Tourism
2023-11-08
Why visit Marrakech
- Tourism
- 2023-11-08
Unquestionably, one of the most stunning tourist destinations on earth is Marrakech, a magnificent imperial city rich in history that dates back to Youssef ben Tachfine's founding of the city in 1062. Its exceptional heritage reflects the great cultural and ethnic diversity of this millennium-old city.
Look at how Marrakech is portrayed in the national and international media, and you'll see that this Moroccan city has been named among the top travel destinations in the world on multiple occasions by well-known travel publications and major international travel agencies.
<h3>Marrakech: a favourite destination for cultural trips</h3>
In contrast to other Moroccan cities, Marrakech has an abundance of monuments and historic sites, all of which are distinguished by their own histories that attest to the passing of great civilizations and by their distinctive architecture that draws tourists in.
The Koutoubia Mosque, which was built in 1158 and is now one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, and the Bahia Palace, which was constructed in the late 19th century and is well-known for its breathtaking Arab-Andalusian architecture, are two of Marrakech's must-see sights. 'Medrasa Ben Youssef', the Almoravid dome, and the Saadian tombs are some of Marrakech's most popular historical sites.
Apart from the numerous significant monuments, Marrakech has one of the biggest Medinas in the kingdom, an ancient town that has been recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1985. It has become well-known throughout the world for its exquisite traditional homes, which are tastefully constructed with the utmost respect for Arab-Moorish architecture. Some of the homes feature an indoor garden area or small swimming pool, as well as large walls that effectively block out heat and noise.
Discovering the mysteries of the small nooks tucked away behind the city walls is a true journey back in time when you meander through the Medina's winding, labyrinthine streets.
The magnificent Place Jamaa El Fna, a fantasy setting where performers, musicians, snake charmers, fire eaters, and fortune tellers assemble daily to provide guests with unforgettable performances and spectacles, is without a doubt the most well-known and bustling location in Marrakech. An outdoor theater that serves as the city's literal lung.
Heading deeper into the Medina will lead you to the fabled Souks of the city, home to the best-curated Moroccan workshops, bazaars, and craft stores. Thanks to the allure of the designs and the exquisite craftsmanship of all specialties—wrought iron, pottery, baking, candles, copper, carpets, and traditional clothing—this ancient Moroccan art is gaining popularity among travelers from all over the world.
Marrakech has long been known for its expansive, exquisitely designed green spaces, which are a reflection of the great ancestral knowledge of garden cultivation. This is especially evident in the Islamic gardens of Menara and the Agdal gardens. Another significant focus of Marrakech is the art of gardening.
The renowned Majorelle botanical gardens, home to more than 3,000 exotic plants, and the exquisite Secret Garden of the Medina—one of Marrakech's most exquisite gardens with a 4000-year history—should not be missed.
<h3>Marrakech: One of the world's best nature and adventure destinations</h3>
In addition to being a popular destination for adventure and discovery travel, Marrakech is also a hub for culture. The seven saints city is perfectly situated in the middle of the kingdom, allowing easy access between the northern and southern parts of the nation. An inevitable place to begin exploring some of Morocco's most breathtaking natural areas.
Many trips from Marrakech are arranged to the Atlas mountains, which include the picturesque Ourika valley, the tiny village of Imlil, Ouirgane, the Zat valley, and Mount Toubkal, which is still the highest peak in North Africa, for those who enjoy hiking in the mountains and vast open spaces.
Other trips are available to natural locations with stunning scenery a short distance from Marrakech, like the lush Ouzoud waterfalls, the Ait Bouguemez valley, or the Paradise valley.
Those who are passionate about the Sahara and its desert landscapes can take a quad bike excursion from Marrakech to enjoy the beauty of the palm grove or Agafay deserts, or they can take an excursion or desert tour to Zagora, the Merzouga dunes, or the Erg Chegaga dunes, where they can spend one or two unforgettable nights in a bivouac for a nomadic experience deep in the desert.
To get the most out of their trip to Marrakech, tourists who come to the Ochre City frequently opt to visit other stunning tourist destinations. Numerous local operators offer day trips and short-stay programs.
Marrakech offers a wide range of tourist experiences and activities to make visitors' time in the city more enjoyable. Some of these activities, like quad biking, paragliding, or hot-air ballooning, are well-liked in many tourist destinations worldwide, while others are more traditional and distinctively Moroccan, like camel rides in the desert, horse-drawn carriage tours of the city, Moroccan cooking classes, or the Fantasia show at Chez Ali.
