Marrakesh brings together many of the elements travellers associate with Morocco: ochre walls, intricate architecture, gardens, souks, food and the constantly changing theatre of Jemaa el-Fna. Yet the city is equally interesting for its contemporary restaurants, galleries and design-led hotels.
The medina
Within the old walls, lanes lead between souks, riads, palaces and historic religious architecture. Jemaa el-Fna changes character throughout the day and remains one of the city’s defining public spaces, while quieter neighbourhoods reveal a more intimate side of the medina.
Gardens, design and food
Marrakesh is not a destination that needs to be experienced at full speed. Gardens and beautifully restored riads provide pauses between sightseeing, while the city’s food scene ranges from traditional Moroccan cooking to ambitious contemporary restaurants.
Beyond the city
The Atlas Mountains are close enough for a day trip but deserve a longer stay when time allows. Essaouira and the landscapes towards Ouarzazate can also extend Marrakesh into a broader Moroccan journey.
