If you want a getaway that allows you to enjoy culture, party the night away but also relax, then Marrakesh is the ideal location. Like many North African cities, Marrakesh comprises both an old fortified city known as ‘Medina’ and an adjacent modern city called ‘Gueliz’. The old part is home to the world famous souks, and historical palaces while the new part contains western shops, clubs and restaurants. The city enjoys mild winters and hot dry summers – so you are guaranteed good weather for most of the year. It also enjoys the same time zone as the UK, and is only a short flight away from Europe – making it the perfect getaway for many holiday-makers. Here is Suite 101’s guide to must-see attractions which will make your stay memorable:
Jamaa el Fna: You will be hit by the hustle and bustle of market the moment you step foot inside.
It is nestled inside Marrakesh's Medina quarter and is the centre for all activity in the old part of the city. During the day, it is buzzing: from orange juice stalls, monkey and snake charmers as well as henna tattooists who are more than happy to pose for photographs with tourists, in exchange for a fee. Shoppers will also be pleased to know that one side of the square is jam packed with souks shops selling pottery, jewellery, bags and shoes. However, you can quickly escape the noise of the square on the other side, which boasts cafe terraces, ice cream parlours and restaurants. As evening falls, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls, dancing boys, story tellers and magicians. It is worth sampling the food, which is cheap and cheerful.
El Badi Palace: The palace is walking distance from Jamaa el Fna, so you could visit it within the same day. The site is remnants of a palace built by the Saadian king Ahmad al-Mansur in 1578. The original building is thought to have boasted a courtyard, pool and magnificent rooms, richly decorated with Italian marble and large amounts of gold imported from Sudan. Visitors can now see what is left of the majestic walls that once stood tall - but if you look close enough you can still spot the remains of the marble and mosaic work. Among the dusty palace, visitors can walk through the courtyards which are still filled with lush orange trees. Visitors will have to pay extra to see the Koutoubia minbar, which is a 12th-century prayer pulpit, and is on exhibition in one for the refurbished pavilions. Entry is 10 dirham to palace and then another 10dh to see minbar. It is open 8.30am to 11.45am, and then 2.45pm - 5.45pm.
El Bahia Palace: If you only have enough time to see one palace, then make sure you visit this one.
It is set within two acres of garden and was built in the 19th century by Si Moussa, who was a grand vizier of the sultan. He used part of the palace for his harem and today visitors can see a marble-paved courtroom which is surrounded by rooms intended for the concubines. Many of these rooms open onto the garden which would have allowed its former occupants to enjoy the beauty of the lush greenery, jasmine flowers as well as cypress and orange trees. The disused palace is now home to an art gallery, and visitors can spot unusual sculptures, such as a mirror skip, pottery display and giant hammer tools, in the rooms. Entrance is 10 dirham to the venue which is open from 9am and closes at 6pm.
Jardin Majorelle: This secret garden is a must-see attraction within the new part of the chaotic city.
It provides a much needed rest for travellers who will be in awe by the vivid colours on display. Electric blue and yellow pots contrast with pink pathways to dazzle the eyes. This vision is set off beautifully by the brilliant sunshine which falls on the exotic variety of cacti, palms, olive trees, and bamboo trees. The grounds are quite small and visitors can comfortably see it all and pose for photographs within an hour. It was designed by the expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924, during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France. The gardens were neglected after Majorelle’s death in 1962, but were revived some years later by Yves Saint Laurent and the artist Pierre Bergé who bought the grounds in 1980. Yves Saint Laurent loved the gardens so much, that after died in 2008 his ashes were scattered in the Majorelle Garden. There is even a memorial where visitors can pay their respects to the fashion designer by a minute of silence.
Jardin Majorelle also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakesh, which includes North African textiles from Yves Saint Laurent's personal collection as well as ceramics, jewellery, and paintings by Majorelle.
The Koutoubia Mosque: This is the largest mosque in the city and unlike traditional domed mosques, it features a single minaret tower. It was the model for the minaret of the Giralda mosque in Seville which in its turn influenced thousands of church towers in Spain and Eastern Europe.
The majestic tower is 69 meters high and is adorned with four copper globes. Inside, the tower contains six rooms, one above the other. Muslims can worship within the mosque, during prayer times, but is also open to non-Muslims.
Night Life: For an unbelievable night of entertainment, couples should take a trip to Chez Ali.
Visitors experience the sights and sounds of Moroccan musicians and dancers who entertain guests as they enjoy a five course meal in caidal tents. The attraction also features a horse back parade, belly dancers, acrobats, and fireworks. It costs 35€ which is very reasonable taking into account that it includes travel to and from the venue.
Where to Stay: Although the city is famed for its bed and breakfast style riads, if you are looking for rest and relaxation then Terre Resort & Spa in Marrakech is the only place to stay. All guests are welcomed with a fruit cocktail – which sets the relaxing tone to the stay. Unlike traditional hotels, which have several storeys stacked up on top of each other, bedrooms are situated inside private villas. Each villa style room, which boosts its own garden, is split into two rooms, which gives guests a lot of privacy. The resort also features a spa where couples can enjoy a hammam spa experience. This involves the body being rubbed and scrubbed by a beauty therapist before bathing in rose water. Within the hotel, visitors can swim in the outdoor pool, play tennis or unwind by dining at Milagros restaurant or enjoy a drink at the Vue bar. Although the resort is a few miles away from the city centre, it runs a shuttle service throughout the day to tourist hot spots for free. Prices vary, so visit www.terre.com for more information.
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