Visit Morocco: the gateway into Europe, the gateway to Africa. Explore this remarkable city on the edge of the Sahara Desert...
Admiring the decorative architecture at the Ben Youssef Mosque
Le Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum:
The jewel of Marrakech. This place is one of the main attractions of Marrakech and probably one of the furthest from the centre of the city, but pay a visit here because it is definitely worth it! The colourful buildings and the abundance of exotic plants can really offer great shade on a hot summers day. I recommend purchasing a Combined Ticket which allows you to enter into Le Jardin Majorelle, the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Tickets costs 220 Moroccan Dirhams (€21) and can either be bought onsite or reserved in advance at: Jardin Majorelle
Whilst you're here remember to check out the Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Arts as well as the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, exhibiting the work of the famous fashion designer.
Museum of Marrakech:
Head to the Museum of Marrakech; filled with Moroccan decorative objects including ceramics and contemporary art, and learn about its history. It may not seem interesting to some people but the museum itself is in an absolutely beautiful building! The museum is open Monday-Sunday: 09:00-12:00 & 15:00-18:00 and entrance fee is just 70 Dirhams (€7).
Inside the museum you can get your name or anything you want written in Arabic Calligraphy by an amazing artist. It takes just 5 minutes to do and costs abouts €2.
Check out their Instagram page: www.instagram.com/calli_graphie_ar
Or their Facebook page: www.fb.com/calligraphiearabemarrakech
Ben Youssef Madrasa & Mosque:
A madrasa is an Islamic school and is specialised in religious studies; the Ben Youssef Madrasa is the largest Islamic college in Morocco and is also the most important. It has over 130 rooms and has housed over 900 students. The highlight of the Madrasa tour is its magnificent interior patio. You will also greatly enjoy visiting its bare dormitory cells where the students would stay. Open Monday-Sunday: 09:00-18:00 and for just 10 Dirhams (€1), make sure to not miss this place!
(Left) Admiring the decorative doors, (Centre Left) in the central courtyard, (Centre Right) sitting on the colourful tiles, (Right) the view from the students' rooms
Le Jardin Secret:
Le Jardin Secret is a garden in the heart of the city only recently rediscovered and renovated. Find yourself inside one of the largest and most ancient riads of the medina of Marrakech. Le Jardin Secret hosts two gardens: an exotic garden and an Islamic garden, which draws inspirations from both Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan culture. Although it is not as nice nor as big as Le Jardin Majorelle but still it is worth visiting. With free WiFi and an entrance fee of 40 Dirhams (€4), there is also even a discount for under 25s. Visit: Le Jardin Secret Marrakech - Home
Koutoubia Mosque:
The main attraction of Marrakech and the most iconic building, the Koutoubia Mosque is the place you think about most when visiting Marrakech. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the mosque if you are not a Muslim, nor can you enter any other mosque in Marrakech, but still at least you can admire its exterior and its gardens. It is very easy to get to since it's located opposite the main square, Jemaa el-Fna.
Jemaa el-Fna is the city’s top attraction and can be visited at all hours of the day. Visit in the morning and then return at night to see how it has metamorphosed. Challenge yourself by navigating through the city's Souks, a winding labyrinth of narrow alleyways and streets packed with market stalls. Get a Henna tattoo done, buy spices, the options are endless...
(Left) Buying spices, (Centre Left) Jemaa el-Fna Square, (Centre Right) trying not to get lost in the Souks, (Right) my partner getting a Henna tattoo.
Head further towards the south of the city and visit the Slat Al Azama Synagogue, one of the best known synagogues in Marrakech. Also check out the Dar Si Said Museum: officially called the Museum of Moroccan Arts, it is the oldest museum in the city with the greatest number of works of art exhibits.
Saadian’s Tombs & Kasbah Moulay el Yazid Mosque:
The Saadian's Tombs date back to the end of the 16th Century but were only opened in 1917 when they were rediscovered. The Saadian's Tombs are the resting place of approximately 60 members of the Saadi dynasty, and features the a mausoleum and its gardens. As I said, like all mosques in Marrakech you cannot enter Kasbah Moulay el Yazid, which is located right next to the tombs, unless you are a Muslim but you can still admire it from the outside.
Bahia Palace:
A place not to be missed! When it was constructed, it was intended to be one of the most impressive palaces of all times. Although some might be a little disenchanted by the lack of decoration in the palace’s rooms, Bahia Palace is one of the best attractions in Marrakech. I highly recommend spending the 70 Dirhams (€7) for the entrance fee to see this spectacular dwelling. Open on Fridays: 08:00-17:00 and the rest of the week: 09:00-16:30.
For more information visit: www.bahia-palace.com
Fooooood!
As Morocco is a Muslim country, it can be quite difficult to find alcohol, or more specifically a restaurant which serves alcohol, however you are in luck! There are 3 places in Marrakech which you can try a local beer: Cafe Arabe, Kosybar and Marrakchi. If food is what you're looking for, well there are plenty of great places to eat it, check the list down below!
(Left) traditional Moroccan breakfast, (Centre Left) Kefta Tajine, (Centre) Zucchini fritters and Lamb, (Centre Right) Chicken Tajine, (Right) Assortment of Moroccan salads
1) NOMAD
1 Derb Aarjane, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
2) Cafe Árabe
184 Rue Mouassine, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
3) Le Jardin Restaurant
32 Souk Jeld Sidi Abdelaziz, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
4) Café Des Épices
75 Derb Rahba Lakdima, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Morocco was my second country I have visited on the African continent, after Egypt, and it still remains a place I wish to return to! Check out my blog on where I stayed in Marrakech and learn what it's like staying in a traditional Moroccan Riad!
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