Marrakech, Morocco Hotels and City Guide

Marrakech - Attractions

Siteseeing in Marrakech: What to See and Do

Marrakech has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries. Numerous artists and dignitaries have been enthralled by its magical essence, glorious architecture and aesthetic way of life. In fact, former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill travelled to this exotic land to paint.

The city is divided into two parts. Medina makes up the spectacular older city and boasts a large number of imperial Arabian palaces and souks. Gueliz is more cosmopolitan and was built by the French. Marrakech differs from many of its neighbouring cities. At Marrakech, Africa meets Europe with camels and cars in the traffic and dusty streets mixed with wide boulevards and Marrakech hotels like Le Meridien N'Fis.

Piercing the skyline is the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, described as the most majestic Islamic monument in North Africa, which sets the scene for some of the finest Arab world architecture. Legend has it that, when it was built, it bled its spirit into the city, giving the buildings their rose red hue. The Palais de la Bahia (Palace of the Brilliant) is a lavish royal palace, with a harem for the Grand Vizier's wives and concubines. Tombeaux Saadiens (Saadian Tombs) is a preserved mausoleum built by Sultan Ahmed el Mansour.

The most famous attraction in Marrakech is Djemma El Fna; a massive square nicknamed the greatest medieval circus on earth. Marrakech has yet to build dedicated theatres or dance institutions and so the city's best performers put on shows at the square from dawn to dusk. It buzzes with storytellers, acrobats, jugglers, water sellers, magicians and musicians, performing amidst the aroma from bubbling cauldrons of lamb stew.

Set out in a labyrinth of narrow streets within Medina’s old city are ancient souks, the traditional markets of Marrakech. Lit by shafts of light through thatched roofs, the stalls and stores hum with workers who are busy at the important local leatherwork, woodturning, metalwork and animal skin tanning industries. Just about everything is sold here, from tortoises, lizards and chameleons, to olives, spices and silver from the Sahara. Famed Moroccan carpets woven by the Berber tribes are bought by many foreigners, who are excited to follow the custom and haggle over the price.

Hotel la Mamounia is one of Morocco's most special hotels, the jewel in the crown of her many exotic hotels. Built in the 1920s on the revered site of a sultan's palace within the ancient walls of the old city, it is a curious mix of art deco and traditional Moroccan. The original gardens, laid out in the 16th century, are still maintained - 32 aromatic acres of orange, lemon, and banana trees, palms, mimosas, roses, jasmine and ancient garden walls covered with bougainvillea.

Natural Attractions: Marrakech's Natural Beauty

The High Atlas Mountains
The Moroccans believe the High Atlas Mountains are as close as you can get to heaven without leaving earth. This majestic, often snow-capped mountain range can be glimpsed from different vantage points in and around Marrakech and its beauty is arresting whether seen from a distance or up close. It was here that John Huston shot The Man Who Would Be King’s breathtaking Tibetan sequences.

The Great Sahara
No roads, no people, total silence and at night, an ocean of stars, uncannily clear and bright. Walks are arranged in the cool, early hours of the morning; jeeps take you to desert towns, fortresses, ruins and cool oases where foreigners rarely venture. Camel and goat-herding Tuareg nomads drop by your camp with their tales and musical instruments.

Marrakech's Main Attractions

Ben Youssef Medersa
Place Ben Youssef
Marrakech, Morocco
Tel : +212 44 39 09 11

One of North Africa's largest Islamic colleges, the Medersa is a well-preserved 16th-century Koranic school. The serene courtyard has a central water-filled basin and façades enhanced with tiling, stucco and carved cedar.

City Walls
First constructed in the 12th century and made of pisé, the fortifications possess a pink tinge and glow beautifully in the setting sun.

Dar Cherifa
8 Derb Charfa Lakbir Mouassine
Off Rue Mouassine, Medina
Tel : +212 44 42 64 63

Dar Cherifa is a restored townhouse among the souks and houses the city's finest public Moroccan decorative arts collection, ranging from carved cedar doors and 19th-century jewellery to Berber and Arab rugs. The venue also hosts occasional performances by gnawa and Sufi musicians and incorporates a small library.

Les Bains De Marrakech
Riad Mehdi
2 Derb Sedra
Bab Agnaou
Tel : +212 44 38 14 28

This rejuvenating spa facility occupies one half of an old townhouse. A full treatment range is available from water massage to shiatsu, plus steam-cleaning in a traditional hammam.

Majorelle Garden
Avenue Yacoub el-Mansour

The garden was designed by expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924, during the colonial period when Morocco was occupied by France. The garden also houses the Islamic Art Centre of Marrakech, which includes North African textiles from Saint-Laurent's personal collection as well as ceramics, jewellery, and paintings by Majorelle.

Musee De Marrakech
Fondation Omar Benjelloun
Place Ben Youssef
Marrakech, Médina
Tel : + 212 44 44 18 93

The Musée de Marrakech was converted from an opulent, early 20th-century house that belonged to a local grandee. A star attraction is the polychromic-tiled central court. There's also a pleasant courtyard café and a very good bookshop.

Hotels in Marrakech, Morocco