Marrakech

Marrakech is a major city, the second largest in Morocco with its 1.5 million inhabitants. It is both a very charming city and an important commercial center as it is located at the crossroads between the Sahara and the High Atlas Mountains.

The color red is everywhere in Marrakech, from the medina to the ramparts. At sundown, its buildings turn a dark, rusty red and present a spectacle for the eyes that is absolutely not to be missed. Founded in 1062, Marrakech was a great cultural center for Islamic art. Like in many other cities, the old and the new parts of the city divide the town into two equal parts. It takes about 35 minutes to go from one side to the other.

Gueliz is an important tourist district in Marrakech with its hotels, restaurants, and cafés. There are also a large number of shops along Mohammed IV Avenue, the main street in town.

Jemaa-el-fna square comes alive as the sun goes down. The square is practically crawling with vendors, storytellers, teeth-pullers, acrobats and, of course, snake charmers.

Find a seat on the terrace of a café to watch the spectacle going on around you while you sip your glass of mint tea.

And don't miss out on having your dinner at one of the many "gargotes" (food vendors) who set up shop on the square every night. You have your choice of grilled meats, salads, and for the braver among you, veal's head... all of this washed down with a glass of cinnamon tea.

And if the next day you regret what you had to eat the night before, try one of the many herbalists in town. It's an experience in itself, and besides, it works!

The souls (markets) in Marrakech are known worldwide. You get there by taking Souq Assmarine street, the main entrance to the Medina.

Don't be afraid to dive right in, wander around. Don't worry about where you're going and you'll delight in seeing all the beautiful local products displayed before you: fabrics, babouches (Moroccan slippers), rugs, etc.

Back to home page