What should i do in marrakech

Le Jardin Secret, a secluded riad a traditional Moroccan house in the heart of the Medina on Rue Mouassine, features two gardens, a museum, boutique and two cafes. Head up to its tower, one of the highest in the Medina, for views stretching to the Atlas Mountains, and enjoy strolling around its picturesque gardens.

Historical Landmark. Book Now. This 19th-century palace, set across two acres in the middle of the Medina, is one of the best-preserved historical sites in Marrakech. Visit Facebook page.

Courtesy of Nomad. You have a few options when it comes to rooftop old-city restaurants with sunset views of the Atlas Mountains — but Nomad is in a class of its own. This restaurant is loved for its fresh, local ingredients like braised lamb with orange zest, ginger and star anise, and spiced chicken leg with apricots, dates and ginger. Meal service: Dinner, Lunch. Cafe, Moroccan. Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark. Natural Feature.

Imlil, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco. Wind your way through the crowds of late-night Jemaa el-Fnaa to watch performers show off their talents and ply their wares. Jokesters and storytellers rule the roost in this ancient square, while gamers and even acrobats sometimes find a way in. Market, Moroccan. Medina Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, , Morocco. Visit Grand Cafe de la Poste, in the Gueliz neighbourhood, for its food and architecture. The restaurant has Moorish and European elements throughout, complete with Berber carpets by the fireplace, while the menu includes French- and Moroccan-inspired food.

The confit de canard duck comes highly recommended. Marrakech, Marrakesh-Safi, , Morocco. Building, Museum, Natural Feature. Courtesy of Maison de la Photographie. Almoravid Koubba. Also known as the Koubba Ba'adiyn, the Almoravid Koubba is Marrakesh's oldest monument still standing, built in the 12th century during Ali Ben Youssuf's reign. Although its original use is unknown, some experts have suggested that it may have been the ablution house of a mosque that once sat next door.

Its simple exterior design a squat, square building topped with a dome belies an interesting interior, with a dome ceiling covered in Almoravid motifs.

The koubba was one of the few buildings to survive the damage inflicted by the Almohad conquerors, who destroyed much of the earlier Almoravid architectural legacy. Manara Gardens. This huge garden, once a royal retreat, is a bubble of serenity hidden right in the heart of Marrakesh. It's a favorite spot for locals who want to escape the hustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. The majority of the area is taken up with olive groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to come here is the large reflective pool with its fine pavilion.

Built in the late 19th century, the pool and pavilion are a favored spot for many local Marrakesh families, who come here to picnic and stroll. There are excellent photo opportunities here of the pool with the Atlas Mountain Range reflected in its water, on a clear day. The tanneries in Marrakesh. Marrakesh's tanneries district is smaller than the one in Fes but just as atmospheric.

This is where the leather hides, used for the colorful shoes, bags, and other products you'll find in the souks, get dyed in a myriad of shades. For photographers, there are great views over the entire area from some of the leather workshops, which rim the tanneries.

You need to pay the shop a tip to enter and head up to their balconies or rooftops, and do expect the staff to try to get you to linger and buy something. If you're visiting Marrakesh for the first time, and want to be in the heart of the action, the best area to stay is in the medina, near the Djemaa El Fna, the large square at its entrance.

Some of the best-value accommodation options here are riads, traditional Moroccan guesthouses with inner courtyards that are shielded from the hustle and bustle of the medina outside; breakfast is usually included in the price.

Taking an organized tour is a great way to see all the highlights of Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains and experience the traditional culture without the hassle of finding your way around. Along the way, you'll learn all about the area's history, as well as insider tips and stories. These tours also include convenient pickup and drop-off at select hotels. The Almoravides made Marrakesh the capital of an empire that covered most of the Maghreb Northwest Africa and extended well into Europe.

With the Almoravide conquest of southern Spain, Marrakesh was invested with the cosmopolitan culture of Andalusia and became a bastion of Islamic civilization and an intellectual center where the most famous scholars and philosophers of the age converged.

Lavish buildings were constructed and splendid gardens designed. The ancient ramparts and gates of the city are monuments to its medieval preeminence. Almohade armies stormed the gates of Marrakesh on March 23, , conquering the Almoravide capital.

The Almohades under Abdal Mou'min continued their conquest of North Africa, extending their empire through Algeria and Tunisia and moving across the Mediterranean to capture Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Under Abdal Mou'min, Marrakesh became an even greater Islamic capital.

Marrakesh went into a period of decline under the Merenids, who captured the city in The Merenid capital was already centered in Fes, and Marrakesh fell into neglect for two and a half centuries. The fortunes of Marrakesh revived under the Saadian dynasty. The Saadians were tribesmen from the Souss region, who conquered the whole of southern Morocco in a war against the Portuguese colonialists in Agadir. When the Saadians gained control of the whole of Morocco, their leader, Mohammed Al Mahdi, made Marrakesh his capital in and began to restore the city.

Although the new city district of Marrakesh was constructed in during the French occupation and reflects this European influence, the majority of the city like Fes is a genuinely Islamic city in both its genesis and traditions. After Marrakesh: You can explore some of the most beautiful valleys and gorges of the High Atlas area on day trips from the city but to really delve into this vast region of snowcapped peaks, palm tree oases, and mudbrick kasbahs, take a journey into the High Atlas itself.

Head to the Coast: Head west to the Atlantic coast to check out some other Moroccan cities. Casablanca is a bustling city and home to the Hassan II Mosque. The capital, Rabat, has a medina perched right on the coast, and Agadir is Morocco's top beach break city, with a swathe of white sand. Written by Jess Lee Updated Sep 24, We may earn a commission from affiliate links Marrakesh is a city that effortlessly combines the ancient and the new.

Shop the Medina Souks A colorful rug shop in a medina souk For many visitors, Marrakesh's labyrinthine medina old city district is the town's star attraction. Marrakesh medina alleyway Just off Place Ben Youssef, you'll find Fondouq Namas, an old trader caravanserai that is now home to plenty of carpet shops. Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakesh. Stay in a Medina Riad Hotel Rooftop terrace of a medina riad hotel Marrakesh's riad hotels are an experience in themselves, and for many travelers, a visit here is as much about the hotel as it is about the city.

Admire the Koutoubia Mosque Koutoubia Mosque The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh's most famous landmark with its striking, meter-tall minaret visible for miles in every direction. Non-Muslims are not allowed into the Koutoubia Mosque itself.

Stroll around Majorelle Gardens Majorelle Gardens These lush tropical gardens full of cacti, palms, and ferns, are the work of painter Jacques Majorelle. Address: Avenue Yacoub el Mansour, Marrakesh.

Soak in a Hammam Traditional decoration of a Moroccan hammam Navigating around the medina can be hot, dusty, and crowded work but luckily there's a traditional way to relax and rejuvenate after your sightseeing and shopping is done. Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Marrakesh Countryside Hot-air balloons fly over the arid plateau surrounding Marrakesh Several companies run sunrise hot-air balloon ride tours in Marrakesh, which provide panoramic views across the city, the palm groves, and surrounding arid plateau and the spine of the Atlas Mountains in the distance beyond.

For photographers, the dramatic vistas are definitely worth the early-morning start. Cycle or Horse Ride in the Palmeraie Marrakesh palmeraie Marrakesh's Palmeraie palm groves area is just to the northwest of the city. Check Out the Saadian Tombs Saadian Tombs This 16th-century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between and It's a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden.

Address: Rue Kasbah, Medina, Marrakesh. Admire the Interiors of Marrakesh Museum Marrakesh Museum The Marrakesh Museum Musee de Marrakech has an eclectic collection ranging from contemporary art to Qur'anic inscriptions, with local ceramic work, textiles, and coins thrown in for good measure. For most visitors, the real highlight of a visit here, though, is the building itself. Address: Place Ben Youssef, Medina. Picnic in Manara Gardens Manara Gardens This huge garden, once a royal retreat, is a bubble of serenity hidden right in the heart of Marrakesh.

Address: Avenue Menara, Marrakesh. Travel Guides. Videos Beyond Hollywood Hungerlust Pioneers of love. Things to Do. Lauren Schenkman. Market, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark. Copy link. Map View. Book Now. More info. Open In Google Maps. Medina Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, , Morocco. Give us feedback. Market, Historical Landmark. Farmers' Market, Moroccan.

Medina Marrakech, Marrakesh-Safi, , Morocco. Annakhil Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi, , Morocco. Massage Parlour. Visit Website. Archaeological site. A large complex of lavish mausoleums and tombs, the Saadian Tombs contain the remains of the founder of the Saadian dynasty along with princes and other prominent figures.

The site dates back to the s, and gold, Italian marble and colourful tiling add opulence to the final resting places.