September 2023.
The Red City
The first of the four Imperial Cities (cities that once served as capital of Morocco, with the others being Fes, Meknes, and Rabat), Marrakech was founded in ~1070 century during the dynasty of the Almoravid before the Almohads took over in 1147 and then the Marinids moved the capital to Fes in 1269 after they captured Marrakech. Then, when the Saadians came to power in 1549, they chose Marrakech as the imperial capital once more. In 1669, when the Alawites captured Marrakech, the capital moved around and today, Marrakech’s rivalry with Fes as the leading capital led to the choice of Rabat as the modern capital.
It’s referred to as the red city since the buildings and ramparts in the medina made of beaten clay, built during the time of the Almohads.
Surprisingly, the irrigation system built during the time of the Almoravids still provides water for the city’s gardens.
It’s referred to as the red city since the buildings and ramparts in the medina made of beaten clay, built during the time of the Almohads.
Surprisingly, the irrigation system built during the time of the Almoravids still provides water for the city’s gardens.
Overview
- 8:55 - 9:55 AM: Bahia Palace - palace for elite
- 10:00 - 10:30 AM: Badi Palace - sandstone ruin of a palace
- 10:40 - 11:00 AM: Tombeaux Saadiens (Saadian Tombs) - mausoleum for prominent Saadian family
- 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum - incredible food museum
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch
- 1:45 - 3:00 PM: Dar El Bacha - archaeology museum with delicious coffee
- 3:05 - 4:00 PM: Le Jardin Secret - garden
- 4:05 - 4:25 PM: Almoravid Koubba - oldest monument
- 4:30 - 5:30 PM: Ibn Youssef Mosque - Islamic teaching center
- 6:00 - 6:15 PM: Koutoubia Mosque - famous mosque
- 6:30 - 8:30 PM: Jemaa el-Fna - lively outdoor night market for food and dinner.
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Travel Tips
To/From the Airport
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Their international airport, Menara International Airport, is less than 4 miles from the city center. There are multiple options, although taxis are usually the easiest.
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Around the City
Marrakech, especially in the medina, is very walkable, and certain places don't allow for cars. One option for those weary of walking is to ride horse-drawn carraiges can be seen on major streets.
Payment
Compared to other Moroccan cities, most attractions don't accept credit card, only cash (MAD). Make sure to stock up on enough MAD throughout one's stay here.
1-Day Plan
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM: Bahia Palace (70 MAD)
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Bahia translates to “brilliance” in Arabic, this palace was built in 1860 to be the greatest palace of all time with 150 rooms. It exemplifies the lavish lifestyle of the Moroccan elite with carved cedar ceilings, woven silk panels, and stained glass windows.
Even though the palace was ransacked in the early 1900s, the royal family still uses it to host foreign dignitaries or for events. Public areas are open for visits including the beautiful entryways, mosaics, courtyards, and gardens. The massive Grand Courtyard with geometrical patterns across the marble floor and surrounded by wooden galleries is a large attraction. PROTIP: Come here as the first stop since it can get really crowded later in the day, making it hard for picturesque photos. |
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Badi Palace (Source: Shutterstock)
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10:00 - 10:30 AM: Badi Palace (70 MAD) Once the playground for Saadian royalty, these sandstone ruins of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour showcase the former prestigious house considered the most impressive palace in the western realm of the Muslim world.
There are sunken gardens, ramparts, empty reflecting pools, Venetian sconces in the prayer hall, and 300,000 aluminum tiles on the roof. The palace’s tower roofs offer stunning city panoramas. Its minbar (prayer pulpit) is considered a beautiful place to visit for only 10 more MAD. Unfortunately, it was closed in September 2023 for renovation, and post-earthquake, this might take longer. |
10:40 - 11:00 AM: Saadian Tombs (70 MAD)
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Mausoleum with over 170 tombs filled with prominent Saadians, their advisers, and royal wives. These tombs have incredible décor of carved oak, gold-lined arches, and Carrara Italian marble headstones. Unlike other structures, this place was not plundered by Sultan Moulay Ismail and is one of the only surviving sites. While underwhelming compared to other grounds such as Granada’s Alhambra, it is still a phenomenal place and to avoid crowds, one should visit right after opening. The Chamber of the Twelve Columns is considered the pinnacle of Moroccan architecture.
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11:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum (60 MAD)
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One of the best museums to visit in Morocco, it provides an in-depth food experience about Moroccan cuisine and the dining experience. The signage is in English, French, and Arabic with photos and videos showcasing the process. The building itself is also beautiful with cedar roofs and tilework.
For another 60 MAD, one can enjoy a food tasting experience on the terrace or eat a three-course set meal for 120 MAD.D They also do offer 2-hour cooking classes for 600 MAD that can be booked on the same day. |
12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch
One will now be walking through the different souks in the medina. Be aware of pickpockets, uneven terrain, and motorcyclists, but also look up at the beautiful roofwork.
Souks with different coverings
1:45 - 3:00 PM: Dar El Bacha
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Grand residence that's a prime example of a riad, consisting of multiple connected buildings. Built in 1910, it was the former home of Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakech appointed by Sultan Moulay Youssef. It is now a museum dedicated to traditional Moroccan architecture. Many famous people such as Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Meryl Streep have visited. One should also visit to try the coffee. The wait can take long, so make sure to put in one’s name first.
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3:05 - 4:00 PM: Le Jardin Secret (80 MAD)
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Two former important complexes (riads) were combined to form these gardens. One side showcases traditional Islamic garden and the exotic garden, the latter employing plants non-endemic to North Africa.
It has a main fountain, a gazebo, and a rooftop café that provides a nice place of respite from the souks. Interestingly, a hamman used to reside within the gardens, showcasing the wealth of the residents. One should also take the tower tour for an extra 40 MAD, where a guide will provide some interesting history. |
4:05 - 4:25 PM: Almoravid Koubba (50 MAD)
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Oldest monument in Marrakech that dates back to the 12th century built during the Almoravid Dynasty as part of a religious complex. It was rediscovered in 1948 during an archaeological dig, and features one of the oldest known inscriptions, Maghrebi Arabic script in North Africa.
Today, only the basement of the minaret remains of the previous mosque and surrounding buildings of a cistern, fountains, latrines, and underground water supply pipes. It is believed to be a place of ablution before entering the mosque. |
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4:30 - 5:30 PM: Ali Ibn Youssef Madrasa (50 MAD)
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Once the largest Quranic learning center in North Africa founded under the Merinids in the 14th century, the ornate decoration was implemented in 1565 during the Saadian era.
Over 400 years, it has served as a repository of learning (madrasa) for 400 years. With over 136 rooms, a prayer hall, courtyard, and ablution room, it is a beautiful place to visit. |
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6:00 - 6:15 PM: Koutobia Mosque Translated to “booksellers’ mosque” (since bookstores used to be located here), this mosque is the most recognizable landmark in Merrakech. It has salmon-hued walls, intricate tiles, archways, and a 253-foot-tall minaret. As one of the oldest and tallest mosques in Marrakech, it has inspired other religious sites such as Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco and La Giralda in Seville, Spain.
Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque, but one can visit the plaza and gardens for free. |
Koutobia Mosque
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View of Jemaa el-Fnaa from Le Grand Balcon du Café Glace
8:00 - 10:00 PM: Jemaa el-Fna
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This open-air square is the city’s main gathering point. From snake charmers, fortune tellers, henna ladies, and herbalists in the day to food stalls selling couscous, grilled meats, and vegetables at night, there is a lot to see and eat.
The stalls are numbered with different types of food in different areas. The snail stalls are on the Eastern side, sheep's head and tanjier are on the Northern side, fruit juice stalls surround the market and are there all-day long, and the Southern side has desserts and teas. Try the Khoudenjal here. Another option is to head to the terrace at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glace, grab some ice cream and a drink, and watch the sunset over Koutoubia Mosque and the square. |
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Other Attractions
Museums
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Other Attractions
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Hammans
- Public bathhousess, are places of refuge and relaxation that Moroccans go to weekly for their gommage (scrub) and reconnect with friends and family. They offer great treatments, but please note that one removes ALL clothing in them. It combines Turkish baths, being rubbed down with argon oil, and scrubbed with savon noire (black soap), and sweating in a steam bath.
- They usually cost 180 MAD per session and others include a meal. Most of the best hammans are located in the medina.
- Les Bains de Marrakech
- Heritage Spa
- Hamman Rosa Bonheur
- Hamman Mouassine
Restaurants
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Bacha Coffee House
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Atlas Mountains
Home of the indigenous Amazigh/Berber people for multiple centuries, the mountain range is beautiful, especially the high pass of Tizi n’Tichka with some beautiful views of the rolling paths. Along the way, there is the ighrem/ksar (fortified village) of Ait Ben Haddou. This was a village along the former caravon route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech and is composed of Moroccan earthen clay. Many famous movies such as Gladiator (2000) and Prince of Persia (2010) were filmed here.
The only way to reach this area is by car and is usually the route taken from Marrakech if one heads to the dessert for a dessert tour.
The only way to reach this area is by car and is usually the route taken from Marrakech if one heads to the dessert for a dessert tour.
