Marrakesh, a former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewelry. A symbol of the city, and visible for miles, is the Moorish minaret of 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. ― Google
Demonym: Marrakshi
Elevation: 466 m (1,529 ft)
Established: 1070
Founded by: Abu Bakr ibn Umar
Prefecture: Marrakesh
Region: Marrakesh-Safi
Best Months:
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Fall) – Pleasant temperatures and ideal for walking through the city and desert.
Avoid:
June to August – Extremely hot, especially mid-day in the medina or desert.
By Air:
Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) – direct flights from major European and Middle Eastern cities.
From Casablanca:
About 2.5 to 3 hours by train or 45 minutes by domestic flight.
By Train/Bus:
Connected to cities like Fes, Rabat, and Tangier via ONCF trains and CTM/Supratours buses.
Jemaa el-Fnaa – Iconic main square filled with snake charmers, food stalls, and storytellers.
Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum – Lush garden with cobalt blue buildings and designer legacy.
Bahia Palace – Stunning 19th-century palace with intricate tiles and courtyards.
Koutoubia Mosque – Landmark with a 70m minaret; visible from many parts of the city (non-Muslims can’t enter, but can admire from outside).
Saadian Tombs – Hidden royal burial site rediscovered in 1917, richly decorated.
El Badi Palace – Ruined palace with storks and sweeping views.
Medersa Ben Youssef – Ornate former Islamic college with classic architecture.
Le Jardin Secret – A peaceful garden oasis in the medina.
Dar Si Said Museum – Traditional Moroccan arts and crafts in a beautiful riad.
Souk Semmarine & Souk El Kebir – Bustling markets for spices, rugs, and souvenirs.
Wander the Medina and get lost in its maze of souks.
Experience a traditional Moroccan hammam (steam bath/spa).
Go on a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay Desert.
Take a cooking class to learn tagine and couscous recipes.
Visit a rooftop café at sunset with views of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Shop for carpets, spices, leather goods, and ceramics in the souks.
Ride a camel or quad bike just outside the city.
Luxury Riads:
La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, Riad Kniza – opulent traditional stays with courtyards, fountains, and top-tier service.
Mid-Range Riads:
Riad Yasmine, Riad BE Marrakech – stylish and Instagrammable with authentic design.
Budget:
Hostels and simple riads in the Medina or Gueliz neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagine (stew cooked in a conical pot)
Couscous with vegetables and lamb
Harira soup (lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes)
Pastilla (sweet-savory meat pie)
Mint tea – national drink of Morocco
Where to Eat:
Nomad – Modern Moroccan cuisine with rooftop views
Le Jardin – Hidden green courtyard, great for lunch
Café des Épices – Casual rooftop café overlooking the souks
Dar Yacout – Classic Moroccan fine dining in a palace setting
Street food at Jemaa el-Fnaa – Try grilled meats, snail soup, and fresh juice
Languages: Arabic & French are widely spoken. English is common in tourist areas.
Dress Modestly: While Marrakech is fairly liberal, respectful dress is appreciated—especially in mosques or rural areas.
Tipping: Expected in restaurants and for services like guides or porters.
Haggling: Bargaining is part of the culture in markets—do it with a smile.