The sheer amount of sights and sensations in the city of Marrakech is astounding, and it is easy to become bewildered by the vast number of destinations that are available to a visitor. Here are just a few of the many fascinating things to do in Marrakech.
1) A good place to start exploring Marrakech is its town square, Djemaa El Fna. With a bustling market square, a wide variety of food on sale and a host of performers from fakirs to snake charmers, Djemaa El Fna is one of the most remarkable places in Morocco.
2) The Koutoubia Mosque (pictured top) is the city’s largest mosque and can be found in Djemaa El Fna. This spectacular piece of architecture, which dates from the twelfth century, is the subject of numerous local legends.
3) Maison Tiskiwin is run by Bert Flint, a Dutch explorer and anthropologist. Flint assembled a collection of Moroccan artwork which is now on public display in this museum; for a taste of true Moroccan aesthetics, give this fascinating exhibition a look.
4) Not far from Djemaa El Fna is Dar Cherifa is a literary cafe, combining a restaurant with an art gallery. The building itself is a slice of history as it was built in the fifteenth century; all in all, this is a beautiful example of the city’s cultural heritage.
5) Marrakech has a tannery district which can be visited for a first-hand look at the preparation of leather; the area is notable for its strong aroma. As well as watching the fascinating process of leather being prepared and coloured you will be able to purchase a wide range of authentic leather products from the area.
6) Much the same can be said of the Dar Si Said Museum, the oldest museum in Marrakech. The collection on display at the Dar Si Said Museum is noted for containing a wide array of elegant objects crafted from wood.
7) Dating back at least as far as 1557 and rediscovered in 1917, the Saadian Tombs comprise some of the most imposing funeral buildings in the region. The tombs include the richly-decorated mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed el Mansour, who ordered the construction of the main buildings.
8) Marrakech was founded in 1962, but destroyed and rebuilt a century and a half later. The only remaining building from the original city is Koubba El-Badiyin. At nearly a thousand years old this domed structure is a remarkable example of elegance in simplicity.
9) Few would argue that the Badii Palace is the single most magnificent building in the whole of Marrakech. The crumbled stone remnants of a sixteenth century palace commissioned by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the building is not only remarkable for its sheer size but for its place in the history of the city. It is hard not to be overpowered by the Badii Palace’s picturesque majesty.
10) The city is also home to innumerable street markets, also known as souks. The famous markets of Djemaa El Fna have already been mentioned, but there are many other locations around the city that are home to their own markets, each with its own character and flavour.
We hoped you enjoyed our insight into Marrakech and things to do. Leave us a comment and tell us what you think.
