You cannot say that you know the reality of Marrakech until you are lost in its souks, or have a mint tea while contracting the purchase of an ancient Berber carpet. But even moving away from the souks and shopping you will find some of the most fascinating historical sites such as the long hidden tombs of the Saadian sultans, the wonderful Jardin Majorelle of Yves St Laurent and the architectural jewel of the Ben Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Take a walk in the unique atmosphere of the main city square
One of the most fascinating spectacles on earth is Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO world heritage site, characterized daily by a convulsive rhythm. The name of the square means “assembly of the dead” – since it was originally a place of public execution, but today Djemaa el Fna, attracts the crowd of visitors and natives, for pastimes such as storytelling, astrology, spells with snakes and the extraordinary stunts of the Gnaoua troops.
Insider tip: even if the juice sellers and the henna artists are already in the square in the middle of the morning, the real show begins at sunset, when the chefs light their grills creating one of the largest and most famous barbecues in the world. In this case, don’t be shy, sit down.
Find inspiration in the most elegant museum in Marrakech
The beautifully maintained Musée Yves St. Laurent is the first serious contemporary museum in Marrakech. It celebrates the work of the Algerian couturier Yves St Laurent, whose revolutionary collections have drawn inspiration for over 40 years, from the red city of Marrakech. Designed by Studio KO, the building is made of ocher-colored Tetouan bricks and includes a splendid permanent exhibition of the collections of the famous designer as well as a temporary gallery which displays the works of emerging Moroccan artists and designers.
Insider tip: book a visit to the library whose design is characterized by oak panels, where on the upper floor you will find an extraordinary collection of books on Morocco, Berber culture, North African fashion and architecture, botany and landscape of the desert, all part of Pierre Bergé’s private collection.
Search for treasures in the last urban maze
Nowhere else in the world is there a medieval and at the same time modern atmosphere like that of Marrakech. A visit to the Medina allows you to do all this. Dive into the Souq Sebbaghine (Dyers Souk) where the skeins of freshly dyed saffron wool are hung up to dry; o Souq Lebbadine, where visitors gather around wooden and leather stalls. Souq Smata (Slipper Souk) and Souq Semmarine (Leather Souk) are in the center of the action.
Insider tip: follow the flow, enjoy the jokes and never be too proud to bow gracefully. Souk newbies can immerse themselves in the experience of the Souk Cherifa, where young designers sell their products at fixed prices.
Marrakech one of Morocco’s most iconic cities, has been crowned as the first African Capital of Culture 2020. The nomination was awarded to the red city because of its architectural, artistic and cultural legacy. Marrakesh is already home to two Unesco-listed World Heritage sites: the famous square of Djemaa El Fna and its labyrinthine medina, the walled old city.
Marrakesh is increasingly on travellers’ radars, as the government has been doing more to improve infrastructure throughout the country, including revamping a number of medinas. The number of foreign tourists rose about 15% from 2017 to 2018, and Morocco is growing in popularity with travellers from the US.
The 2017 opening of Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the eponymous French fashion designer who called Marrakesh home for a number of years, solidified Marrakesh’s place as a hub for art and design.
The program of events for 2020 has not yet been defined. The cultural world of Morocco is in turmoil: the crown of African cultural queen will be an impulse to increase the popularity of a city that can enchant and amaze like few others.
The program of events for 2020 has not yet been defined.
Moroccan artists and journalists are in turmoil: being the cultural capital of Africa will increase the popularity of a city able to enchant and amaze like few others.
It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, together with Fes, Rabat and Meknes, who owe their name to the work of the various dynasties of rulers who, at different times, chose them as their residence, increasing their charm during their reign through important architectural interventions.
Absolutely do not miss a visit to the souq, a large covered market that is divided into countless lanes and squares, each of which is dedicated to specific activities: sellers of skins, wool, boilers, jewelers, dyers and so on.
Be Live Experience Marrakech Palmeraie “and” Be Live Collection Marrakech Adults Only “the two recent openings of the Globalia group represent an excellent choice for the patrons who wish to visit the red city”.
Located in the beautiful and quiet residential area of Palmeraie, the entire complex, a few kilometers from the historic center of Marrakech, retains all its local and magical essence, as well as stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and the Palm Grove of Marrakech
Be Live Collectionis an elegant, 5-star all-inclusive resort, designed exclusively for adults over 16, offering the best atmosphere, golf, sports, spa and wellness. The hotel has 212 units, including 164 superior double rooms, 28 superior double rooms with “Swim Up” and 20 junior suites.
Be Live Experience Marrakech Palmeraie 4-starromantic hotel, ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, trips with friends or professional groups with a diverse gastronomic offer, entertainment and comfort, designed for the enjoyment of everyone.
With a capacity of 167 units including 110 double rooms, 45 duplex rooms and 12 junior suites, has a swimming pool for adults and children, a Splash pool for small children, Mini club, games rooms for adults and children, a theater, a fitness center, shops, two restaurants and a meeting room.
And for those who have more time and do not want to stop at one stage, but visit the other fascinating Moroccan cities, from June 22, Air Arabia Maroc will introduce four new flights on its domestic network.
The company adds a connection between Nador and Casablanca with two weekly flights on Fridays and Sundays, and from October 28 will connect Dakhla, in the southern province, with Casablanca and Marrakech. The Dakhla-Marrakech flight will operate three days a week: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Also from 28 October a new line will connect Agadir and Rabat.
