Guide to: Marrakesh

By: A. Kissajikian

Marrakech is a mesmerising city in Morocco, rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. In between the desert and the mountains, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Here’s a guide to some must-visit places in the land of vibrant souks, historic palaces, and colourful gardens.


Exploring the City’s Heart
We began our journey by visiting the ancient city walls, an architectural marvel that divides the old Medina from the newer parts of Marrakech. These walls designed holes helped cool the surroundings by allowing air to circulate during the hot summer and winter days.


Our next stop was the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. While we couldn’t enter, the mosque's towering minaret is a symbol of the city. The Moroccan flag in front of the Mosque shows a green five-pointed star representing the Five Pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.


A short 10-minute walk brought us to the Medina, where you can immerse yourself in a whirlwind of culture. Narrow streets are lined with shops selling Moroccan pastries, spices, textiles, and hand-crafted goods; make sure to go to the original Moroccan stores. The Medina’s vibrant atmosphere is thrilling but chaotic, with motorbikes, donkeys, and carts moving past.


After wandering through the souks, we made our way to a rooftop restaurant. From there, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the city.


Historical Gems
We visited the stunning Palais Bahia, in the Medina (old city), a home with 150 rooms for the regent Ahmad Ibn Mūsā to live with his four wives. The palace was named after his favourite wife, Bāhiya. This home with elegant architecture, intricate mosaics, and beautiful gardens offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history. The incredible and colourful courtyard garden, with its fountains and mosaic, is a tranquil escape from the lively streets outside.


Gardens and Culinary Delights
We couldn’t visit Marrakech without stopping at the famous Jardin Majorelle, an enchanting garden filled with vibrant cobalt-blue buildings and an immense collection of exotic plants. The botanical garden was once purchased by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent fashion designer to restore it and open it to the public. The garden is full of life and colours, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. The garden also has the Berber Museum where you can see the collection of objects and clothes from the Berbers, the most ancient people in North Africa. In 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum opened nearby and you can enjoy a collection of clothes and learn their story.


In the afternoon, we visited Bachar Café, known for its unique coffee creations. Moroccan coffee often incorporates unexpected flavours like orange or cinnamon, giving the drink an exotic twist.


Sampling local cuisine is a must in Marrakech. We indulged in dishes like couscous with lamb or chicken, spiced with traditional Moroccan seasonings. Vegetables, often mixed with grains, are also a part of the Moroccan diet. For dessert, we savoured fried pastries with ice cream and the iconic Moroccan Affogato, alongside sweet dates.


Hot air balloon
We boarded a hot air balloon to watch the sunrise at 7 am. Drifting over Marrakech and the surrounding desert was one of the most surreal experiences of my life, the city glowing with soft golden light whilst you eat breakfast in the skies. It looked as if I was in a movie.


The Desert
Our final day was in the desert, just an hour and a half from the city. The vast emptiness of the landscape was striking, offering a sense of peace. We rented buggies to explore the dunes and the desert. In one hour, we got to know an extensive part of the desert. Stopping in the middle of the ride was a must, as the sun began to set, the desert transformed into a golden sea of sand. It was a magical moment—a perfect photo opportunity for families.


We ended our day with a cultural experience, enjoying traditional Moroccan music and dance. We even learned how to dance to their music and we couldn’t resist getting henna tattoos, a great way to end the trip.


Final Thoughts
Our trip to Marrakech, though only a few days long, barely scratched the surface of the city’s rich culture and traditions. From the Medina to the calm of the desert, Marrakech offers a sensory overload in the best possible way.