Seven must-do things in Marrakech

Snake charmers, riads and luxury clubs: Morocco for trendsetters: seven things you absolutely must do in Marrakech

Against the backdrop of the snow-covered Atlas Mountains, Marrakech spreads out like an oasis in the desert. While chic luxury hotels and clubs are lined up in the Neustadt, the huge old town attracts with an oriental jumble. Seven must-see things in and around Marrakech.

  • At night there is a magical atmosphere in the Juggler Square.
  • Marrakech's medina is a labyrinth of alleys, squares, shops, cafes and chic hotels.
  • Visitors can find peace, relaxation and a shady spot in the city's tropical gardens.

Marrakech is a trend destination par excellence. Hippies, artists and jet setters have been coming to this Moroccan city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains for decades. Mainly because of the large medina, a typical oriental old town, which is surrounded by a huge red sandstone wall and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Here it is teeming with shops, cafes, marketplaces and chic hotels that have established themselves in the typical Moroccan riad houses with the open courtyards. Seven things not to be missed:

1. On the Dive into the place of the jugglers

One of the most famous places in Morocco and Marrakech is the place of the jugglers in the medina: the Djemaa el-Fna. It is actually called “Place of the Hanged” because the Almovid rulers once chopped off the heads of criminals and traitors here.

Today Marrakchis, Moroccans and Berbers from the surrounding regions meet here to watch snake charmers, fire-breathers, dancers, showmen and to listen to musicians, miracle healers and storytellers.

Drum rolls and wafts of mist

Especially in the evening, when thousands of people are out and about, there is an unbelievable atmosphere: the square then looks like a colorful sea of ​​lights. Drum music can be heard at every corner and thick clouds of mist rise from the numerous food stalls where snails, kebabs and whole mutton heads are roasting over the fire.

Tip: After a stroll, be sure to visit one of the surrounding cafés and enjoy the view of this incredible spectacle from the roof terrace with a mint tea.

2. Get lost in the souks of the medina

Strolling through the souks of the medina is a pleasure even for those who don't like shopping. Because the heart of oriental culture beats in the narrow and winding streets with their countless shops: colorful ceramics, handmade wool and silk carpets, artfully pyramid-shaped spices, silver jewelry, Berber hats, argan oil – in between hang slaughtered lambs, snake skins and dyed yarns in bright colors from the ceiling. Donkey teams with fragrant oranges and mopeds loaded with colorful balls of fabric push their way through the alleys.

Snakes, turtles and chameleons

Traders even sell exotic animals on Rahba Kedima Square (also called Place aux Épices). Snakes, turtles and chameleons wait almost motionless in their small cages.

Attention, if you want to shop, you should always have enough small bills and change in your pocket. The traders charge significantly higher prices from tourists than from locals. But they also expect to be traded with. It's part of their culture.

3. Eat a tagine dish

Don't worry, if you don't find the braised lamb heads on the juggler's square to stimulate your appetite, you don't have to go hungry. When it comes to food, Marrakech also impresses with its incredible variety. A must on the culinary to-do list: try a tagine dish. In the rustic Berber pots made of clay with the cone-shaped lids, the Moroccans stew vegetables, fish, lamb and chicken directly over the fire or in the oven.

Candlelit dining and ganoua music

The "Fundouk" restaurant on the edge of the medina is considered to be one of the best addresses in town for local cuisine. The atmosphere in this former caravanserai is reminiscent of 1001 nights: Surrounded by Moroccan artefacts and babbling fountains, you can dine here by candlelight and live ganoua music. The staff wear white caftans and serve the food on huge serving plates. Must try: Chicken with candied lemons and olives.

4. Spend the night in chic riads

Magnificent hotel palaces, stylish riads in the medina – Marrakech awaits with a multitude of chic accommodations. The most legendary hotel in the city is the "La Mamounia" directly on the wall of the medina. The greats of this world have already resided in this venerable 5-star luxury hotel – from Churchill to Mick Jagger to Sex-in-the-City star Sahra Jessica Parker. The overnight prices start at 370 euros per night.

Royal luxury at the Royal Mansour

Just a few steps further is the "Royal Mansour", currently the most luxurious hostel in town. The Moroccan king himself is the owner. The special thing about it: Here guests do not reside in double rooms or suites, but in magnificent riads. The multi-storey houses with the open courtyards even have their own pool on the roof. The cheapest riad is 1000 euros per night.

"Les Jardins de la Koutoubia" not far from the jugglers' square

If you don't want to dig deep into your pocket, there are plenty of other beautiful riad hotels in the medina to choose from. For example, the "Les Jardins de la Koutoubia" just a few steps from the Djemaa el-Fna. The rooms in this historic building are simple and modern – with a view of the hotel's beautiful courtyards and the rooftops of the medina. Öger Tours, for example, offers a package deal: a week in a double room is 1008 euros per person including flight, breakfast, Rail & Fly and transfer.

5. Party in the best clubs in town

Immerse yourself in the oriental hustle and bustle during the day and celebrate great parties in the evening: this is also part of a visit to Marrakech. Hardly any other African city has such a lively party scene. The largest club is the "Pacha" on the outskirts of the new town. As in the original on Ibiza, guests in the Marrakech branch dance to loud techno sounds.

Jad Mahal – Live club for expats and celebrities

The much smaller club "Jad Mahal" in the new town offers more Moroccan flair. Heavy velvet and leather furniture, pink lighting, oriental chandeliers and mirrors characterize the ambience. At the weekend the club is buzzing when the house band appears on the narrow stage and creates a great atmosphere. The crowd is an interesting mix of young and old, expats and wealthy Moroccans. Celebrities like the actors Alain Delon and Jean Renó also like to stop by.

Sofitel – chic and ultra-modern

The club in the Sofitel hotel looks completely white, ultra-modern and fairly new. As in a theater, the white leather sofas are grouped in a horseshoe in ascending tiers around the large stage. Because here, too, live bands appear, with classics of pop music from Kool & the Gang to David Guetta taking the audience out of their seats and luring them onto the dance floor.

6. Relax in tropical gardens

A huge garden with cacti, palm trees, bougainvillea, splashing fountains, ponds and a cobalt blue villa – the Jardin Majorelle is an oasis in the new town of Marrakech. The property once belonged to the French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962), who turned the property into a botanical garden.

Berber art at Yves Saint Laurent

After his death it fell into disrepair – until the French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent bought it in 1980 and continued to run it in the spirit of Majorelle. Today, in Majorelle's former studio, visitors can see the private art collection of the fashion designer who died in 2008 – it is dedicated to the art of the Berbers.

Excursion to the Menara Gardens

About three kilometers outside of Marrakech is the Menara Garden. If the walk is too far for you, you can take a bus or taxi from the center. The walk is worth it, because the park, which is now public, was built in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min and is on the Unesco World Heritage List.

In the center there is a sandstone pavilion and a large rectangular water basin that is used to irrigate the olive and fruit trees.

7. Visit the saffron fields of Ourika

The “Paradis du Safran” is located 30 kilometers south of Marrakech, in Ourika. A few years ago, the Swiss Christine Ferrari settled here on the outskirts of this village to set up a saffron plantation.

Every year in November, the purple crocus plants bloom, which the women from the surrounding villages harvest. They painstakingly pull the saffron threads out of the flowers and then dry them.

A visit is also worthwhile outside of the harvest season: right next to the saffron fields there is a huge garden with herbs and useful plants. A little tip: Be sure to try the freshly baked flatbread from the wood-fired oven, which is dipped in a delicious saffron sauce.

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