10 best things to see in Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is one of the most visited places in Morocco and it is considered to be a city of great heritage. This imperial city is full of dress-up ancient architecture, boisterous bazaars or food markets, sweet-scented gardens, and inviting restaurants or cafés. 

1. Jemaa el-Fnaa

One of the largest squares located in the central part of Marrakech, which at night becomes a large theater for street performances by artists, henna writers, musicians, those who attract attention to snakes, and hundreds of food stands where you can taste escargots or freshly squeezed orange juice. It has somehow an organized scenario though it seems messy but is a must-watch place in Marrakech. During the day, the square is more controlled but is still apparent that people occupy the place up to certain hours in the evening.

2. Majorelle Garden

This amazing garden of 12 acres is a riot of colors with bamboo, palm trees, blue domes, and azure walls in Major Blue famously associated with Yves Saint Laurent. Stroll through beautifully landscaped and serene gardens with fountains featuring an assortment of beautiful plants from Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Africa with many species of cacti. On the same compound, ensure that you visit the Berber Museum which is situated in the beautiful compound with several trees.

3. El Badi Palace

This magnificent palace dating from the 16th century was also equipped with true masterpieces of the opulent style of the time, which stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Currently, there’s not much left of the luxurious decor, however, there is enough for the visitors to get an idea of the atmosphere of the royal palace. Visit the extensive area of subterranean chambers galleries, and pavilions occupying 2.5 hectares of territory.

4. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Relive the past as guests get a glimpse of this fine 16th-century Islamic college where local students were taught the holy scriptures. Some of the visually appealing features that can be seen are the carved patterns and motifs, the flowing scripts on walls and doors, the artistic ceramic tiles, the neat and clean central courtyard with a pool, and the beautiful cedar ceilings with intricate designs.

5. Bahia Palace

This is an ostentatious 19th-century grand palace constructed for a former slave who became the sultan’s chamberlain and amassed this luxurious structure along with great wealth. Eating 160 sq meters, there are 160 luxurious ostentatious rooms, which boast marquetry, carved cedar ceilings, and grand courtyards, accentuated with gold artwork.

6. Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs were under the covers for quite some time and were only discovered in the 1900s. In this area, there are a total of 66 members of this 16th-century ruling sultan family present here. Splendid rooms are as follows: It has Italian marble columns, precious mosaics, and an excellent central court. This is a design that has to be seen and includes the Hall of Twelve Columns and several fountains within the columned room.

7. Koutoubia Mosque

The 70-meter tall minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque built in the 12th century stands out and is the most easily recognizable landmark of Marrakech. The interior of the mosque remains closed to non-Muslims, but the compound’s gardens are magnificent, and the best time to hang around is in the evening when the spire of the mosque will be lit up against the fiery red sky.

8. El Badii Palace

It is said that once, El Badii Palace was one of the most opulent palaces in the whole world, and a visit to the palace will give a glimpse of how some of the Moroccan sultans of the past lived their lives of luxury. The only remaining parts of the intricate Renaissance palace of the early sixteenth century are the fragments of paintings and stuccoes of the rooms, a lookout tower, and huge prison cellars.

9. Jardin Marjorelle

Leave the chaos of city life and get lost in the whimsical colors of Jardin Marjorelle blue and vivid yellow. Cyan carriageways meander through twelve happy lots of exceptional flora from every corner of the globe: palms, cacti, orchids, a lily pond, and others. There are many colorful and vibrant structures to see, especially the cubic buildings painted in bright blue.

10. Souks

Marrakech is known for the large market area where people sell hand-sewn shoes, and leather products such as bags, silver jewelry, lamps, spices, and costumes. It is at its best when explored on foot; the area is composed of several covered lanes and pathways, where one can see small and equally packed working and trading shops and stalls from top to bottom. Go prepared to haggle!
In a riot of colors, fragrances, flavors, and spirits, Marrakech proves to be an exotic paradise for tourists. Why not explore the rich, historical, and cultural past of the region, marvel at Islamic architecture, bargain at markets, live in street traffic, or take refuge in one of the beautiful gardens found in the area? 

Read More:

15 Amazing Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania

Top 5 Must-See Tourism Places in Mugla

10 Epic Adventures in Zhuhai: From Glittering Skylines to Hidden Beaches!

Top 10 Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Dominican Republic: Top 8 place Sights, BEACHES & Waterfalls

12 Guilin Gems: Beyond the Picturesque Karst Landscapes!