Marrakech is one of the great cities of the Maghreb region of Northern Africa, being founded almost a thousand years ago. This city, which seems to be bursting-at-the-seams, can be found on the edge of the Sahara Desert. It’s pink earth palaces framed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains make it seemingly perfect for luxury tours – but is this really the case?
The past and present can be hard to tell apart in Marrakech with Africa, Europe and the Middle East all merging and mingling in its busy souks. It isn’t a perfectly preserved historical monument though, you will find it a place that is buzzing with energy and ideas. It’s not for no reason that it was recently named Africa’s first Capital of Culture.
If you’re looking for a luxury holiday Morocco then Marrakech has it all. Courtyard mansions, innovative museums and rooftop restaurants will keep you enchanted from sunrise to sundown. Marrakech really does need to be seen to be believed, with the best things to do there requiring you to use all of your senses!
Read on to find out some of our favourite things to do when you are on a luxury tour of Marrakech.
Bahia Palace
Bahia roughly translates as “beautiful” in English and that is really not an overstatement when it comes to this building. This 150-room palace was once home to Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed, who threw everything he had at the decoration. It’s the perfect place to escape from the heat of the midday sun, as you marvel at the intricate detailing of the carved stucco and gilded ceilings – a real ‘wow’ moment.
El Badi Palace
El Badi is a ruin, but this former home of Sultan Ahmed-al-Mansour is still a sight to behold as it offers a fascinating insight into the wealth and power of the Moroccan dynasties of the past. Set within sunken gardens and surrounded by epic ramparts, you will also be able to see Koutoubias minbar – a payer pulpit beautifully crafted by Cordoban artisans in the 12th Century.
Gueliz
For something completely different you need to head to the neighbourhood of Gueliz, west of the Medina. This ‘new town’ was built in the 1930s and is home to small homeware boutiques and large shopping centres, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants. It has a laid-back vibe which can be a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the central Medina.
Hammam De La Rose
Can you really say you’ve been to Morocco if you haven’t visited a Hammam? And Hammam De La Rose is a Moroccan institute offering traditional treatments such as masques, massages and scrubs in luxurious surroundings.
Jardin Majorelle
If Instagram is your social media platform of choice, then you need your phone at the ready when you head to Jardin Majorelle – it’s one of those places where it is impossible to take a bad photo! Jacques Majorelle, the French painter, created this botanical garden with a stunning indigo blue art deco house at its centre as a home for his huge collection of cacti.
Jemaa el-Fna
One of the most famous sights in Marrakech, this vast open square at the heart of the Medina is also a UNESCO heritage site. It’s the place to be at night, when both locals and tourists are drawn there by the henna artists, street entertainers, and snake charmers. The best thing to do is to grab some tasty street food from one of the many BBQ stalls, listen to some music while you enjoy it, and then head up to one of the rooftop bars to watch the sunset. Magical.
Musee des Confluences
Some people say this is the most beautiful building in the medina, the Musee des Confluences is the former Governers house that is now home to the archaeological collection of the famous American Patty Birch. If the collection doesn’t catch your eye, then the intricately detailed medina will – and you can also while away a few hours at the Bacha Coffee house – which serves 40 different brews!
Musee Yves Saint Laurent
The French Designer Yves Saint Laurent was such a fan of Jardin Majorelle (see above) that in 1980 he actually bought it! He died in 2008, and in 2017 the Musee Yves Saint Laurent was opened next door to the Jardin, as a celebration of his couture legacy. It’s a great place to visit even if fashion isn’t your thing, as it also houses an auditorium, an exhibition hall and a gorgeous café in the garden.
Souk Place des Epices
This open-air Souk is famous for the rich, aromatic spices that you will find in Moroccan cuisine. As well as merchants selling bags of spices, such as allspice to Ras al Hanout, you can also pick up colourful basketry. Once you have shopped ‘til you drop head to one of the cafes that ring the square to watch everyone else haggling!
Souk Semmarine
Marrakech is known the world over for its souks (markets) and Souk Semmarine is the largest of them all, so if you are looking for a true Moroccan experience then this is where you need to go. You’ll find crockery, leather goods, rugs and silver wear, so get stuck in and do some haggling with the local traders. Your one-of-a-kind memento of your luxury holiday will look even better when you know you knocked it down in price.
If all this has wetted your appetite, and you want to book your own luxury Morocco tours, then please don’t hesitate to contact Hasina Morocco Tours. This family run business is ready and waiting to guide you through your Moroccan adventure.
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