City Guide: Marrakech, Morocco
One of the exciting cities in Morocco, Marrakech has so much to offer, and is sure to not disappoint. The exciting city of Marrakech is over a 1000 years old with some of the most magnificent architecture the world has ever seen. The islamic architecture, or "Moorish architecture " , is a style which was developed in the western Islamic world. Marrakech is also famous for it amazing riads. A traditional Moroccan Riad is a home with multiple stories that centers around an open-air courtyard that contains a fountain. Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens, merchants, and courtiers. Today they are used as boutique hotels in the city center for travellers. Ready for a fabulous trip? I've put together the ultimate guide to the most amazing trip to Marrekech.
Dining:
- La Grande Table Marocaine | Royal Mansour Hotel- Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti Royal Mansour، 40000, Morocco. (Splurge $$$)
La Grande Table Marocaine is truly an unforgettable dining experience. A whirlwind of beautiful architecture, fantastic service and unbelievable food. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a romantic evening with your significant other and don't mind splurge.
- La Pause- 48 Derb Toudgha, Marrakech, Morocco
We came with a group of four friends (its about an a 45 minute drive from the city) and we all thought this was one of the highlights of the many. La Pause functions as a hotel but we were there solely for dinner, which I highly recommend. Upon arrival, your greeted by hotel staff and then led to the hills for an amazing camel ride through the mountains, which took about an hour. After we were done with our camel ride through the Atlas Mountains, we were then shown our table (outdoors as shown), which was lit by candlelight. The feast arrived family style, with four courses and the food was traditionally moroccan prepared, with a great French wine paired. Highly Recommend La Pause
- Dar Marjana- 15 Derb Sidi Ali Tair, Bab Doukkala, Medina
The restaurant is in a restored mansion and with the best traditional Moroccan dishes fit for a king (in fact, King Mohammed VI is known to visit here from time to time). The ambience here is specular and the added bonus to meals here is that belly dancers serenade your table!
Hotels:
- El Fenn- Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Owned by Richard Branson’s sister, Vanessa, El Fenn is a bright spot in a city that’s already wildly colorful.
- Dar Darma Raid-Derb Tarik Sidi Bouharba, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Located in the heart of the Medina, Dar Darma is a private dwelling that can offer privacy, low-key services and traditional Moroccan hospitality in a relaxed, exclusive atmosphere.
- La Mamoumia- Avenue Bab Jdid، Marrakech 40040, Morocco
There is a reason the opulent moorish styled hotel was voted best hotel in Africa. This hotel offers every amenity known to man on top of the most spectacular spa experience you can ask for. If your looking with a luxury trip to Marrakech with culture included; I recommend staying at La Mamoumia for a couple of nights and then switching to a raid like El Fenn or Dar Darma in the heart of the Medina, for a bit of luxury and authentic experience.
Shopping:
- Chabi Chic: Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Chabi chic is a Moroccan brand offering a modern, trendy collection of tableware , cooking utensils and other household items of outstanding quality.
- 33 Rue Majorelle: 33 Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Rue Majorelle is Marrakech's most sought after concept store, offering everything from Kaftans, to unique fashion, home decor and gifts.
- The Souk: Medina
In Marrakesh there is a sprawling Souk or traditional Moroccan marketplace, where goods are sold in small stalls that line the streets in the heart of the Medina. Fruits, vegetables, rugs, lamps, furniture, spices and handcrafts are all sold here and have been for centuries. A great place to shop, or even just to experience, but make sure to put those bargaining skips to use!
Added Activity Must:
Another fun actively to take advantage of in Marrakech with your not shopping, dining or amercing yourself in the culture in a hot air ballon ride looking down at the Atlas Mountains. We used Marrakech By Air, and they arranged everything for us including a traditional moroccan style breakfast outdoors after the ride was over. It was a great way to see The Mountains and so much fun!