Top 10 Places to Visit in Marrakech

   
March 31, 2016,
Marrakech, Morocco

The Concierge team at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech recommends the top ten places to visit in the city.

1. Beautiful and harmonious - that’s how we define the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. Take pictures of this famous symbol and contemplate the architecture, which is traditionally made with red stone. Located in the southwest Medina quarter of Marrakech, visible for miles in every direction, this is definitely the best way for you to start your expedition of the Medina.

2. New shopping experience: The heartbeat of Marrakech is without doubt the souks of the Medina, the name given to the old city. Well known as the most exotic places in the world to shop, explore the different souks where you can buy everything and anything from a traditional tailor-made caftans to lanterns, babouches and leather bags. All you have to do is to start bargaining!

3. Get transported to the world of aromas at the souk and discover all the diversity of Marrakech’s flavours and aromas, from the olives market to the tanjia cook, the sweet stands and the mint sellers. We definitely advise you to start by buying a bunch of fresh mint to make your own delicious pot of mint tea at home. Accompanied with some traditional pastries such as cornes de gazelles, or ghoriba cookie, it is the perfect way to end the afternoon.

4. Djemaa El-Fna a must to visit! Come across to Marrakech’s main square and open-air theatre where you meet with Moroccan folklore groups, performing monkeys and snake charmers. A UNESCO listed monument, the frenzy of Djemaa El-Fna is unique; nowhere else can you enjoy the magic of the storytellers’ carnival and simultaneously get a new henna tattoo with a local design. In the late afternoon, do not miss the fun transformation happening when the sun goes down - the square turns into a food-stall market.

5. Up for a camel ride or a buggy race? The Palmeraie, a dream location away from the rush of the city of Marrakech, is perfect to take a nice breath of fresh air. Let yourself succumb to a unique experience by strolling around this wonderful green oasis on the back of a camel. Should you feel even more adventurous, borrow a buggy car and drive up your adrenaline around the palm trees.

6. Majorelle by Yves Saint Laurent more than just a garden. Escape in a world of fantasy walking throughout a psychedelic desert mirage of 300 plant species and let the inspiration of Yves Saint Laurent takes you into his own world. Inside the garden, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Berber art and culture by visiting the cosy Berber Art Museum. This is a place where you will spend hours just taking pictures.

7. Have you ever toured a city in a horse carriage? In Marrakech, enjoy this incredible experience of contemplating different parts of the city from Djemaa El-Fna and Menara Garden to the new town. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing orange juice to energize the body.

8. Find out how the artisans make traditional Moroccan arts and crafts. In Marrakech, there are the souks and then there is Sidi Ghanem, the “industrial” district of the city. It is the crossroads between tradition and new Moroccan design, where you can buy authentic decorative objects such as coloured scented candles, Berber carpets and many others treasures to be discovered. The artisans will happily open their workshops' doors and share with you all their secrets.

9. Tannery souk: Upon arrival, you will immediately understand that you just stepped into a different world. Be ready to live a memorable exploration with talented artisans showing you the leather processing cycle. Don’t be surprised when they give you a bunch of fresh mint: it’s just to soften the strong smell. At the end you can complete your visit by purchasing artisanal Moroccan articles as a memory from this fascinating site.  

10. Visit a Riad: Immerse yourself in a sensuous Moroccan Riad, a sanctuary of peace and tranquility in the heart of the Medina. It’s probably the best way for you to familiarise yourself with Marrakech architecture. Admire the real beauty of the walls sculpted with traditional woods surrounded by scented jasmine cascades. Any door in the Medina can actually reveal a magical hidden gem, so allow time for exploration!



PRESS CONTACTS
Reda Lemniai
Public Relations Manager
1 Boulevard de la Menara
Marrakech, 40 000
Morocco