Making the Most of Marrakech

Marrakech rises from the Moroccan dessert in a burst of red pisé walls, Moorish tiling, palm fronds, the echoing sound of daily calls to prayer and towering minarets.

With its perfect combination of exoticism and luxury, Marrakech has something to offer any type of traveler. Read on for what to see, where to eat, and how to make the most of your Marrakechian adventure.

Art & Culture

Majorelle Gardens

• Majorelle Gardens

  Named for its creator, the Frenchman Jacques Majorelle, the gardens were eventually bought and restored by famed designer Yves Saint Laurent. Sitting on two and a half acres within the city, the gardens feature stunning walkways, an incredible collection of cacti and beautiful fountains. Pair the visit with a look next door at the Yves Saint Laurent museum to understand a bit more about the legendary designer’s love of Morocco.

• Le Jardin Secret
  Lesser-known than the Majorelle Gardens but just as jaw-dropping, Le Jardin Secret earned its name after remaining concealed for decades. While parts of the gardens date back to the sixteenth century, it wasn’t until 2008, after years of neglect, that the idea to restore and reopen the area was conceived. Now, the garden is a beautiful and less crowded alternative to the Majorelle Gardens, and provides a calm respite in the midst of the bustling Medina.

• Saadian Tombs
  The story of the Saadian Tombs reads almost like a fairytale. A beautiful, royal necropolis sealed off for centuries. A French photographer who spies the site from an airplane. The uncovering of a lavish and nearly untouched burial site that houses the remains of 66 princes and prominent figures as well as over 100 chancellors and wives. Go for the history, stay for the intricate architectural detailing.

• El Badi Palace
  Constructed in the 16th century by sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace is a monumental ruin in the heart of Marrakech. The enormous complex is a testament to the grandiosity of that period in Morocco’s history, and digital renderings help visitors imagine what it looked like before its decline.

• Bahia Palace
  Bahia Palace is one of the more recent palaces built within Marrakech, and thus it still maintains its original splendor. Featuring a maze of rooms across two hectares, a grand and small courtyard and beautiful gardens, the palace is a wonderful example of Moroccan design aesthetic.

El Badi Palace

Food & Drink

• Bacha Coffee

  Located in the gorgeous Dar el Baccha museum, a renovated former palace in the Medina, Baccha offers the most picturesque coffee break in the entire city. Sip blends from around the world while enjoying the beautifully decorated space within the palace’s tiled walls.

• Cafe de la Grand Poste
  Situated in the center of the French quarter, or the “new” neighborhood of Marrakech, Cafe de la Grande Poste is a blend of European and Moroccan sensibilities. The diverse menu offers everything from a classic Tagine to a bowl of delicious pesto, all with a side of understated glamour.

• Al Fassia
  One of the more well-known eateries in Marrakech, Al Fassia serves traditional Moroccan dishes that are loved by tourists and locals alike. The restaurant has two outposts - one in Gueliz and one in Aguedal that is attached to their Riad hotel. I recommend eating outside at the Agedal location for the ultimate experience.

• La Maison Arabe
  Located in a refurbished Riad, the cooking school at La Maison Arabe will teach even the worst cooks (me) the art of Moroccan cuisine. Discover the intricacies of Moroccan spices and the importance of tea ceremonies, then get hands-on in the kitchen. Aspiring chefs will learn how to bake bread, cook tagines and whip up several side dishes. Then, best of all, you get to eat your spoils!

Shopping

• The Silk Thread
  There are a lot of shops throughout the Medina that purport to sell handmade or traditional clothing, but very few actually do. The Silk Thread is not only one of these, but their selection is unmatched. From caftans and jackets to djalabas and shoes, they have unrivaled pieces that complement any wardrobe.

• Medina Herbal
  Medina herbal sells everything from homemade Amlou - a traditional spread made from honey, almonds and argan oil - to face creams. Learn about ancient cold remedies, spice blends and beauty secrets and, if you’re so inclined, bring a few home.

• Wander the souks
  A trip to Marrakech is not complete without a day spent wandering the medina. The bustling market is home to all kinds of goods and is never short on vibrancy. Try not to get lost as you navigate this seemingly endless maze, and maybe do a little shopping along the way.

Yallah!

Bahia Palace