DK Travel - Top 10 Marrakech

Clockwise from top: Jemaa el Fna, Riad Kniza, the port at Essaouira, Kasbah At Benhaddou, tile detail at Medersa Ben Youssef, a Marrakech carpet souk, camels at Merzouga oasis

An age-old trading post, Marrakech is easily accessible from Europe. The city has an almost mythical quality, its pink ramparts dramatically backed by the purple peaks of the Atlas Mountains, while the spiced air of labyrinthine alleys lends an aura of magic and mystery. With Eyewitness Top 10 Marrakech, this vibrant city is yours to explore.

At the heart of the medieval walled Medina is Jemaa el Fna, a vast plaza filled with mesmerizing sights, from musicians and acrobats to fragrant street food stalls. It is the ideal spot from which to start exploring. To the south is the Kasbah, an area rich with palaces and tombs; to the north are the bustling souks, where almost anything can be bought, from herbal remedies to kaftans and carpets.

Outside the fortified gates, the New City districts of Guliz and Hivernage offer orange-tree-lined avenues with a wealth of chic dining, drinking and shopping spots as well as cultural experiences. One of the areas unexpected delights is discovering the lush and colourful gardens, notably the Majorelle and Agdal Gardens.

Marrakech makes a splendid base for exploring southern Morocco. Hop on a bus or hire a car to experience the blue-and-white charms of the Atlantic port of Essaouira. Alternatively, head south to the mountains and to the desert beyond for imposing tribal fortresses, oasis villages, dune seas and a centre of international cinema.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Marrakech has to offer. It gives you tips throughout, from navigating the souks to choosing a hammam, as well as eight easy-to-follow itineraries. With inspiring photography and detailed maps, this is the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Marrakech.

EXPLORING MARRAKECH

Marrakech may be low on museums and monuments, but a visit here is all about soaking up the atmosphere and culture. Even so, there are a handful of places that should not be missed. Four days allows you to see the best of the city and gives you time to make a day trip south into the mountains.

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Two Days in Marrakech

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Day 1

Morning

Start at .

Afternoon

Head over to the .

Day 2

Morning

From Jemaa el Fna, dive into the for lunch.

The souks are a warren of passageways filled with brightly coloured local wares and intriguing sights and smells.

Afternoon

Head to the nearby .

Medersa Ben Youssef is one of the most beautifully decorated buildings in the city.

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Four Days in Marrakech

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Day 1

Morning

Start with a walk around the .

Afternoon

Head over to the .

Day 2

Morning

Head out from Jemaa el Fna and wander among the for lunch.

Afternoon

Visit the nearby (reservations required).

Day 3

Morning

Take a taxi to the and explore the local boutiques.

The Majorelle Gardens make for a peaceful getaway from the rush of the Medina.

Afternoon

Return to the Medina for a leisurely afternoon at a .

Day 4

Morning

Return to the Kasbah area to visit the impressive-looking , then wrap up any souvenir shopping.

Afternoon

Take a taxi to the .

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Top 10 Marrakech Highlights

Minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque

Top 10 Marrakech Highlights

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JEMAA EL FNA

The Medinas central square means Assembly of the Dead, a reference to a time when the heads of executed criminals would be displayed here on spikes. Although nothing so gruesome is on view today, the square is still populated with some extraordinary sights, including snake charmers, acrobats and colourfully costumed water sellers. Despite efforts to sanitize Jemaa el Fna with neat paving and ornamental barrows, the place remains endearingly chaotic.

NEED TO KNOW

Medina

Caf de France: 0524 44 23 19; open 7am11pm daily (closes late in the summer); two restaurants; credit cards are not accepted

Calche rides: place Foucault, off Jemaa el Fna; prices vary, and tours can cost up to 110 Dh for 15 to 20 minutes.

Google Map

• In addition to Caf de France there are many other cafs with terraces offering prime seating overlooking the square, including .

Orange Juice Stalls

Sellers of freshly squeezed orange juice, with brightly painted barrows are the first to appear on the square every morning.

Brightly painted juice stalls

Porters