Between the Souqs and the riads, the charm of Marrakech has an immediate effect on the visitor. Some like it for its medina, others appreciate it for its monuments, and others still adulate it for its trendy restaurants!

UNDERSTANDING MARRAKECH

The Medina, once the only part of town, is still the core of Marrakech. Since the Protectorate, new neighborhoods have been added to the city. The Modern part shelters the Gueliz and the Hivernage: neighborhoods famous for their many restaurants and stores. Not to forget the beautiful Palmeraie (Palm grove) without which Marrakech would never be the same! Thirty years ago, superb hotels, palaces and other villas were constructed there. The Palmeraie (palm grove), far from downtown hubbub, offers isolation and tranquility!

AROUND MARRAKECH

Marrakech is blessed with an extraordinary setting in Morocco  : East, the Atlantic coast- the coastal cities (Agadir and Essaouira) are only a few hours drive away. To the South, the High Atlas protects Marrakech from the arid climate of the South, and provides a source for irrigating the city gardens and the three magnificent internationally-known golf courses. North, the economic cities of Casablanca and Rabat are accessible via highway. Just only a few hours away from Marrakech, sea, snow, and desert are all on offer!

PLACES TO VISIT OUTSIDE MARRAKECH

Ait Benhaddou is a village made up of several small fortresses (Kasbahs). Although few families live there now, the village has attracted film-makers from around the world. This village has been declared as UNESCO Heritage site and has been used as a film set for renowned Hollywood films like "Alexander the Great", "Mummy", "Lawrence of Arabia", "Jesus of Nazareth", "Gladiator" and lots more.

Draa Valley: The Valley follows the Draa River, which is the longest in Morocco. It is extensively farmed for dates, found on the tall date palms which fill the Valley. The Draa valley is a more than 100 kilometers long belt of date palms plus few people, some mountains, and a river disappearing gradually.


FAMOUS LANDMARKS IN MARRAKECH

KOUTOBIA MOSQUE

First built in 1147, but demolished since it was not correctly aligned with Mecca, the "mosque of the booksellers", was finished in its present shape in 1199. It has ever since been the landmark of Marrakech, rising up from the low houses and markets around. Its style is a Almohad, but has a good deal of simple Andalucian elements added to it. The minaret rises 77 meters above the ground, while the mosque is sizeable by itself. While it has a strict appearance in red stone today, it is believed that it originally was covered with plaster. There have been plans of renovating the Koutoubia into this style.


MAJORELLE GARDENS

These gardens were laid out in the period when colonialism was still a good word in Europe. In the 1920s the French artist Jacques Majorelle had it made, complete with pools, banana trees, coconut palms, bougainvilleas, and houses in a fantastic dark blue color. The gardens have later been taken well care of the French couturier Yves Saint-Luarent, who have added a private museum of North African artefacts. The gardens serve as a museum, and is open to the public for a normal entrance fee.

BAHIA PALACE

As the black slave Abu Ahmed rose to power and wealth towards the end of the 19th century, he had the Bahia palace built by bringing in craftsmen from Fez. The structures tell a lot about the taste of the nouveau-riche of its time, and can appear vulgar to modern tastes. It was intended to become the greatest palace of its time, but it is really dominated by hasty planning as well as uninspired detail work. This doesn't make the palace less worth visiting, it is a monument of its time, and served even as the residence of the French resident general, Lyautey.

SOUKS - TRADITIONAL STREET SHOP

The souqs of Marrakech is a labyrinth where you soon lose directions. Maps in guide books turn out to be of help only when you stick to one of the few wide alley ways. This is the place to lose directions, since none will take advantage of you if you seem stranded. And what a place it is. Moroccans love it, and foreigners too, so there is more goods to choose from than in any other souq of Morocco. Some might find it over the edge, but there is a self confident elegance to the strong colours and wild shapes of everything from carpets to water mugs.


BEST KEPT SECRET OF MARRAKECH

DJEMAA I-FNA - THE SQUARE OF DEAD

Marrakech is not only a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was, and which still survives here. The streets of the old and pink city have been too narrow to allow the introduction of cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into good business. The hordes of tourists that come here all through the year have still not managed to change its character. Actually their high number contribute in a positive way to preserve one of the greatest monuments of the Morocco that once was. And the people of Marrakech love their city even more, and Moroccans all over the country would not let down an opportunity of visiting it.

The most worthwhile tourist traps are collected inside a rather small zone, starting in the north with the suuqs, continuing through the town square of Djemaa al-Fna with its crowd of storytellers, musicians and the Koutoubia mosque which is visible from practically anywhere in Marrakech. Going beyond this, the Menara gardens- by young Marrakechians considered as the most romantic place in town- is high up on the list. But don't forget to visit one of the many examples of sights left by the many Europeans and Americans who fell so much in love with Marrakech that they erected their palaces and gardens here.

The famous town square of Marrakech, Djemaa al-Fna, owes little of its fame to its own beauty, but to the continuous day and night life. During most of the days, performers of every kind put up their shows, continuing until the food stalls start to move in. From the Djemaa there are several entries to the fantastic souqs, and for anyone who needs to relax for a while, there are plenty of cafés around the Djemaa, where the main attraction is looking at the ongoing activities.

Djemaa el-Fna owes most of its fame to the large number of spectacles going on all around all the time. Snake charmers, singers, story tellers, healers and fakirs attract a dominantly Moroccan audience. There are numerous cafes and restaurants around the Djemaa. Some are very basic, but most are about as nice as this one. This is a perfect place to relax, with a great view that makes up for the uninspiring coffee or tea that you order.

The food stalls take over the Djemaa as soon as the orange juice sellers have packed up and gone home. The food is prepares from fresh on the spot, and you can choose between fish, meat or vegetable dishes. The concept is easy, you point at everything you desire, indicate the quantity, and within few minutes it is there in front of you. The food is exquisite, tasteful and much appreciated by Moroccans and brave tourists. Never forget the good rule of eating in Morocco: eat where the Moroccans eat — they know where to get good food!