The imperial city of Marrakechis also the cultural centre of Morocco,being full of history and bustling markets with incredible architecture. Butdespite all this tradition, it’s also certainly part of the modern world.
In the old fortified city of Marrakesh,it’s in the Medinadistrict that you’ll find most of the city’s activities and attractions. It'swhere you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan experience. Walk over to Djemaael-Fna, the main square at the entrance to Medina, and enjoy a fresh orangejuice while you're taking in the daily bustle. You'll find everything here,from dentists to snake charmers to henna tattooists. Look to the west andyou’ll see the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the tallest buildings in the old town, standingproudly over the city – a spectacular sight.
Walk north from Jemaa El Fna Square and you'llencounter the famous souks - or markets - of the city. Marrakechhas the largest traditional souks in all of Morocco.
Although Medina might be considered the main eventby most tourists, there’s still plenty to do and see off the beaten track.Visit the BahiaPalace, with its beautiful courtyards, and Ali Ben Youssef Medersa,an ancient Muslim school known for its interior and detailed wall decorations.The adjacent Musée de Marrakech is also worth a visit, with grand collectionsof Moroccan and Islamic art.
Looking for a more European experience? Tryvisiting the newer areas of the city for trendy boutique shops and restaurants.
When evening descends, visit Djemaa El-Fna, a citysquare packed with local outdoor eateries and stalls. Spices and smoke fill thesquare while thousands of locals and tourists cram in for a bite to eat. Thestalls are supervised by the government, but it's still a good idea to payattention to what you eat.
Marrakech sits at thefoot of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, which, if you’re a more determinedhiker, are well worth a climb. Of course, long hikes and exploring cities ismuch harder under a blistering sun, so we recommend visiting during the winterwhen daytime temperatures are milder and the evenings are cool.
