Marrakech is a party, and everyone is invited. It’s not as old as Fes, but it certainly tells its own stories of art, celebration, tradition and finesse. Marrakech was our last stop in Morocco, so we were already familiar with some of the local scenes. Still, it was a sight to behold, and there’s no question in my mind why tourists love Marrakech.
This quick guide to Marrakech, Morocco is designed to inspire you. As I’ve written in my other posts on Morocco, I highly recommend working with local guides in order to discover all the local treasures. You can certainly travel through Morocco on your own (given you’re an experienced traveler), but the local culture is one where connections and friendships do make a difference.
Stay: Palais Khum
We scored a few nights here as part of the tour package we purchased, and it was definitely one of my favorites. Right at the doorstep of Marrakech’s famous souks (markets), Palais Khum was a lovely retreat with a modern touch. I strongly suggest staying in a riad-style accommodation rather than a large hotel establishment. Riads are traditional guesthouses with simple courtyards, traditional meals and beautiful Moroccan artwork.
Eat: Traditional Moroccan Fare
As you wander through the souks, especially towards the main square in Marrakech, there will be many types of restaurants on offer. You might see fries, sandwiches and burgers alongside orange juice, traditional bread and sweets. Ask your riad staff or hosts to point you to a restaurant that offers traditional Moroccan food. Wheat originates from the Middle East, expanding its reach throughout North Africa, so you’ll definitely want to taste local bread! Oh, and don’t forget Moroccan mint tea: I’ll warn you that there’s more sugar in it than water, but enjoy it anyway.
See: Historical and modern Morocco
Souks
Just as we loved wandering the souks in Fes, we loved Marrakech just as much. We actually began our visit to the markets before everything opened, so we saw lots of shopkeepers just beginning to arrive at work. Lanterns dangled from awnings, pillows tumbled from doorsteps. If you decide to pick up a few treasures, make sure to bargain: at least ask for 50% off their asking price, if not more!
Jemaa el-Fna
This is the main square in Marrakech, which comes alive at night. Wander through alongside thousands of others gathering to tell stories, play games, dine, shop and celebrate on almost every evening of the week. During the day, you’ll see snake charmers, monkey handlers and a variety of vendors, all of whom will approach you without invitation and offer photos. Oblige or don’t oblige– they’re friendly as can be.
Saadian Tombs
One of the major destinations within Marrakech, the Saadian tombs house 60 members of the Saadian family, overthrown in the late 16th century. Rather than destroy their bodies, their conquerors gave them dignified burials, and the tombs were rediscovered in 1917. Restoration of this special site continues, and much of the original tile remains.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
This beautiful Islamic college is open to the public– a rare occurrence in Morocco. It was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and was built in the 14th century by the Marinid dynasty. You’ll love the tiling of the columns and the beautiful pool in the center; if you’re luckier than we were, the pool will be filled.
El-Bahia Palace
Don’t miss this stunning space: sure, perhaps there are rooms for wives and concubines of the misogynistic era, but appreciating nuance is key. I love the traditional combination of gardens and mosaics– two art forms that, when brought together, are impeccable.
Sanssouci Cooking School
We spent an amazing afternoon learning how to make some of our favorite Moroccan dishes: lamb with prunes, chicken pastilla, chilled salads, and couscous. The team at Sanssouci arranged it all, from the shopping experience to the opportunity to eat our favorite dishes. If you love food and have even the smallest bit of cooking experience, you have to do this!
La Mamounia Hotel
This is the ultra-exclusive haunt of celebrities past and present. You might not be able to afford a night here (we weren’t), but it’s worth stopping in for a coffee and pastry in the gardens. It has an absolutely stunning interior and we loved exploring just long enough to stay somewhat inconspicuous.
A few favorite resources
- Top 10 Marrakech: I love these Top 10 guides as a starting point to explore the highlights tourists usually hit up.
- DK Eyewitness Morocco I’m partial to Insight Guides and DK Eyewitness, as they’re a great balance between images and text.
I appreciate the point you’re making and I’m sure your readers do too! x
Fair enough, however, I think there is a difference to accept local customs and jobs or actively supporting them. I think just like we give readers tips on where to go and eat we can also and in fact should advise them on certain issues and maybe what not to do. Animal activities like these are one of them. Yes, I understand that this is how certain locals make their money, but that doesn’t make it a good tradition or one I want to support or engage with in any way. I don’t judge the locals but I do judge travelers who know better.
I am by no means perfect, but I have always appreciated if someone shed light on certain ‘bad’ local customs and issue I may not have known about because I like to at least make an informed decision. Turns out, many people don’t know and when it comes to baby monkeys being taken from their mothers and snakes being starved to death I like to give my readers the option to at least know what goes into it. So yes, in fact, I do judge and I think that is okay sometimes.
Thanks for your comment, Annika. In my posts, I try to refrain from judging the experience or what people do for a living in any particular destination. I’m saddened by the treatment of animals in the square, but I hope that every traveler will be conscientious about what to do in those situations, particularly as it pertains to interacting with locals in a friendly, accepting manner. I think you’d agree that travel confronts us with challenging opportunities to observe and appreciate, or to criticize and walk away. It’s a tough balance, for sure.
I find the comment ‘animal rights activist look away’ really offense. The practice of using animals for photos in any country is usually quite horrid. So while one can’t necessarily change it and it may even be part of the charm of Jemaa El Fna, I would really wish that you would have added a ‘warning’ to advise people not to support that by having their picture taken with the snakes or monkeys!
Aw yay!!! It sounds like you went to some great places in Morocco– I loved Fes. 🙂 So great to meet you!!
Thank God for Travel Tuesday giving me the chance to find amazing blogs like yours!!! I’m subscribed to all your stuff now! 😀 Love your guide to Marrakech; I’ve been to Morocco once, but skipped Marrakech in favor of Fes, Rabat, and Casablanca. Next time, though…and now I’ve got your ebook to read! Thanks for linking up with us, and hope to see more of you!
Thank you Rachel! Yes… I think our guide really helped us see the best stuff, and he also did a lot of cultural translating. It was awesome. We had so many questions! And there is way more to Marrakech than the square. I think the locals love it for the energy and food, but if you’re there for the first time, there’s a ton to see during the day.
Thank you Anna! You would LOVE it. The food is incredible…. and the flavors are just like nothing I’ve ever tasted in the States! Cinnamon and garlic?! A brand new discovery and it totally works!
This is brilliant! Usually all I hear about is the Jemaa el-Fna which doesn’t hold too much of an appeal to me… However all the other sights you mentioned do! Also thanks for the top tips on getting a guide and staying in a riad. Sometimes you wonder whether it’s really necessary so good to know from someone with experience. Also, I love your pictures!
The photos are beautiful!!! Marrakech is very high on my list of dream destinations! And omg, the food!! I’ve had Moroccan food in LA before (which I’m sure is not as good) and I loved it. That chicken pastilla you made is making me drool! I’m definitely pinning this guide for the future! 🙂
Oh I’m sorry!!! Haha! 🙂 You’ll make it there!
Ahhh this did not help my current burning Morocco wanderlust problem I’ve been having 😉 Looks like an incredible trip!
Thanks Isabel!! I try to share photos and tips I haven’t seen elsewhere! 🙂
Oh thank you Amy!! I hope you make it there– it’s so much fun.
Wow, this is the best guide I have seen in a while. Amazing pictures!
Absolutely gorgeous pictures. Morocco has been on my radar and I am saving this post for when I go! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Ruth! Yes, we got a lot of help finding lesser-known sites that really showcased the local history and craft. Thanks for reading!
Oh thank you!! 🙂 We try to do our destinations justice!
I am in love with your pictures. I am glad you toured with a local guide since there are a lot of places I have not seen in other Marrakesh recaps. The tile work is gorgeous!
You took very beautiful pictures again 🙂
Thanks for reading, Elyse! It was magical indeed!
Ahhh yes! 🙂 I want to go back, too!
Haha!! It was such a pretty place. And good thing there’s a strong culture of hospitality there!
it was absolutely incredible! thanks for reading, Nicole! xo
Marrakech looks absolutely magical!
I’m obsessed!! Take me back to Morocco!
“Marrakech is a party, and everyone is invited.” I actually laughed out loud — what a great way to describe such a vibrant city! La Mamounia Hotel looks so lovely and luxurious. I wouldn’t have been able to resist exploring it either!
this looks so incredible!
Thank you Christina! Yes, keep at it– with a flexible schedule, travel is more possible! x
Thanks girl! 🙂 Did you go last year?? That’s awesome!
Wow, gorgeous. Gives me inspiration to keep at this entrepreneurial thing!
Oooh fab tips, I’m hoping to go again this year 🙂
Aw thanks Elise! It was such a great adventure. <3
Thanks girl!! 🙂 I think you’d enjoy all the crafts and markets!
Thanks Liz! I hope you make it to Morocco!
These photos look like they are straight out of a movie! It looks like another amazing location, Daisy. You’re seriously giving me a bad case of wanderlust. ❤
This is one place that I’ve never thought about traveling to! After seeing all theses wonderful pictures, it really makes me want to visit! Thank’s for sharing!
Fabulous! Bookmarked for my future trip!
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Thanks Adelaide! 🙂 I hope you make it to Morocco!
Aw yay!! I think you’d really enjoy it, Kat!
I would love to visit Morocco someday—and all of your gorgeous photos definitely just bumped it up on my list!
xoxo
Kat
These photos are so beautiful!
I can’t wait to go there one day! This one’s definitely saved for when I need planning inspiration!
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