From sleeping in a Riad to haggling in the souks, from trying the hammam to getting lost in the Medina: 15 things to do and see in Marrakech.
Lively, colorful and eclectic,Marrakeshit is one of the largest cities in theMoroccoas well as the most important of the four Imperials. Like an unstoppable vortex, Marrakech is able to (s)overwhelm tourists and adventurers, transporting them to places that seem to have come straight out of the Arabian Nights fairy tales.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN MARRAKECH
Antiquity and modernity coexist in this city of two souls whose clearest "clash" occurs on the border between the "old" Medina and the New City dotted with luxurious resorts, designer shops and enormous streets. From the chaotic souks to the spectacular El Fna Square, from the very blue Majorelle Gardens to the quiet of the Menara Gardens... I leave you the list of15 things absolutely to do and see if you find yourself (and really want to live) in fairytale Marrakech.
VENTURE INTO THE MEDINA
The Medina represents the old, ancient and traditional part of every Arab city but, in Marrakech, this connotation takes on even stronger values. Built in 1070, the Medina of Marrakech is thetrue beating heart, nerve center and spiritual of the entire City. It is within it that everything happens and that everything seems to make sense.Confused, neurotic, unstoppable, of course, and yet a sense that you will never find in any other "modern" point of the city. This is why (at least in my opinion) if you really want to experience Marrakech, the advice is to stay within this "heart" which extends for over700 hectares in a whirlwind of narrow and labyrinthine alleys. The Medina of Marrakech is surrounded by high walls, the perimeter of which is approximately 17 kilometres, and houses souks (markets), mosques, shops, stalls and... lots of mystery. Although it is considered a quiet area, it is not safe to wander around alone during the evening and night. Also pay attention to the bicycles and scooters whizzing through the lanes without paying too much attention to tourists and passers-by!
ENJOY THE SMELLS OF THE SOUKS
Imagine finding yourself immersed in a vortex of colors, screams, jumbles ofsmells, flavors, materials. Imagine hearing yourself called, at every step, from left, right, forward, behind, and having to constantly be careful of people, scooters, bicycles. Imagine feeling disoriented, without a compass, lost among those narrow streets and corners that all seem, inexorably, the same. Yes, the first impact with the Souks of Marrakech could be almost "devastating" and yet you need not fear, it is normal, and a couple of hours of setting will be enough to transform your fear into an emotion of complete joy.The souks represent the economic centerof Arab cities and are usually found within the walls of the Medina. These are markets organized into corporations whose primary objective is commercial exchange. The souks of Marrakech surround the spectacularEl Fna Squareand they differ based on the areas. Walking through shops and shops, you will find thefabric souk, leather souk, dye souk, meat souk, spice souk, clothes souk…and so on. Don't be intimidated by those who will try to sell you something at any cost or by those who will forcefully show you the way to the Square: simply, go straight on your way and try to make the most of what you find there. Booties, handbags, teapots, souvenirs, tagines, lanterns, carpets, fruit, mirrors…. If you decide to stop and buy something, keep one thing in mind:bargaining is the key word. As in any self-respecting good market, the goods do not have a fixed price and the more time you have available to negotiate, the more excellent deals you will get.
WATCH THE SUNSET FROM A TERRACE IN JAMAA EL FNA
The beating heart of the Medina, the Jamaa El Fna Square is among the most picturesque, enormous and famous in the Arab world. Inside, from dawn to night, a world develops that seems to have a life of its own. It's as if the stalls, the press sellers, thesnake charmers, the fortune tellers and all the figures who animate the large square are subject to their own laws. Don't think that seeing Jamaa El Fna just once is enough to understand what I'm talking about. This square has the ability to change its appearance at any time: what you will find in the morning will not be the same as in the afternoon, nor the same as in the evening or at night. One of the most exciting things to see in Marrakech is undoubtedly the sunset from Jamaa El Fna square, when the sunlight begins to make way for the darkness of darkness. Whatever part of the city you are,leave everything and go up to one of the terraces of the square. Sit back, order your mint tea and wait for the magic to begin.
JARDIN MAJORELLE
Among the things absolutely to see in Marrakech, the famous Jardin Majorelle stands out. Designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1931, Jardin Majorelle was the home ofYves Saint Laurentand Pierre Bergé who, during a stay in Marrakech, were so enchanted by it that they decided to buy the entire structure. Inspired by traditional Moroccan gardens, Majorelle is a riot of intense blue (Majorelle blue was actually created by the artist), harmonious green and lush yellow. In the center of the area is locatedVilla Oasis where, on the first floor, the Berber Museum was set up. The Jardin Majorelle also houses the ashes of Yves Saint Laurent, scattered in the place where a memorial has been placed today. Entrance costs 70 Dirhams (around 7 euros).
EL BAHIA PALACE
Spread over an area of 8 hectares, the El Bahia Palace is a truemasterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Inside there are several structures organized around classic Moroccan-style gardens, whose dominant colors are blue, yellow and brown. Walking among banana trees and qanāt irrigated jasmine, you will be enraptured by exotic smells and disturbing aesthetic lines. The public parts of the Palace often hostArab-Andalusian music concerts and art exhibitions, while the private area is for the exclusive use of the royal family who sometimes go there to spend periods of relaxation.
EL BADI PALACE
With 306 rooms and a courtyard of almost 15,000 square meters, the “Incomparable Palace” (this is the Arabic translation) was a vast complex built in 1578 by the Sa'dian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur al-Dhahabi to commemorate the victory over the Portuguese. Richly decorated with Italian marble and gold, El Badi was influenced by the AndalusianAlhambra of Granadaand, for years, it was one of the most famous palaces in the city of Marrakech.It was then destroyed by Sultan Alawite Moulay Ismail who used the materials to decorate his palace in Meknes. Today the imposing structure remains, with the swimming pool (90 meters long and 20 meters wide), four cells in which the king kept the prisoners, and theminbar of the Koutoubia Mosquepositioned in one of the restored pavilions. Entrance is paid and the ticket costs 10 Dirhams (1 euro).
TOMBS OF THE SAADISTS
Located a few steps from El Badi Palace, the Saadian Tombs date back to the end of the 16th century and are located within a garden whose access is via a narrow corridor. These are more than 100 tombs, richly decorated with mosaics, which house the bodies of servants andwarriors of the Saadian dynasty. The fulcrum of the complex is made up ofMain mausoleumwhere Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his family were buried. Entrance is paid and the ticket costs 10 Dirhams (1 euro).
MENARA GARDENS
With an area of over 100 hectares and an idyllic setting, the Menara Gardens are one of the absolute must-sees in Marrakech. ThePavilion, which with the classic colors of ocher and green overlooks a swimming pool 150 meters wide and 200 meters long full of carp, stands out on the horizon contrasting with the Atlas Mountains and offering a view that is nothing short of magical . The green park that opens up around it is a favorite destination for the citizens of Marrakech who, during the weekend, go there for a picnic or a relaxing walk. Entrance is free.
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
With a 77 meter high minaret, the Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in all of Marrakech. Also known as "Booksellers' Mosque”, it is decorated with curved windows and made up of typical arches intertwined with green and blue reliefs, paintings and majolica. The large mosque opens onto a square with Moroccan-style gardens and, during the evening, gives the best of itself. Its structure inspired theGiralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
LE JARDIN SECRET
Guarded in the heart of the Medina, the Secret Garden is one of the largest and oldest Riads in the old part of Marrakech. The exotic plants found inside come from all five continents and the element ofwater it dominates through the central fountains, the true beating heart of the house. The silence that envelops this Riad is total enough to give it the nickname of "oasis of peace”. There is an entrance fee and a ticket costs 50 Dirhams (around 5 euros).
MOHAMMED VI MUSEUM (OR WATER MUSEUM)
Understanding the importance of water in a desert country like Morocco is fundamental to understanding the very essence of its culture, history and civilization. The Water Museum representsone of the most beautiful interpretationsto understand how Moroccans, since their origins, have related to this precious asset which, in the Muslim religion, is a sign of purity and spirituality. The Museum covers an area of over 2,000 square meters and is made up of three floors. The permanent exhibition is a long itinerary that leads the visitor through the hydraulic genius of Morocco, from ancient times to the present day. Entrance is paid and the cost of the ticket is 45 Dirhams (approximately 4.5 euros).
TRY THE HAMMAM
You can't really say you've been to Marrakech if you don't try the typical hammam at least once. In Arab culture, it represents the spa complex where Muslims carry out theirmajor washing(ghusl or wudu) or theminor washing to reach ritual purity, tahāra. Over time, however, the purely religious function of the hammam began to evolve into a more social one. The hammam soon became a pleasureplace to meet, meet and socialize. In the most internal parts of Morocco, where water is strictly controlled, the public hammam represents the "water" center of kasbahs and ksars, the place where the population meets to wash and enjoy a moment of relief from the sultry heat . Depending on the size of the city, you may find multiple hammams (divided into male and female) or just one. In this case, to differentiate entry for men and women, time slots are established. TOMarrakeshyou will find many spas or thermal baths where you can try the hammam, with rigorous body cleansing,scrub with typical Moroccan black soapand, if you wish, also the final massage. THEprices they vary from 150 Dirham (hammam with scrub) to 350 Dirham (hammam, scrub and massage) and the duration is approximately 1 hour (1 hour and 30 minutes with massage). The hammam develops in different phases: from the initial wash you move on to the sauna (a room with steam and very high temperatures), then you continue with the scrub with black soap, you return to the sauna and continue with the vigorous exfoliation with a horsehair glove , and then start again with washing and sauna. All for over 60 minutes: believe me, you will leave there feeling like you have the skin of a newborn and a regenerated soul.
SLEEPING IN A RIAD
The Riad is the typical Moroccan home consisting of a multi-storey structure with an internal courtyard or garden in the centre. Originally the Riads were found only inside the Medinas while today they "pop up like mushrooms" almost everywhere. One of the most typical things to do and see in Marrakech is to stay in a Riad located within the old walls. There are no taxis, buses or cars circulating here (which is why many tourists prefer to stay in the modern part of Marrakech) and the labyrinthine streets can initially confuse even the most expert compasses. But don't worry: the sense of disorientation soon passes and, after the first impact, you will enthusiastically appreciate your choice.
TASTE THE ORANGE JUICE
You will find them everywhere, from bars to street stalls, from inns to restaurants: Marrakech orange juice is one of the most delicious, refreshing and sweet things you will ever taste. They cost very little (even 5 Dirhams – 50 cents) and be careful because they are addictive!
WALKING IN THE NEW CITY
Although I loved and adored the Medina, with all its contrasts and contradictions, and I would never have moved from there... I believe that a walk in the New City must necessarily be on the list of things to do and see in Marrakech. This is the new part of the city where you will find designer shops, narrow streets and... everything that a westernized city can give you.
Beyond the "15 things absolutely to do and see in Marrakech" I want to point out other small visits that you can make while walking inside the Medina as well as in the surrounding areas: theHouse of Photography, The Cyber Park(next to the Koutoubia Mosque), the Perfume Museum (Museé du Parfum), the Heritage Museum and the Oriental Museum of Marrakech.
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