Have you already been to Marrakesh, the most popular city of Morocco for tourists and one of the four imperial capitals of the country alongside with Fez, Rabat and Meknes (my guide to this cities also will be published on my website)?
Marrakesh is the most vibrant and the most contrasting Moroccan city we’ve been too – and probably this is the one where I’d love to return the most! Your camera will love to for sure, because it’s just impossible not to take photos here.
See my list of the most famous spots in this imperial city, from the ancient sites to the modern touristic landmarks, markets, palaces, museums and gardens – and get ready for the splash of colours and historic facts!
1.Jardin Majorelle and Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
The most photogenic spot in Marrakech is probably Jardin Majorelle.
Jardin Majorelle currently attracts tourists from all over the world. This space, with vibrant accents of blue majorelle, orange and yellow, ponds with koi, fountains, terraces, and exotic plants from all over the world, is a fantastic spot!
Jardin Majorelle was initially established in the 1920s by Jacques Majorelle, a French painter who spotted a unique vibrant blue color during his voyages along the Moroccan seaside.
There is a legend that he noticed that the fishermen used a very particular shade of blue for their boats, not to scare the fish away, and he decided to use this color, now known as blue majorelle, as the main color accent for his garden and his villa in Marrakech.
His famous Cubist villa was designed by Paul Sinoir. Sadly, after some time, Jacques Majorelle had to sell this garden and villa, and no one really took care of the garden, which fell into a desperate state until…
Yves Saint Laurent, born in Algeria to a French family, moved to Paris and, at some point, decided to relocate to Morocco with his partner Pierre Bergé – they bought this property in ruins in 1980! Morocco was a great inspiration for one of the most influential fashion icons of the 20th century.
Now the famous artist who worked for Christian Dior and founded his own luxury brand is buried here in the gardens together with Pierre Bergé.
The villa of Yves Saint Laurent is closed to the public, but you can see it from the outside.
The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts is also located on the garden’s premises. It showcases a very impressive collection of local cultural artifacts, traditions, and Berber jewelry, and to be honest, it looks more impressive than the Museum of Marrakech. Photography is limited there.
2.YSL Museum
The YSL Museum is located close to the Jardin Majorelle and has a great collection of unique masterpieces created by Yves Saint Laurent throughout his career, showcasing different stages and influences during his work as a fashion designer.
Apart from this, you can learn about his muse and the inspirations behind his collections. Photography is also limited there.
Important: Make sure to buy the tickets in advance on the website. The best option is to go for the combined tickets for the Museum of Berber Art, the garden, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum altogether – and don’t be late because the queues are really huge even for ticket holders, and you don’t want to miss your time slot.
3.Koutoubia
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest and most famous mosque in Marrakech, sometimes nicknamed the Mosque of the Booksellers.
The mosque was founded in the 12th century by the founder of the Almohad Berber dynasty, Abd al-Mu’min, once he conquered Marrakech, and was rebuilt shortly after that – at its peak, they gained control over a large part of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.
Located in the historical area of Medina within the city walls and surrounded by a garden, the 77-meter-high minaret of Koutoubia is visible from almost all corners of it – a great spot on your way to the main square of Marrakech and Marrakech souks.
It stands high with intricate windows and four gold spheres on its top, and of course, you can hear the muezzin five times a day calling for prayer from it. Its square form at the base is very unusual for the Islamic world, and it inspired other religious architecture in Spain and Morocco.
4.Jamaa el Fna
Jamaa el Fna is the beating heart of Marrakech: this square dates back to the 11th century and is the place for food stalls, street performers, and snake charmers to entertain people.
It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sadly, we saw almost none of that because at the moment it is undergoing massive reconstruction, and we only saw the traditional water bearers, or guerrab, who used to sell drinkable water from goatskin bags, pouring it into brass cups. This profession was extremely important in the past, but now they are here solely for tourists.
5.Bacha Coffee Shop
Head to the most Instagrammable spot in Marrakech, the Bacha Coffee Shop! I really loved Bacha coffee in Singapore and Qatar, and it was finally time to visit its headquarters.
Yes, the original Bacha coffee shop is located here, at Dar Al Bacha: it dates to 1910 and has attracted many famous visitors, including Winston Churchill and Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, by serving 100% Arabica specialty coffees.
Unfortunately, it fell into decay, and this place was restored in 2017, with the coffee shop reopening only in 2019. Come here for a great list of coffee varieties and some desserts! Be prepared to queue, though.
6.Dar El Bacha
Dar El Bacha, where the Bacha coffee shop is located, is definitely worth a proper visit too.
Dar El Bacha is a museum located in a historical palace that was used as a residence by Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakech, starting from 1912.
This palace is an exceptional example of Moroccan architecture reflecting the status of the Pasha – explore the incredible mosaics, cedar wood carvings, inner courtyard with citrus trees and fountain, and a small exhibition with insights into Moroccan art and culture.
Don’t forget that you’ll need tickets to enter!
And of course, pop into the Bacha coffee shop while you’re here.
7.Marrakech Souks
We almost got lost in the Marrakech markets – they’re huge and entangled!
The area of souks, or markets, is divided into zones where different sorts of products are sold. As soon as you’re off the main square of the city, you get into the terracotta maze with stalls, partly covered with roof.
The largest market in Morocco is located in Fez, but the souks of Marrakech are very impressive as well!
Some specialise in carpets, others in ceramics, some in slippers, and others in leather products or spices. And just look at the bright colours popping out of each shop!
In one part, you see fresh animal skins prepared by the tanners (the most famous spot for leather tanning is in Fes, though), and next, you’re already exploring spices and antiques.
It’s such a chaotic, vibrant experience, with vendors calling out to customers loudly, and people on motorbikes riding right through the crowds!
However this area is the very soul of Morocco – it’s different, raw and sometimes unpleasant, but it can’t be neglected.
You can also watch local artisans at work making new products right on-site – a truly special experience!
8.Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret is a restored riad in the center of the old city of Marrakech.
It features two magnificent gardens with exotic plants from five continents, as well as a unique irrigation system used in Morocco since ancient times. It’s absolutely impossible to believe that such an amazing green space hides behind the doors of busy market streets.
This is a perfect spot to hide from the heat and relax.
There is also a tower with an observation point: kids under 6 are not allowed there, and you will need a separate ticket to climb up.
There are also two cafes and small exhibitions revealing the restoration of the garden (it was finished in 2020) and some insights into its architecture and water system.
Also, have a quick break at the Terrace Des Espices right in front of the Jardin Secret. Would you try some lamb slow-cooked in a clay pot? This is traditional Tangia Marrakchia!
9. Museum of Marrakech
The Museum of Marrakech might not be the best museum in terms of exhibits, although its collection of traditional jewelry, clothes, ceramics (including the big dishes from Fes), and some modern paintings definitely adds to your understanding of the country.
The most valuable thing about this museum is the building itself! It’s housed inside the 19th-century Dar Menebhi Palace, constructed for Al-Mnebhi, a notable person at the court and the sultan’s favorite.
Gorgeous Andalusian architectural elements like the window shutters, courtyards, tile work, and carvings are really impressive!
10. Kasbah Square and Mosque
The Moulay al-Yazid Mosque, or the Kasbah Mosque, is the second most important mosque in Marrakech, and it sits in the square of the same name.
It originally dates to the 12th century, showcasing the power of the short-lasting Almohad Caliphate (1121–1269), and is located near the royal tombs and royal palaces, and the market with spices, souvenirs, berber lipstick cups, and other goodies surrounds it.
The Kasbah Square has been damaged many times throughout its history, and it is now under massive renovation – I’m not sure if it’s open for prayer at the moment as well.
We also took a break for some Moroccan tea and traditional desserts at the Kasbah Cafe, with a terrace overlooking the square and the mosque. Traditional sweets include fresh orange with honey and cinnamon, crescent-shaped Kaab el Ghazal, layered Jawhara (pastilla in French) made out of fried dough and sweet milk, and other nut-based desserts.
11. Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace – meaning ‘Brilliance’ – located close to both main squares of old Marrakech, is an unusable landmark of the city. It’s a magnificent late 19th-century palace whose construction started in 1866 by Abu Imrane Mussa Ben Ahmed Ben Mbarek, the Grand Vizier of Sultan of Morocco Muhammad IV, also known as Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman.
It was modified and expanded by Ahmed Ben Mussa, Grand Vizier and Regent of Sultan Mulay Abdelaziz. At its peak, it consisted of large gardens, a mosque, and about 150 rooms!
Once you enter the palace, you follow a route through dozens of various rooms and courtyards with different decorations and purposes, all meticulously decorated: the main highlights you see as visitors are the small and large riads, marble courtyard, hammer, and the private apartments.
Despite the crowds, you can stroll here leisurely, admiring all the magnificent patterns and carvings. Sadly, some areas are currently under massive restoration, but still, you’ll be excited to see the remaining open ones.
During the period of the French Protectorate, the headquarters of the General Residence of Marshal Lyautey were located here, and eventually, the palace opened as a museum in 1998.
12. Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are the royal necropolis where the ‘Golden Sultan,’ Ahmad al-Mansur, the most famous member of the Saadian dynasty, ruled the sultanate from 1578 to 1603.
The first building here was constructed by Moulay Abdellah al-Ghalib over the tomb of Mohamed Cheikh, his father, who died in 1557. It was called a qubba, a square-shaped building now consisting of a hall, a chapel, and two loggias. Later, Ahmed al-Mansour had this qubba (which by this time contained more burials) lavishly decorated.
Another building of three halls was built by Ahmed al-Mansour as his own future burial place (now there are the tombs of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour and three other sultans who ruled after him). You’ll be amazed by the embellished columns and ceiling there! The tombs also contain the burials of other people. The tombs were accidentally found in 1917 and finally restored in 2015-2017.
Important: Be considerate with your time because there are large queues there (we spent around an hour there) as one of the chambers has just one opening, and people can see it one by one. The Saadian Tombs might be located just to the side of the Kasbah Mosque, but the entrance is from the other side – don’t get lost!
13. El Badi Palace
In contrast to Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace is a historical palace that is mostly unrestored.
It’s a royal palace erected for Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. Its construction started in 1578 and demonstrated the wealth and power of the Saadian dynasty with wonderful tiled pavilions, ponds, and gardens – observe its former glory in pictures and videos showcasing the reconstructed splendour of the palace.
It’s really hard to believe that it used to look like that – now it mostly lies in ruins, although there’s still some water in one basin and some citrus trees are growing there too. You can also explore some relics from the palace and the past of Morocco in a few museum rooms there too.
14. Mellah and Kzadriya Square
Both palaces – El Badi and Bahia – as well as the Laazama Synagogue (see below) are located in the Mellah, or Jewish neighborhood. The Mellah was officially established in the mid-16th century by sultan decree.
The Mellah was the busiest trading area, and the Mellah’s Kzadriya Square was particularly famous for the tinsmiths and metal work.
Originally the Jews quarter was surrounded by a wall with gates. The Jews were restricted in the clothes they had to wear, and they were even made to walk barefoot around the city. Now a very limited amount of Jews still here, and it’s just a touristy area with restaurants.
15. Laazama Synagogue
The Laazama, or Slat Al Azama, Synagogue is a hidden gem many visitors miss in Marrakech.
Jews lived in Morocco for centuries, from ancient times, and once Marrakech was established in the 11th century, they formed a community not far away from it, starting to expand their presence in Marrakech in the 13th century.
But this synagogue was not founded by the local Jews. It was founded in 1492 by Jews who were expelled from Spain following the Alhambra Decree issued by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Hence the name of the synagogue, meaning the Synagogue of Deportees.
16. Qubba al-Barudiyyin
Close to the entrance of the Marrakech Museum, you can spot a monument surrounded by a fence: it’s the Qubba al-Barudiyyin, and it’s the only surviving example of Almoravid architecture in the city! It was erected in the early 12th century and represents a square-shaped building with a dome; it was probably part of the Ben Youssef Mosque complex nearby. Some remains of cisterns and latrines are visible nearby too.
17.Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Madrasa, the largest madrasa in the country, was a religious educational institution founded in the 14th century and named after Ali ibn Yusuf, Sultan from the Almoravid dynasty who ruled from 1106 to 1142.
The main feature of it is a large tiled courtyard with a rectangular water basin in its center, with all the walls heavily decorated with ornaments and zellij. It was used for the recitation of the Quran. The best spot to observe it is to climb the stairs and see it from above. You can also observe the students’ rooms: in total, there are 134 such small rooms occupying two floors and surrounding the tiny courtyards.
And of course, admire the prayer hall with the ablution basin! This madrasa is one of the most famous spots in Marrakech, and if you’re in the city for a short time, make sure to visit it!
Also, spot the Ben Youssef Mosque nearby – it’s probably the oldest mosque in the city.
18.House of Photography
The House of Photography, opened in 2009, is located in a restored foundouk, or former inn.
It has a small but extremely pretty riad courtyard and a modestly sized water basin with papyrus plants by its sides. As the name suggests, this museum’s collection consists of numerous archive photographs documenting life in Morocco from around the mid-19th century onwards to the 1960s.
Portraits of people in national clothes, everyday life, streets of the cities, architectural and natural sights – this is a spot where photography becomes art. You can learn the biography of every photographer represented here too.
It also has a rooftop terrace – don’t miss this calm place to drink some mint tea or maybe have some proper food.
19.The Mamounia
The Mamounia stands as North Africa’s premier hotel, and its majesty is undeniable.
With opulent traditional Moroccan details and lavish use of precious materials in its inner halls, and vast gardens ablaze with greenery, we visited it twice.
First, we had a Moroccan set dinner at Le Marocain by Chef Rachid Agouray in a stylish outdoor restaurant: the aesthetics and the gastronomy itself were exactly on a level you’d expect from such venue.
We loved it so much that we returned there for their buffet brunch by the pool, and I must note that the dessert section from Pierre Hermé was outstanding.
Important: You can’t just visit from the outside – you should have a restaurant booking in hand (or you can try your luck!). Also, the dress code is pretty strict for non-hotel guests, and you should leave cameras and big bags in the lockers at the entrance gate. Check everything on their website in advance!
20.Walls and Gates of Marrakech
The city walls and gates of the old part of Marrakech are indeed an attraction! The wall was initially founded in the 12th century and remade over time; it now fully encloses the Medina – it stretches for 19 km and is mostly restored.
Just imagine, in some areas, it’s 2 meters thick and 9 meters high! The holes in there, where pigeons now hide, were used for inserting the scaffolding for restoration. I really liked the mighty Bab al-Makhzen on the west – the one we entered the Medina from our hotel.
You can also spot other gates throughout the city: for instance, the most famous and probably the most decorated gate is Bab Agnaou, through which you can access Kasbah, the citadel with a military presence where the main royal palaces were located.
21.New Marrakech
If you have time, also try to experience the new part of Marrakech and M Avenue, the shopping district with shops and cafes.
M Avenue is modern, stylish, very western, and has a completely different vibe from the rest of the city.
22. Anima Garden
If you have time, take a 40-minute ride towards the Atlas Mountains to explore one of the hidden gems of the area.
Anima is a garden opened to the public in 2016 and founded by André Heller, an Austrian visionary born in 1947. This is one of his projects, but probably the most famous one!
It’s a magical place where art coexists with exotic nature, blending seamlessly and providing a unique experience for each visitor who gets lost in a maze of greenery with bright monuments popping up from both sides of the itinerary.
Just to name a few, you can spot pieces by Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin, Keith Haring, Igor Mitoraj, Monika Gil’Sing, and Abderrahim Hamza here.
This garden occupies 3 hectares, and thanks to the labyrinth of paths, you can easily spend an hour exploring various corners of Anima. It’s absolutely unbelievable how this garden survives in such proximity to the Sahara Desert.
Besides that, they have a small gallery, a shop, and a cafe with a rooftop terrace. We had a lovely time there in the shadow of a tent, and their saffron ice cream was such a treat!
And yes, if you’d like to explore the Atlas Mountains, you might start from here too!
Where to Stay in Marrakesh:
We stayed at the Nobu Marrakech, one of the most luxurious hotels in Marrakech, located a few minutes’ walk from the city wall and home to a Louis Vuitton store.
The hotel had the vibe of a boutique hotel, with an intimate reception area where a large tree stands right under the intricately decorated lanterns, and the breakfast is served around a pool on the ground floor – if you’d like to try some traditional Morrocan sweet and savoury nibbles, that’s a place for you!
Our room was spacious and stylish, with windows overlooking the Walls of Marrakesh and one of its gates. Room service was excellent, and your stay was very comfortable.
Besides that, there is a very posh terrace restaurant called Rooftop Garden, and if you’re a hotel guest, you can also visit a small pool there (it’s a bit hot there during the day but evenings are just perfect).
And yes, you get the most amazing view of the Koutoubia from their roof terrace!
Finally, you can pay a visit to the Nobu restaurant one the ground floor there too.
Read more blogs about Morocco!
Hope you liked my blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx
