Marrakech - Morocco Top Ten

Marrakech’s image is indelibly established as an international trademark of style.  Ancient red city walls offset by the soaring Koutoubia minaret combine with the hum of the covered market and the ceaseless bustle of the Djema el Fna square. Within this walled city there are ancient palaces, glittering royal tombs, hidden courtyard restaurants, miles of bewildering narrow streets, venerable doorways, arched alleys, sonorous prayer halls, smells and sights to fuel a lifetime of recollection.  

Marrakech is more than just a fab destination. It is the great market town of southern Morocco, the natural trading centre for the Berbers of the High Atlas mountains, the desert dwellers, the steppe-land herdsman and the farmers of the lush Haouz oasis. We countdown our top ten great experiences in Morocco’s golden city of Marrakech.

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1.Shop in the Medina

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
A place of fascinating souks, selling almost anything you care to name. In its ancient narrow streets you’ll usually find souks selling pottery, Berber jewellery, traditional kaftans, soft leather slippers, spices, herbal remedies for anything that might ail you, perfumes, sweet Moroccan cakes and, of course, rugs and carpets.

2.Fire-eat in the Djemaa el-Fna

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
This enormous space has been the pulsating heart of Marrakech since the 12th-century. They say it is never empty - there’s always something going on. In the good old days there was more going on than many would like - this is where people had their heads chopped off! Don’t worry it doesn’t happen today! Whatever time of day or night the place is packed with many more Moroccans than tourists. By day it’s mainly a market but by early evening it starts to fill up with fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, story-tellers, food vendors, veiled women offering henna tattoos, acrobats and always the constant drumming from small groups of musicians.

3.Eat at a market stall

Address: Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech, Morocco
Go cheap one day and expensive the next. At least one evening should be spent eating at the mobile kitchen stalls of the Djemaa el Fna while another should be spent cocooned in the courtyard of one of Marrakech's fabulously palatial restaurants.

4.Drive through the Ourika Valley

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
Drive through the valley bordered by eucalyptus trees and scrubby desert, dotted with olive groves and small herds of sheep. The valley has views of the towering Atlas mountains and makes a dramatically beautiful drive. Small Berber villages blend into the mountainside - the same colour as the rocks on which they stand.

5.Explore the Palais de la Bahia

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
This private 19th century palace is surrounded by beautiful lush gardens. Its rooms are decorated with stunning Islamic stuccos, paintings and mosaics. This is a quiet retreat in a bustling city.

6.Visit the Museum of Moroccan Arts

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
This small museum houses one of the finest collections of Moroccan jewellery, carpets, oil lamps and leatherwork and is well worth a visit.

7.Take a day trip to Essaouira

Address: Essaouira, Morocco
A pretty port with characteristic white buildings and blue shutters.  Known for its waterside fish stalls where the freshly caught catch is cooked for you as you wait.  The long sandy beach is a big draw for windsurfers.

8.Marvel at the Koutoubia mosque

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
At 69 metres it is the tallest landmark in Marrakech and easily the most visited. It is built in a traditional Almohad style and the tower is adorned with four copper globes, which were originally thought to be made of pure gold.

9.Relax in the Jardin Menara

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
A relaxing oasis of olive groves, pool and pavilion this is the perfect place to grab a peaceful few moments in the bustling city of Marrakech.

10.Venture into the desert in a 4x4

Address: Marrakech, Morocco
A trip that is usually arranged by your tour company you’ll usually be taken off road in a 4 x 4 into old Berber villages and over huge sand dunes!

Photographs courtesy of Moroccan Tourist Board