Table of Contents
About
Also known as the Red City, Marrakech is a magnificent town of Morocco that has walls of buildings and houses made of orange-red clay and chalk. Established in 1062 the city was one of Morocco’s historic capitals and still dominates up to today.
Officially listed in the UNESCO world heritage in 1985, the city is broken down into two distinct areas. One is the Old City also known as the Medina which is a market area (houses the souks). The other is the Modern City that hosts commercial and residential areas. Both areas offer its visitors an unforgettable city guide experience. For instance, Medina offers its visitors endless opportunities for learning the architectural and artistic masterpieces from different periods in history. These include El Badi Palace, the Koutoubia mosque, the Oudouz Falls, and more. Also, tourists get to enjoy an amazing ride horse-drawn carriage which has been an old tradition since 1912. So, without further ado let us check out Marrakech travel itinerary.
History and Culture
When we look at the history of Marrakech, just like the rest of Morocco’s city it suffered from attacks from Portuguese, French, and Spanish who basically wanted to control the natural resources of the city. Furthermore, the Almohads took over the city in 1147 which resulted in almost all the city’s monuments being destroyed. However, the building of Koutoubia the largest mosque in Marrakech began constructions after the Almohads were defeated.
In addition, being a multicultural city strongly influenced by the Arab, Berber, and Islamic civilizations, Marrakech has truly grown into a tourist attraction. The city offers its visitors cultural diversity where you get to enjoy their historical monuments, souks and markets, mosques, gardens, and many more. For instance, since the establishment of the old city, the architectural styles have changed over the centuries. From the Moorish style, Almohad, Maridin, Andulus, and lastly the modern architectural style, the city has definitely gone through massive changes. So, if you love to solo travel, Marrakech is a perfect city for you.
Things To Do in Marrakech
El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace should on top of your travel itinerary during your Marrakech vacation. Built by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour at the end of the sixteen century the palace was established to celebrate the fall of three kings from different nations. Being a magnificent palace for years, it was stripped of its valuables in the late 1600s when Meknes became the capital city.
The palace ruin still stands up to today and is an interesting place to visit. Once a huge and beautiful palace, there is a network of underground passageways, tile floors in open sky rooms as well as a preserved pulpit. Other than that, there is the main courtyard which features four large sunken gardens that have orange trees. Moreover, it is also possible to explore the ruins of the dungeons as well as the stables. The best time to visit the palace is morning hours as its open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This way you get to avoid a long line for tickets which costs 10 dirham entrance fees and 10 more for the museum that houses the Koutoubia Mosque pulpit.
Koutoubia Mosque
The tallest building in Marrakech, Koutoubia mosque began construction by Abd-al Mu’min in 1114 and was completed in 1158. Located opposite Jemma el Fna in the middle of the Medina, it stands at 70 meters high and looks magnificent in its rose color. The name Koutoubia was known to have originated from an Arabic word bookseller as back in the day hundreds of booksellers would trade at the entrance of the mosque. Although the booksellers are no longer present you will still find traders of popcorn, nuts even small ornaments hanging around the mosque. Designed in a traditional Almohad style, the mosque’s tower is a monumental cheat sheet of Moorish ornament with minaret’s gleaming brass spire that keeps it shiny all year round. Furthermore, there are four copper globes, a fountain, and gardens that welcome thousands of people visiting outside the mosque.
Pretty active up to date, the mosque holds prayers five times a day and is open to Muslim visitors even during prayer times. Unfortunately, just like other mosques in Morocco, Koutoubia doesn’t allow non-Muslims inside the mosque. Nonetheless, it is still an incredible place to spend your morning hours relaxing under the shade of orange trees in the free gardens. Just don’t forget to carry your snacks and water in a backpack to avoid hunger and dehydration.
Ouzoud Falls
Take a road trip to Ouduoz Falls for a three hours guided tour from Marrakech city. The tallest waterfall in North Africa, you will enjoy a full day trip enjoying the waterfall around wide cliffs. The trip begins with a pick up at your hotel room at around eight in the morning. On your way to the waterfall, marvel at the beautiful rolling hills of the countryside as you get to view the sensational snow-covered Atlas Mountains from a distance., You will also pass through the traditional old villages, olive trees, and orchards. As you reach the final village of Tanaghmeilt where the waterfall is situated; you will notice that the whole landscape is dominated with red soil. After getting off the bus you will see several hiking trails surrounded by groves of olive and pomegranate trees on either side. Remember to take some few photos as you walk through the trails leading to the waterfall.
Once in the breathtaking waterfall, soak in the warm sun for four hours while looking at the residential monkeys. Moreover, you can decide to take a swim on the crystal clear waters or take a boat ride along the scenic lake and enjoy the tranquility of it all. Keep in mind, advanced booking is encouraged to all wishing to enjoy a travel guide, at Ouduoz Falls.
The Jardin Majorelle
Are you up to for a one day Marrakech itinerary? Then look no further than the Jardin Majorelle. Opening its doors to about 900,000 visitors per year, Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited gardens in Marrakech. Extending over 9,000m2, the garden was created in the course of 40 years and by French painter Jacques Majorelle. Enclosed by outer walls, the garden consists of a maze of crisscrossing alleyways on different levels and blue colored buildings that blend with both Moorish and Art Deco influences.
Filled with exotic botanic plants from the far corners of the world, Jacques Majorelle loved his garden and was sad to sell a portion of the villa along with the gardens after a serious car accident. Fortunately, in 1962, Yves Saint-Laurent, a French fashion designer and Pierre his partner saved the garden from being destroyed. Up to date, they have continued to introduce additional plant species thus staying true to Majorelle’s vision. Most noteworthy, there is a private garden that only opens from Monday to Friday known as Villa Oasis. This particular area is where Yves Saint-Laurent and his business partner Pierre lived until their deaths.
Bahia Palace
If you are interested in Marrakech historical sites, simply take a solo trip to Bahia Palace. Meaning brilliance in Arabic, this spectacular palace was built by Grand Vizier Si Moussa between 1860 and 1867. Set over two acres in the middle of the Marrakech medina, the palace has 150 rooms with each one decorated in carved stucco and cedarwood. Truly a Moroccan style, there also include a harem section found off the sun-filled Court of Honor.Popular for housing the Resident General during the French era, the palace had previously housed Bou Ahmed, his four wives, and several concubines. Opened daily to the public except for religious holidays, it is unfortunate the harem is off-limits to visitors. However, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the orange filled, splashing fountain traditional style garden.
You would love to stare at the colorful stained windows of the living quarters and apartments. Don’t forget, since it is a major tourist attraction it is better to book in advance and also arrive early when it is not overcrowded with visitors.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
A great site to visit, Ben Youssef Madrasa is the largest madrasa in Morocco as well as a popular site in North Africa. Founded in the 14th century, it was later reconstructed in the 16th century and was completed specifically in 1565. Standing as one of the largest and most spectacular theological colleges in North Africa, the madrasa housed more than 900 students for more than four centuries. However, in 1960, it stopped functioning as a college but was later renovated and opened to the public in 1982. Having 130 student dormitory cells, the madrasa has magnificent decorations mostly compared with the Alhambra in Granada in Spain. Apart from the dormitory, the madrasa has a cool central courtyard with a marble patio and water basin. Interestingly, the walls and columns are decorated with Moorish zellige tiles as well as carved cedar and marble with incredible stuccowork. An important tip, visit the place early in the morning or in the evening, usually before closing time which is at 5 pm to avoid overcrowding.
Sunset Camel Ride in the Marrakech Palmeraie
You can also take a short trip to Marrakech Palmeraie and enjoy a one-hour camel ride. The small guided tour starts on a specific meeting point communicated at the time of booking. After reaching the Palmeraie, a beautiful place filled with palm gloves, you will get to experience a scenic camel ride worth remembering. Once there, you will be introduced to these amazing desert animals that have been used by Moroccan’s for transport for centuries. After a safety briefing, you get to put on Morocco’s nomadic costume meant to protect you from the sun. In seconds you will be saddled on the camel ready for a one hour ride, after 30 minutes, take a break and enjoy some refreshment. Then, continue riding for another 30 minutes while marveling at the beautiful sunset off the horizon. Once the one hour is up, travel back to Marrakech city center feeling happy and satisfied.
The Souks
You cannot travel to Marrakech and miss spending some valuable hours at Marrakech’s souks. The market starts from the northern part of Jemma el-Fna going through numerous passageways and street and ending at the Marrakech Museum. A charming open market, you get to bargain for all kinds of stuff such as jewelry, pottery, fabric, clothes, spices, and many more traditional Moroccan products. With the market divided into numerous stalls, you will get to experience firsthand all types of professionals doing what they do best. For example, you get to come along hardware dealers, basket makers, and leather workers who make camping equipment among other traders. So, to enjoy the souks in all its glory make sure you visit early in the morning as not all stalls are opened thus enabling you to leisurely walk around.
How to get to Marrakech
By Air: For easy access to the city of Marrakech, Marrakech airport (Menara International Airport) is the ideal airport for you. Offering non-stop flights to different destinations in 17 countries, the airport is the second largest airport in Morocco and enables its visitors to visit the city center via taxi, and shuttle buses.
By Train: If you are traveling from other Morocco cities such as Casablanca, Tanger, Fea, and Rabat then you can board a train to Marrakech. Ending its journey at the southern endpoint of Marrakech city, you can take a bus or taxi to your hotel.
By Bus: There are scheduled buses that run from Marrakech airport or the train station to the city center and back to the airport. Note that, it runs about 20-30 minutes thus making it convenient for tourists to reach the city center.