The most-visited city in Morocco has an abundance to see and do. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration and advice, read on to explore the highlights!
Places to explore
Jemaa el-Fnaa
This is the square which has absolutely everything you’ll need as a tourist: souvenirs, food, and people-watching. Rooftop terraces will be the best place to view this bustling square. Things to spot: freshly squeezed fruit juice, henna stalls, cobras, and monkeys.
El Badii-Ksibat Nhass Palace
What initially seems like a grand fortress is actually the remains of a palace built by the Saadian dynasty back in 1578. It’s now known as an exhibition centre for the occasional event. When venturing by foot, you’re never far from the Kutubiyya Mosque and Jemma el-Fnaa.
Bahia Palace
Marvel at the intricate details of this beautiful late 19-century palace tucked away from the chaos. What’s most fascinating is that the palace was not only home to the before grand vizier (ruler) Ba Ahmed ben Moussa, it also housed his 4 wives, a harem of 24 concubines, and their children all at once.
It’s hard to imagine how grand the palace was in its former glory as all the furnishings were stolen in 1900 following his death, but you can only imagine with there being so many rooms and lush gardens.
You can enter the palace for 70 dirhams.
Souks!
These are markets with all kinds of goods for sale: from beauty to one-of-a-kind pieces of art. To haggle, always stand by your lowest price and never budge, even if it’s a ridiculous amount. Your seller will level with you. You could get lost but it won’t be boring. We found a mother of kittens at a beauty stall deep inside one of the souks.
To haggle, always stand by your lowest price and never budge. Your seller will level with you unless something is clearly stated for a fixed price. If you’ve never haggled before, these are the best principles to go by and the rest will come naturally.
Make sure to avoid directions, advice, or talking to random strangers in the souks. It’s commonplace for beggars to try to trick you through an act of kindness in exchange for money. They may vary in their approach, but the best thing to do is ignore anyone who approaches you out of nowhere.
Jardin Marjorelle
This was my favourite place in Marrakesh. Located next door to the Yves Saint Laurent museum, Jardin Marjorelle is a botanical garden with some a bit of history. Previously owned by painter Jacques Marjorelle in 1923, the villa and garden fell into disrepair after his death. In the 1980s, Yves Saint Laurent bought the place with his life partner, Pierre Bergé who restored it to the condition it is now. Since their passing, the property houses several exotic plants a museum dedicated to Berber art, and a memorial where the ashes of the iconic fashion designer and his partner were scattered.
Entry to the garden costs 120 MAD and proceeds go directly to funding the arts and paying as well as paying the staff a decent wage and maintaining the garden.
If you’re keen to visit, I’d recommend making enough time to enjoy looping through the garden a few times before heading to the cafe with lovely water mists to cool down. Order a refreshing mint tea (a symbol of friendship) for a delightful surprise from your waiter.
The Atlas Mountains
While it’s not exactly in Marrakesh, an excursion to the Atlas Mountains is worthy of a day trip out of the city. Taking about an hour or so to drive there, we visited Asni and hiked along the valleys, and immersed ourselves into the Berber way of life.
Tempted to add Marrakesh to your travel wishlist? Check out my 5 useful tips before going to Morocco.
Nadia Cheung 