Marrakesh is one of the destinations that make travelers dream… even if its old lovers swear they no longer recognize their “Pearl of the South”.
This city does not leave anyone indifferent, but you have to know how to approach it and take the time to soak up its atmosphere, to immerse yourself in it for several nights. Then, this imperial city appears as a jewel set in the natural setting that constitutes, not far, the peaks of the High Atlas.
An incessant flow of visitors, restaurants for tourists, shops full of junk … So many aspects that would tend to make Marrakech a city disfigured by tourism … if we were to stick to the first look. Open your eyes wide and let yourself be carried away by the undeniable charm of this bewitching and fascinating city!
When the sun sets on Marrakech, the fumaroles of the Jemaa El Fna square rise, the Koutoubia lights up and the voice of a muezzin rings out. The Marrakchis are heading towards the famous square while the multicolored souks are gradually emptying. The palaces lock themselves in a silence full of history.
This is the charm of Marrakech which seems to wake up after a day spent under the torpor of the sun and in the pollution of cars. Nestled at the foot of the High Atlas, the imperial city is divided into several distinct districts. The medina, surrounded by imposing ramparts, is the most authentic of all.
It is here that the main centers of interest of Marrakech are located: the souks, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs… This site, classified by Unesco, is also full of riads, or traditional houses, transformed for the needs of tourism into guest houses. To the west of the old city, the Hivernage district is a residential area with luxury villas and tourist hotels. To the north, Gueliz is a modern district where a good number of hotels, restaurants, cafes and European-style stores flourish, mainly along with Avenue Mohammed IV.
Finally, the palm grove, about 10 km from the city center, covers nearly 13,000 hectares. Reduced year after year by tourist speculation, it now contains a large number of hotels and vacation clubs as well as a superb golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones.
The more athletic will also have plenty of time to practice tennis, horseback riding, quad biking, go-karting, hiking, and hot air ballooning or to ski on the peaks of the Atlas.
As for the climate, it makes Marrakech a city to discover all year round. In winter, the nights are cool and the sun is generous. In summer, the heat can be stifling, especially because of the dry and burning winds coming from the Sahara. But that’s how the purists will tell you that it must be discovered.
Marrakesh: what to do?
The Ben Youssef Medersa (Koranic school) is one of the most exciting visits with its countless tiny student rooms and richly decorated patios. You can also visit the Dar si Said museum with its collection of everyday objects such as children’s swings, wedding dresses and jewelry, and rugs.
If you are a fan of trendy places, go to Red Beach. This establishment is open during the high season for lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is quite festive and the setting very elegant!
The medina, surrounded by imposing ramparts, has remained authentic. It is here that the principal centers of interest of Marrakech are located: the souks, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs…
Marrakesh: what to eat?
Moroccan cuisine is excellent and offers different dishes with subtle and varied tastes. Couscous is of course the typical Moroccan dish, but you can also try tajines, beef, chicken, or lamb. The pastilla is eaten sweet or salty or mixed. The brick or chorba is appetizing starters. The pastries will delight the gourmands. And to finish a meal, drink mint tea.
Marrakesh: what to bring back?
You can bring back many souvenirs from Marrakech. Moroccan craftsmanship is rich. Wrought iron lamps and furniture, leather bags, babouches, poufs, spices, jewelry, candles, djellabahs, henna, black soap, ghassoul…
Marrakesh is not a museum city: it is culturally active, exciting museums are opening and art galleries are flourishing. The red city preserves its memory, values its past, but its creativity makes it profoundly modern.
Marrakesh remains an essential stopover during a trip to Morocco.
Also Read: How To Choose a Campsite Four Your Vacations
