Marrakech - My top 10 things to see and do

My trip to Marrakech is now but a distant memory (see some pics here) but I did promise to do a post about my visit with some tips for anyone else excited about visiting this magical city.  It's such an amazing place I thought I would share a snippet of what there is to see and do.  I was here for 2 full days only but managed to fit in  quite a bit.  I am already planning on going back for longer. 

In terms of what you must see and do, here's my list, in no particular order:

1) Stay in a Riad

Morocco's own version of the boutique hotel, usually in the form of a traditional Moroccan townhouse with courtyard and sounds of running water.  Once behind the doors of your Riad the chaos and noise of outdoors seem to disappear.  If you get the right Riad, you will be treated to a more traditional Moroccan experience.  We stayed at Riad Jonan in the Kasbah, I swear they make the best lamb tagine here.  It was comfortable, cool and the service was second to none.  Not the most modern of Riads we researched but this was part of its charm along with the reviews that were so good we had to see for ourselves.  It certainly lived up to it's reputation.

Riad Jonan

2) Travel in a petite taxi

The taxi below is the grande version, they will charge you a hefty fare so look out for the smaller ones and be prepared for a white knuckle ride.  I still don't know why there aren't more fatalities on the roads as the driving in Marrakesh is mental!  A taxi was essential for us moving to and from the old and new town. 

3) Shop in the Souks

One of the best bits about Marrakech is the shopping from spices to leather goods from the tanneries (also a must see) to jewellery and homeware, you don't want to go home empty handed after a good old haggle.  The souks are a bit of a labyrinth to navigate through but it's a fantastic experience, just don't go after dark!!

Lighting stall in the souks

4) Jemaa El Fna

Probably one of the most chaotic and magical places I have ever been to, Jemaa El Fna is the central square in the old town of Marrakech.  From storytellers to henna tattooists, there is something going on every which way you look.  Boxing matches, dancing, street sellers, snake charmers, it's a true feast for the senses, filled with smells, sound and colour.  It's truly amazing and despite it's intimidating nature, you quickly adapt and feel quite at home caught up in the thick of it all.  For great views of the square, go for a drink or offer a tip to go on the top floor of one of the surrounding cafes.  For anyone looking for a Henna tattoo - you might be better to wait on your journey home - they offer free henna in the airport :)

The buzz of the restaurants at Jemaa El Fna

Boxing Match

Games in the square

5) Street Eats

At night, part of Jemaa El Fna turns into a giant outdoor restaurant with countless stalls all competing for your business.  Don't be afraid to take a seat and sample the food that is barbecued in front of you as you sit.  The service is friendly with a bit of European banter thrown in for good measure and all the stalls have caught on to offering up chips with their kebabs!!  The food is delicious and you can wash it all down with a fresh orange juice from the juice stalls on the periphery of the outdoor restaurant.

Also, make sure you indulge in a lamb/chicken/beef tagine in Morocco.  I was already a tagine fan so to have it made for me in the traditional sense was just delicious - don't miss out on it! 

6) Majorelle Gardens

Take a trip to the stunning Majorelle Gardens owned by the late Yves Saint Laurent.  With it's own blend of Majorelle blue covering most of the buildings in this oasis of bamboo, cactus and floral delights, it is simply beautiful.  A peaceful haven hidden away, there are ponds with beautiful goldfish, turtles and frogs.  There is also a YSL exhibition and gift shop you can visit here too.  Go and feel inspired by the colours and nature behind it's gates. 

7) Visit the New Town/Old Town

Wherever you are staying, visit the opposite.  The old town is a little more traditional and respect must be shown where possible for choice of dress and behaviour however the new town is a lot more liberal where you will see Moroccan women dressed in Western fashions.  This is also where the party scene comes alive at night.  We visited Comptoir in the new town at night which in hindsight is a bit of a tourist trap but was great for an experience of moroccan belly dancing.  There are also some big clubs in Marrakech like Pacha but you can find much cooler, laid back places to party if you think outside the box. 

8) Visit a Hammam

Something I didn't get to do which I regret and will definitely be top of my list when I return (I definitely will return one day soon i hope) ... was a Hammam.  A Hammam is a kind of turkish bath/spa that lie within the streets and alleyways of the city.  I have heard so many great things about the Hammam, I am disappointed not to have made it to one. 

9) Take in the History

See the sites, walk the walls of the city and stumble upon the many palaces and tombs.  I made it to El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace, probably contradictions of each other in terms of size and appearance.  We also stayed close by to the Saadian tombs but didn't get to explore.

10) Buy some leather!

This kind of ties in with No.3 and it's something I kept deliberating over the whole time I was in Morocco and ended up not bothering.  I was so busy buying rugs, pouffes and teapots for my new house, I kicked fashion to the kerb.  Now I am back I am regretting leaving behind some killer leather bags for bargain prices.  Don't make the same mistake as me! 

Another thing I haven't really covered is choice of dress in Morocco but I will save this for another post as this has got a bit out of control.  It's hard to find firm advice on respectful dress in Morocco so hopefully I can offer some advice from my own experience. 

Hope this was helpful for anyone considering a trip to Marrakech. 

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