Ali's Guidebook
Sightseeing
The infamous big square of Marrakech is the heart of the city and probably the most important sight of Marrakech. The official name of the square is Djemaa el Fna – in Marrakech, however, the French word “La place” is usually used interchangeably.
On the Djemaa el Fna, a vibrant, colorful hustle and bustle of jugglers, drummers and food stalls awaits you. The place is incredibly spacious, incredibly chaotic – and incredibly touristy. After the first sensations have pelted on you, someone will probably be standing in front of you trying to sell you something.
Important: On Djemaa el Fna, it is common for you to be asked for money as soon as you point your camera at locals. (Incidentally, this is the case in many larger cities in Morocco.) With the bustle you don’t even notice that you might have someone in front of your lens. So just stay polite and tip. But please leave the animal shows with snakes and monkeys!
The later the afternoon, the fuller it gets on the Djemaa el Fna. The flair becomes very special in the evening when the street restaurants start their grills and smoke plumes spread over the square.
Our tip: There are countless rooftop bars and restaurants on the edge of the square. You shouldn’t miss out on watching the sunset over the rooftops of Djemaa el Fna. The best thing to do is order a fresh mint tea and be a witness of how the place changes from minute to minute.
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Jemaa el-Fna
The infamous big square of Marrakech is the heart of the city and probably the most important sight of Marrakech. The official name of the square is Djemaa el Fna – in Marrakech, however, the French word “La place” is usually used interchangeably.
On the Djemaa el Fna, a vibrant, colorful hustle and bustle of jugglers, drummers and food stalls awaits you. The place is incredibly spacious, incredibly chaotic – and incredibly touristy. After the first sensations have pelted on you, someone will probably be standing in front of you trying to sell you something.
Important: On Djemaa el Fna, it is common for you to be asked for money as soon as you point your camera at locals. (Incidentally, this is the case in many larger cities in Morocco.) With the bustle you don’t even notice that you might have someone in front of your lens. So just stay polite and tip. But please leave the animal shows with snakes and monkeys!
The later the afternoon, the fuller it gets on the Djemaa el Fna. The flair becomes very special in the evening when the street restaurants start their grills and smoke plumes spread over the square.
Our tip: There are countless rooftop bars and restaurants on the edge of the square. You shouldn’t miss out on watching the sunset over the rooftops of Djemaa el Fna. The best thing to do is order a fresh mint tea and be a witness of how the place changes from minute to minute.
One of the most beautiful sights in Marrakech is without a doubt the magnificent Bahia Palace. The palace dates back to the late 19th century and beautifully combines Andalusian and Moorish architecture.
When visiting, you usually follow the tour that leads you through countless rooms and courtyards. You will pass orange trees, fountains, elaborate carvings and mosaics – in short: a paradise for all those who can do something with Moroccan architecture.
Because the Bahia Palace is one of the highlights in Marrakech, the rush is usually quite large. We therefore recommend that you come as early as possible so that you can visit the palace in peace.
Admission: 70 Dirhams
Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm
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Bahia Palace
Rue Riad Zitoun el JdidOne of the most beautiful sights in Marrakech is without a doubt the magnificent Bahia Palace. The palace dates back to the late 19th century and beautifully combines Andalusian and Moorish architecture.
When visiting, you usually follow the tour that leads you through countless rooms and courtyards. You will pass orange trees, fountains, elaborate carvings and mosaics – in short: a paradise for all those who can do something with Moroccan architecture.
Because the Bahia Palace is one of the highlights in Marrakech, the rush is usually quite large. We therefore recommend that you come as early as possible so that you can visit the palace in peace.
Admission: 70 Dirhams
Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and the symbol of the city. Its impressive 77 meter high minaret is visible from many places in the city and is a good point of orientation. The mosque dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest in the country.
The downer: The Koutoubia mosque can only be visited by Muslims. Other believers are denied access. Even though we could only admire the mosque from the outside, it was still quite a highlight.
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Koutoubia Mosque
Avenue Mohammed VThe Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and the symbol of the city. Its impressive 77 meter high minaret is visible from many places in the city and is a good point of orientation. The mosque dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest in the country.
The downer: The Koutoubia mosque can only be visited by Muslims. Other believers are denied access. Even though we could only admire the mosque from the outside, it was still quite a highlight.
The Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech and is highly praised in many travel guides. This botanical garden was once bought by the French artist Yves Saint Laurent and extensively redesigned in several stages.
The color scheme is rather strange: cobalt blue and yellow are predominant. In the midst of huge cacti and palm trees, cobalt blue and yellow elements such as pavilions or benches flash out.
The Jardin Majorelle is an oasis away from the hectic medina of Marrakech. But we have to be honest: personally, the garden didn’t impress us as much as we were expecting. Although we did find it a little overrated, the Jardin Majorelle is of course still worth a visit.
In addition to the Jardin Majorelle itself, you can also visit the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. We generally recommend that you avoid lunch time, because there is usually a lot going on at that time. It is not uncommon to have to queue at the entrance for a really long time.
Admission: 100 Dirhams (Jardin Majorelle only), 220 Dirhams (combined ticket for Jardin Majorelle, Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent Museum)
Jardin Majorelle opening times: May to September from 8 am to 6 pm, October to April from 8 am to 5:30 pm, during Ramadan from 9 am to 4:30 pm
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Jardin Majorelle
Rue Yves Saint LaurentThe Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech and is highly praised in many travel guides. This botanical garden was once bought by the French artist Yves Saint Laurent and extensively redesigned in several stages.
The color scheme is rather strange: cobalt blue and yellow are predominant. In the midst of huge cacti and palm trees, cobalt blue and yellow elements such as pavilions or benches flash out.
The Jardin Majorelle is an oasis away from the hectic medina of Marrakech. But we have to be honest: personally, the garden didn’t impress us as much as we were expecting. Although we did find it a little overrated, the Jardin Majorelle is of course still worth a visit.
In addition to the Jardin Majorelle itself, you can also visit the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. We generally recommend that you avoid lunch time, because there is usually a lot going on at that time. It is not uncommon to have to queue at the entrance for a really long time.
Admission: 100 Dirhams (Jardin Majorelle only), 220 Dirhams (combined ticket for Jardin Majorelle, Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent Museum)
Jardin Majorelle opening times: May to September from 8 am to 6 pm, October to April from 8 am to 5:30 pm, during Ramadan from 9 am to 4:30 pm
Consejos para la ciudad
No te lo pierdas
Tips for restaurants and cafes in Marrakech
Nomad: trendy place with a beautiful roof terrace from which you can see the Atlas Mountains. Creative Moroccan dishes are on the menu.
M Rooftop: Very nice, young rooftop restaurant with a view of the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque. Traditional dishes with a modern touch are served at a very high level. Highly recommended!
Café Clock: Young, artistically inspired restaurant with good cuisine. Moroccan dishes are served.
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Taxi
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