Magical mystical Marrakech
Marrakech Travel Guide
Marrakech is arguably the most exotic, mysterious and enchanting city this close to Europe. The ‘Red City’, capital of the Great South, was once a place of such importance that it gave its name to Morocco. Its thousand-year history is rich and turbulent, with an eclectic cast of characters: sultans and princesses, magicians and slave-traders, fortune-hunters and colonialists. Now it attracts movie stars, writers and artists – and tourists looking for something a bit different. The old medina, with its winding souks, and the hectic main square of the Jemaa el Fna bedazzle the senses in every way. But Marrakech is also a buzzing modern city, with an increasingly happening culture and nightlife.
Places to see in Marrakech
At times daunting, occasionally maddening, always exhilarating, Marrakech is all about getting lost, letting go and opening up to whatever experience or encounter comes your way. This should include diving into the madness of Jemaa el Fna at night and eating at the food stalls, and taking a hammam (steambath). Marrakech is divided into the medina (the old town) and Guéliz (the Ville Nouvelle or new town).
Central Medina
This is the geographical heart, spiritual soul and tourist hub of the medina. Everything in this area – demarcated at its southern end by the gardens of the Koutoubia and at its northern edge by Rue Dar el Bacha – revolves like a whirlpool around the iconic Jemaa el Fna with its ancient nightly spectacle. The souks stretch north of the square, and the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque at the neighbourhood’s western edge stands sentinel over the whole of Marrakech.
The charming mountain village of Imlil
Imlil has several good cheap places to stay, a scattering of restaurants and lots of souvenir shops, selling carpets, fossils and jewellery. Thousands flock here in spring and early summer to climb Mount Toubkal and trek in the foothills around. There is also a Bureau des Guides in the village (just opposite the car park), recommended for first-time visitors. Trekking companies are another option and deal with all the logistical problems of organising porters, provisions and accommodation.
Southern Medina
The grandest part of the medina, this southern neighbourhood has a colourful cultural history and is where you’ll find many of the city’s most chic riads. Made up predominantly of the original fortified kasbah, the royal palace and the Mellah (Jewish quarter) with its colourful markets, the area is punctuated by the great imperial palaces of Marrakech, some wonderful museums celebrating the city’s heritage, the legendary Mamounia hotel and the Agdal Gardens, where Marrakchis picnic in summer.
Northern Medina
Far from the mania of the souks, the northern triangle of the medina is, for the most part, refreshingly undiscovered. Traditional, tranquil residential life is played out around the tomb of Marrakech’s most revered patron saint, Sidi Bel Abbes; vintage-lovers can spend hours exploring the chaotic rambling flea market of Souk el Khemis; south, closer to the souks, are galleries, fondouks, boutique shops, romantic riad restaurants, a scattering of tailor’s shops and hammams, and the atmospheric Madrassa Ben Youssef.
Guéliz
Often undeservedly overlooked, super-relaxed Guéliz (the new town or Ville Nouvelle as it is known) has some of the best and most varied restaurants in town – from sushi and Thai to Lebanese, Italian and French. Its leafy side streets are dotted with charming shops where everything has a price tag and there is no need to haggle; fantastic modern art galleries showcasing Moroccan and international artists; outdoor cafés that are great for people-watching, and Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle, a breathtaking sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Hivernage, Menara, Palmeraie, Environs
Hivernage , the wealthy residential district, is all about private houses and large chain hotels, but it also has some of the best nightclubs and hippest bars in town. On the edge of Marrakech is the mesmerizing Menara pavilion and to the north is the fabled Palmeraie, home to some of the most luxurious villas, spas and exclusive hotels in Morocco. Nearby, there are tennis and golf clubs, while the more adventurous can head off on a camel safari or take a hot-air balloon ride.
