Reliving our travel experiences in Marrakech miss. An old and unconventional city, Marrakech suits only a small group of travelers, mostly those who are interested in history and culture.
Last updated: December 6, 2024
Experience Marrakech
Marrakech is often depicted as a king of social media. It promises you the most unforgettable experiences in your life. It’s a place that overwhelms you with its vibrant colors, smells, and authentic, almost artistic hustle and bustle.
The exotic Red City guarantees the life of a royalty in one of its lavish riads. At the same time, it makes sure you always stay grounded by throwing at you all the madness of the Medina. You can never be completely ready and prepared for a visit to Marrakech. But a few things you can always count on when in Marrakech are a sensory overload and mind-blowing experiences.
Our experiences in Marrakech were significantly different from those commonly presented on social media. First, for our first time in the Red City all we wanted was to explore the city outside its famous riads. I found myself itching to get to the Medina as soon as possible. And so, we traded the popular Marrakech riad experiences for a hotel where locals would stay.
Second, we went to Marrakech as observers and travelers, and eventually storytellers. Buying souvenirs and world-famous Moroccan rugs was never our driving force to visit the city. But we did get to appreciate and marvel at these handmade “masterpieces”.
The truth is Marrakech gets you in one way or another, so much that you can’t stop talking about it. Without further ado, let me share with you our 10 unforgettable experiences in Marrakech.
10 UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES IN MARRAKECH
1. Getting Lost in the Maze of Souks in Medina
The first place to start your journey is the Medina. Busy, loud, and a bit unnerving, the souks of Marrakech offer one of the most remarkable experiences to cherish for years to come. It is a place to go on a full shopping spree.
From traditional jewelries, to harem pants, leather goods, Moroccan beauty potions, and souvenirs, the souks have something for everybody. Moreover, the marketplace gathers a big collection of the most beautiful, authentic Moroccan rugs. And don’t let me start talking about traditional spices and argan oil, an integral part of every Marrakech experience.
2. Experience the Madness of Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna
If you think that the souks are busy, then you need to see and experience the craziness of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech. The main square is the center of all activities in the Medina. By day Jemaa el-Fna turns into a marketplace for spice traders and orange juice stalls. Snake charmers and performing monkeys also take part in creating these unforgettable experiences in the old town of Marrakech.
At night, Jemaa el Ena welcomes different kinds of merchants. Night food stalls replace the typical spice stalls. Snakes and monkeys disappear. Groups of local performers and storytellers take their places, intensifying the already surreal scene of Marrakech at night.
3. Visit Bahia Palace
While the souks ensure the superb everyday experiences in Marrakech, the Bahia Palace unveils a different side of the city. The 19th-century palace is a perfect example of the lavish lifestyle of the Moroccan elite.
Previously home to various Moroccan royals, the Bahia Palace opens some of its doors to the public. But even these restricted areas with intricate latticework promise some of the most beautiful experiences and photo opportunities in Marrakech.
4. Sip on Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea
Let’s be honest, people drink sweet elixir aka Moroccan mint tea all over the country. Yet since we are talking about our unforgettable Marrakech experiences, this sweet mint tea deserves a special spot here. The moment you arrive in Marrakech, the traditional drink is bestowed on you at every opportunity. Don’t be surprised when merchants at the souks serve you a cup of tea before offering a deal.
5. Experience Traditional Hammam in Marrakech
Moroccan hammam is a bathhouse with multiple dry and steamed rooms. Moroccans regard their visit to a hammam as a social experience. It’s a special place where the body and soul get cleaned according to ancient rituals performed by skillful staff or friends.
6. Master Haggling
Don’t embark on an exciting journey of experiencing Marrakech’s Medina without first learning how to haggle. Bargaining has long become an essential part of Moroccan culture. Marrakech’s souks shopkeepers have been performing this art for centuries. At times merchants may look annoyed and even intimidating. Yet in the end, it’s all a part of Marrakech’s successful business.
7. Admire Koutoubia Mosque
One of the most recognizable landmarks of Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque is located within a walking distance of Jemaa el Fna. The mosque impresses with its beautiful architecture that features arches, curved windows, and intricate tile work.
Like most structures in the city, the Koutoubia Mosque was erected in the 12th century. While you can surely admire the splendid architecture of the mosque from outside, only Muslims can enter inside.
8. Experience Marrakech’s Most Colorful Site
The Majorelle Garden is another extraordinary place that ensures a pop of color and style that you never experience anywhere else in Marrakech. Forget about a typical desert setting and salmon pink color of the city. Instead, exotic plants, such as bamboo and water lilies, and the cobalt blue color dominate inside the Majorelle Garden.
9. Feast on Moroccan Cuisine
Make sure to eat tagine, a mix of stewed meat, vegetables, fruits, and spices, at least once when in Marrakech. I was surprised to find out that Moroccans eat lots of semolina. In fact, it’s one of the most preferred breakfast options in the country.
10. Experience the Streets of Guéliz, New Town of Marrakech
The Guéliz area is known as the Ville Nouvelle or New Town of Marrakech. As expected, it significantly differs from the Medina. The endless labyrinths of the narrow alleys are gone. The roads get wider and broader. And with such favorable conditions, modern cars don’t wait to be asked to fill the streets of the Guéliz district.
And with them come troubles. To be exact, not with the cars, but with their impatient drivers who become nightmares for pedestrians. Thus, if you ever need one tip on how to experience the Ville Nouvelle of Marrakech, be extra careful when crossing the streets. A crosswalk with a green light gives you an automatic right to cross the street somewhere else but Marrakech and sometimes even Rome.
