Oftentimes, when you get to a new city, you already have a good sense of what you want to do here. You know the sights to see, the places to go to, and the food to eat. It's easy to plan itineraries left and right for cities like Paris, Rome, London, Barcelona, and more. What about Marrakech? Now here's a city that remains as mysterious as it is beautiful. With so many intrigues and secrets that lurk about here, you wouldn't know where to start! Well, if you're lost on what to do in Marrakech, even for just a day, here are some suggestions.
Hang Out in Jemaa el-Fnaa
First thing's first, it's good to start somewhere busy. Get to know the way of life in Marrakech by going to public squares, marketplaces, and the like. Only in these places will you better understand how locals live here and what the city is generally all about. And among all of them, Jemaa el-Fnaa is the most well-known and probably the most crowded. Stalls upon stalls of Moroccan cuisine, local textiles, rare finds, and all sorts of knick-knacks await those who want to know more about Marrakech. And at night, starting at 5:00 pm, the place becomes
the city's ultimate foodie hotspot with barbecue stalls and the like start to open.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Shop At The Medina of Marrakech
Speaking of shopping, although Jemaa el-Fnaa is undoubtedly the most famous marketplace, The Medina of Marrakech arguably has better finds! One of the more ancient and culturally exotic
districts in the city, this place is a treasure trove of trinkets, antiques, accessories, jewels, and the like. Who knows? You might even find some priceless pieces here that would have cost thousands if sold at more mainstream retail spaces. In the Medina of Marrakech, it's all about getting to know the city and Morocco through your most fascinating purchases! Don't worry, anything and everything you buy here will be worth every penny!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Beauty of Jardin Majorelle
If you were ever told that Marrakech is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it's because of places like Jardin Majorelle! One of the popular botanical gardens in the city, this heavenly retreat is a goldmine for putting out striking content on social media! All 2.5 acres of the garden include all sorts of flora, from the most exotic Middle Eastern plans to flowers that you've probably seen elsewhere as well. Add to that the backdrop of an electric blue-hued manor, once co-owned by legendary
French designer Yves Saint Laurent, and you have quite the picture-perfect sight!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go For A Romantic Rendezvous At Le Jardin Secret
However, if you prefer a more romantic and more peaceful spot, Le Jardin Secret is more your style! A more traditional Moroccan house than Jardin Majorelle, this place dates back all the way to 400 years in the past. However, since it was renovated back in the 19th century, its vintage vibrance still shines like no other! Here, apart from the boutiques, cafés, and a museum, gardens with secret pathways, private gazebos, and more make for great settings for a romantic rendezvous. Imagine getting lost and finding your partner amidst this beautiful maze of botanical bliss!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ ©muffinn
Visit Bahia Palace
You're probably thinking: where are the mosques? Well, according to
Moroccan social customs and Islamic law, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques in the country. There is, however, another historic structure in Marrakech that's just as beautiful as the mosques here. It's Bahia Palace! Built in the 1860s by the Grand Vizier Si Musa, it's an actual Moroccan palace complete with Andalusian and Moorish designs. Intricate mosaics decorate the halls, courtyards, and more, illuminating with their colorful brilliance. Arches, gardens, and more show just how life in Morocco back in the 19th century was like.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Relax in A Hammam
Traveling all over the sunny city of Marrakech is bound to make you feel hot and heavy. So why not take a bath? If you really want to pamper yourself, relax in a hammam, or a Turkish bath! Modeled after the Roman spas, these ornate baths allow you to soak and simmer down in warm water, steam your troubles away in ancient-style saunas, and lets you bask in the glory of Moorish design. Don't worry, there are also some more modern and contemporary hammams in Marrakech too! If you're not up for it, you don't have to bathe in the old-school ones!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Climb The Imlil Mountains
Finally, if you have one free day and you're feeling adventurous, why not climb up the Imlil mountains nearby? You can get near here via
public transport: just take a yellow taxi and head to the foot of the mountains. Once there, you can trek and hike your way up to the highest peak in North Africa. Needless to say, the views from up here are breathtaking! You not only get to see Marrakech in all its cosmopolitan glory, but you also get to see the different natural wonders in Morocco. Do you really want to pass this up?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ ©Youssefkouas
Marrakech is more than just a beautifully exotic city that will give you a lot of great shots for social media! There are so many things to do here, ranging from relaxing in ancient baths to going atop nearby mountains which are Morocco's highest peaks!
