11 Essential things to do in Marrakech, Morocco
The vibrant and exciting city of Marrakech provides an impeccable blend of culture, cool scenery and charming architecture. What has been called the “Southern Pearl” or even the “Red City,” though they say it is disfigured by mass tourism, has a huge number of attractions.
To make it easier for you to organize your stay, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Marrakech. So, what is worth visiting in Marrakech so as not to miss anything in the city?
1. Ride a camel in the Palmeraie of Marrakech
The Palmeraie of Marrakech has over 100,000 trees on an area of about 15,000 hectares, mostly palm trees, also a date nursery and vegetable garden. This is a well known natural and tourist heritage of Morocco, which you should not miss if you come to Marrakech.
The most exciting way to visit Palmerai in Marrakech is on a camel or even a quad bike! These two methods of transportation will allow you to see breathtaking landscapes and discover the lush vegetation typical of Morocco.
2. Swimming in the waterfalls of Ouzoud
The waterfalls of Ouzoud, located approximately 150 km from Marrakech, are unreal to miss if you come to Marrakech! Considered to be the most beautiful and highest waterfalls in Morocco, you will be able to swim there, have a picnic and meet the local monkeys.
A visit to the Ouzouda Cascades is one of the most impressive natural spots in the Moroccan atlas. A visit to the Cascades d’Ouzoud guarantees a feast of colors and promises an unforgettable vacation.
3. Walk through the Djemaa el-Fna square
If you come to Marrakech, you should definitely pass by the Djemaa el-Fna (“space of the dead”). This prominent public square attracts more than a million visitors once a year. “The Cultural Place of Jemaa el-Fna Square” has been listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2008 and as a Global Heritage Site since 1985 by UNESCO.
If you are not afraid of the crowds and want to enjoy the good atmosphere of the city, you understand what to create in Marrakech. Also in this very famous square you have the possibility to discover the divine Moroccan cuisine and its specialties.
4. Relax in the Majorelle Garden
The Jardin de Majorelle, a beautiful botanical garden with bluish flowers. It belonged to the fashion designer Vettel Saint Laurent. When he died in 2008, his remains were scattered in the garden.
The garden’s influence comes from Islamic gardens in the Moorish style and Moroccan oasis, covering more than 8,000 square meters.. A real haven of tranquility, the Majorelle Garden gives you a festival of the brightest colors, where blue is the center of attention.
5. Visit the Medina of Marrakech.
The historic heart of Marrakech, a UNESCO Global Heritage Site, the Medina is the space to go to if you want to visit Marrakech and its historic and classical side!
Walk through this part of the city and be sure to visit the countless historical monuments.
6. Explore the palace of Bahia
As we said before, it is unreal to visit Marrakech without discovering its beautiful palaces! A 19th century palace of eight hectares, the Bahia Palace is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture and Islamic art, one of the main heritage sites of the country and one of the main tourist destinations in Morocco!
7. Refresh yourself at Oasiria Marrakech
What to do in Marrakech if you have toddlers or want to swim to escape the city’s crushing heat? Go to Oasiria Marrakech, of course! This is the 1st water park in Morocco where adults and kids can enjoy a moment of fun, but above all, refreshment! Read more: Morocco Tours
8. Discover the Marrakech Museum
In addition to exploring the history of Marrakech, a visit to the Marrakech Museum will give you the opportunity to appreciate one of the city’s most beautiful architecture. Located in the center of Marrakech, this is a must-see in the reddish town!
The museum is housed in the Dar Mnebhi Palace, which was built in the late 19th century and is a beautiful prototype of traditional Andalusian architecture.
9. Climb the Atlas Mountains
A few hours from Marrakech, the plain of Urika in Morocco’s High Atlas is a true spectacle. Temperatures can plummet, so bring a small sweater or jacket and your best walking shoes.
The way up the mountain is rocky and you will cross small bridges over rivers flowing down the mountainside. The views from the mountains are cool and worth the day trip.
10. Buy souvenirs at the market
A trip to the markets is essential if you visit Marrakech. The markets are unbeatable for getting a lucrative deal, but you must be willing to haggle to get a good price. This is even expected of you!
You’ll also be dazzled by the festival of colors and smells amidst the beautiful fabrics, savory spices and ceramics for sale here. Take the opportunity to bring home a souvenir so you won’t forget about your chic vacation in Marrakech.
11. discover the Koutoubia Mosque
This beautiful 12th-century Sunni mosque, whose minaret towers over the neighborhoods, is one of the must-see sites in Marrakech. Its architecture and ascetic decor perfectly illustrate the art of the Almohads!
But be careful with your clothing, out of respect for the worshippers who pray there, shorts and T-shirts are forbidden. And specifically because the Qutubiyah Mosque is a place of worship, it can only be visited from the outside, strolling through its beautiful garden and watching its impressive minaret.
What else to do in Marrakech
– Saadian tombs. Discovered around 1917 and later restored, this site contains several bodies in a beautifully crowned mausoleum and necropolis garden.
– Dar Si Said Museum – this museum is quite dedicated to Moroccan woodworking!
– Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech – in Marrakech especially if you like photography, this museum puts together a collection of photographs that spans the period from the 1870s to the 1950s.
– Going to the hammam. You can’t visit Marrakech without enjoying the luxury of a hammam, which is different from a spa in the Western world, where you will be asked to change your clothes. While you are perfectly clean, a relaxing massage will follow, after which you will emerge from the steam room smelling divine.
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