Marrakech is located in the western region of Morocco, set within the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The city is 300 km south east of the capital Rabat and 246 km from the coastal city of Agadir. Separated from the Sahara Desert by the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech was constructed in 1070 as the capital of the Almoravid Empire.
This former Imperial city with its pink sandstone buildings, palaces, gardens and mosques makes for an ideal city break particularly during the winter months when it enjoys guaranteed sunshine and daily temperatures averaging 25 degrees Celsius.
Getting there:
BA, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui and Wizz Air all offer direct flights from U.K. airports to Marrakech Menara Airport which is located 7 km from the city centre. This modern airport has been open since 2008 and is the largest in Morocco combining contemporary architecture with traditional modern style.
Travelling between the airport and the city centre:
Taxis can be found outside the arrivals hall with a fixed fee of 100 MAD (£7.89) for journeys into the old town and neighbouring hotels. Bus 19 operates a regular service with return tickets (valid for 14 days) costing 30 MAD (£2.36) per person. Please note that only cash is accepted on the bus (and mostly everywhere else within the city) so it’s best to use the ATM’s in the arrivals hall for a supply of local currency before boarding. The bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in the heart of the Medina. As the bus continues in a loop back to the airport take care to work out where you need to alight.
The Medina:
Jemma el-Fnaa (main square)
Start off by exploring the vast, open Jemma el-Fnaa which is the city’s main square and a frenzy of activity with its street entertainers, market stalls and cafes. Enjoy a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed Moroccan orange juice or glass of mint tea from one of the many vendors and breathe in the heady aromas of the brightly coloured spice stalls.
At dusk, Marrakech’s main square transforms and the daytime stalls disappear to give way to food stands where visitors can enjoy street food surrounded by local musicians playing traditional music.
As one of the four historical imperial cities of Morocco, the medina of Marrakech (the ancient part of the city) is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient medina is known as the old city or red city and is marked by the red sandstone walls that mark its boundary. Explore the beautiful streets and enter through one of the historical gates. One of the most impressive gates is the Agnaou Gate which was built in the 12th century.
Lose yourself in the Souks
The central souks (markets) are tucked into a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and are mostly organised by their respective crafts. Here you will find anything and everything from leather goods, spices, pottery, footwear, textiles, Berber carpets and rugs. Be prepared to haggle over prices as goods are always overpriced by at least 30%.
Bahia Palace
The palace was originally built in the 1860’s then expanded and renovated in the early 1900’s. Although only a few of its 150 rooms are open to the public there is still much of the beautiful Moorish architecture to enjoy.
The palace rooms are decorated with carved cedar ceilings with woven silk panels adorning their walls, illuminated by stained glass windows. The palace is centred around a large courtyard featuring a marble, geometric floor, Moorish fountain and is surrounded by numerous smaller rooms. Standard admission 70 MAD (£5.53). Bahia Palace.
Jardin Majorelle
This is Morocco’s most visited tourist attraction with upwards of 900,000 visits each year. The gardens were first opened to the public in 1947 and if you only have time to visit one of the city’s attractions, I would recommend here.
Tickets with timed entrance slots need to be booked online at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment, standard admission 155 MAD (£12.25). French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his business partner Pierre Bergé bought Jardin Majorelle to preserve the vision of its original owner, landscape painter Jacques Majorelle and to keep the garden open to the public. Located along the back wall of the gardens a memorial to Yves Saint Laurent has been created.
Winding paths lead through bamboo groves stretching skywards intermingled with over 300 different species of cacti. Visitors are requested to follow a one way route around the gardens with ample photo opportunities from ornate bridges.
Also on site is the art-deco studio home of the Museé Berbere showcasing the rich panorama of Moroccan indigenous inhabitants. There’s also an attractive courtyard cafe, book and gift shops along with a boutique selling YSL designs. If you would also like to visit Museé Yves Saint Laurent, this is located next door to the gardens and requires a separate entrance ticket. Jardin Majorelle.
Cyber Park
Located around a 10 minute walk from the hustle and bustle of the Medina, this city oasis is free to enter and houses a museum and Art Institute. The museum contains historic telephone equipment, mobile phones from the first Nokia and a collection of computer games and keyboards.
In the 18th century Moulay Abdelsalam, son of the Sultan built the original park which has been open to the public since the early 20th century. The well tendered gardens feature formal and rose gardens with shady places to sit plus a dedicated reading corner. Along the walkways interactive panels display ongoing cultural activities within the city.
Saadian Tombs
Located on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, admission 70 MAD (£5.50). Constructed in the 16th century by the 3rd ruler of the Saadian dynasty, the tombs are a testament to the grandeur of his power and wealth.
View the two main sections, each containing several chambers decorated with intricate stucco carvings and colourful, arabesque tiles depicting scenes from Islamic mythology and history. Saadian Tombs.
Menara Gardens and Pavilion
Walk through olive groves in this historic public garden located quite close to the airport. The gardens were originally used as an agricultural area and from the 16th century as a place of relaxation and contemplation for the sultans of Morocco.
They are formally laid out around a central reservoir and pavilion with olive groves to each side. On a clear day enjoy splendid views to the south overlooking the High Atlas Mountains.
The Mosques
The mosques in Marrakesh are said to contain some of the city’s most impressive art work but as they are all closed to non-Muslims it is not possible to look inside. If exploring further afield then I suggest using the services of Morocco Tours.
Moroccan Mint Tea
Drinking hot tea with several mint leaves added is a national tradition. The tea is served from ornate metal tea pots with long spouts and is poured from high denoting both respect and to add air bubbles to the tea. It’s very refreshing, especially on a hot day.
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