Marrakesh, Morocco - Souks, Markets, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert
In many ways Marrakesh (Marrakech), the city with so many names, is a symbol of the old Morocco and a time gone by. Today, much of the seductive magic and mysticism still survives in Morocco's Pink City - Red City, Cinnamon City - with its many souks (suuqs) and of course the almost indescribable Djemaa el Fna Square - described as the most exuberant marketplace in the world.
Close enough to Europe for a long weekend, ideal for a few days before or after a trek in the Atlas or a trip to the desert, Marrakesh is the heartbeat and the unchallenged capital of Southern Morocco and certainly worth a stay of several days.
24/ 7 at the Djeemaa el Fna Square
The famous town square of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna is a 24/7 place with stalls that sell cheap freshly-squeezed orange juice in the morning and afternoon, and when the sun goes down, it transforms into a wonderland of storytellers, buskers, snake charmers, healers, acrobats and fakirs.
From the "Square of the Dead" Djemaa el-Fna Square, one can see the city's landmark, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Exploring the Souks off the Djemaa in Marrakesh
In Marrakesh, the entries to several souks (suuqs) run off from the Djemaa. The merchants are friendly and they will be happy to have you linger over their carpets or henna products or handcrafts, offering a glass (never a cup) of mint tea while you make up your mind.
After exploring, return the square, join the locals at the vast array of outdoor food stalls where vendors whip up a tasty selection of fried fish, meats, salads, and other Moroccan delicacies.
Rooftop Terrace Cafés on Djeema
Sitting in a café watching life go by is one of the Marrakshis's most popular recreations. Most of the cafés on Djemaahave rooftop terraces with magnificent views of the whole square, the rooftops of Marrakesh, and the Atlas mountains in the distance.
Traveling in Morocco is much easier if one has a car. Take a late afternoon drive out to the beautiful Menara Gardens, one of the most photographed settings in Morocco.
Marrakesh, Norocco's Attractions
- Koutoubia Minaret
- Ben Youssef Medersa
- Saadian Dynasty tombs
- 16th-century El Badi Palace ruins
- Dar Si Said Museum, (Museum of Moroccan Arts)
- Majorelle Garden
- Museum of Islamic Art
Visit a Hammam in Marrakesh
Don't miss a visit to a Hammam (Moroccan Steam Bath), an important part of Moroccan culture. One of the best, largest, and most accessible public baths is Hammam el Basha (The Pasha's Bath), about 10 minutes north of Djemaa el Fna. Some Hammans have separate men and women’s’ baths others open at different times for men and women, so ask around.
Where to Stay in Marrakesh? Try a Riyad or a Dar.
In summer the luxury hotels with spa 's and pools are very busy, so why not be a bit more adventurous and stay in a riyad ordar, a traditional townhouse with a courtyards and a garden? Many riyads and dars have been luxuriously renovated and have their own hammams (Arabian baths).
Maroc Dreamer recommends a few riads. But shop around; there is a range of good quality accommodation available.
Best Tip for Marrakesh
The Café du Livre is a second hand bookstore and restaurant in the heart of the new center Guéliz . It has everything an English speaking traveler wants - books, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, food and wi-fi.
Marrakesh is well-known throughout the world for its annual Marrakesh Film Festival which takes place in September.
Some photographs Jonny Wood and others by Shoperz at flickr.com
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