Are you planning a trip to Marrakech and wondering how to make the most of your time in the vibrant red city? Look no further! Marrakech is a melting pot of culture, history, and beauty, offering a plethora of experiences to indulge in.
I was only in Marrakech for a few days and with so much to see - I did not get a chance to see a few spots on my list (El Badi Palace and Dar El Bacha Museum) however, I got to visit all of the other spots on my list, and below you will find my top recommendations and best spots and best things to do in Marrakesh!
1. Jardin Majorelle
Nestled in the heart of Marrakech lies the enchanting Jardin Majorelle. Step into a botanical oasis adorned with vibrant colors, exotic plants, and tranquil fountains. While there, you can also visit the Yves Saint Laurent museum, showcasing the legendary designer's work, and the The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, offering insight into Berber culture, heritage and arts.
Note: You need to book your time slot and tickets in advance before visiting Jardin Majorelle, you can book your tickets here.
There are also other gardens you can visit in Marrakesh, we also visited Le Jardin Secret but in my personal opinion Jardin Majorelle is much better to visit!
2. Madrasa Ben Yousef
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Marrakech by exploring the intricately designed Madrasa Ben Yousef. This former college boasts stunning architecture, intricate tile-work, and serene courtyards, providing a glimpse into Morocco's cultural and educational past. Although the Bahia Palace is more popular - personally I preferred Madrasa Ben Yousef (but both are beautiful!).
3. Stay at Riad Daria
Experience the essence of Moroccan hospitality by staying at Riad Daria. Tucked away in the Kasbah district of the Medina of Marrakech.This traditional Moroccan guesthouse offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city. The structure of Riad Daria dates back to antiquity and belonged to Princess Lala Loubaba. It was then renovated according to the ancestral traditions of the craftsmen of Marrakech and is characterized by exceptional architecture and furniture. While staying at Riad Daria, I stayed in their Diaa Suite which was beautifully decorated in pure Moroccan tradition and gave an atmosphere of pure luxury really reflecting the ancient princess' palace!
I absolutely loved my stay at Riad Daria! It was absolutely breath-taking with exceptional service. If you are visiting Marrakech it is THE place to stay. You can find out more about Riad Daria on their website here.
Watch my experience at Riad Daria here! (COMING SOON)
4. Explore the Markets in Medina
No trip to Marrakech is complete without getting lost in the bustling markets of the Medina. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow alleyways filled with vibrant stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to traditional handicrafts. Don't forget to visit Souk Semmarine for your souvenirs and Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where you can witness captivating street performances - be aware of the snake charmers though and be sure to have your best negotiation hat on😂
5. Desert Adventure
Escape the city and embark on a desert adventure to explore Marrakech's stunning surroundings. Whether it's a camel trek or a thrilling off-road quad bike excursion in the Agafay Desert, there's no shortage of outdoor activities to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
I did a half day desert tour with Coming Morocco which was an incredible experience! We were picked up by a private driver and taken to the first activity which was a camel ride and mint tea break in a beautiful hilltop cafe offering panoramic views of the Agafay Desert. Afterwards, our private driver drove us to a luxury desert camp where we had a delicious Moroccan dinner and watched a traditional show. If you're thinking of visiting Morocco I'd definitely recommend getting in touch with Coming Morocco for your activities and tours, you can find their website here.
6. Bahia Palace
Step back in time and marvel at the opulence of Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Wander through intricately decorated rooms, lush gardens, and tranquil courtyards adorned with colorful tiles and detail in every corner.
7. Try Moroccan Food
Indulge your taste buds in the rich and flavorful cuisine of Morocco. From aromatic tajines and couscous to sweet pastries and refreshing mint tea, Moroccan cuisine is a culinary delight not to be missed.
My top restaurants from my trip were NARWAMA Palace Restaurant and Eclipse Rooftop Restaurant!
NARWAMA Restaurant
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, NARWAMA Palace is filled with history and beauty. It offers 3 kitchens: Moroccan, Thai, and International. We chose from their Moroccan menu, and loved it! It was a night filled with entertainment, music and fun with shows to enjoy while eating. NARWAMA stands for fire and water in Arabic - the enchanting symbol of the restaurant.
Eclipse Rooftop Restaurant
Eclipse Rooftop restaurant is a top recommendation in Marrakech. It offers two kitchens: Moroccan cuisine and International cuisine. I chose from their Moroccan cuisine and had a delicious chicken pastilla for a starter and beef tagine as the main and a delicious chocolate fondant for desert. It was delicious! Also Eclipse Rooftop had stunning panoramic views of the city to enjoy. Check out some of my photos of some of the delicious starters below as well as the rooftop where I enjoyed a mint tea later!
In conclusion, Marrakech offers a wide variety of experiences suitable for every traveler. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, indulging in traditional cuisine, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, Marrakech promises an unforgettable journey filled with rich memories and unforgettable moments.
Check out my reel about top things to do in Marrakech here! (COMING SOON)
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