Marrakech can be reached either by mules from the Atlas Mountains, camels from the Sahara, planes from Asia & Americas or ferries from Europe. Without knowing where to go, what to do or expect while in Marrakech, it is very likely for a first-time traveller to miss an authentic experience. That is why we have designed this 24 Hours in Marrakech Guide to help you get the best out of your visit to this ochre city; Marrakech.
Not every visitor to Marrakech will want to have afternoon tea or stay overnight at the iconic La Mamounia boutique hotel, but there are activities and attractions which must be on your list of things to do; otherwise, your travel experience to this exotic city would be considered incomplete.
The Bahia Palace – an imposing Building from the 19th Century
Start your explorative day with a stroll through the 11th century medina alleyways to get to the Bahia Palace. You will be impressed by this beautiful 150-room palace and its floor-to-ceiling extravagance of intricate marquetry, zouak (painted wood) and plasterwork. The 500m2 Cour d’Honneur, or grand courtyard, is paved with beautiful Carrara marble. The Bahia (the beautiful) is definitely one of Marrakech’s most eye-catching sights.
Your next stop should be the souks, which are at the heart of the Marrakech medina and have been a mecca for merchants for more than a thousand years. The souks of Marrakech are the largest in the country and known worldwide for being exotic markets. Before you enter the souks, be prepared for all your senses to be overwhelmed, the smell of spices and exotic perfumes, the bright colours of the fascinating ranges of pottery, textiles and jewellery, and of course the shouts of the stallholders from every corner. Even if you are not there to buy, experiencing that organised chaos is well worth it. But if you love shopping, remember to bargain hard, but do it politely to get the very best from your great souk experience.
The myriad of passageways may at first seen daunting, but as you venture onto your explorative journey remember that you are never more than 10 minutes away from Square.
Majorelle Gardens – a delightful, calm oasis at the heart of vibrant Marrakech
After navigating the narrow alleyways of the old medina, it might be a good time to head out into the new town of Marrakech. Most of this part was developed during the French protectorate, as were many other areas outside the original city walls. These more recently developed areas tend to echo Paris’ layout design, with sumptuous water fountains and gardens, wide open boulevards & café culture. The Majorelle Gardens is right at the heart of Geuliz, the new Marrakech, and was initially designed and laid out by the French artist, Jacques Majorelle. They extend over 9000 m² and Majorelle conceived this luxuriant garden as a sanctuary and botanical ‘laboratory’. In 1922, he began planting it with exotic botanical specimens from the far corners of the world. It is now considered one of the most enchanting and mysterious gardens in the kingdom. The garden is composed and coloured like a painting, unsurprisingly because the Majorelle was a painter. Most of the built features are painted in the unique blue colour ‘’Majorelle Blue’’ which fits well with the climate, soil and the exotic plants. Majorelle was an avid plant collector. After years of neglect, the garden was then taken over and restored by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge.
“For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours.” Yves Saint Laurent
Jemaa el-Fna Square – the Symbol of Marrakech since its foundation
Head into Jemaa El Fna in the early evening and find a spot on a café terrace where you can watch the comings and goings of this bustling square as the daytime markets make way for the attractions of the evening. Soak up the local atmosphere and watch events unfold while sipping your mint tea, for it is here that snake charmers, storytellers, fortune tellers and musicians come to entertain the crowds from all walks of life. Jemaa el-Fna is very much the beating heart one of the oldest medinas of Morocco.
The Hammam Treatment
Hammams in Morocco are everywhere. You can find them in almost every neighbourhood. They are one of the most appreciated cleansing and relaxing beauty treatments in Morocco. A hammam is normally taken at the end of the week before Friday prayers, but why not pamper yourself with this revered Hammam experience at the end of your day.
You can choose to have your body scrubbed with black soap and a Ghassoul (a natural clay mineral from the Atlas Mountains) body mask with aromatic plants. Then opt for an hour’s relaxing or draining massage to revitalise and reinvigorate the body, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed and cleansed.
By exploring what we have mentioned above, you would certainly get the real feel of Marrakech. However, if you wish to take your experience to the next level and engage local professionals who know the hidden treasures, you are in the right place – just get in touch and we will assist!
In every corner of Morocco, Deep Morocco Tours has the right connections and expertise to design your most memorable and unique travel tour to Morocco, meeting all your specific needs & interests.
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