Visit Marrakech in 15 steps?
1.Admire the sunset on a roof top around Jemma el Fna square
2.Dinner under the stands of Jemma el Fna square
3.Sleep in a riad in Marrakech
4.Visit the Majorelle Garden
5.Visit the Yves Saint Laurent museum in Marrakech
6.Explore Marrakech in a sidecar, an unusual visit
7.Discover the best street-art spots in Marrakech
8.Shopping in Marrakech: some souvenir ideas to bring back
9.Fly over the Marrakech region in a hot air balloon at sunrise
10.Relax: Hammam and massage, instant well-being at Maison Arabe
11.Stroll in the morning in the Kasbah district
12.Visit the Maison de la Photographie and admire the view from the terrace
13.Going for a day in the Ourika Valley
14.Take a taxi in Marrakech: yes it is also a must!
15.Savor Moroccan cuisine in Marrakech
WHAT TO DO IN MARRAKECH: GUIDE TO VISIT MARRAKECH
Marrakech
Salam Alaikoum! Even if Marrakech is certainly not the most authentic city in Morocco, it is still one of the most privileged destinations to disconnect just 2h30 from France for a weekend of 2- 3 days. It must be the tenth time that I come here and in the end I always rediscover the red city…
This time I went on a trip to Marrakech in collaboration with the vente-privee Le Voyage site to list my favorites and other essentials to see and do.
Sleep in a traditional riad, dine on the go at Jemma El Fna, admire the sunset from a roof top of the Medina, sipping a mint tea, relax in the hammam, bargain hunting in the souks and at creators, cool off in the green gardens, and so on; this is the basic recipe for a good weekend in Marrakech! But there is much more to discover …
Even if the city is developing at high speed, some districts of Marrakech still retain this soul and atmosphere of yesteryear. To discover and soak up it, you have to get away from the Jemma El Fna square to get lost in this maze of alleys that meanders to the end of the medina.
Come on, visit, in this article I list my 15 essentials to see and do in Marrakech. Do not hesitate to enrich the list with comments with your favorites, good addresses and other essentials.
Admire the sunset on a roof top around Jemma el Fna square : Visit Marrakech
If you arrive at the end of the after-mini in Marrakech, then I advise you to start your stay by admiring sunset on the terrace of the Grand Balcon which overlooks Jemma El Fna and which offers a 180 ° view (the most beautiful) on the lively square and on the Koutoubia mosque. By cons do not expect to enjoy the best mint tea … And yes we can not have everything!
At sunset time there is a crowd, so plan to come early (at least an hour before) to have a front row table and enjoy the view.
Dinner under the stands of Jemma el Fna square
Then I suggest you dine on the go in the stands located in the center of the square. I’m warning you, you’re going to be hit by a lot of people, but this is the game! I went to stand 42, run by Rachida, the only woman in the place who manages a shop. A delight ! Choice of: tagine, couscous (Friday), mixed kebabs, chops, Moroccan salad, etc.
A word of advice, go to a stand where you will see Moroccans eating there, at least you will be sure that it is good 🙂
Sleep in a riad in Marrakech : Visit Marrakech
WHERE TO SLEEP IN MARRAKECH?
Whether we agree, if you come to visit Marrakech, it’s still more fun and authentic to sleep in a traditional riad, especially if you come as a couple! In some of them, it almost feels like a little palace of a thousand and one nights … Many are green, with a pool, a fountain or a swimming pool in the heart of the patio and a beautiful terrace to admire the roofs of the medina.
The decoration can vary from one decor to another … And yes, some have more taste than others! It can range from the multicolored riad kitsch, to the riad with an elegant, refined decor and a contemporary twist but always of oriental inspiration. This was particularly the case of Riad Danka, a little gem where I stayed three nights. It is located in the heart of the medina, 30 meters from Place des Épices. Count for this around 140 € / night.
I also slept in the riad Al Anouwar, located Bab Hmer, still in the medina but a little out of the way in a less touristy area. The standard is lower than the riad Danka, but the value for money is correct. Count here € 60 / night.
If you are visiting Marrakech with your family and young children, then I may suggest that you choose a hotel with more services and activities for children. Prefer the city center of Marrakech rather than the Palmeraie district because you will be really out of the way (10 to 15 minutes by taxi min)
And if you want to live a unique experience on the occasion of a birthday or another event, I suggest you offer yourself or be offered a night in an exceptional place like La Mamounia, the Es Saadi palace, the Namaskar Palace or the famous Royal Mansour, considered one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. You can read my article on the Royal Mansour here
In any case, in Marrakech, there is something for all budgets and all tastes!
Good tip: If you too want to have a great weekend in Marrakech, the vente-privee Le Voyage site regularly offers offers for stays in Marrakech (and elsewhere) at very attractive prices! You just need to register on the site to have access to all the offers and build your stay.
The best Riads and Palaces in Marrakech
Visit the Majorelle Garden : Visit Marrakech
This is the essential step when you want to visit Marrakech! In any case, concerning me, on each of my trips I spend an hour at the Jardin Majorelle. It is one of the most visited sites in the city (600,000 visitors per year) and there are often crowds, which is why I advise you to come at the opening early in the morning to take advantage of this little haven of peace.
The site created by the painter Jacques Majorelle in 1931 is known for its green garden which shelters nearly 3000 species of plants on one hectare. There is a bamboo grove, cacti, palm trees, bougainvillea, banana trees, cypresses and many others. A large variety of exotic plants brought back from the 4 corners of the world during the painter’s travels.
There are also small canals that run through the garden and flow into a large pool with a fountain where you can see water lilies and lotus flowers. But the Majorelle Garden is also known for this beautiful blue Moorish style art-deco villa, also known as Majorelle blue.
The setting is relaxing and rejuvenating, it feels great, especially when you come from the noisy medina!
Before leaving, do not miss a stop at the Berber museum. We discover jewelry and period costumes, we also learn a lot about the Berber culture and ancestral know-how.
Prices : Garden: 70 Dhs Museum: 30 Dhs Foreign university students: Garden: 35 Dhs Museum: 25 Dhs Free beneficiaries: Accompanied children under 12 Opening time : October 1 to April 30: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 1 to September 30: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ramadan Month: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price of the taxi to get there: around 30 Dhs
Visit the Yves Saint Laurent museum in Marrakech
Just out of the Majorelle Garden, go 20 meters on your left to the new Yves Saint Laurent museum which opened its doors just a year ago. Fashion enthusiasts will be delighted! There are the most famous creations of the designer, photos of models and fashion shows, as well as a series of photos by Catherine Deneuve.
But in the end, what struck me the most was the building’s contemporary (and Moroccan-influenced) architecture. The curves are elegant, there are beautiful volumes, and the mixture of materials is harmonious.
Visit the website of the Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum for more information, especially on temporary exhibitions. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Wednesday Ramadan month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tip: there is less crowds from 2 p.m. Public rate: 100 Dhs Moroccan citizens and foreign residents in Morocco: 60 Dhs
Visit Marrakech by sidecar, an unusual visit
Recognize that this is quite unusual, right? Yes, for two years the company Marrakech Insiders has offered to visit Marrakech in a sidecar for 3 hours, accompanied by a guide (and pilot) who will take you to discover the hidden corners of the medina as well as more modern districts like Gueliz, Wintering and palm grove.
Knowing already well the city I proposed to make a visit a little different, under the angle street-art this time 🙂
The sensations are great, you can sneak in everywhere and the approach is friendly with the inhabitants of the neighborhoods. It is sure that we do not go unnoticed!
Price: It takes around 200 € for 3 hours of sidecar in Marrakech. (price valid for the side car, i.e. 2 people max on board) Marrakech Insiders website [email protected] Phone. : +212 6 69 69 93 74 (7 days a week from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm)
Discover the best street-art spots in Marrakech : Visit Marrakech
It’s been 2 years now that we see more and more street-art appearing in Marrakech and it was during this sidecar trip in the red city that I was able to discover a large part of it. . You should know that the young artistic and creative growth has recently been propelled by the Montresso foundation which notably takes care of the famous Jardin Rouge, a residence of contemporary artists unique of its kind, located on the road to Fez, around twenty kilometers from Marrakech.
Here are the different street-art spots discovered in Marrakech:
The “Gouzous” by artist Jace
They are small characters created and subtly staged by this famous street artist. There are 14 installations in the least touristy places of the medina of Marrakech and I saw a large part of them in the Jewish quarter of the old city (the Mellah)
The giant portrait of Hendrik BEIKIRCH
This German street artist is known for his immense mural portraits made in the biggest cities of the world following meetings during his travels. Since 2014, at the initiative of the Montresso foundations, Hendrik has launched the “Tracing Morocco” project, a series of XXL works which value Moroccan craftsmen, who are increasingly under threat for modernization and industrialization.
Meet next to Marrakech train station to admire this giant portrait!
By getting lost in the streets of Gueliz
Then I advise you to go to different places in Gueliz to admire street art. There is in particular the rue Oui Errabia where you can see several works on a large wall, including another beautiful one, this time by Morran ben Lahcen.
Shopping in Marrakech: some souvenir ideas to bring back
One cannot leave Marrakech without bringing back some memories of the stay. There is something for all tastes and all budgets!
You can buy small odds and ends by trading in the souks of the Medina (slippers, tea service, decorative items, crockery, etc.).
We notice more and more that traditional crafts leave more and more room for more contemporary or modern objects but always with this local inspiration (and know-how).
I draw your attention to the fact that bargaining must remain a pleasure and not an ordeal … Do not try to obtain the lowest possible price. Buy at the price you think is right. If the business is not done tan pis 🙂
THE BEST TIPS FOR BARGAINING IN MOROCCO
What memories to bring back from Marrakech?
– Spices: go to the place des épices. When you are facing the café des épices, the shop held by aziz is on the left.
– A basket with personalized embroidery (around € 10) / a multicolored braided jar with cone lid (around € 6): you will find many in the center of the Place des Epices.
– Local crafts (carpets, throws, blankets, slippers, wooden, leather or metal objects, etc.): If you want to buy Moroccan crafts in peace, without the frenzy and excitement of the souks , I advise you to go to the Ensemble Artisanal located at the crossroads of rue El Adala and avenue Mohamed V. There are lots of craftsmen working in front of you full of different products.
– Argan oil that can be bought in cooperatives that women run in the Medina and elsewhere
– Reproductions of old photos that show life suppers or period decorations. You can buy them in specialized shops in the souk or at the Maison de la Photographie.
cof
– High-end and contemporary creations in the many concept stores of Marrakech. We love the beautiful creations of Ludovic Petit allias Lup31 that can be discovered in his showroom located in the industrial district of Hivernage, at 208 Ibnou Tofail.
The garment workshop carries out by hand embroidery, cushions, curtains, decorative elements, lighting, furniture, bags, etc.
Also, don’t forget to drop by the 33 Majorelle boutique, located just across from the Majorelle Garden.
THE BEST TIPS FOR BARGAINING IN MOROCCO
Fly over the Marrakech region in a hot air balloon at sunrise : Visit Marrakech
It was the first time that I did a balloon flight … A sensational and unforgettable experience! It all started at 6.30 am when a 4 × 4 picked me up at the roundabout in the Place des Ferblantiers. 40 minutes drive later, I arrived in the countryside on the site of Ciel d´Afrique, the company that has been organizing balloon flights for more than 20 years.
After a welcome with coffee and mint tea, I go to the general briefing, before finally witnessing the inflation of the balloons. It is then time to get into the big basket which can accommodate a dozen people. The pilot is conscientious and professional.
At the time of takeoff, he communicates with the other balloon pilots via walkie talkies, he analyzes the weather, the speed, the position via a battery of electronic equipment on board.
And there, silence …
It’s quite surprising because there’s no noise, it’s absolute silence. We climb up to 500 meters above sea level, we enjoy an exceptional view of the mountains on one side and the desert scenery on the other. The colors change little by little, then suddenly we start to see the first rays of the sun rising behind the reliefs. It’s magical!
After 45 minutes of flight, we landed a few kilometers further than the departure area. Throughout the flight, we were followed by the 4 × 4 which received us on arrival and who managed all the dismantling of the equipment and then returned to the base camp. Once there, I was treated to a good hearty breakfast in a Berber tent and the delivery of a flight certificate.
The Ciel d´Afrique team is professional and passionate, the quality of service is perfect from start to finish. Visit the Ciel d'Africa website for more information. The price of the activity is quite expensive (around 200 € / person) but it remains an experience to live at least once in your life.
Relax: Hammam and massage, instant well-being at Maison Arabe
When you go to visit Marrakech, you must necessarily have a relaxing break with a hammam and a Moroccan massage: this is the basis!
This time I returned to La Maison Arabe, an establishment I had discovered a few years ago with Gilles Pudlowski and my friend Alex Quilghini.
The wellness area is located on the lower level of the hotel in an intimate setting with soft lighting. In the center of the main room there is a large basin with a fountain and a magnificent wrought iron lamp above. The noise of the water streaming and the diffusion of the soft light on the walls already puts in the mood and soothes a lot!
First step, a mint tea (necessarily …) then comes the choice of massage oil. There are different fragrances: jasmine, lavender, orange blossom, rose, etc. Then I went to the hammam for a scrub / cleansing of the skin with black soap (about 30 minutes) and finally I took advantage of a relaxing massage which lasted 45 minutes if I remember correctly … Yes, after 20 minutes I fell asleep!
FYI, the Maison Arabe restaurant is delicious! Think about it if one evening you want to make yourself a good restaurant. Tables are set around the lighted swimming pool and there is a live show with traditional music every evening.
Price for a hammam (30 min) and a massage (45 min): around 80 € More information on the website of La Maison Arabe Address: 1, Derb Assehbé - Bab Doukkala - Marrakech
Stroll in the morning in the Kasbah district : Visit Marrakech
My father has lived the last 8 years in a riad located in the Kasbah district. Suffice to say that I have traveled it long, wide and across. I really like this district for its animation and its lively side, a little less touristy than the surroundings of Jemma El Fna square.
I advise you to discover the Kasbah from the big and beautiful Bab Agnaou gate. In the morning there is the food market with sellers of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. While strolling through the neighborhood, you can come across historic sites that you can visit such as the Saadian tombs and the El Badi palace. At the end of the main street, you arrive at the Royal Palace.
If you take the main street leading to the royal palace, stop at the Café Clock, street-art fans will be delighted!
Visit the Maison de la Photographie and admire the view from the terrace
It’s the first time I’ve been there and it’s a great discovery! Passionate about vintage photos and photography in general will be delighted!
There are magnificent photos of landscapes, scenes of life and striking portraits which date from the beginnings of photography towards the second part of the 19th century until 1960. It is quite surprising to see the diversity and the evolution of the kingdom through the eyes of these photographers. There are also old postcards, newspapers, glass plates, old maps and a color video documentary on the High Atlas dating from 1957.
In short, it is a beautiful journey back in time that allows you to immerse yourself in the archives of the country.
Before leaving, you should not miss a mint tea on the roof terrace of the Maison de la Photographie. It is one of the most beautiful views to admire the roofs of the medina and the snow-capped Atlas in the background.
The neighborhood where the Maison de la Photographie is located is very pleasant, there are fewer crowds than around Jemma El Fna square. Get lost in the alleys, it’s worth it!
Open every day from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm but I advise you to go there at the end of the day before sunset,the light is sublime Price: 40 DHs / person - free for children under 12 Access: 46, Rue Souk Ahal Fassi, kaat Ben Nahid Maison de La Photography website
Going for a day in the Ourika Valley
Want to disconnect and rest for a day? I advise you to rent a car and go to relax in the Ourika Valley, a small haven of peace located less than an hour south of Marrakech. You can have lunch in one of the many small restaurants that border the river, feet in the water and enjoy the panorama.
For those who want to take advantage of it and go hiking in the surrounding area, you can sleep in bed & breakfasts.
Savor Moroccan cuisine in Marrakech : Visit Marrakech
After French cuisine, I love Moroccan cuisine! First of all, there is the Tajine which we find in different variants: lamb, kefta, chicken, fish, prunes, apricots, lemon, almonds, etc. There is something for everyone concernant About me, I have a weakness for the tagine lamb prunes and almonds, a delight!
There is also pigeon or poultry pastille, kebabs, chops, couscous on Friday, harira soup and many other specialties depending on the season and the region of the country. Visit this article to discover the essential dishes to savor in Morocco
The Best 15 Moroccan Food you should absolutely taste
Where to eat in Marrakech?
In the morning, have a good breakfast at the riad or on the Place des épices (go early because there is a crowd at the end of the morning)
I really like pancakes and Moroccan bread with a small bowl of olive oil, jam and a mint tea
For lunch I advise you to eat in the street, there are lots of stalls or small restaurants that offer tajines, kebabs, sandwiches. You’ll be spoiled for choice. But if you want to be sure of what you eat, observe the customers already present and favor places where there are Marrakchi (the inhabitants of Marrakech)
Otherwise if you want to have lunch at the restaurant, let yourself be tempted by the Garden, a break from freshness in the heart of the Medina
If you have a snack in the afternoon, buy macaroons from women or the elderly who sell them on the street (1 Dhs / piece)
You can also relax in the Secret Garden with a fruit juice. I did not have the opportunity to go there but I heard only good!
In the evening, I advise you either to eat on the Jemma El Fna square or to make yourself a good restaurant.
I really like the cuisine, the setting and the service at La Maison Arabe restaurant. There are all the specialties of the country and the dishes are quite generous (especially couscous!).
I also recommend the Kosy Bar restaurant located on the Place des Ferblantiers, the tagine is delicious, but the setting is a bit touristy…
The Best 15 Moroccan Food you should absolutely taste
Take a taxi in Marrakech: yes it is also a must!
Yes, taking a taxi in Marrakech is a sport!
There are 3 types of situation:
– You make a link city center <—-> Marrakech Airport: around 150 Dhs the way
– You take a taxi in town (ex: medina -> Gueliz) and it puts the meter (obligatory normally): around 15 Dhs the way
– Take a taxi in town and it does not put the meter: around 20 – 30 Dhs by day and 40 – 50 Dhs at night.
For the latter case, there are two schools: you negotiate before the race or you pay what you think is reasonable at the end of the race. I am more adept at the second solution. In all cases, indicate exactly where you want to go, be firm and assured. Avoid taking a taxi right outside a tourist spot, move away from 200 meters.
VISIT ESSAOUIRA : TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO