You may certainly have heard of Marrakech as a top touristic destination to spend the annual holidays. However, the Moroccan imperial city has much more to offer aside from being just a new, unusual touristic city.

Spending days in the captivating Marrakech will mark you for a long time. Anything you can imagine is there: Magical areas, historic mosques, landscaped gardens, stunning riads, architectural monuments... and so many other treasures and traditions. Whether it is about gastronomy, shopping or even admiring high peaks from the sky. The ocher city is the living example of the clash between the old and the modern, the calm and the hustle and many other contradictions that can only be found in Marrakech and nowhere else!

The following list sums up 10 Things To Know About Marrakech.

NB: Click on name of any place to open its location on Map

Historic monuments

Include countless mosques and palaces. Marrakech is famous for its 1,000 years of history that offered the city a rich cultural heritage. Having once been the capital of the Almoravid and the Saadian empire, the now capital of the mid-southwestern region of the kingdom will certainly make history fans enjoy their time.

Koutoubia Mosque

The largest mosque of Marrakech and its standout landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque is what captures the tourists' eyes with its 70-meter-tall minaret located in the heart of the city.

Built in 1162, it has become not only a spiritual monument but also an architectural reference inspired by Andalusian Islamic architecture that gave the mosque its striking similarity with the Bell Tower of the Seville Cathedral.

Discover the great piece of Almohad architecture and remember: In Marrakech, all roads may lead to the mosque!

El Badii Palace

Al-Mansour's once luxurious palace is now reduced to ruins. But the Saadian ruler's residence still offer to its visitors one of the most atmospheric sights of the Medina from the top of the enclosing walls where a muster of storks have built their nests. Large reflective pools sit at the center of the site.

If you have even a little interest in history, this site is really worth a visit!

Bahia Palace

Was built in the late 19th century and took the best workers in Morocco 60 years to achieve the Sultan Hassan I's grand vizier residence. The magnificent palace is a collection of countless rooms and courtyards.

Its interior decoration is a stunning display of zellige tiles and ornate, painted ceilings. The massive marble courtyards and the harems quarters are however some of the rooms that are open to the public since the site is a working government building.

Visiting the palace is traveling back to the past and at the same time respiting from the present.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

The largest theological college in Morocco was built in 1565 by the Saadians. The Islamic school was once home to 900 pupils learning the Islamic law. The tiny windowless student chambers are fantastically preserved and the school's large courtyard is finely decorated by zellige tiling, Kufic inscriptions and sedar-wood details.

Inspect the medieval Madrasa that still stand, after nearly 6 centuries, as one of the most beautiful display of the skill and the creation of the Moroccan architecture.

Saadian Tombs

The 16th century tombs stand as the burial ground to 200 members of the Saadian dynasty members including the ruler, Ahmed Al-Mansour Eddahbi, and his successors. The ornate mauseulms set in a rather overgrown garden were walled up by the Alawite rulers and were only reopened in 1917 after being discovered by aerial photographs.

Find peace in the amazingly calm place that shows the wealth and the prosperity of the Saadian dynasty.

Museums

The city has in addition to the inescapable monuments several museums that offer to its visitors the opportunity to discover and explore the varied and rich Moroccan culture. An interesting destination to learn more about the city's history and culture.

Dar Si Said: Museum of Moroccan arts and crafts

The museum displays fantastic Moroccan architecture pieces and a delightful collection of Berber jewelry, pottery, artifacts including the oldest known object in Marrakech and so many other aspects of the Moroccan history, traditions and arts to find and learn about in Dar Si Said.

Marrakech Museum

Housed in the Dar M'Nebhi that was built in the early 20th century for a government's minister, the museum is on itself an extremely impressive architectural piece aside from the marvelous collection of the contemporary and Islamic inscriptions displayed alongside the ceramic and textile authentic works. A melting pot of the traditional and the architectural aspects.

Maison de la photographie

The three-store building which was created by two vintage photography collectors is home to an exhibition of photographs that reveal the Moroccan history through some beautiful shots from more than 150 years ago. You can also watch colored documentaries about Moroccan tribes and traditions.

The roof cafe offers a good view on the town and a chance to enjoy a mint tea during your visit.

Market Places-Souks

You can easily get lost in the countless souks of the magical Marrakech in the open air markets, everything is for sale: Goods, carpets, leather, spices and antiques.

Must-visit places to try all the smells and the sounds of the Moroccan identity, but be ready for some haggling!

Souk Semmarine

A truly magical feel reaches easily the visitor while working past stalls and shops lit under the covered boards. All kind of items can be found there especially shoes and footwear.

It is really an interesting place to meet with people, and live that ambiance even if you're not actually planning to shop.

Souk Haddadine

Specialized in lampshades and lanterns, the market is an exhibition of the chandelier styles of lanterns. You can also watch first-hand as Moroccan blacksmiths bash wrought iron into shapes of pots, plates or horse shoes...

Souk El Attarine

A traditional place to buy spices and scents that has become nowadays a market for other items: Mirrors, metal goods and tea pots can all be found there. Wander around the small kiosks that sell everything while inhaling the exotic inescapable smells of spices.

Gardens

There are countless gardens scattered across the city, even traditional riads feature beautiful gardens and natural spaces.

Here are some of the most captivating gardens in Marrakech:

Jardin Majorelle

Is one of the most popular locations in the country as it contains more than 300 species of stunning plants and cactus.

The garden, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle has also a stunning indigo blue art deco house. A perfect site for those who need a break from the busy city.

La Mamounia

The iconic gardens are nestled behind high walls. The sprawling gardens are filled with soaring palm trees, Jacaranda and olive trees, cactus... and offer a real natural, peaceful view to the visitor as well as excellent photo opportunities!

Shopping malls

The touristic city has numerous shopping centers that are homes to many international brands, shops, restaurants and children fun parks.

Carre Eden

The mall has 80 shopping units specialized in clothing, beauty, accessories, home d�cor� As well as modern cafes and fine restaurants.

What is better than a European-style shopping mall to switch things up a little from the old monuments.

Menara Mall

Is a shopping center that includes a hotel, prestigious restaurants, and children's playground. It also provides a parking space for 800 cars. You just cannot be in Marrakech without trying the exceptional sight from the two mall's terraces.

Almazar mall

With a parking capacity of 1,200 cars, the mall provides various fast food outlets, a bowling alley, kids play zone and even an art gallery on ground floor in addition to shops and restaurants. A good stop off to rest and get snacks and drinks if you're driving from the airport.

Touristic attractions

Marrakech has magnetic tourist destinations that offer the visitors new things to try: watching a snake charmer at work, or discovering the labyrinthine medina, or getting a cooking class by local experienced women... No one gets bored there!

Jamaa El fnaa

Is the heart of Marrakech and its biggest attraction. You will have to wander around the big open square to watch snake charmers, henna artists, fortune tellers, musicians, story tellers and various other entertainers.

After spending hours walking around, it is recommended to try the best fresh orange juice in town!

Labyrinthine Medina

You can find your place in the chaotic rhythm of the ocher city and feel what is like to be a local resident: The modern world clashes with the medieval in the Medina that never seems to rest.

The old Medina was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is truly the best way to understand the city: Noisy motorcycles whizzing everywhere, narrow alleyways and bustling mazes...

Cooking classes

An activity that became a must-do for the city visitors especially because of the flavorful dishes that are prepared in groups with the help of local Moroccan women.

The sessions are an opportunity to explore the local markets and learn how to cook your favorite Moroccan dishes.

Guided thematic tours

Marrakech is also the gateway to the high Atlas region, where you can experience the natural, scenic mountain beauty after the metropolis adventure without the worry of getting lost.

Toubkal national park

The home to Morocco's (and North Africa) highest mountain, Jebel Toubkal, (4167 meter), with varied landscapes and altitudes going from 1200 to 4167 meters.

Go admire the breath-taking sights, or do some mountain climbing and trekking adventures. And don't forget to stop for roadside tajines and local specialties.

Imlil

The mountainous village is a favorite starting point for mountain trekkers. Approximately 65 km sought of Marrakech. It is a peaceful place that provides respite from the city's hustle since the village's touristic structure has greatly improved in recent years.

Imlil is also home to an amazingly restored Kasbah (Fortress) that offers great cafe or herbal tea to visitors as they relish the mountainous view, before going for their afternoon hikes.

And did you know that Martin Scorsese's film "Kundun" was part-filmed in the village?

Hot-air balloon ride

Watch from above the breath-taking Atlas plains move under your feet as the sun rises up behind vast mountains, and casts its golden glow over Berber villages and fields.

Experience the bird's eye sight of the city and its natural surroundings from deserts to mountains across plains and valleys.

Riads

Or the traditional Moroccan guesthouses that provide real Moroccan lifestyle experience to the visitors. Historically, riads were the houses of the wealthy families of the city.

Nowadays, many of them have been renovated to be used as hotels, apartments or even restaurants. With large internal courtyards and inward facing windows, these Moroccan landmark buildings are a great place to stay and relax from the city's noise.

La Maison Arabe

This large riad is one of many modern riad hotels that have multiplied during recent years. The 26 rooms building is richly decorated with Moroccan hand carved furnishings and details.

If you are looking for comfort and culture, then you should spend some days here.

Maison MK

Is a 600-year-old riad which mixes the old and the contemporary. The MK riad can also be considered a spa hotel with his full-time beauty staff, only 2-minutes walking from Marrakech's main square!

Gastronomy

The Moroccan gastronomy is rich and very well-known all over the world.

Marrakech, as the top touristic city in the country, has a role and a history in the national gastronomy's worldwide reputation. That's why, an international festival of gastronomy is organized in the city, called "Marrakech Food Festival".

Here are three examples of the most delicious and popular local dishes:

Tajine

Sample the spicy, aromatic traditional Moroccan Tajine. The combination of meat, chicken or pigeon with vegetables and spices, is always cooked in a clay pot with conical lid which gives the name to the recipe.

Couscous

Another traditional Moroccan specialty, prepared of fine wheat pasta rolled by hand steaming over a sauce of meat and vegetables. Couscous is often served in a pyramid of the cooked wheat pasta with the meat at the top and vegetables on the sides. A must-try delicious dish!

Harira

This dish is the typical Moroccan soup which is prepared in every home especially during the Holy month of Ramadan when it becomes the main dish to break the fast. The soup contains tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils and meat, all well-flavored with herbs and spices. A delicious way to end the day!

Art of living

Marrakech is a historic city that has inherited centuries of daily routines, habits and tradition.

Walking through the city and interacting with its local residents is certainly the best approach to bring you close to its people's lifestyle.

Moroccan hospitality

According to the World Economic Forum, Morocco is the third most welcoming country in the world. Maybe that is the reason why tourists always mention it upon their return to their home countries.

Guests are very well served and treated as kings even by the souks merchants who can easily offer you a glass of tea with mint.

Mint tea

In Morocco, preparing tea is as ceremonial as in Japan, and the way to do it varies depending on the region. But the main preparation remains the infusion of black tea with mint leaves and sugar.

Mint tea is prepared, with or without occasion, every day and at any time. So when you're offered a tea glass, try not to refuse it, as it locally means a welcoming sign to foreigners.

Bicycles and motorcycles

The two wheels mode of transportation has, since protectorate, a special place for the Marrakechi families. If you had to go through a parking lot, you will immediately notice the overwhelming presence of bikes and motorbikes.

This may have many reasons; the narrow overcrowded roads, economic advantages, and time saving... So what about a biking ride before leaving the city?

Marrakech brings together medieval palaces and luxurious hotels, souks and shopping malls, food stalls and fine restaurants... Surrounded by its red clay walls, the city of contradictions has, during centuries, known how to welcome its guests, becoming a favorite destination for ordinary tourists and celebrities who were captivated by its authenticity, luxury and warmth.

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