Even though Marrakech isn’t considered to be the capital city of Morocco however, the enticement of the city’s bustle never ceases to draw travelers from all over the globe. Marrakech is an absolute must-see spot for those seeking an authentic Moroccan trip that offers a variety of exciting things to see.
If you’re not yet able to find out what all the fuss about Marrakech is, after having seen many images of the city on your feeds on social media, hearing reports from a family member who has visited, or simply unaware of how amazing Marrakech is, you’ll soon discover reasons to be enthralled too. Here are 9 reasons everybody loves Marrakech (so be prepared to be lured).
1. The medina with the most amazing awe
The medina of Marrakech is awe-inspiring, and an intricate maze of streets inside its walls of high. The term “lively” isn’t enough to describe how exciting and captivating the medina can be. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the biggest medina that is located in North Africa. Inside, the streets are full of not just people from the area, but also lively merchants, grand doors filled with luxurious Moorish style and notable monuments.
Walking around the medina is among Marrakech’s greatest thrilling experiences as you try to find your way through the maze of streets. It’s quite stressful, but it’s is more enjoyable when you spot historical gems such as that of the 19th-century Bahia Palace and sniff out Rue de Bab Debbagh for the leather tanning facilities.
Naturally, you’ll be within Jemaa el-Fnaa square, otherwise known as the mainstay in the world of media. The open-air theatre is where it’s always bustling, particularly in the evening when storytellers, performers, dancers, and other entertainers fill the area.
2. Palatial riads
The Riads in Marrakech aren’t just places to rest your head in the evening, they are incredible artworks. Riads are loved for a range of features, including the mosaics of multicolor, intricately arched archways, large columns, spa-like dipping pools, vibrant color accents, luxurious cushions and the list could go on forever!
Riads were constructed primarily to protect their privacy, having balconies and windows that face inwards towards the courtyard. This gives you an intimate space to unwind. It’s also a great opportunity to get acquainted with your hosts from the area, perhaps during a private cooking class or perhaps a couple of cups or a glass of Berber whisky (this is the term that Moroccans refer to as their Sweetened Mint Tea). The best aspect? The views! Because the medina’s buildings are not more than the height of a palm tree you’ll have the unobstructed views of Marrakech’s flamboyant red sunsets.
3. The enigmatic souk
The main souk in Marrakech Morocco is the epitomize of the eclectic. Its souk (or marketplace) is filled with products organized by section. There are bags made by hand and olives, eat fresh food look at the exquisitely-crafted jewelry, and even buy local saffron to bring back to your home (just ensure you look for any immigration or customs limitations before you ship your items back to home). Shopping in the endless souk is a great opportunity to begin chatting with locals and improve your negotiation techniques.
If you’re looking for more out of the way regions of the souk, look into Bab El Khemis for the flea market that takes place on Thursdays. This area is dedicated to second-hand, thrifty finds such as hand-carved trunks, antique sets of keys from riads.
4. Mosaics galore
Marrakech is a master of intricate tile work. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fountain hidden into a corner, or the mosaics in the Saadian tombs that were kept hidden for over 200 years, you can find beautiful patterns that are decadent in a myriad of hues. The tiles are cut, painted, and put together by hand, each tile is alike and makes each one each one of a kind and stunning.
From an in-depth distance the blue tile that is on the top of Koutoubia mosque, and then stroll across Ben Youssef Madrasa, a magnificent historic Islamic college. These stunning pieces of art can grab your attention because of their attention to the smallest particulars.
5. A little modernity
Of course, Marrakech’s old-fashioned appeal is breathtaking and enchanting, but it also has a modern European aspect. One of the areas mentioned is Gueliz which is also known as Gueliz, also known as the New City and is just one bus ride away to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Gueliz is known to be affluent within fashion and the arts.
Some of the work of Matisse, the pioneering French artist, Matisse are now finding their way into an art gallery in the city. Yves Saint Laurent also opened one of the two museums (the other is in Paris) featuring an art gallery, couture exhibition and French-style café.
6. The mix of flavors
The cuisine of Marrakech is far more than its standard offerings, such as the Tajine (a delicious slow-cooked stew) and Couscous. Drawing inspiration from France as well as food from the Middle East and Andalusia to mention a few the Marrakech cuisine is extremely varied. One of the most memorable foodie experiences is during the night during Jemaa el-Fnaa, when the place is filled with vendors lining the sun. It’s energetic, noisy and downright delicious.
Chicken kebabs are a popular dish along with fresh seafood, sweet treats, or you can try the delicious snail soup. This area is frequented by people from all walks of life sitting on benches for meals. This square filled with juice stands that offer what appears to be every fruit that is available and at a reasonable cost. Vegans will be thrilled about the numerous choices of food outlets in Marrakech including Earth Cafe, who serve vegan alternatives to Moroccan traditional dishes like briouats and bisteeya.
7. The Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Although the Jewish population of Marrakech is declining however, the Mellah is a source of information of Marrakech’s Jewish past. The unique design of Jewish homes favor balconies that look at the road rather than private courtyards as in traditional Moroccan homes.
The Mellah has The Lazama Synagogue that has been recently re-opened and mud-brick structures that resemble life-sized castles built of sand. The market in Mellah is more relaxed than other markets and is a favorite among people from the area who visit to buy their fresh-cut meats and the seasonal selection of vegetables.
8. Hammams
Hammam spas and baths located within Marrakech are a must-visit not just for tourists, however, for residents as well. Whether you’re in an upscale spa or local bathhouse, you will get one of the best exfoliation-experiences of your life.
The centuries-old bathing rituals are held in place in a room with a humid climate in which your hosts offer you a full scrub with local black soap and the scrubbing glove of khmiss. Although it’s normal to see naked hammans, some wear bathing suits. Whatever you wear it’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy socializing with others who are similar to you.
9. Parks and lush gardens
Marrakech is sunny all every day, which means that naturally there are many amazing gardens and parks to take a stroll in. They’re the ideal place to escape the bustling city. Majorelle Garden is probably the most famous of them all. French designer Jacque Majorelle designed the garden, however the garden is actually Yves Saint Laurent who is frequently associated with it for his contribution to transforming the garden’s botanical landscape into an enchanting paradise.
Arsat Moulay Abdeslam which is which is also known in the form of Cyber Park, is a popular spot due to its numerous spots to relax and enjoy the free Wi-Fi in the park’s grounds. If you’d prefer to be disconnected, there’s the Palmeraie oasis located on the outside of the city in which there are many more trees that there are people.
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