A feast for the senses
Vacation in Marrakesh
“The city taught me the beauty of color,” said fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent during one of his many visits to Marrakesh. In fact, the buildings and magnificent architecture of the Royal City in the center of Morocco do have a slightly reddish color. Together with its many markets and green oases, the city radiates with an especially colorful splendor, which is what characterizes the magic of this city, with its exotic smells, unusual sounds and many cultural attractions. Book a vacation in Marrakesh now and experience the fairy tale of the 1,001 Nights!
Why vist Marrakesh
✓ Historic Old Town
Medina is not only the oldest part of the city, but also its cultural center. This city is characterized by its traditional buildings, magnificent mosques and bustling markets.
✓ A world of sound, fragrance and color
“Souks” are the traditional markets located throughout the city and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the magical world of the 1,001 Nights on their city break in Marrakesh.
✓ Taste explosions
The food is not only relatively cheap, but also extremely delicious. Tagines, couscous or kebabs will transport you to gastronomic heaven!
A wonder of Islamic architecture: Bahia Palace
With its numerous ornaments and carvings, this palace in the south of the Medina is one of the most beautiful buildings in Morocco. You can easily get lost in its over 150 rooms and courtyards (“riads”) built in the Moorish-Andalusian style: but that doesn’t matter. There’s way too much to see here anyway.
A magnificent landmark of the city: Kutubiyya Mosque
The striking silhouette of the minaret of the Kutubiyya Mosque reaches high into the sky. This magnificently decorated building is the symbol of the city and is located in the center of a palm tree garden. Even if non-Muslims and women are not permitted to enter, you should definitely pay a visit to this cultural highlight!
A highlight of Islamic architecture: Madrasa
The former Koranic School of Ben Youssef Madrasa should also feature on your cultural bucket list. The distinctive architecture of this strikingly decorated building delights not only art historians, but is an absolute highlight for anyone interested in culture.
Amid the everyday bustle of the souks
The souks of the Medina are the trading districts of the Old Town of Marrakesh and a place full of life. There is an aroma of spices, retailers offer their wares, while crowds, mopeds, donkeys and carts crowd along the narrow lanes. You haven’t been to Marrakesh at all if you haven’t visited the souks of the Medina!
World-famous market square in the center of Medina
Jemaa el-Fnaa, also known as the “Square of Jugglers,” forms the center of the Medina and is probably the best-known market square anywhere in Morocco. And this center of the Medina rightly bears this name: All kinds of extraordinary art forms are on display here, from tellers of fairy tales to fire-eaters. You’ll be totally amazed. Delicious street food and live music included.
Tranquil oases of the Medina
Who would have thought that there’d be tranquil oases in the center of the bustling Old Town? The so-called riads are small houses with a green inner courtyard – often even with a pool or fountains. Many of the riads, whose tradition goes back to the 15th century, are essentially hotels or apartments: a must-stay for an authentic Moroccan vacation!
Hiking paradise: the Atlas Mountains
Since Marrakesh is only about 90 km from the Atlas Mountains, your vacation in Marrakesh can become a hiking holiday as well as a city break. Even if for only one or a few days. On a hike through the high mountains, your visit can take you to traditional Berber villages, and you can enjoy the magical waterfalls of Setti Fatma.
No vacation without beach vibes
Even though a visit to Marrakesh is more of a city break than a beach holiday, you don’t have to miss out on dangling your feet in the sea at least once. The port city of Essaouira is, fortunately, situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco and is located about 180 km from Marrakesh. So, pack a towel and soak up some beach vibes for a day!
In the desert
Agafay Desert is just 30 km from Marrakesh. During a tour of this mysterious location, you can visit traditional Berber villages and stroll through the expanses of the desert – all with a view of the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains. A great insider tip for a vacation as a couple: a romantic dinner in the desert under the stars!
Bucket list for your vacation in Marrakesh
1. The Dar el Bacha coffee house
This famous café used to be a royal palace, just like out of the “Thousand-and-One Nights.” More than 200 varieties of Arabica coffee are served here in brass cans, along with delicious food.
2. Hammams
Hammams are beautiful traditional Turkish-style baths and a must in Marrakesh. You’ll find these relaxing spots all over the city and also in many hotels and riads. Why not give yourself a treat!
3. Peppermint tea
A trip to Marrakesh would not be complete without trying the traditional mint tea. This mixture of black tea leaves, sugar and mint is more than just a drink – it’s a symbol of hospitality.
4. Majorelle Garden
Marrakesh can be full of surprises. There’s a cool oasis amid this hectic and often suffocating city center: Majorelle Garden. This park with its palm trees, cacti and fountains is not only a refreshing change from the city, but also a great place to take photos.
5. Marrakesh from above
Time for a few memories! How about a ride in a hot air balloon over the red city and the surrounding Atlas Mountains? This experience could be the highlight of your Marrakesh trip.
Weather & best time to travel
Marrakesh is warm and sunny throughout the year, though the temperatures can fall below 0°C in winter. The temperature can sometimes rise to over 40°C in high summer, i.e., from June to September – not for those sensitive to scorching hot weather. Temperatures are mostly pleasant in spring and fall, on the other hand – the best time to travel and explore the many sights.
Getting around
The number 1 form of transport in Marrakesh is yourself – you will usually get around quickest on foot, especially in the Medina, because the alleys are often very narrow and crowded. Next in line is the bus with good connections to take you to the most important places in the city. A rental car is particularly worthwhile for tours of the surrounding areas, such as the desert or the Atlas Mountains. Car rentals are available in Marrakesh as well as from the airport.
Marrakesh Airport is only 6 km from the city center, and the most convenient way to travel between the two is by scheduled or shuttle bus. But you can also reach the Royal City in just a few minutes by public taxi or rental car – so don’t hestitate and visit Marrakesh with Discover Airlines!
Do’s and don’ts in Marrakesh
✓ Bargain
If an item at the market in Marrakesh doesn’t have a price tag, you have to haggle! Bargaining is regarded as good manners and is part of the culture. With a little practice, you can get great deals – and it’s also fun!
X Use too much water
As a desert country, water in Morocco is often scarce: Excessive water consumption is considered unethical and impolite – even in the hammams. Only use as much as you really need!
X Wear inappropriate clothing
It should go without saying, but it still needs mentioning again here. Marrakesh is a traditionally Muslim city. This should be respected, and clothing that is too short or otherwise inappropriate should be avoided.
✓ Learn some terminology
Riad, medina, hammam, kasbah, ksar – there are many terms in Arab culture that describe the cityscape and culture and that you should familiarize yourself with beforehand.
✓ Learn a little Arabic
Even though Marrakesh is very touristy and most people speak English in the tourist hotspots, it’s not only polite to learn some Arabic, but you can also achieve greater success when negotiating at the market!
✓ Visit the modern districts
The modern districts of Marrakesh, Guéliz and Hivernage are less traditional, but no less beautiful. With modern buildings, palm-tree gardens, shopping centers and many elegant restaurants, they’re a real contrast to Medina – but they are also part of the cityscape.
X Photograph strangers without asking
This point is also not very surprising, but it’s important. If you wish to take photos of strangers, ask! It is also forbidden to photograph military personnel. You may get a large fine as a result.
FAQs about your vacation in Marrakesh
Marrakesh, like all of Morocco, is a safe vacation destination as long as you follow the rules and recommendations for the country.
Absolutely! But not everywhere – while it’s very busy on the marketplace or in the souks in the evening, you should avoid dark and lonely side streets.
Better not. It’s better to buy drinking water, because the water contains unfamiliar minerals and a lot of chlorine. Don’t use ice cubes, either.
Did you know?
In 1943, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill insisted that U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt travel to Marrakesh with him after a conference. That’s where he painted the beautiful painting: Sunset over the Atlas Mountains.
