One of our client’s experience in Morocco
If you are reading this post is because you have been encouraged to visit the city of Marrakech, or you are considering it, or just want to browse. In this post, we want to explain what to see in Marrakech and what to do, so that your doubts are dispelled and you reaffirm the idea of visiting it.
My first time in Morocco was to visit Fes, Meknes, and the Merzouga Desert. I admit that Marrakech has always been at the bottom of my list of cities. I have always heard: “It’s a burden”, “they are too heavy with tourists”, “it’s too touristy”. Reasons enough to not want to go.
Attending the Marrakech celebration, accompanied by our company Marrakech Camel trips, was the perfect excuse to visit the city.
Our visit coincided with the last days of La Coop 22, a fact very present throughout the city. The main streets dressed in their best clothes, flags everywhere, rivers of people strolling, and the terraces of the Jemma el-Fnaa square crowded, that’s how Marrakech welcomed us…
Before telling you what to see in Marrakech and what to do, I advance a small confession: I was wrong with Marrakech, so much that the idea of returning is very present. After this trip I reaffirm myself, even more, as a faithful follower of this magnificent country.
I know, it’s my fault. Forgive me Marrakech, I should not have prejudged you.
What to see in Marrakech?
Koutoubia Mosque
If you ask what to see in Marrakech, the first thing you will hear is the Koutoubia Mosque. It stands out in all of Marrakech for its majestic 77 meters high minaret. The lighthouse of “Marrakech”, as they call it, was built in the 12th century and served as a model and inspiration for the construction of the famous sculpted Giralda of Seville. It is the tallest building in Marrakech. The construction of taller buildings is not allowed so as not to steal the limelight. Its interior can not be visited, but it is interesting to observe the movement of people who pass through the door during the call to prayer.
Jemaa el-Fna
It is indisputable that one of the most distinctive places in Marrakech is its great square. It is the heart of the city and where you can appreciate all its life. Through it emerge all the arteries, veins and capillaries of the medina. You will pass through it, not once or twice, but many more. Notorious is the contrast between the square during the day and at night. During the day it is a quiet lady, where you can stroll and have a cup of tea.
When night comes, she becomes a hooligan and very naughty. One of the five calls to prayer announces the arrival of sunset. When the sun sets, a great spectacle begins. The square acquires a festive atmosphere, covered by a dense fog, product of the smoke given off by the food stalls. Gnaouas that vibrate and Krakachs – the famous metallic castanets – are some of the instruments by which the music begins to sound. People crowd around: clapping, singing, curious games, storytelling, boxing matches, magicians, jugglers… everything is concentrated there. It is undoubtedly a must-see in Marrakech.
Strolling through the food stalls and eating at one of them can be a hard task. A piece of advice: calm down, do not despair, you are on vacation. Enjoy and put into practice your commercial skills to decide which stall to sit at.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
A madrasa is an ancient Koranic school. Madrasa Ben Youssef is one of the largest in Morocco. It was founded in the 14th century. Its walls are covered with marble, stucco, mosaics, and cedarwood. It is inevitable to remember the Patio de Los Leones, the unique Alhambra in Granada. Getting lost in its corridors, looking at every detail, and playing at photographing the windows, lights, and shadows is a must in this place. If you have to choose a madrasa to visit in Marrakech, this is the best choice.
The souk
This is one of the most unforgettable visits of the trip to Marrakech. The people in charge of Marrakech Camel Trips prepared for us a visit to the most original souk, through a Gymkhana by teams, in which we were going to have to overcome and overcome all the obstacles and tests with the five senses. The tests consisted of finding the magic lamp in the souk of metals, the lost Babucha, learning to make mint tea, identifying different spices through smell, bargaining with the purchase of a hand of Fatima … A very original and fun way, in which we could enjoy the charms and magic of its streets.
Getting lost in the labyrinthine Medina has its own special charm 😉 , you will develop skills never known to you before. In the souk I recommend just that, getting lost. Don’t worry, I don’t know how, but you will always end up appearing in one of the squares, either in the spice square or in Jemaa el-Fna. Above all, the souk is one of the best things to do and see in Marrakech as in it, you will see a lot of different things.
The tanneries
If you have never seen a tannery before, this visit will not leave you indifferent. They are less spectacular than those of Fes, but you can also see how they treat and work the skins that will later become those bags, belts, poufs or slippers that are exposed by the souk. The smell is foul as hell, but do not despair, take that sprig of mint that they gave you at the entrance, it will mitigate it.
Entering “has no cost”, I put it in quotation marks. The man who offers to accompany you through the tannery will ask you to pay him for his guide service at the end of the visit. At the exit they will be waiting for you to visit the terrace of one of the surrounding stores and go through the entire store. If you do not plan to buy, do not let them give you an explanation of how they work the leather. If you don’t go through the cash register, the owner may get angry.
Palace of the Bay
Legend has it that its name is due to the favorite woman of the Wazir, who built the palace in the late nineteenth century. He wanted to leave the beauty of the woman embodied in the palace, so it is also attributed the name “Palace of the beautiful”.
It is not as exuberant as other palaces, but it is still worth visiting. Its mosaics on the ceilings and floors; its courtyards and gardens … are small details that will make you feel that sultan who lived in the palace.
Although during this meeting we could not visit more attractions of Marrakech. We leave you some other places that we have been able to enjoy in previous trips.
El Badi Palace
Although today it is a palace in ruins, the result of the various looting it has suffered, this palace which is in the Jewish Quarter of Mellah was famous as “El Dorado”, for the gold and marble that covered its walls and ceilings. “El Badi” means “the incomparable”. You will have to use your imagination to find out the reason for the name, since only ruins, orange trees, and storks remain here.
Saadi Tombs
Tombs of important Moroccan sultans discovered more than a century ago, but dating from the sixteenth century. The mausoleum where they are located is one of the most visited places in Marrakech. You may have to wait in a long line to take a simple photo of the tombs.
Menara Gardens
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the medina and have time to spare, a 45-minute walk takes you to this olive grove. For hundreds of years, the crops have been irrigated by the surrounding pond.
Visit the new area of the city – Gueliz
Neighborhood created during the French protectorate. It is currently the place of residence of foreigners living in Marrakech. Here you will find avenues full of stores and restaurants. The avenues of Mohamed V and Mohamed VI are a clear example.
I do not consider it one of the must-see in Marrakech.
Visit the Majorelle gardens
Source of inspiration for the French designer Yves Saint Laurent. As with the Menara gardens, the Majorelle gardens are a breath of air to escape the chaos of motorcycles, donkeys, carts, negotiators …. Here you will stroll among cactus, jasmine, palm trees, bamboo, fountains … Although Marrakech is red, here it becomes green.
What to do and see in Marrakech?
Taste the Moroccan gastronomy
Variety of colors, multitude of spices and condiments, mix of flavors ranging from salty to sweet, suggestive smells … do you want to miss all this? Don’t be afraid and immerse yourself even more in Moroccan culture.
Moroccan gastronomy is very rich and diverse. In it you can appreciate the different influences to which it has been subjected over the course of history. Influences that come from the Berber culture, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Some dishes to highlight are:
– Tajine (vegetables, chicken, lamb, octopus…). It is everything that has been cooked in an earthenware container, with a base as a plate and a conical lid.
– Pastela, a puff pastry containing meat, onion, traces of almonds, cinnamon and powdered sugar sprinkled inside. It is delicious!
– Couscous, made with wheat semolina. It comes with vegetables and lamb or chicken.
– Harira, a traditional soup of legumes, tomato, lamb and/or chicken. It has a high nutritional value.
– Kefta, is minced meat, cooked and seasoned with different spices. It is prepared in many ways. We are very fond of Kefta with egg.
– Gazelle horn, it resembles marzipan. It is made with almond dough. And it looks like a mini-empanadilla. It is ideal to accompany it with the element that most distinguishes Moroccan gastronomy: tea. A suggestion: try to witness how they prepare the tea. It is an art, each step is meticulously measured.
And we cannot fail to mention the Moroccan breakfasts. Multiple varieties of bread, jams and those orange juices that do taste like oranges.
Don’t be ashamed of being a tourist, it will be worth it.
Going to a dinner with a belly dance show can be what some people call a turistada. I’ll tell you a secret: I enjoyed that turistada and loved it. We were able to eat like marquises, taste typical Moroccan dishes: delicious, succulent, prepared and cooked with great dedication.
Interact with people
Don’t be shy and take every opportunity to chat with the locals. Not everyone will be looking to do business with you. Many just want to exchange and have a nice conversation. I am sure you will have experiences that will be hard to forget.
You will want to go shopping in the souk
Prepare your pocket, everything will enter through your eyes.
One of the objectives of many of the tourists who visit the souk, besides making the senses work at full capacity, is none other than to buy goods, souvenirs, gifts or treats that you can’t find in your place of residence, or that here in Marrakech, are much more affordable for our pocket. The spice market is an ideal place to give your eyes a play of colors; and your sense of smell a swaying of scents.
Backpacks, slippers, belts, bracelets, earrings, spices, dried flowers, ceramics… and the list could go on. My great discovery has been the eucalyptus crystals, very useful for those who tend to get cold easily.
Relax on one of the terraces overlooking the Jemaa el-Fna square.
Tired of walking all over the Medina? Fed up with so many things to do and see in Marrakech? Want a little relaxation? Take advantage and take a break, marvel at the sunset overlooking the Jemaa el-Fna square. There is a wide range of cafes, tea shops, and restaurants surrounding the square. Its views, music, call to prayer… Watch it, listen to it, and record it in your mind so as not to forget it. It is the best way to complete a magnificent day and put the icing on the cake. Because not everything during this trip will be things to see in Marrakech…
Respect
If you are not a first-timer in this country, this will be nothing new to you, but for those who are new to the country, this advice can help. It’s hard to resist the incessant desire to take the best picture. In Morocco, and especially in Marrakech, they are not very photo friendly. Don’t worry if someone asks you to delete that “stolen” photo, it’s normal. If you want to avoid these uncomfortable moments, a good way, even if you lose the naturalness of the snapshot, is to interact with the person first. This does not guarantee an affirmative answer to the question “Can I take a picture of you?”, but it helps.
Escape to Essaouira
A few hours from the city of Marrakech is Essaouira. It is a beautiful fishing village. Less touristy than Marrakech, more secluded and with the advantage of overlooking the sea. It is an ideal getaway to feel the tranquility that you miss in Marrakech. Seagulls fluttering, the feel of the breeze, the waves of the sea, families strolling along the shore and the contrast of seeing camels on the beach are some of the images that this “Pearl of the Atlantic” – as they call it – has hidden for you.
We will talk about Essaouira in another chapter, but here is a preview 😉.
Escape to Ouarzazate
Known as the gateway to the desert. Ouarzazate is a must visit on the way to the Sahara desert. But you can even visit it in one day from Marrakech if you hire a car with driver. The main attractions of this southern Moroccan city are: Atlas Studios, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Kasbah Taourirt. You will have the feeling of having been here before, everything will be familiar to you. These three places have been the scene of great and well-known films such as: the Jewel of the Nile, Asterix and Cleopatra, the Ten Commandments, gladiator … Although it is a somewhat heavy journey – about 6 hours round trip -, we recommend it.
More Confessions. Acknowledgements
Because the blog is to tell the good and the bad; the right and the wrong, I confess that I was wrong, that from now on I will recommend visiting Marrakech. I will take into account the opinions of others, but they will not be the triggers to make up my mind, better to always check it out for yourself.
On this trip, the ties we had with the companions of Your Travel Blog have been further strengthened, many of them we already knew, others have been a great discovery. We take with us the best memory of this trip, having spent these incredible and intense 5 days with the best company. Marrakech Camel Trips, we take off our hats. It is to praise how much you have pampered us and how well you have organized this anniversary, without you it would not have been so special.
“Trips are also made by the experiences, the learning that you take with you, the great moments, the shared experiences, and above all the companions with whom you go…”
