Discover the best places to visit in Marrakech (The only Marrakech guide you’ll need)

The Medina and it’s Must visit places

Wondering about what to see/do in Marrakech? The Medina is the place to start. To illustrate, The Medina is the historic heart of the city. It’s renowned for its labyrinthine alleyways, bustling souks, and stunning architecture. Surrounded by ancient walls, the Medina is home to a wealth of cultural and historic sites including the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. More importantly, visitors can wander through the bustling markets where they can haggle for local crafts, souvenirs, or relax in one of the many traditional cafes and restaurants that offer a taste of local Moroccan cuisine. Discover the Medina however you like through this customized walking guided tour. Through this cheap and efficient experience, you will grasp the secrets of the city. Moreover, you will encounter many aspects of the city that will enhance your knowledge of Marrakech’s Arabic architecture and culture.

Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina. The castle was built over 14 years. It features intricate designs and decorations including painted wood ceilings, colorful tiles, and marble columns. Visitors can explore the palace’s many rooms and halls, decorated with ornate stucco carvings and zellij tilework. Bahia Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Marrakech. Offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Morocco’s past rulers. Skip-the-line and see Bahia Palace now! Certainly, through this tour you will admire the gardens, fountains, and living quarters of the palace without having to endure any lines.

Madrasa Ben Youssef

Madrasa Ben Youssef is a historic Islamic college located in the center of Marrakech’s Medina. Assembled in the 14th century, it got renovated and expanded in the 16th century, making it one of the most prominent Islamic colleges in North Africa. The reasoning behind it being one of the most visited sights of Marrakech, is the iconic tile-work and the carved wooden ceilings.

Alongside its history, One must experience this to admire the beautiful Arabian-Andalusian architecture. As well as, the old tiny dorms in which students were once hosted. More importantly, if you’re considering visiting Marrakech, The Madrasa Ben Youssef is one of, if not the top attraction in Marrakech.

El Badi Palace

Similarly, El Badi Palace was constructed in the 16th century by the Saadian Sultan at the time, Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour. Its importance is to commemorate the victory of the battle of The Three Kings against the Portuguese. This Marrakech attraction is one of the most visited as it hosts a museum with artifacts and exhibits related to Moroccan history and culture. All together, the glory behind this once so called 8th wonder of the world, is a must-visit attraction in Marrakech.

Djemma El Fna Square

DJemaa El Fna is a vibrant square in the center of Marrakech. The court is full with street performers, snake charmers, and food stalls selling traditional Moroccan cuisine during the day. However as the day progresses, the square turns into an open-air lively open market. In addition, vendors sell anything from hand-made crafts to fresh fruits and vegetables. This vibrant square offers the most to dive into the culture, feel, and become one of the locals through this guided Marrakech food tour.

Koutoubia Mosque

Constructed in the 12th century. The Koutoubia Mosque is one of Morocco’s most significant landmarks. It’s erected by the Almoravids under Ali Ben Youssef. Considering, its distinctive minaret is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. The Koutoubia Mosque minaret has a spire of brass balls. According to a local legend, the balls were crafted out of gold. They were “donated” by the wife of Almohad sultan Yacoub Al Mansour. She had her jewelry melted down as a form of punishment after being caught eating during the fasting hours of Ramadan. Through this half-day historical and cultural tour, you could experience all you’ll need in just half a day.

Local Markets (Souks)

The local markets are a must-visit Marrakech attraction. Nowadays, the Souks are a vibrant hub of activity, offering a feast for the senses. These bustling markets are home to a dizzying array of stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and pottery. Simultaneously, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of exotic spices and the sounds of merchants haggling with customers. The three most known souks are Souk Semmarine, Souk Babouche, and Souk Haddadine.

To illustrate, Semmarine is one of the oldest and most famous markets. As for Babouche they primarily sell “babouche” which are Moroccan Slippers. The market is very aesthetically pleasing as the slippers are hung everywhere and makes it a good place for pictures. Finally, Souk Haddadine is located near Medrasa Ben Youssef. Where vendors offer brass lanterns, teapots, decorative swords and Jewelry. You could encounter all these through a private shopping tour.

Landscapes

Jardin Majorelle

On the other hand, Jardin Majorelle is a beautiful and tranquil garden located in the heart of Marrakech. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 30s. The park is a unique fusion of art, nature, and architecture.

Visitors can take in the spectacular Gothic design of Barcelona’s Cathedral as well as the medieval walls, towers, and gateways that encircle the area while strolling through the Gothic Quarter‘s winding alleyways.

Ourika Valley

For instance, visitors to Ourika Valley can hike through the mountains, explore the local souks, and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. Which include waterfalls and stunning vistas. In addition, visitors will get to visit a weekly open-air Berber Market. Where they sell handcrafted goods that are made in Ourika.

The trendy and lively area of El Born is situated in the center of Barcelona and is renowned for its twisty streets and alleys, stunning architecture, and flourishing cultural scene.

Furthermore, you will visit a small Berber Village called Stti Fatma, and from there on you will embark on a day-trip hike to encounter mini waterfalls above the village. Ultimately, the Ourika Valley offers natural beauty like no other place, making it one of the top places to visit in Marrakech.

Other Crucial Sites

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are a crucial historical sight in Marrakech. It offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansur Ad Dahabi. “Ad Dahabi” means “golden” thus, he was referred to as the “Golden King.”

Moreover, The Golden King took this existing necropolis and changed it into this lavish tomb complex. Where he and his successors are currently buried there. Encounter this recently discovered tomb complex that has been sealed for centuries and was rediscovered recently in 1917. All together, the Saadian tombs are an essential tour in Marrakech as you could indulge in the royal history of Morocco.

YSL Museum

If you’re interested in fashion and design, this is your place to visit. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is located in a beautifully constructed building in the city’s fashionable district of Gueliz. Hence, it showcases the life and work of legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent.

In fact, as a visitor, you could explore the designer’s creative process and the inspirations behind his collections. In a nutshell, through the YSL tour, visitors could experience becoming YSL himself and observing his most beloved areas in Marrakech.