Top things to do in Marrakech (Food + Travel)

Marrakech has always enchanted its visitors – and that is why people from all over the world come to enjoy an enchanting combination of the past and the present. This is an enchanting city in Morocco with richness in history, art, architecture, exotic flavors, and beautiful scenery around the city. This is especially true for first-time travelers since it becomes very hard for them to determine which option is the best. Below are the ten most valuable activities you cannot afford to miss when in Marrakech concerning food and traveling to explore this exotic city.

1. Take a Stroll in the Old Medina and the Jemaa el-Fnaa

Your trip should begin right in the historic area that is known as the Medina area. Being lost in the labyrinth of the red-sandstone alleys, you’ll meet fragrant spices sellers, beautiful riads with inviting yards, and ancient details in construction. Allow yourself to revel in the sheer size of Jemaa el Fnaa, the massive central square teeming with life in the form of entertainers, food sellers, musicians, henna artists, performers, and more.

2. Sample Moroccan Cuisine in Jemaa el-Fnaa Food Markets

When the sun goes down on the square, numerous food stands cook delicious Moroccan street food and place it in lines. Be quirky and try out some of the non-tourist food such as slow-cooked lamb with prunes and almonds served with bread, merguez sausage sandwiches, or even slow-cooked snails in a hot broth. The prices are also quite low and the servings are large – just locate where the smells lead you to the delicious foods. Accompany it with a cup of Morocco’s famous mint tea which is prepared by pouring boiling water over the tea leaves in a special glass-filled high above.

3. Learn the art of Moroccan Cooking

Taste traditional cooking when you take Marrakech cooking classes in a traditional Moroccan Riad. These engaging and well-instructed cooking classes are conducted by local chefs who guide you through preparing mouth-watering Moroccan dishes in gorgeous and small venues. Focus on the trademarks of Moroccan cooking, especially chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, pastilla pies, vegetable cous cous, and so on. You will also learn how typical condiments like ras el hanout spices and argan oil bring the unique Moroccan flavors to life. Then, enjoy the multiple-course meal to celebrate your efforts in the rewarding endeavor.

4. Experience Royal Breakfast at a Riad

The Moroccan breakfast is a typical meal rich in spices and other Moroccan meals; therefore, setting some time aside to enjoy the breakfast is recommended. Eat your fill with stacks of Siemens, a type of fluffy pancake, omelets with different fillings, pots of sweet and thick honey, fruit jams, and powerful Moroccan coffee served with hot milk to accommodate the bread. Savor small portions of many dishes to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the riad without worrying about a big meal. Have your breakfast ordered in advance so that you order your breakfast at the riad, the staff can go to the medina to buy fresh products for preparation.

5. Click on the links to see Goats in Trees in Argan Forests

Head slightly outside the city in a town called Sidi R’cim to experience one of Morocco’s biggest tourist attractions – goats climbing trees. Argan groves are situated around the city of Marrakech; goats are seen climbing on the trees to eat fruits within them. These argan nuts are then subjected to hand pressing by the Moroccan women’s cooperatives to yield antioxidant-packed argon oil that is venerated in local remedies, culinary practices, and cosmetic applications. Make a trip to the women’s co-op where you will be able to gather more information on argan oil production. You can purchase food products at the source such as toasted nut oil that is edible, or natural soaps and lotions for the skin.

6. Sightseeing: Take a Mint Tea in Djemaa El Fna Square

There’s no way you wouldn’t spend a couple of hours at Djemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech’s central station, sipping on sweet Moroccan mint tea while observing people and culture. There are always people practicing their abilities to charm snakes, tell fortunes, sing, dance, etc. As dusk approaches, food carts in a straight line preparing well-known local meals light up rows of cooking grills. At any one time, you can move around the perimeter and sit in dozens of places that feature luxurious seats that one can take a break on and watch waitresses pour steaming glasses of hot tea in high arcs. Green tea infused with fresh spearmint leaves and sugar is the perfect break while getting to know the alleys of the medina.

7. Roam in the Ruins of Terres D’Amanar

They take you half an hour outside the city to be alone in a palm grove with horses to ride around, a large pool, gardens, and even Roman ruins. This venue also offers a Moroccan cookery workshop that should be reserved in advance. You will turn spices with stones as seen in the olden days, make couscous by hand by rolling on a flat surface, observe the baking of bread in clay ovens, and enjoy the process of preparing succulent lamb in a tagine pot over the fire. In between cooking various meals, take a walk on the treadmill or any of the beautiful trails provided. Then, partake in a candle-lit Chef’s Table outside and complement your meal with Moroccan wine.

8. Savor Morocco: Enjoy a Multiple Course Moroccan Dinner

If you want to try traditional imperial Marrakech food, you should choose one of the traditional-style restaurants such as Dar Moha or Nomad. Relax in opulent settings and enjoy a leisurely journey through elegantly flavored appetizers of vegetables and meat, chicken or pigeon pie Bastilla, succulent lamb or camel tagines, couscous, and the sweet endings of honey-drenched sweets. Take it a notch higher to the fancy realm by eating at a restaurant housed in what used to be a palace such as Le Salama, PepeNero, or Le Marocain. In terms of tasting menus, these two offer some of the most exquisite creations that are rich in flavor and supported by an extraordinary setting that can only be fit for royals.

9. This is an excellent time to take a stroll in the souks and shop for spices.

Wading deeper into Marrakech’s extended shacks of souks is a norm for those who fancy spices and the market. In its wake, it will navigate between shops filled with colorful piled-up mounds of cumin, cinnamon sticks, saffron, and the rest you are likely to imagine. Breath in the spices of red chilies on iron-dried herbs swinging from the rafters like a fiery haze. How about chatting with shopkeepers while sipping the steaming glasses of mint tea in the air-conditioned shops and you never know you might get a discount? Just strolling through the souks is a sensual experience whether or not you are going to purchase anything. But do not get lost in the maze of narrow passages, it is easier to get lost than you think.

10. Some snacks or sipping tea at a Rooftop Cafe.

However, if you feel like you’ve had enough of the energy that Marrakech brings, go for the rooftop cafes in riads which mainly serve tea, coffee, pastries, and other light meals. Enjoy the best mint tea, Moroccan cookies baked with hand, fresh fruit plates, other exquisite snacks, backgammon, views of the vibrant city, and rest. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a foodie, yet do not want to spend too much, then Le Jardin Secret is highly recommended – despite its location on the map, it is a hidden garden cafe located in a 300-year-old ruined palace that borders on the Jemaa El Fnaa Square. Dine on a comfortable banquette beneath cute lights while lemon trees and lovely fountains are nearby. It’s Marrakech magic.

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