Flood Your Senses in Marrakesh
A City That You’ll Love and Hate
Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in Morocco and one of the country’s four imperial cities - meaning it is a historical capital. Founded in the 11th century, the city has a well preserved medieval Medina (old town) that is fortified by a red clay wall; the entire historic section of Marrakesh is a UNESCO world heritage site.
More than any other place I visited in Morocco, the defining trait of Marrakesh for me was the sensory overload. Bikes and donkeys pass by you on the narrow streets - which are already cramped with people - as vendors call you over to look at their wares. The spices and food fill the air with aromas - while the people fill it with a wild cacophony of noise. The number of shops lining the streets offer you so much stimulus that you won’t’ know where to look. Within seconds, the experience can turn from one of sheer delight to one of pure stress.
But that’s the magic of Marrakesh - a city with such intense chaos that you have to just move with it. It’s a bit high octane - but if you go along for the ride, it’s also whimsical. The city serves up exactly the kind of culture shock experience a tourist is likely hoping for from a trip to Morocco.
Wander Around the Medina
Marrakesh has the largest souk (market) in Morocco - and it is the dominant presence within the city’s Medina (the old town within the city’s medieval walls). I recommend spending most of your time wandering through Marrakesh’s open markets.
Be sure to stop by the main square - Jemaa El-Fna - the busiest square in Africa. Here, you can grab a cup of freshly blended juice or grab a tea from one of the rooftop restaurants. Just steel yourself for some chaos.
Enjoy Islamic Architecture
Marrakesh has some stunning examples of Islamic architecture - with its symmetrical courtyards, colorful tiling, intricate woodwork, and patterned plasters. The most common ones to visit are the Bahia Palace (an imperial 19th century palace), Ibn Youssef School (a madrasa), and Saadien’s Tombs (a 16th century royal necropolis).
Whichever you choose to do, I recommending taking your time to admire how much craftsmanship goes into each of these complexes.
Other Things to Do
To be honest, I think you could spend a week just wandering through Marrakesh’s Medina and not get bored. If you do find yourself itching for some other things to do, here are some of the most common:
Relax at a Hammam: If you’re looking to pamper yourself, have a spa day at one of the local traditional bathhouses.
Head to a Museum: If you’re looking to learn a bit more, you can head to the Marrakesh Museum or La Photographie de Marrakech.
Visit Jardin Marjorelle: Outside of center city, there’s a garden that is owned and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent. Known for its luscious palm landscape and blue coloring, the estate is an easy place to relax and take in a view.
Explore a Palace in Decay: A bit outside of the Medina, there’s a 16th century imperial palace that has fallen into ruin: Badi Palace. It offers tourists a way to explore classic architecture in a way that isn’t still kept in a pristine state.
A lot of cities in Morocco offer a similar experience: stroll the Medina and check out some high quality Arabic architecture. Because of this, I recommend not overstaying in Marrakesh. You’ll want to switch cities while the souks and tile work still bring you awe and wonder. Leave some of the mysteries for the rest of Marrakesh.