Guide to Marrakech - the insta-friendly gem of Morocco

Marrakech will steal your soul, and give it back teeming with colours, perfumes and a remarkable sense of life.

Although the first impression of the city, and the old Medina above all, will appear completely overwhelming, it won’t take long to get unconsciously absorbed by that charming atmosphere and transported into its chaotic dynamics like a kid visiting the zoo for his first time.

Even if getting lost between the Souk and tropical gardens was one of our favourite ways of exploring the city, the cultural and architectural richness of Marrakech’s palaces is simply jaw-dropping, so be prepared to dig into centuries of Berber craftsmanship, preciously decorated courtyards and legendary sights that will make you doubt you are actually awake.

Moroccan architecture

To get the most of Marrakech’s precious legacy head to the south area of the Medina, just beside the charming Jewish area of Mellah, and explore the breathtaking rooms and grandiose courtyards of Bahia Palace, the marvellous tiles of the Saadian Tombs and of course the ruins of El Badi Palace, commissioned by Saadi sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and notably named after is majestic appearance (El Badi means “The Incomparable”).

A short walk away is Dar Si Said; between quiet patios and stunning interiors the visitor can get a glimpse of moroccan craftsmanship tradition, spanning from 11th century carpets to modern pieces of design.

Other unmissable visits include the stunning Ben Youssef Madrasa (closed for renewal at the time of our visit), the Marrakech Museum and the beautiful House of Photography.

Gardens and Parks

It’s no surprise that Marrakech is known as the garden city, with manicured parks in the Ville Nouvelle and adorable corners of lush greenery hidden behind many Riads, but sometimes they require a little patience to be found and possibly a reliable Lonely Planet to get the most of each one.

Begin with the not-so-known Jardin Secret in the Medina, a 19th-century palace with traditional Islamic gardens and a rooftop over the city, before heading to the iconic Jardin Majorelle (and visiting the modern YSL museum by Studio KO).

From there, you can easily reach the Cyber Park, an 18th century park ideal for a relaxed stroll between fancy fountains and Tangerine trees before visiting the luxurious Mamounia hotel; once famous for its prestigious guest this iconic palace hides not only the most instagrammed Hammam in the world, but also a beautifully decorated garden open for curious tourists as well as hotel guests.

We personally enjoyed much more our visit at the Royal Mansour; once a monumental royal palace this hotel is a living showcase of moroccan craftsmanship hidden in five acres of perfectly designed gardens and offers few restaurants and bars where non-guests can indulge in beautifully presented dishes within this breath-taking location.

Souk

You might have heard it before, and it’s no joke at all, the souk is all about haggling.

Don’t take me wrong, there’s plenty to see and explore even without taking your wallet out, but not being tempted by that myriad of shiny objects, colourful carpets and every other useless product is really a tough challenge, and local merchants would seduce even the stricter buyer not to leave empty-handed.

Remember that Marrakech’s Medina is a one live souk but at the same time it’s divided into the specific crafts so head to Souk Chouari for carpentry items, Souk Zrabi for famous carpets, Souk Ableuh for the original spices and so on.

Don’t be afraid to halve the initial price, they usually mumble the most ridiculous amounts of money, and be prepared to spend long, very long, negotiating for your goods.

Also, avoid showing too much interest at first, and don’t stop at the first stand you see as the last and most hidden ones usually have better offers.

Although prices can vary widely depending on quality and haggling skills, here’s how much you should pay for some of the most typical products: babouches (70 DH), Argan Oil (150 DH / tub), pillow cover (50 DH each), raffia bag (50/100 DH), cotton towels (70 DH)...

Restaurants & Bars

From eye-pleasing courtyard to trendy rooftops Marrakech’s dining scene is always more seductive, and whether you are a real foodie or obsessed aesthete this city won’t easily disappoint your cravings.

Hide in the lovely concept store cafe La Famille and enjoy a refreshing salad between charming greenery and their design products or opt for Le Jardin, a hidden gem between the labyrinthine streets of the Medina where the winning combination of delicious food and a pop-up shop won’t make you leave unsatisfied.

Book a table at Nomad rooftop (and the brother Cafe des Epices) to enjoy the chaotic Medina from above, or pop by the more casual (and more charming) Atay Cafe for a relaxing break from the Souk.

One of our favourite finds was surely ZwinZwin Cafe, a lovely rooftop restaurant and bar perched on top of the homonymous boutique hotel; visit at sunset for a truly magical modern moroccan dinner, or enjoy their light menu and pretty decor throughout the day.

As you might already know, wine and drinks are not an easy find in any muslim city, but Marrakech hides more than few spots to enjoy a frozen Casablanca beer and well prepared cocktails; we definitely loved the rooftop terrace of Rodamon Riad but other valid options in the Medina include beautiful Salama restaurant, El Fenn’s rooftop, iconic Gran Cafe de la Poste, La Maison Arabe and KosyBar in Mellah.