Marrakech
The ancient city of Marrakech is one of the most atmospheric destinations you’ll ever visit. There are sights to see, but for many the main attraction is simply the ambiance of the city, with its exotic blend of Islamic and European culture.
Activities and Attractions:
The heart of Marrakech is the medina, or old walled city. And the heart of the medina is Jemaa el Fna, an enormous square where snake charmers, dancers, and herbalists all ply their trades during the day. By nightfall, Jemaa el Fna is full of acrobats, storytellers, soothsayers, and trained animals, as well as all manner of food vendors.
The Jemaa el Fna is the gateway to a warren of souks, or market stalls, that lie both to the north and to the south of the square. This is the Morocco you’ve seen in movies, where the alleys are lined with men hawking silver, spices, leather goods, and even animal pelts. Expect to haggle over prices here—it’s half the fun.
Towering over the medina is the 221-foot minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. The magnificent place of worship, which also used to house a school, was constructed in the 12th century and is flanked by the ruins of a slightly older structure.
If you need a break from the bustling medina, exit toward the Ville Nouvelle, the newer French part of town. Here you’ll find the cool, peaceful Menara Gardens, and beyond that, the palmeraie, an oasis of date palms in an exclusive Marrakech neighborhood.
Insider Tip:
Visitors to the medina sometimes find themselves irritated by throngs of men offering to act as guides to the area. One way to head off this annoyance is to pre-emptively hire yourself a reliable guide before you get to the market area. Your hotel will almost certainly have a network of trusted locals to choose from.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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