address: Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakesh, MoroccoPhone: +212 524 30 1894
This 12-acre botanical garden is home to an electric blue villa and is the perfect place for stunning photos and a peaceful walk.
Address: Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 30 1894
9. MARVEL AT THE BAHIA PALACE / PALAIS DE LA BAHIA
This palace was built in the 19th century and showcases beautiful Arab and Islamic architectural styles. Take in all of the intricate ceilings, colorful tiles, and beautiful lamps.Address: 5 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakesh 40000, MoroccoHours: 8AM – 6PM Daily, Closed FridayEntrance Fee: 30 Dh
This palace was built in the 19th century and showcases beautiful Arab and Islamic architectural styles. Take in all of the intricate ceilings, colorful tiles, and beautiful lamps.
Address: 5 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Hours: 8AM – 6PM Daily, Closed Friday
Entrance Fee: 30 Dh
10. MARRAKECH RAILWAY STATION
Even if you’re not planning on using the public transportation, the Marrakech Railway Station is still worth stopping by. The new building that was built in 2008 is truly a grand entrance to the station during the day or night.Address: Hasan II Avenue, Marrakech, Morocco
Even if you’re not planning on using the public transportation, the Marrakech Railway Station is still worth stopping by. The new building that was built in 2008 is truly a grand entrance to the station during the day or night.
Address: Hasan II Avenue, Marrakech, Morocco
11. BELLY DANCING DINNER
You can’t leave Marrakech without enjoying a dinner and show. Although there are many choices, Le Comptoir Darna is one of the most popular spots in town. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time as it fills up quickly.Le Comptoir DarnaAddress: Avenue Echouhada, Marrakech, MoroccoPhone: +212 524 43 7702Hours: 7:30PM – 3AM Daily
You can’t leave Marrakech without enjoying a dinner and show. Although there are many choices, Le Comptoir Darna is one of the most popular spots in town. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time as it fills up quickly.
Le Comptoir Darna
Address: Avenue Echouhada, Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 43 7702
Hours: 7:30PM – 3AM Daily
12. RELAX AT A HAMMAM
Hammam, or public bathhouses, is a great way to experience the local culture and relax at the same time. You can go with high-end hammams and spas at La Mamounia or Selman Hotels, or go for an authentic and thorough scrub down at Hammam Dar el-Bacha.Hammam Dar el-Bacha
Address: 20 Rue Fatima Zohra, Marrakech, MoroccoHours: Men 7AM – 1PM, Women 1-9 PMEntrance Fee: 10 Dh
Hammam, or public bathhouses, is a great way to experience the local culture and relax at the same time. You can go with high-end hammams and spas at La Mamounia or Selman Hotels, or go for an authentic and thorough scrub down at Hammam Dar el-Bacha.
Hammam Dar el-Bacha
Address: 20 Rue Fatima Zohra, Marrakech, Morocco
Hours: Men 7AM – 1PM, Women 1-9 PM
Entrance Fee: 10 Dh
13. STAY AT HOTEL LA MAMOUNIA
One of the premiere hotels in Marrakech, La Mamounia provides a luxurious stay right outside the Medina. In addition to spectacular service, enjoy their equally famous gardens.Address: Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid, Marrakech, MoroccoPhone: +212 524 38 8600
One of the premiere hotels in Marrakech, La Mamounia provides a luxurious stay right outside the Medina. In addition to spectacular service, enjoy their equally famous gardens.
Address: Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid, Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 38 8600
14. STAY IN A RIAD
If you’re looking for a real authentic stay, then skip the hotels in Marrakech and stay in a Riad, or traditional Moroccan house within the Medina (Old City). If you’ve already booked a hotel, you can stop by to have some mint tea instead.
If you’re looking for a real authentic stay, then skip the hotels in Marrakech and stay in a Riad, or traditional Moroccan house within the Medina (Old City). If you’ve already booked a hotel, you can stop by to have some mint tea instead.
15. HAVE A GLASS OF FRESH-SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE
You will see orange trees all over Marrakech and Moroccan oranges are famous all over the world. That’s why you will find tons of orange juice stands in the squares like Jemaa El Fna. A glass usually costs anywhere between 5-10 Dirhams and you can even get blood orange juice for more.
You will see orange trees all over Marrakech and Moroccan oranges are famous all over the world. That’s why you will find tons of orange juice stands in the squares like Jemaa El Fna. A glass usually costs anywhere between 5-10 Dirhams and you can even get blood orange juice for more.
16. TAKE A CALÈCHE RIDE
You will have plenty of opportunities (and plenty of people trying to convince you) to take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. But this isn’t just a stroll around the park, you can actually go out into the main streets amongst the cars and traffic. Be sure to bargain and agree to a price before hopping on! When we went, we rode through a sand storm, and it made the ride really interesting. You can see in the video at the bottom of the post.
You will have plenty of opportunities (and plenty of people trying to convince you) to take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. But this isn’t just a stroll around the park, you can actually go out into the main streets amongst the cars and traffic. Be sure to bargain and agree to a price before hopping on! When we went, we rode through a sand storm, and it made the ride really interesting. You can see in the video at the bottom of the post.
17. HAVE A GLASS OF MINT TEA
Whether it’s at your hotel or when entering a shop, there are plenty of places that will greet you with a glass of mint tea. The sweet Moroccan teas are a local favorite and you can order them practically anywhere. We found that each place had their own recipe and can taste quite different.
Whether it’s at your hotel or when entering a shop, there are plenty of places that will greet you with a glass of mint tea. The sweet Moroccan teas are a local favorite and you can order them practically anywhere. We found that each place had their own recipe and can taste quite different.
18. SHOP AT A BERBER PHARMACY
Berber Pharmacies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are brightly lit shops with staff wearing white coats, and others look like they came straight out of your imagination with animals in jars and tanks. Wherever you go, you’ll see a lot of the same items: perfumes, skincare, argon oil, spices, soaps, and more.
Berber Pharmacies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are brightly lit shops with staff wearing white coats, and others look like they came straight out of your imagination with animals in jars and tanks. Wherever you go, you’ll see a lot of the same items: perfumes, skincare, argon oil, spices, soaps, and more.
19. MARRAKECH THROUGH MUSEUMS
For a change of scenery, check out the museums. Here are the most popular ones:Maison de la Photographie: vintage Moroccan photography dating back to 1870Address: 46 Ahal Fés, Marrakesh, MoroccoPhone: +212 524 38 5721Hours: 9:30AM – 7PM DailyEntrance Fee: 40 DhDar Si Said Museum: collection of crafts and woodworkAddress: Riad Zitoun El-Jedid, Marrakesh, MoroccoPhone: +212 524 38 9564Hours: 9AM – 6:45PM DailyEntrance Fee: 10 DhDouiria Moussine: restored, petite 17th century apartmentAddress: 5 Derb El Hammam, Mouassine, Marrakesh, MoroccoPhone: +212 524 38 5721Hours: 10AM – 6PM DailyEntrance Fee: 30 Dh
For a change of scenery, check out the museums. Here are the most popular ones:
Maison de la Photographie: vintage Moroccan photography dating back to 1870
Address: 46 Ahal Fés, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 38 5721
Hours: 9:30AM – 7PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 40 Dh
Dar Si Said Museum: collection of crafts and woodwork
Address: Riad Zitoun El-Jedid, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 38 9564
Hours: 9AM – 6:45PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 10 Dh
Douiria Moussine: restored, petite 17th century apartment
Address: 5 Derb El Hammam, Mouassine, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 38 5721
Hours: 10AM – 6PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 30 Dh
20. RIDE A CAMEL
There are plenty of activities for the thrill seekers. You can see the city via hot air balloon, go hiking, climbing, find zip lines, or go horseback or camel riding.
There are plenty of activities for the thrill seekers. You can see the city via hot air balloon, go hiking, climbing, find zip lines, or go horseback or camel riding.
21. TAKE A DAY TRIP TO EXPLORE THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
If you need to get away from the heat, head out of town towards the Atlas Mountains. There are small towns within the moutains that offer beautiful scenery and a much more local feel. Lalla Takerkoust (27 miles), Ourika (37 miles), and Armed (40 miles) are just a few of to check out.
If you need to get away from the heat, head out of town towards the Atlas Mountains. There are small towns within the moutains that offer beautiful scenery and a much more local feel. Lalla Takerkoust (27 miles), Ourika (37 miles), and Armed (40 miles) are just a few of to check out.
BONUS: SMOKING SHISHA
Shisha, or what you might know as hookah, is a common social activity in Morocco instead of drinking. A lot of restaurants and cafes, and sometimes hotels offer them.
Shisha, or what you might know as hookah, is a common social activity in Morocco instead of drinking. A lot of restaurants and cafes, and sometimes hotels offer them.
COMMENTS