Marrakech City Primer
I believe that Marrakech ought to be earned as a destination. The journey is the preparation for the experience. Reaching it too fast derides it, makes it a little less easy to understand.
-Tahir Shaw
Marrakech (or Marrakesh) is the fourth largest city in Morocco, with a population of around 1 million people. Marrakech is one of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, but is the most popular city for tourists. The medina quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the entire city is distinctive because of its red sandstone walls—which date back to the 1100s—earning it the nickname, “The Red City.” The busy square, Jemaa el-Fna, is one of the busiest squares in all of Africa. In the square, you will find juice and food stands, snake charmers, acrobats, magicians, mystics, musicians, monkey trainers, herb sellers, story-tellers, dentists, pickpockets, and entertainers in medieval garb. Besides the square, visitors also explore the old medina with its shopping and restaurants, several palaces, mosques, gardens, and historical sites.
Get There
The city is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and is accessible by plane, train, bus, or private transport. By car, Marrakech is accessible via the A3 National highway. By air, the Marrakech Menara International Airport (airport code RAK) is located southwest of the city, and there are some direct flights from Marrakech to Europe. By train, there is one station in Marrakech, which is serviced by the traditional train (as opposed to the high speed train).
Get Around
When in the old medina, you can expect to walk a great deal if you want to see many of the sites and explore the medina. You will also notice motorcycle taxis and horse-drawn carriages that cater to tourists. Small yellow taxis are common in the city, as well as large yellow taxis that do specific routes around and outside the city. There is also a network of buses that provides access throughout the city.
Get Moving
Jardin Majorelle
Marrakech has some beautiful parks, including the Secret Garden (Jardin Secret) and Majorelle Gardens. Other free options include Jardin Sidi Mimoun (near Koutoubia Mosque) and Cyber Park, which has free wifi available. You might also consider doing this walking tour of the Medina to see numerous historical sites while you move.
Get Brunch
Mandela Brunch Society has delicious coffee, brunch, and lunch options in the old medina of Marrakech. The menu showcases food from the different cultures represented in the family that owns the business: Morocco and Iceland. The menu also includes options for those with dietary restrictions as well. Don’t miss the brunch for two so that you can try a little bit of everything!
Get Touristy
There are so many options in Marrakech for you to get touristy! Walk around the old city and discover so much history and impressive landmarks. Especially consider visiting the Bahia Palace and Ibn Youssef School.
Get Shopping
The old medina has numerous shops for any Moroccan artisanal product you could want to buy, from carpets to metalworks to leather to ceramics.
Get Dinner
Make a reservation at NOMAD to enjoy sunset and dinner on the roof or terrace. Menu includes delicious, modern takes on traditional Moroccan dishes, with options available for those with dietary restrictions. Don’t miss dessert!
Get Inspired
If you are interested in art, history, and culture, there are two museums at Jardin Majorelle that you should definitely check out: The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Museum of Moroccan Berber Culture. The Berber Museum highlights Berber cultural traditions through costumes, craftwork, jewels, and musical instruments. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum pays homage to the French designer who bought the Jardin Majorelle, and includes a café, bookshop, and auditorium.
Do Not Miss
The Jemaa el-Fna square in the evening really comes to life, and although a little overwhelming, it is something you definitely have to experience. The best way to experience the square is to get a seat on one of the restaurant terraces surrounding the square and be there when the sun goes down. You will hear the call to prayer from all the many nearby mosques, and get the lovely view of the Medina quarter and lively square at sunset.
Thanks to Courtney at All The Best Days for the idea of how to set up these city primers.
Are you visiting Morocco soon? Start your travels with us to learn some Moroccan Arabic phrases and cultural dos and don’t and to have the best trip available to you.
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