Exploring the Wonders of Marrakesh
- Share via
Marrakesh, Morroco is a dream destination for travelers who want to have an immersive experience in North African history and tradition. With its busy medina, colorful souks and magnificent palaces, Marrakesh offers an incomparable experience for first-time travelers or those who have globetrotted their entire lives. Here’s a guide on how to travel to Marrakesh, where to start when you get there and how to get the most out of the amazing city.
Getting There
By Air
Most travelers visiting Marrakesh pass through Menara Airport (IATA – RAK). The airport has various connections with significant European cities and numerous others from the world over. Grab a taxi or a transfer service from the airport to your hotel.
By Train
Marrakesh is connected with clean, modern rail transit to the rest of Morocco’s major cities and destinations. For example, trips from Casablanca to Marrakesh take approximately two and a half to three hours.
By Bus
Long-distance buses also connect Marrakesh with various cities within Morocco and even neighboring countries. The bus station, Gare Routière, is located near the city center.
Where to Stay
From riads (traditional Moroccan homes) to hostels, hotels-just about everything is available for different tastes and budgets. Located in the middle of Medina, an old traditional Moroccan riad offers very special experiences. It amazes with a dive into genuine Moroccan atmosphere. For first timers, the best place to stay would be the Medina itself. Other options include Gueliz – the new city – or the area called Palmeraie, a historic oasis with a 1,000-year history.
Things to Do/See
Marrakesh Medina
The heart of Marrakesh, the medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a labyrinthine wonder. Make your way through its narrow winding streets, historic palaces and bustling souks, or bazaar-style markets. Key attractions within the medina include the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs.
Jardin Majorelle
The botanical garden is designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, an oasis of calm; it is painted bold blue in color, lined with exotic flora and housing the Berber Museum. It is ideal for a casual stroll and offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Walk into a different era while stepping into this ancient Islamic school that impresses each visitor through its striking architecture, detailed tiling, and its courtyards.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the ancient heart of Marrakesh, a traditional open market by day, but at night comes alive with street entertainers, musicians and food stalls.
Shopping and Souks
Explore souks for an array of colorful textiles, spices, ceramics, jewelry, and typical Moroccan souvenirs in Marrakesh.
Palais de la Bahia
The Bahia Palace represents the pinnacle of a 19th-century North African architecture; tile work, gardens, and architecture all combine for a perfect sightseeing experience.
Day Trips
From Marrakesh, take day trips to the nearby attractions, which include the Atlas Mountains, Ourika Valley, or the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
Marrakesh is a wonderland of mingled ancient tradition and modern charm. A stay in Marrakesh promises unforgettable journeys into narrow medinas, stunning palaces and tempting Moroccan cuisine that will always stick in one’s memory.
