Guidebook for Marrakesh

Veronica
Guidebook for Marrakesh

Parks & Nature

The Jardin Majorelle is one of the top attractions in Marrakech, and is definitely a must-see for anyone who appreciates fashion, art and nature. A bit of history in case you aren’t familiar: the garden was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle, who bought the property in 1931 and then spent 41 years turning into a luxurious oasis. Years later, it was purchased and revived by designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. They lived there, drawing inspiration from the garden retreat and adding new species of flowers and plants. When YSL passed away in 2008, his ashes were scattered at the Jardin Majorelle and a memorial was built there in his name. After spending a few moments at the Majorelle garden, it’s not hard to see why someone would want to choose it as their final resting place. It’s both peaceful and colorful at the same time, with bold hues of blue and yellow popping alongside lush, leafy plants and cacti. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
585 moradores locais recomendam
Jardim Majorelle
Rue Yves Saint Laurent
585 moradores locais recomendam
The Jardin Majorelle is one of the top attractions in Marrakech, and is definitely a must-see for anyone who appreciates fashion, art and nature. A bit of history in case you aren’t familiar: the garden was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle, who bought the property in 1931 and then spent 41 years turning into a luxurious oasis. Years later, it was purchased and revived by designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. They lived there, drawing inspiration from the garden retreat and adding new species of flowers and plants. When YSL passed away in 2008, his ashes were scattered at the Jardin Majorelle and a memorial was built there in his name. After spending a few moments at the Majorelle garden, it’s not hard to see why someone would want to choose it as their final resting place. It’s both peaceful and colorful at the same time, with bold hues of blue and yellow popping alongside lush, leafy plants and cacti. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
The Menara gardens are gardens located to the west of Marrakech, at the gates of the Atlas mountains. They were established in the 12th century (c. 1130) by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min. The name Menara derives from the pavilion with its small green pyramid roof (menzeh). The pavilion was built during the 16th century surrounding an artificial lake - the point of confluence of a canal system - used to irrigate the surrounding gardens and orchards. The basin is supplied with water thanks to an old hydraulic system which conveys water from the mountains located approximately 30 km away from Marrakech. The garden has a wonderfully tranquil location set amidst olive groves and with the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
102 moradores locais recomendam
Jardins de Menara
102 moradores locais recomendam
The Menara gardens are gardens located to the west of Marrakech, at the gates of the Atlas mountains. They were established in the 12th century (c. 1130) by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min. The name Menara derives from the pavilion with its small green pyramid roof (menzeh). The pavilion was built during the 16th century surrounding an artificial lake - the point of confluence of a canal system - used to irrigate the surrounding gardens and orchards. The basin is supplied with water thanks to an old hydraulic system which conveys water from the mountains located approximately 30 km away from Marrakech. The garden has a wonderfully tranquil location set amidst olive groves and with the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
The Palmeraie is the green lung of Marrakech. It is a real oasis on the outskirts of the city. La Palmeraie covers 13,000ha and has about 150,000 palm trees and some hotels. It is the perfect place to take a nomadic space of a few hours during a camel or quad ride. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
16 moradores locais recomendam
Palmeraie Palace
Route Palmeraie
16 moradores locais recomendam
The Palmeraie is the green lung of Marrakech. It is a real oasis on the outskirts of the city. La Palmeraie covers 13,000ha and has about 150,000 palm trees and some hotels. It is the perfect place to take a nomadic space of a few hours during a camel or quad ride. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
30 km south of Marrakech, the Ourika Valley lies in the first foothills of the High Atlas, a beautiful expanse of luxuriant green, its adobe villages clinging to the mountainsides. The “Jardin du Safran” in the village of Tnine-Ourika is a saffron farm open to visitors, while a little further on, the Bio-aromatic Gardens grow 45 varieties of aromatic and medicinal plants, which you are invited to taste as well as to smell. The terraced Timalizene Garden also offers visitors its special Berber tea, scented with homegrown herbs. The road stops at Setti-Fatma, at the end of the valley, but the more adventurous can continue on foot to the seven waterfalls that await their discovery. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
107 moradores locais recomendam
Ourika
107 moradores locais recomendam
30 km south of Marrakech, the Ourika Valley lies in the first foothills of the High Atlas, a beautiful expanse of luxuriant green, its adobe villages clinging to the mountainsides. The “Jardin du Safran” in the village of Tnine-Ourika is a saffron farm open to visitors, while a little further on, the Bio-aromatic Gardens grow 45 varieties of aromatic and medicinal plants, which you are invited to taste as well as to smell. The terraced Timalizene Garden also offers visitors its special Berber tea, scented with homegrown herbs. The road stops at Setti-Fatma, at the end of the valley, but the more adventurous can continue on foot to the seven waterfalls that await their discovery. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
Morocco’s most famous waterfalls are well worth the 150-kilometre drive from Marrakech. Once past the village of Ouzoud and its multitude of open-air food stalls, you carry on downwards, along a well-maintained road bordered with olive trees, until you come to the foot of the falls themselves. Some 110 metres high, their waters tumble from a Berber village in the Ourika Valley one level to the next, their fine spray adorning the scene with a permanent rainbow halo. You can enjoy a swim there, while observing the antics of the local rhesus monkeys. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
24 moradores locais recomendam
Ouzoud
24 moradores locais recomendam
Morocco’s most famous waterfalls are well worth the 150-kilometre drive from Marrakech. Once past the village of Ouzoud and its multitude of open-air food stalls, you carry on downwards, along a well-maintained road bordered with olive trees, until you come to the foot of the falls themselves. Some 110 metres high, their waters tumble from a Berber village in the Ourika Valley one level to the next, their fine spray adorning the scene with a permanent rainbow halo. You can enjoy a swim there, while observing the antics of the local rhesus monkeys. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
The origins of the complex date back to the Saadian Dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century at the behest of an influential kaid of the Atlas Mountains, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures. Today you are able to fully appreciate it, thanks to the recent renovation; Le Jardin Secret is part of the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. As a result visitors can discover its gardens and buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.
116 moradores locais recomendam
O Jardim Secreto
121 Rue Mouassine
116 moradores locais recomendam
The origins of the complex date back to the Saadian Dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century at the behest of an influential kaid of the Atlas Mountains, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures. Today you are able to fully appreciate it, thanks to the recent renovation; Le Jardin Secret is part of the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. As a result visitors can discover its gardens and buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.

Sightseeing

The Djemaa el Fna is a famous UNESCO recognized city square, where you can discover a world of mysterious bazaars set amidst the ancient city walls of Marrakech’s medina. Djemma el Fna is a unique L- shaped square best described as a labyrinth of mazes. There are souks sprawling off the sides of crowed alleys that sell carpets, spices, metal and wood works and tourist trinkets. Marrakech's old medina was built around Djemaa el Fna and is often referred to as the heart of Marrakech. In the evening, snake charmers, fortune tellers, monkeys & musicians transform this city center into a medieval circus. Djemaa el Fna means ‘assembly of the dead’ because once upon a time Christians and criminals were executed and made an example here. Djemaa el Fna was once also a destination along the Sahara Caravan Route. Until 1000 BC caravan traders would journey along this route carrying items such as gold, medicines, slaves and spices. It is said that the entertainment that remains today is similar to that when the Caravan traders were around. During the daylight, Djemma el Fna is every Moroccan travelers shopping paradise and an exciting, fun place where you can gain insight into Moroccan culture. Children come to be entertained by story tellers telling Moroccan legends. If you are thirsty, you can choose a freshly squeezed juice from any one of the orange juice vendors; for a snack, try the delicately delicious Moroccan dates. As the sun sets, the real excitement starts. Easily, this mysterious place can be compared to a land of Arabian fantasies. With its wild and colorful characters, Djemaa el Fna will stop at nothing short of bedazzling and astounding you. At night, the air fills with aromatic smoke fumes lingering off the delicious delicacies sold in the streets and the sounds of Moroccan music. There are full groups performing in the evening such as the Aissaoua Sufis, the Gnaoua trance-healers and Andalous musicians. Quickly, the square turns into one of the world's busiest open air restaurants. Food is prepared hot and fresh everywhere along the lines of countless food stalls. The entire square is dark except for the gas lamps lighting up the food vendors cooking area and illuminating the towers of greasy smoke sailing over the Djemaa. If you are hungry, give your taste buds an authentic Moroccan experience and head to these food stalls grilling meat on braziers, smoking fish, and selling exotic Moroccan foods. If you want a quick treat you can try Morocco’s popular stewed snails. Grab a tooth pick and dig in. Feeling especially brave? Try some stuffed spleen or a sheep’s head showing the eyes. Wash it down with Khendenjal, a spicy nut-based aphrodisiac. The drama of Djemaa el Fna can be best described as a magical circus where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing wild costumed monkeys, story tellers, hypnotic medicine men, cross dressers, tooth pullers, musicians including real Gnaoua, and acrobats call home. There are merchants hawking amulets and talismans preventing rheumatism, the evil eye, or bad spirits. Stand still long enough and you may have someone wrap a snake around your shoulders. While some snake charmers merely look to make some extra dirhams, others are there to practice the ancient rituals passed down by their by ancestors. Traditionally, snake charmers traveled to the Sahara Desert to capture cobras. If you watch the show of a true snake charmer, the Berber belief is that you will receive "baraka" or good luck. Surrounding the square there are numerous cafes where you can sit at a table and watch over the activities. Even more fun is heading to the rooftop tables and catching the sunset or people watching. Although Djemaa is an exhilarating experience, it can feel overwhelming after a bit, so the cafes are a good place to escape to where you can still enjoy the magic, but not be in the middle of it. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
12 moradores locais recomendam
Jaama el Fna
12 moradores locais recomendam
The Djemaa el Fna is a famous UNESCO recognized city square, where you can discover a world of mysterious bazaars set amidst the ancient city walls of Marrakech’s medina. Djemma el Fna is a unique L- shaped square best described as a labyrinth of mazes. There are souks sprawling off the sides of crowed alleys that sell carpets, spices, metal and wood works and tourist trinkets. Marrakech's old medina was built around Djemaa el Fna and is often referred to as the heart of Marrakech. In the evening, snake charmers, fortune tellers, monkeys & musicians transform this city center into a medieval circus. Djemaa el Fna means ‘assembly of the dead’ because once upon a time Christians and criminals were executed and made an example here. Djemaa el Fna was once also a destination along the Sahara Caravan Route. Until 1000 BC caravan traders would journey along this route carrying items such as gold, medicines, slaves and spices. It is said that the entertainment that remains today is similar to that when the Caravan traders were around. During the daylight, Djemma el Fna is every Moroccan travelers shopping paradise and an exciting, fun place where you can gain insight into Moroccan culture. Children come to be entertained by story tellers telling Moroccan legends. If you are thirsty, you can choose a freshly squeezed juice from any one of the orange juice vendors; for a snack, try the delicately delicious Moroccan dates. As the sun sets, the real excitement starts. Easily, this mysterious place can be compared to a land of Arabian fantasies. With its wild and colorful characters, Djemaa el Fna will stop at nothing short of bedazzling and astounding you. At night, the air fills with aromatic smoke fumes lingering off the delicious delicacies sold in the streets and the sounds of Moroccan music. There are full groups performing in the evening such as the Aissaoua Sufis, the Gnaoua trance-healers and Andalous musicians. Quickly, the square turns into one of the world's busiest open air restaurants. Food is prepared hot and fresh everywhere along the lines of countless food stalls. The entire square is dark except for the gas lamps lighting up the food vendors cooking area and illuminating the towers of greasy smoke sailing over the Djemaa. If you are hungry, give your taste buds an authentic Moroccan experience and head to these food stalls grilling meat on braziers, smoking fish, and selling exotic Moroccan foods. If you want a quick treat you can try Morocco’s popular stewed snails. Grab a tooth pick and dig in. Feeling especially brave? Try some stuffed spleen or a sheep’s head showing the eyes. Wash it down with Khendenjal, a spicy nut-based aphrodisiac. The drama of Djemaa el Fna can be best described as a magical circus where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing wild costumed monkeys, story tellers, hypnotic medicine men, cross dressers, tooth pullers, musicians including real Gnaoua, and acrobats call home. There are merchants hawking amulets and talismans preventing rheumatism, the evil eye, or bad spirits. Stand still long enough and you may have someone wrap a snake around your shoulders. While some snake charmers merely look to make some extra dirhams, others are there to practice the ancient rituals passed down by their by ancestors. Traditionally, snake charmers traveled to the Sahara Desert to capture cobras. If you watch the show of a true snake charmer, the Berber belief is that you will receive "baraka" or good luck. Surrounding the square there are numerous cafes where you can sit at a table and watch over the activities. Even more fun is heading to the rooftop tables and catching the sunset or people watching. Although Djemaa is an exhilarating experience, it can feel overwhelming after a bit, so the cafes are a good place to escape to where you can still enjoy the magic, but not be in the middle of it. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
This labyrinth-like market is a place to wander around and let your senses be assaulted by the sights, smells and sounds. Prepare yourself to bargain if you feel like shopping. Marrakech is a shopper’s nirvana! A place where some of the finest hand crafted goods won’t cost you the earth and, to add to the paradisiacal tone, you’re actively expected to bargain, what more could one ask for? If this sounds like your idea of consumer heaven then head direct for the souks in the North of the Medina, where you will find different artisans fashioning all manner of products. Some markets to look out for include the leather market and the carpet market where you can pick-up high quality hand-woven rugs. For sheer interest alone, and to watch real craftsmen at work, be sure to wander through the blacksmiths’, dyers’ and carpenters’ markets. If the bustle of the souk gets to be too much, and you’re all bartered out, then head over to the Ville Nouvelle where the shopping experience comes air conditioned-boutique style. Here you will find exclusive designer wear and one-off original items, artisan and antique shops and warehouse outlets. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
Souq
This labyrinth-like market is a place to wander around and let your senses be assaulted by the sights, smells and sounds. Prepare yourself to bargain if you feel like shopping. Marrakech is a shopper’s nirvana! A place where some of the finest hand crafted goods won’t cost you the earth and, to add to the paradisiacal tone, you’re actively expected to bargain, what more could one ask for? If this sounds like your idea of consumer heaven then head direct for the souks in the North of the Medina, where you will find different artisans fashioning all manner of products. Some markets to look out for include the leather market and the carpet market where you can pick-up high quality hand-woven rugs. For sheer interest alone, and to watch real craftsmen at work, be sure to wander through the blacksmiths’, dyers’ and carpenters’ markets. If the bustle of the souk gets to be too much, and you’re all bartered out, then head over to the Ville Nouvelle where the shopping experience comes air conditioned-boutique style. Here you will find exclusive designer wear and one-off original items, artisan and antique shops and warehouse outlets. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
El Badi Palace, which means “The incomparable palace” was once the magnificent royal palace of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadi Dynasty. Having taken twenty five years to build, El Badi Palace was a lavish, grand sixteenth century complex of buildings with over 350 rooms, courtyards, gardens and a large pool. Its construction was funded by a substantial ransom paid by the Portuguese after the Battle of the Three Kings. Around 1700 it was stripped of its ornamentation to furnish the palace of Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail in the new capital of Meknes. Unfortunately now is in ruins and inhabited by storks and stray cats. Visitors who get in through its gatehouse can view the remnant of much of this site. Some of the highlights include its sunken gardens, its subterranean passages and the Koubba el Khamsiniyya or “main hall”, which has fifty columns, Even if it’s in ruin, the view from the terrace is still breathless. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
216 moradores locais recomendam
Palácio El Badi
Ksibat Nhass
216 moradores locais recomendam
El Badi Palace, which means “The incomparable palace” was once the magnificent royal palace of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadi Dynasty. Having taken twenty five years to build, El Badi Palace was a lavish, grand sixteenth century complex of buildings with over 350 rooms, courtyards, gardens and a large pool. Its construction was funded by a substantial ransom paid by the Portuguese after the Battle of the Three Kings. Around 1700 it was stripped of its ornamentation to furnish the palace of Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail in the new capital of Meknes. Unfortunately now is in ruins and inhabited by storks and stray cats. Visitors who get in through its gatehouse can view the remnant of much of this site. Some of the highlights include its sunken gardens, its subterranean passages and the Koubba el Khamsiniyya or “main hall”, which has fifty columns, Even if it’s in ruin, the view from the terrace is still breathless. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!

Entertainment & Activities

For a refreshing break from the bustling hot city, a trip to Oasiria Water Park can be a good idea. Splashing water slides and pools combined with relaxing lounge areas in the shadow make this place attractive to the whole family. The Aquaparc is particularly well worth the visit for its toboggan slides, its immense wave pool, its two children’s lagoons and its half kilometre of olive-tree bordered watercourse. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
102 moradores locais recomendam
Oasiria
102 moradores locais recomendam
For a refreshing break from the bustling hot city, a trip to Oasiria Water Park can be a good idea. Splashing water slides and pools combined with relaxing lounge areas in the shadow make this place attractive to the whole family. The Aquaparc is particularly well worth the visit for its toboggan slides, its immense wave pool, its two children’s lagoons and its half kilometre of olive-tree bordered watercourse. Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
Palooza Land is the first amusement and theme park in Morocco!! Enter the Prehistoric world as if you were living in Dinosaur’s time! With Playful circuit and attractions, enjoy a pleasant family day of discovery and fun! Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!
28 moradores locais recomendam
Palooza Park
51 Bd Allal Al Fassi
28 moradores locais recomendam
Palooza Land is the first amusement and theme park in Morocco!! Enter the Prehistoric world as if you were living in Dinosaur’s time! With Playful circuit and attractions, enjoy a pleasant family day of discovery and fun! Ask us for any additional info, we will be happy to help you!

Getting Around

8 moradores locais recomendam
Bus - Gare routière
Place Al Mourabitine
8 moradores locais recomendam
Station road to Marrakech
Boulevard 11 Janvier

Shopping

17 moradores locais recomendam
Souk Cherifia
29 Rte Sidi Abdelaziz
17 moradores locais recomendam
Rue Dar el Bacha
Rue Mouassine
Rue Mouassine
Rue Amsafah
Rue Amsafah