In this post I will list what I think are the 6 must do (or see) things in Marrakech. Also, included in this post will be where to stay and what the weather is like in the winter. For what to eat please click here.
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1. The Medina
- Jamaa al-Fna is the main square of the Medina in Marrakech. It is the life and soul of Marrakech. If you’ve never experienced anything similar, it will be very intimidating at first and may even be off-putting. However, it will be addictive enough for you to want to go back. As soon as you enter the area it will feel like you have entered a whole new world. It is fairly lively during the day, but as soon as it gets close to sunset, you’ll witness vendors, beggars, tourists, children, women, men, snake charmers, singers, dancers, barbers, tooth extractors, painters, Quran reciters and probably whoever else you can think of doing there thing living life to the fullest. The noises, the madness, the hustle and bustle is just mesmerising and strangely addictive. While you’re in this part of the Medina, make sure you check out the orange juice – this’ll be the best orange juice you ever have! Also, make sure you take a stroll down the street food row; I say stroll, it will be anything but. You’ll get vendors from each and every (yes each and every) stall come up to you and try and pull you in. The funny part is they’ll use proper British accents (southern and northern!) and throw out cringe one liners like “cheaper than the Aldi” and “who killed Stacy Slater?” (I know… what!?).
- Mashwi Alley – is a must. The reasons will be explained in the food post, but you cannot leave Marrakech without checking out the offerings on this street. Unfortunately, most do. As soon as you see sheep heads on display, you’re in the area.
- Get lost – this is the best way to experience the magical alleys of the markets of the Medina. Just go where your eyes and heart takes you. You WILL get lost, but don’t worry, embrace it and enjoy it. You’ll discover some gems that you will probably never find again! You’ll also encounter ‘helpful’ people trying to give you directions – it is best to avoid them as they will probably want to take a fee for their ‘services’.
- Tea shop with a view of Jamaa al-fna – this is a must especially during the early hours of the day. Get the best seat in the house and a birds eye view of the vendors and stalls setting up for their busy evening. It is a strangely relaxing experience just watching them do their thing. All while you sip on some famous Moroccan tea of course.
2. Jardin Majorelle
This was the first site we went to see. This is a wonderful garden that is a must see in Marrakech. Some wonderful photo opportunities await you here! A little history about the place – in 1922, the French painter Jacques Majorelle came up with the idea of making this luxuriant garden and what is defined as a botanical ‘laboratory’. In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the Jardin Majorelle to save it from destruction. Yves Saint Laurent himself said: “For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours.” We bought tickets at the door (but they now strongly advise you pre-purchase online beforehand at the rate 120 dirhams).
3. Madrasa Ben Youssef
Hidden away in the markets of the Medina, this may be a little difficult to find. This was actually our first proper getting lost experience – not as fun when you actually have a target to get to. Dating back to 1364, this educational institute and beautiful example of architecture is six centuries strong – with the same design in existence today as it was when it was founded back then – how fascinating is that!? It was a university that, at the time, took on more than 900 students. Despite it being primarily an Islamic educational institute, secular subjects were also taught to provide a comprehensive study. Now, it is merely a tourist attraction, but hey that’s good for us right? At the time it cost 70 dirhams for entry and we bought the tickets at the door.
4. Atlas Mountains Excursion
This was the best part of our trip hands down and quite possibly the best thing we’ve ever done. Please check out the dedicated post for more information.
5. Bahia Palace
This extremely extravagant and luxurious palace is another must see when in Marrakech. Si Moussa built it between 1866 and 1867 and it over two acres long consists of 150 rooms!! And as with most historical sites in Marrakech, the architecture and detail is only to be awed at. Tickets are 70 dirhams and we purchased them at the door too.
6. Cooking class
Such a unique way to explore the culture. Whether you’re a foodie or not, this is a must! Check out the dedicated post for more information.
Where to stay:
Savoy Le Grand Hotel
Saturday 17 December 2016 to Thursday 22 December 2016 – 6 days, 5 nights
£480.54 (including breakfast)
Amazing rooms, amazing customer service, delicious breakfast, lovely swimming pool – everything felt very 5 star like. The best thing about this might have been the location – it was walking distance from the Jamaa al-Fna (20-30 mins). There also was a small shopping centre with decent eateries attached to the hotel. It was the perfect spot for our week long getaway in Marrakech.
For pictures of the hotel click here.
The weather in winter:
We went mid-December and it was perfect, if you don’t like it too hot and don’t mind a little chill in the evenings. Temperatures are around a high of 20 degrees and low of 5! It can get a little cold at times especially in the evenings. During the day it is t-shirt weather, but you’ll probably need a jacket for the evenings.
And the food…
This deserves a post of its own!
