|| Morocco, Marrakech - 11 Things To Do ||
A Guide With Our Top 11 Things To Do When You're In Morocco, Marrakech.
Marrakech, Morocco: The pink city of North Africa. A place where you can find: Colorful mountains of spices, donkeys and horses on the street, the big Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the mystical souks. The city with the most gorgeous riads and architectural places. I came back with the human that I love and had an even better experience than 6 years ago. Marrakech is now one of our favorite cities!
HERE ARE 11 THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH
Written by: Stephanie Gabriella
1. Visit El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace is a ruined palace that is located in Marrakech. If you would translate it, it means: 'Incomparable Palace'. As we walked through the entrance we were guided to go downstairs first. This was a small underground exhibition, where they display all the history of the palace. After this we saw this beautiful square immediately. We spend one hour in the El Badi Palace, this is needed to get a full look of every corner there is including the small exhibition.
What to wear:
There isn't an official dress code, however we recommend to dress properly and stay modest, according the weather of the moment you'll visit. As the area of El Badi Palace is exposed to loads of sun you definitely want to bring an additional scarf, hat/cap or even some sun lotion.
⬇ All the important information:
- Opening hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
- Entrance fee: 70 dirham per person
- Location: Ksibat Nhass, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
It's essential to keep in mind that the prices and times can vary at any time.
2. Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa
You may have heard about this very popular square, the famous: Jemaa el-Fnaa square. It can be found right in the middle of the Medina. Wander around, order a freshly made juice for only 10 dirhams! If you have tasted this ones, you are coming back everytime when you're passing the square. As you pass through the crowd you will see all types of entertainers, snake charmers and women doing henna.
By night you will experience such a delightful atmosphere. The Jamaa el Fnaa comes to life with music and many people getting foods and drinks at the square! There are several food market stands, with all types of food such as fries, vegetables, meat, fish, rice and much more! You will smell the roasted vegetables and grilled meat even when you didn't enter the square yet. Enjoy the sounds of flute players, watch dancers and artists sharing their talents with you underneath the moonlight. It's a phenomenal way to explore the Moroccan culture.
⬇ All the important information:
- Be cautious during the day of vehicles and carts passing by. After 2 PM there are no vehicles allowed, so you will be free to walk around without any worries.
- Be aware of pick pockets and gropers as they mostly appear in the dark at the Jamaa el Fna square, always keep your belongings close. If it happens: There are always enough cops around the square to immediately report it.
- Always have a few dirhams to tip the performers after they finished their performances or when you take photos.
- At the square you will find chained monkeys and snake charmers... both are ethically questionable. It's better to avoid them and not take a part in animal abuse.
- The street food market is a must try, the foods are incredible!
- Visit the street food market a bit before 8PM, as they open than, but it will be crowded very soon, make sure to already stand there to avoid heavily crowds.
3. The Old Medina
Indulge yourself truly in the Medina of Marrakech. Take a look at everything you see, experience the different smells of all types of spices and foods. Look at how the locals get around, go through the narrow streets that will serve you some hidden treasures in Marrakech. You will find donkeys and carts, but also beautiful horse carriages. If you want to discover Marrakech in a different way, you can go for a carriage ride instead of a taxi cap.
While you're in the Medina admire the colourful walls, hello, you are in the pink city of Morocco! And, if you fancy a refreshing drink try out one of their various home made lemonades or ice coffees at many rooftop cafes to watch the panoramic views.
⬇ All the important information:
- Do not ask for directions! As you can get scammed to visit the tanneries or they will ask for money. It seems polite at first, because they walk all the way to your destination with you. However, they might take a different route that takes longer to get where you want to be.
4. Shopping in The souks
The souks of Marrakech, then you dive into them you can easily loose track of time, because there are so many stores filled with beautiful items. Take a look at gorgeous ceramics, try out some leather sandals or even get yourself a beautiful Moroccan dress. You can find so many items in the souks, from Argan oil, jewellery to all types of shoes and so much more. Did you know that they have the most impressive lamps and lanterns hanging around there?
It's a labyrinth of markets all together and your eyes want to look at everything they have. If you don't want to pay the full price, make sure to bargain! Don't worry, everyone does this all the time, shop owners are used to bargain on their price.
⬇ All the important information:
- The main souk: Souk Semmarine - The souk a bit further: Souk Place des Epices
- If you're worried about loosing your way in the souks, you might want to visit the souks with a guide.
- Be polite when you don't want to buy an item, before you leave.
- Opening hours daily basis: 9 AM - 9 PM
5. Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa
Take a look inside of the incredible Ben Youssef Madrasa. From the moment you step inside you will encounter so many beautiful small details, tile for tile on every wall. The patterned mosaics form a wonderful architecture to look at. Did you know this was a former Islamic school? It used to be the largest Islamic college in Morocco. Make sure to watch the interior terrace with its serene pool.
⬇ All the important information:
- Location: Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000, Morocco - Opening hours: MA - SU: 9 AM - 6 PM
- Price: 50 Dirham (5 EURO)
Click on the arrow, on the right to see more images of the magnificent Ben Youssef Madrasa.
6. Jardin Majorelle
A place you might have seen all over social media, an incredible blue house with vibrant colors and plants: The beautiful Jardin Majorelle. Wander around beautiful gardens, whom were originally designed by Jaques Majorelle, also known as the inventor of the deep blue shade that can be found: Majorelle blue. Unfortunately, we couldn't visit the Jardin Majorelle, because it was too crowded. Especially during the month May and we also assume the summer months. Be aware of that, because you can easily wait in a line for 30 minutes and if you have a tight schedule like us, than we highly recommend to order tickets online or a combination ticket at the desk of YSL (which mainly has a shorter line).
⬇ All the important information:
- Location: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40009, Morocco - Opening hours: MA - SU: 8 AM - 6:30 PM
- Get a combination ticket to visit YSL Musée to skip the line for the Jardin Majorelle for: 180 dirham
- Want to visit, but it's too crowded? We recommend to visit between 4-6 PM or right away at 8 AM! Don't show up between 11PM and 15PM, you will stand in an incredibly long line!!
7. Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Discover the beautiful exhibition at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. It is suitable for every art lover or anyone who is just curious. The building is located almost next the Marjorelle Garden, the place where the famous fashion designer has lived in Marrakech.
The museum itself has three different spaces:
An exhibition room, where you can admire the creations of Yves Saint Laurent. (Those who love details in clothes, you will love it!) You can find sketches, mannequins with the garments, films, audio sequences and more.
The travelling exhibitions that showcase various paintings, sculptures and more.
The research library, here you can find 5.000 books, some of them are extremely old!
⬇ All the important information:
- Location: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40000, Morocco - Opening hours: 10 AM - 6 PM | Closed on Wednesdays!
- Get a combination ticket to skip the line for the Jardin Majorelle for: 180 dirham
- Want to visit, but it's too crowded? We recommend to visit between 4-6 PM or right away at 10 AM! Don't show up between 13PM and 15PM, you will stand in an incredibly long line!!
8. Admire Koutoubia Mosque
Did you know that the Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech?
With its beautiful teracotta great big walls it is definitely a place worth to visit. It's also the city's most famous landmark. Find yourself wandering around the holy Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and if you are muslim definitely take a look inside! If not, there is so much to admire from the outside, such as the amazing garden.
⬇ All the important information:
- Best time for photos: Before 9PM or between 1PM and 4PM
- Nice to know: It's less than 200 Metres from the Jeema el Fnaa - Location: Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
9. Treat Yourself with Hammam
Have you ever had a Hammam treatment before? If the answer is 'no', than you might want to read more about this, because let's be honest: Nothing is better than a spoiling steam and scrub treatment at a hammam: a Moroccan bathhouse.
Usually the hammam includes three steam rooms. All the rooms are separated by gender. Especially, public hammams. Some of the hammams are for women only, or have separated entrances. No matter which hammam you choose, the rituals stay the same. There are so many hammams to choose from. From traditional public neighbourhood hammams to the spa-style hammams. Nonetheless, if you would like to have an authentic hammam experience with all the locals, you should go for a public hammam. However, if you prefer a private hammam, make sure to pack clothes to change into after your session is done. Just keep in mind tha the public hammams are cheaper, but you will have to bring you own hammam kit. This contains for instance: soap, brush, towel, shampoo, sandals, your clothes and an additional towel to dry off with.
⬇ All the important information:
- Public hammam prices: 10-100 dirham (depending on the hammam itself)
- mid-range private hammam prices: 250-600 dirham
- Luxury hammam prices up to 1000 dirham
- A few great hammam and spas in Marrakech:
Hammam Dar el - Bacha | The largest city's traditional public hammam
Les Bains de Marrakech
Royal Mansour
Les Bains d'Orient
Hammam Mouassine
10. Drink Moroccan Tea
Start your morning with a delicious Moroccan min tea, unwind and relax after sightseeing with Moroccan tea or just drink a glass after dinner. Whatever timing you choose, make sure to at least take one glass on your holiday. It's also the national drink of the country. Did you know that during the hot temperatures and wandering around Marrakech, the one of the best elixirs is to drink loads of Moroccan tea.
Not to forget: The technique of the way they pour the tea is really spectacular. It's poured from a high point, which is quit fascinating! I'm a huge tea lover and I have had at least 3 tea a day, during our holiday. Also, try out the fresh homemade ice teas.
11. Stay at a Riad
Ask yourself: 'Have I ever slept in a Riad?' And if the answer is 'no', than you should! There are so many options in Marrakech and any other city in Morocco, when it comes to choosing a Riad to sleep at. However, what exactly is a Riad? It's a traditional mansion that is built around central courtyards, often they have ancient history and are dating from the Seventeenth century. Riad also contain beautiful architecture and much handmade craftsmanship. You will walk through alleys and behind a large door there is so much beauty to discover.
Prices have a large range, depending on size, decor and of course the services that are offered. However, you can expect to stay at Riad with a starter price of: 25 EURO a night.
We have stayed at: Riad Palais Calipau. It's a beautiful Riad that is situated 1.9 KM from the Medina of Marrakech. Take a moment to dive into beautiful Moroccan architectures of the riads in Marrakech and choose the best one that fits your needs. Whether you are looking for a budget saving one or want to spend more money on the accommodation: There is plenty of choice for every kind of traveller.
And, are you planning to pay a visit to Marrakech after reading about all the amazing things you can do? We hope you do, because Marrakech will give you a splendid time! If you want to make your trip extra special? Visit the Agafay desert. Read about our experience in this article: Glamping at Scarabeo
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