Author:
Naya Lou lives in Athens: @lounagia and Naya Lou on YouTube.
There are so many countries I’m dying to go to and Morocco was never one of them.
I had read accounts of how travellers were harassed, how dirty it was, how confusing and difficult to get around. And then I went and oh lady… Obviously these people have never travelled anywhere outside Rome or London.
Marrakech was buzzing with people living, laughing, eating (though I have a ton to say about the food and not in a good way), shopping, praying, having fun! Polite, humorous, helpful, smiley people.
Beautiful Islamic architecture, serene gardens, incredible artefacts, jewelry, carpets you name it they make it beautiful! Bottom line: go see for yourself
These are my top 10 must sees:
Number 1: Medersa Ben Youssef
This Medersa is a masterpiece of Moorish design. A koranic school among the finest and largest in Maghreb.
Number 2: El Badi Palace
The Badi Palais was once the biggest and most splendid palace complex in Morocco!
Number 3: La Mamounia Hotel
It is almost impossible to separate Marrakech’s modern history from La Mamounia. Turned into a hotel in the early 1900s and owned in part by the royal family, everyone from FDR to Churchill stayed here. You can visit for FREE!
Number 4: The Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque soars over the city and is basically its centre and meeting point. It was built in the 12th century and you can’t visit the interior if you are not Muslim.
Number 5: Jardin Majorelle
“For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours.” Yves Saint Laurent. Me too. Don’t miss it.
Number 6: The Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are a series of sepulchres and mausoleums in Marrakech that house the remains of important figures from the Saadi Dynasty, which ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. Shortly after the fall of the dynasty, the tombs were sealed off and hidden, only to be rediscovered in 1917.
Number 7: Le Jardin Secret
Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century at the behest of an influential kaid (leader) of the Atlas Mountains, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures.
Today you are able to fully appreciate it, thanks to the recent renovation; Le Jardin Secret is part of the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. As a result visitors can discover its gardens and buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.
Number 8: The Bahia Palace
Meaning brilliance in Arabic, the Bahia Palace is perhaps one of the best-preserved historical sites in the city. Built between 1866 and 1867 by Si Moussa, this sprawling palace is set over two acres in the middle of the Marrakech medina and features 150 rooms, including a harem section located just off the sun-filled Court of Honour.
Number 9: Dar Si Said
Dar Si Said is one of the most popular folklore museums in Marrakesh. The exhibition is housed in an old palace and combines artisan craft work and Islamic architecture. The serene gardens and the absence of crowds make it one of the best places to spend an afternoon!
Number 10: The Jemaa el-Fna Square
Jemaa el-Fna is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech and has become one of the symbols of the city since its foundation in the eleventh century. It represents a unique concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious and artistic expressions. Whatever you do wherever you go you somehow end up here and you love it!
Hoping to check some of these out when we visit in July. Thanks for the tips
Thanks for your comment. Have a great trip!