Editors of Time Out - Time Out Marrakech

1 Jemaa El Fna

The square that is the beating heart of Marrakech. By day, snake charmers and transvestite dancers add exoticism, and as the muezzin cranks up the evening call to prayer and a sunset pall falls on the square, the whole place becomes one big, chaotic entertainment venue. Henna artists, jugglers and hijabbed fortune tellers appear, joining the cacophony of competing musicians, all set against the backdrop of the smoky grills and trestle tables of the many food stalls.

2 La Mamounia scrubdown

Not everyone can afford to stay at La Mamounia hotel, but you can purchase a little bit of luxury for your souk-weary soul with a day pass at the spa. Descend into the subterranean chamber past the extraordinary contemporary Murano lamps and submit to a rigorous gommage in the hammam, then perhaps a massage. Post-kneading, relax in the sensually lit spa pool chamber it was the hotels Moroccan restaurant before its recent renovation and then unfurl your limbs on a sunlounger and rest, cocktail in hand, by the huge garden pool.

3 The Souks

Saunter, survey and splurge its the only way to deal with the sheer quantity, the colours and the smells of the souks. This is commerce at its most intoxicating. Forget the map and just follow your eyes, nose and ears. Haggling is de rigueur, but if you cant hack it, climb to the first floor of Souk Cherifia for gorgeous prix fixe designs by Moroccan and international designers.

4 Maison Arabe cooking class

The spices, the smells, those lentils, that salad, oh, and the tender lamb tagine, and fluffy couscous... not to mention the perfectly poured mint tea. Learning the skills of the Moroccan kitchen has never been easier nor more enjoyable. Maison Arabes state-of-the-art kitchen takes you through the steps needed to concoct your own classic Moroccan feast.

5 Majorelle Gardens

French painter Jacques Majorelles flourishing homage to the plant world is a much sought-after colourful and shady retreat from the bustle of Marrakechs Medina. The lemon yellow and the striking cobalt blue (now named Majorelle blue), plus the palms, the soaring cacti and the multicoloured planters, seduce visitors in their thousands. Linger longer for the caf, museum with Berber jewellery, and the cluster of shops and cafs on the gardens doorstep.

6 Ben Youssef Medersa

The Quranic school in the heart of the Medina is one of Marrakechs most beautiful buildings. An oblong ablutions pool in the centre of the courtyard reflects the exquisite decoration and symmetry of the surrounding arcades: bands of geometric zelije tiles are topped by Arabic calligraphy carved in stone. To appreciate its beauty and find time for contemplation, arrive well ahead of the tour groups, early in the morning.

7 Caf Clock

Following in the footsteps of its Fs outpost, Caf Clock has a refreshing, innovative cultural agenda. Along with the camel burgers and the coffee, Clock is reviving the art of storytelling, teaching visitors calligraphic script using bamboo pens, showcasing the music of the gnawa, and providing space for weekly jam sessions. Its also a cool space to hang out in surrounded by contemporary photographic prints.