Marrakech is the most popular tourist destination of MoroccoAnd this old dynamic city offers something for everyone - an enchanting architecture, a fascinating history, lively markets, a sumptuous local cuisine and exciting excursions in the mountains and the surrounding desert.
In this article we will see the following points:
- What to do in Marrakech?
- Where to eat ?
- Where to stay?
- When to go?
- Go around the city
WHAT TO DO AT Marrakech?
JEMA EL FNAA:
Start your visit from Marrakech to JEMA EL FNAA, the main central place. During the day you will find fruit juice booths, souvenir sellers and women who make delicate tattoos in henna. In the evening, dozens of pop-up restaurants are installed.
By walking in the narrow streets, you will offer everything, fried aubergines with tomato soup served with traditional sweets, passing through the boiled sheep - traditional sweets at the boiled sheep head.
At nightfall, the square is filled with storytellers, magicians and artists of all kinds, who surprise and delight their audience to the small hours of the morning. On the other side of the square is the Koutoubiya mosque, the largest in Marrakech and the most famous landmark of the city.
Médina de Marrakech
The Medina, the old town of Marrakech, surrounds Jema El Fnaa. Kilometers of streets serpent around ancient riads and sneaked under low arches, bringing you in front of houses, shops, museums, cafes and mosques nestled in ruined stone walls.
You can easily spend a day walk in the old town and absorb its historic charm.
Madrasa Ben Youssef
Nice example of architecture of the Merinid era, the Madrasa Ben Youssef, a beautifully restored fifteenth century religious school, is located in the heart of the medina. You can see the yard, decorated with colorful tiles, molded stucco and carved wood, and small rooms where students lived and studied.
Kaat Benahid, Medina, Marrakech
Excursions of one day and one night
Located near the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the ideal starting point for day-to-day trips to Berber villages, magnificent natural areas, the Ouzoud waterfall, etc. .
Dozens of local tour operators offer camel, horseback, mountain bike or 4 × 4 tours, as well as nature or culture circuits.
Book online in advance, or check the director of your hotel for recommendations. It is usually easy to book once in Marrakech. You can also do
Excursions of a day in great taxi to the neighboring villages, like those of the Ourika Valley.
Majorepha
The Majorelle Garden, created in the early 1900s by the French Jacques Majorelle painter, is a perfect place to escape the heat and intensity of the city. It is planted with palm trees, bamboo, trees, cacti and exotic flowers, and murmuring ponds and streams add to its relaxing beauty.
The Berber Cultural Museum, located in the gardens, presents exhibitions on the traditional Berber culture and life, including clothes, ornaments and artisanal objects.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace complex was built in the late 1800s for the Sultan Grand Vizier and incorporates elements of Moroccan and Arab architecture.
The complex carved woodwork, painted ceilings, tiled floors and courses filled with lush waterproof and lush greenery make the Palais de la Bahia an aesthetic pleasure.
OÙ EAT ATMarrakech
As Marrakech attracts tourists from around the world and hosts a variety of high-level international events, many restaurants are for big budget travelers.
Although some of these institutions offer excellent seafood, a fusion cuisine and European specialties, do not think it takes a lot to taste a fabulous Moroccan cuisine - the best traditional dishes are often found in simple locations and cheap.
Trust your nose when you walk around the medina and keep your eye open on places where there are many local people, like Jema El Fnaa night restaurants. If you are looking for something different or a little more upscale, try these suggestions.
Naranj
This restaurant, located near Jema El Fnaa, offers an eclectic fusion menu with Lebanese specialties like Mezze trays, kibbeh and shawarma. Dine in the first floor room, nicely decorated and air conditioned, or on the roof terrace.
84 rue Riad Zitoun JDID | Medina, Marrakech
https://www.facebook.com/naranjmarrakech/
Annex
For excellent French cuisine at reasonable prices, go to the appendix. A professional service, a
Professional service, excellent wine list, a calm and romantic atmosphere, and seafood, steaks and perfectly cooked pasta.
will not fail to satisfy you.
14 rue Moulay Ali Gueliz, Marrakech
Gastro mk
For a refined dinner in Marrakech, visit the Gastro MK at the MK house. Relax on the terrace with drinks and appetizers before enjoying a five-dishes tasting menu in the dining room below.
The dishes are modern creations inspired by traditional Moroccan cuisine and local ingredients.
Vegetarian menu available. Reservations recommended.
14 Derb Lafkih Sbai | Luksour district, Marrakech
Amaia
If you need to take a break in the tajines and couscous, try the varied menu of Italian, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine of Ameaia. Pasta, seafood and grill, as well as Moroccan wines and desserts are well prepared and served in a pleasant setting.
84 Avenue Hassan II, 40000, Marrakech
https://www.facebook.com/amaia.resto
OÙ STAY AT Marrakech
Riad Romance
This restored riad in the old town has regularly received excellent reviews on Trip Advisor and has been named selection of travelers in 2017. With a friendly service, breakfast and free wifi, swimming pool, pretty decoration, air conditioning And assistance to organize the activities of the day, it is easy to understand why customers like Riad Romance.
Derb El Baroud 26, Hart Soura, Marrakech
Riad Idra
Another winner of the choice of travelers in the old town, the Riad Idra offers special touches that make your stay really relaxing - a courtyard with lush greenery, an elegant dining room, a traditional hammam and a massage spa. There is also a very helpful staff, tastefully decorated rooms and rooftop terrace where you can have breakfast and dinner.
Derb Tizougarine 105 | Dar El Bacha, Marrakech
www.riad-idra-marrakech.com
Riad Assakina
This beautiful old riad is well located in the Jewish district, near the Palace of La Bahia. It offers everything you can expect from a high-end riad: swimming pool, wifi, breakfast, air conditioning, transportation to the airport, laundry service, restaurant and bar / lounge. The staff is very
The staff is very accommodating and makes your stay enjoyable and stress-free.
Derb Alaati Allah, 14 | Hay Salam, Medina, Marrakech
http://riadassakina.com
Riad Kheirredine
For a 5-star luxury Riad experience, Riad Kheirredine is an excellent choice. Each of the 14 rooms is decorated in a luxurious and unique way.
The service goes well beyond: the staff is available to welcome you to any place in the city, you lend the hotel's mobile phone for the day, advise you on activities and serve you with sumptuous meals.
The staff are available to accommodate you at any place in the city, you lend a mobile phone for the day, advise you on activities and serve you with sumptuous Moroccan dishes in the yard, on the terrace or in your room.
Facilities include air conditioning, breakfast and free WiFi, a traditional swimming pool and steam room.
A traditional swimming pool and steam room, as well as a laundry service, dry cleaning and airport shuttle.
44 Derb Chourafa | Medina of Marrakech
Riad Camilia
This very exclusive riad is the ideal place for a quiet and invigorating stay. The rooftop terrace of more than 600 square meters is a hanging garden over the medina.
One of the best rated hotels in Marrakech, it offers a traditional hammam and a massage room, three small overflow swimming pools and a quiet courtyard with lush orange trees.
Free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Laundry service, airport transport and lunch and dinner are upon request.
Featuring a full staff, this traditional 6 bedroom riad and suites will experience the experience of Moroccan hospitality with high-level comfort accommodation.
Derb El Oueli 9, Kaat Benahid | Medina, Marrakech. http://www.riadcamilia.com
00212 669 283 492
When to go
The best periods to visit Marrakech are March-May and October and beginning of November. Ticket rates and hotels are lower and time is nice.
The months of June, July, August and September are very hot, with temperatures often reaching hundreds of degrees, and are crowded with tourists.
From late November to February, there are fewer people in summer, but there are also many tourists fleeing cold climates. Although it is rarely less than 15 ° C, most hotels are not heated and can be a little cold.
TO SURRENDER AT Marrakech and go around
Marrakech is an easy-to-reach city, train or bus. Many European cities offer direct links or good connections with Marrakech Menara airport.
A taxi from the airport to the city center costs about 20 euros. You can also take the public bus line 11 for JEMA el-Fnaa. It is very cheap and takes 20 to 30 minutes. Marrakech also has good rail links with Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and other major cities.
Trains are affordable, and first class and car-car options are quite comfortable. Visit the ONCF.ma website for trains schedules.
The train lines do not currently stretch south of Marrakech, but good bus lines connect Agadir and other southern cities, as well as any big northern city. See CTM.MA for routes and bus schedules.
If you stay in the old town, you may be able to walk to most tourist attractions and restaurants from your hotel. Otherwise, take a small taxi.
These beige cars can take you anywhere within the city's boundaries. Make sure to agree on a price in advance. If you want to go further, for example in a small village outside the city, you can take a big taxi.
These taxis are shared and operate according to fixed itineraries and are quite cheap. The starting points vary depending on the destination, so ask for more information to the director of your hotel.
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