Culture
2023-11-09
Top tours and activities in Marrakech
- Culture
- 2023-11-10
Strolling through the Medina and souks
The Medina is Marrakech's historic center. It was founded nearly a millennium ago and is home to some of the most exquisite and ancient structures in the city. The Medina, which is encircled by enormous walls, is home to palaces, riads (traditional homes), and a large number of monuments. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the souks here!
Practical tips & information :
The Medina is home to numerous souks, including those selling spices, crafts, leather goods, and more. The ambience alone makes these locations well worth a visit! However, if you find it bothersome to be approached, you might not want to visit the souks! Although they are very friendly, the merchants can occasionally be a bit too demanding.
It's quite simple to explore Marrakech's historic center on foot. You can choose to go on a guided tour of the historic center to learn more about the history of the city.
Spend an evening on Jemaa-el-Fna Square
Jemaa el-Fna is the place to go if you're looking for something to do in Marrakech during the evening. The main square in Marrakech becomes a bustling place as night falls! Shopkeepers mix with guests and... animals! You will encounter trainers and snake charmers with their small monkeys. Though it's all very touristy, the ambience is genuinely distinctive.
It is best to arrive at the square as the sun is setting at the end of the day. With the last rays of daylight, the area will come to life and the colors of the buildings will pop.
Finding something to eat is not difficult. Additionally, there are numerous dishes available in tiny stalls that are prepared on the spot for sampling.
Visit the Jardin Majorelle and the Berber Museum
Among the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco is the Jardin Majorelle! French painter Jacques Majorelle took nearly 40 years to finish his "work" on it. The garden feels a bit like a tableau vivant at times because of how drastically it differs from the rest of the city. The exotic plants blend in with the colors of the earthenware and buildings, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Adjacent to the garden lies a charming museum devoted to the Berber people, which is also highly recommended!
Practical tips & information :
Although the Jardin Majorelle is not very large, a leisurely stroll should take at least an hour.
One of Marrakech's finest museums, the Musée Berbère, is right next to the garden. The Berber people, the oldest in North Africa, are the museum's sole focus. A plethora of objects (musical instruments, clothing, jewelry and religious objects) illustrate their history, culture and beliefs.
Admire the Koutoubia Mosque
In the center of the Medina, the Koutoubia mosque was constructed in the twelfth century. Known for its sober yet elegant architecture and 77-meter-tall minaret, it is now considered the symbol of Marrakech. The main prayer hall can hold up to 20,000 worshippers due to its impressive dimensions.
Practical tips & information :
The Jemaa-el-Fna Place is not far from the mosque. Thus, it is simple to visit both locations in one trip. Please be advised that access to the inside of the building is restricted to the faithful and is not available to the general public. You'll have to settle for appreciating its exterior beauty while honoring indigenous traditions. It's best to avoid causing a disturbance during prayers as many worshippers congregate at the foot of the mosque.
Excursions around Marrakech
There are a plethora of breathtaking natural sites in and around Marrakech. You can explore the Ourika Valley, the stunning Ouzoud waterfalls, and the Atlas Mountains with their Berber villages in less than three hours of driving time!
Practical tips & information :
This is without a doubt the simplest way to visit the Marrakech region, with prices that are typically very low. We've compiled a list of trips and tours on this website to make sure you have a day to remember.
Savour Moroccan cuisine and cook with the locals
Among the best cuisines in the world is Moroccan food! As a result, we cordially invite you to stop by tiny eateries and try regional specialties like Couscous, Mechoui, and Tajine. Indeed, one of our favorite dishes is couscous. You can enroll in a cooking class to learn all the subtleties of this well-known cuisine, or you can go on a gourmet tour to sample regional specialties.
Practical tips & information :
Don't pass up the opportunity to share a mint tea in addition to the traditional fare! We'll let you experience the tea service itself, which is an experience in and of itself. You can savor it in a restaurant or "tea room".
A gourmet tour of the souks and markets is available for you to participate in. You'll sample delectable regional specialties and learn how to identify and use the various spices.
Some of the best restaurants in Marrakech serve Moroccan cuisine, and one of the best is Chez Ali, which hosts a folklore show every evening for its patrons that combines traditional song and dance, fantasy, and horsemanship. It serves a traditional dinner as well. Trapped by fabled Moroccan legends, you'll partake in food, music, and visual displays that reenact traditional Berber festivals.
Ride a camel or a quad in the palm grove
The palm grove in Marrakech is a hybrid of an urban and natural setting. This area is home to thousands of palm trees and a large number of both inhabited and uninhabited houses. Nothing is better than taking a quad or camel ride to explore this region! These unusual activities are really fun, especially when you're in the middle of an exotic setting!
Practical tips & information :
The camel rides last only a few minutes. It's fortunate that way because it's not cozy! It is, however, one of those "cliché" things that you should attempt at least once in your lifetime. If you're looking for kid-friendly activities in Marrakech, this is a great option.
Relax in Marrakech's hammams
The hammams of Marrakech are highly well-liked by both residents and visitors nowadays. They provide all of their guests with a genuine moment of relaxation and are an integral part of the local way of life. These places, which have massage therapists and a range of baths and wet rooms, are decorated in an authentic Oriental style.
Practical tips & information :
We would only advise you to utilize hammams to the fullest; we have no other specific recommendations. It's worth a try in Marrakech since it's a very popular activity among Moroccans. Even though it's hot outside, just one session will help you unwind and take in the remainder of your visit. Thus, go ahead and enjoy this brief moment of relaxation; you won't be sorry.
Spend the night in a Riad (traditional house)
Although riads are not usually included in our top 10, they are an essential component of the local way of life! These are Moroccan-style traditional homes. Usually ranging from one to four stories, they are constructed around a central patio. Try staying in a riad instead of a traditional hotel.
Practical tips & information :
These are the most popular places, so be careful! We therefore advise you to book them as early as possible. You'll also find it easier to plan your activities, including hotel pick-up, if you know where you're staying.
