Fun Things To Do In Marrakesh
Situated in the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s largest cities and has long been a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
Whether you’re looking to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, explore its ancient architecture, or shop for traditional Moroccan handicrafts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. Here are just a few of the top fun things to do in Marrakesh.
The city is full of life and there’s always something to do. From the bustling markets to the vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Marrakesh. The city is also a great place to relax and unwind. With its beautiful weather and stunning scenery, Marrakesh is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
From exploring the ancient Medina to riding a camel in the Sahara desert, there’s no shortage of things to do in Marrakesh. Here are some of the top fun things to do in Marrakesh.
Tour The Bahia Palace
Located on the northern edge of the Jewish quarter, the Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, Morocco, is one of the largest palaces in Morocco. It was constructed in the late 19th century. It is considered to be a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. It has an intricately tiled exterior and a garden. It is situated in the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The palace is a major attraction in Marrakesh. The entrance fees are 10 Dirhams. However, the Bahia Palace is not open to the public in its entirety. Instead, visitors can take a guided tour.
The Bahia Palace in Marrakesh is built in the traditional Moroccan style. The interiors are decorated with traditional Moroccan tiles and woven silk panels. The ceilings are elaborately painted and feature decorative patterns. The walls are covered in wooden wall coverings. There are zellig-tiled fireplaces and stained glass windows.
Wander Around The Medina
Visiting the medina in Marrakesh is an experience not to be missed. The maze of alleys and narrow streets in the Medina are photogenic and a fun way to spend a day. The Medina is also home to many cultural sites.
The Medina is the oldest part of Marrakesh. The walls of the medina have been enclosing the city since 1122. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 200,000 people. Throughout the Medina, visitors can see donkeys, motorcycles, and fellow travelers.
During your time in the medina, it is important to avoid the many touts that target tourists. They can be verbally harassed and sometimes try to force tourists to buy things.
You should also be wary of a classic Marrakesh tourist trap. The Souks tour is a good example of a false guide. Usually, these guides try to take tourists to local shops. They are paid kickbacks by the shops for bringing in tourists.
Shop At The Souks
Visiting Marrakech’s Souks is a wonderful experience, but can also be overwhelming. These crowded, narrow alleys of shops can quickly get confusing and disorientating. The best way to navigate through them is to use a map.
Shops in the souks are organized by type of goods. For example, the Kissarias is a series of covered galleries where textiles are sold. You can also watch leather being made in a tannery.
The souks are a great place to buy souvenirs, leather bags, ceramics, and lanterns. You can also find exotic items such as leather skins, rose water, and spice.
It’s also a good idea to try your hand at bargaining. Moroccans are some of the friendliest people in the world, and bargaining is not uncommon. However, make sure you politely decline any offer that comes your way.
Tour The Heritage Museum Of Marrakesh
Whether you are a history buff or a shopping enthusiast, the Heritage Museum of Marrakech is a must-visit destination. This museum offers an in-depth look at Morocco’s past, including the country’s Jewish heritage. It is located in a 17th-century Moorish riad in the Medina of Marrakech.
The museum displays a variety of items, from pottery and textiles to Andalusian embroidery and tribal jewelry. Many of the items were donated by owners and have been collected over the years. It also features exhibitions that cover Morocco’s history and different Moroccan subcultures.
The museum is located next to the Medersa Ben Youssef and the Dar M’Nebhi Palace. It has a large atrium covered by a dome. It also features a tourist guide.
The museum also has several exhibitions on the history of Marrakech and Morocco. Some of the items on display include a reconstructed minaret, a collection of musical instruments, and an intricate carpet. It also features a number of exhibitions on Berber rugs and dyeing wool.
Have Fun At Jemaa El Fna
Having fun at Jemaa El Fna in Marrakesh is a great way to get acquainted with Moroccan culture. Located in the Medina, the square is filled with people and performers who perform in the evenings.
People in Jemaa el Fna in Marrakesh are used to haggling. The art of bargaining is a fundamental part of Moroccan culture. However, you should know that it is not for everyone. It is wise to negotiate only for items that you actually need. You can haggle with fruit vendors, for example.
The square is also home to a number of fortune-tellers. These are old men or women who are known as “Lallas”. They give out predictions about your future. They usually read your palms. You can also buy blood orange juice from them. They are also renowned for their miracle cures.
Visit the Ruins of El Badi Palace
Located in Marrakech’s medina, the ruins of El Badi Palace are a popular tourist attraction. It was built in the 16th century and was commissioned by Saadian sultan Ahmad el Mansour. It was constructed in the Muslim-Morrocan style architecture. It features a large pool and courtyards. It was decorated with gold, ivory, crystal, and marble.
During the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace was a large, impressive edifice. The building was a symbol of the sultan’s wealth and power. It was decorated with a variety of exotic materials, including gold, ivory, crystal, and marble. It was used for receptions and audiences with foreign ambassadors.
The ruins of El Badi Palace are located in a large courtyard. There are also ramparts and high walls. Visitors can climb the ramparts for a great view of the city. There is a good museum inside the ruins. The entrance fee is only 10 dirhams.
Soak In Some Waterfalls
Taking a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls in Marrakech is a great way to spend an afternoon. These waterfalls are located in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. They are a spectacular natural wonder.
The waterfalls are a great place to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Ouzoud River. You can also go on a boat ride to see the falls. This will give you a spectacular view of the falls as well as the surrounding gorge.
There are also many hiking options available. One of the most popular hikes is the hike to the top of the waterfalls. This will give you some of the best views in North Africa.
Other activities include hiking along the trail, enjoying a picnic in the spring, or taking a swim in the water. There are plenty of Berber villages to visit along the way.
Stroll In The Jardin Majorelle
During your visit to Marrakech, you can spend some time at the Majorelle Garden. This enchanted oasis is located just outside of the bustling Medina. This beautiful garden is filled with tall cacti, lush plants, and fountains. It is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech.
Majorelle Gardens was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. Majorelle was an art nouveau designer and artist who loved Morocco and orientalist paintings. He spent a lot of time traveling around North Africa and the Mediterranean.
In 1918, Majorelle settled in Marrakesh. He built a home and cultivated exotic plants with a passion. He eventually bought four acres of land in Marrakesh.
Majorelle’s first home was a Moorish-style house. He bought more land, expanded his property, and developed the Majorelle Gardens. His buildings were modeled after Moroccan tiles, and the blue veils of the Tuareg people of southern Sahara.
Try Hot Air Ballooning
Taking hot air ballooning in Marrakesh is a fun and exciting way to view the city from above. The views are impressive, as the balloon glides over the High Atlas Mountains and the Agafay desert.
The best time to go on a hot air balloon tour in Marrakesh is during the early morning hours. This is when the air is cooler, making the balloons go farther.
The flight lasts between one and two hours, depending on the altitude and wind conditions. It is important to make sure the ride is included in the overall package, as transportation may be more expensive on a separate trip.
There are a few places in Morocco where you can take a hot air balloon ride. Most tours include a pick-up from your hotel and transport to the launch site.
Visit The Leather Tanneries
Visiting the Leather Tanneries in Marrakech is a very interesting experience. You will get to see how skins are transformed into durable leather. The process is centuries old and looks very authentic. In fact, visiting the tannery can feel like a trip back in time.
The Marrakech tanneries use a traditionally manual process. In the process, hides are scraped and soaked in quicklime and water. The tanneries have many terraces where you can get a good view of the tanning process. The smell of the tannery is overwhelming.
Some people choose to go with a tour guide. These guides usually offer a full tour of the tannery and will take you to gift shops. It’s best to agree on a price beforehand.
The tannery is located on the north side of the Medina. You can get there by taxi or bus.
Visit The Saadian Tombs
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh were a burial site for royalty. This necropolis is located at the southern end of the Marrakesh medina. It is surrounded by high walls, which were built by Alawid Sutan Mulai Ismail. The tombs were sealed off by the sultan and became dormant for almost four centuries.
After a French aerial photography survey in 1917, the tombs were discovered. Immediately, restoration work began. The tombs were restored to their former glory. In addition, the cemetery was restored to its original design. There are more than 200 tombs at the site.
One of the tombs is the gold-polished Mausoleum of Mansour Al Ahmed. This mausoleum is a show-stopper. There are 65 other tombs in the complex.
Explore The House of Photography
Located in the Medina of Marrakesh, the House of Photography is a unique tourist attraction that features hundreds of photographs depicting life in Morocco. It also functions as an exhibition space, research center, and educational venue. It is open to the public daily from 09h30 to 19h00. Children are welcome to explore the House of Photography for free.
The museum houses a collection of more than 4,500 old photographs, photographs of postcards, and documents. It opened in April 2009 and offers six-monthly exhibits. It is housed in a former fondouk, or inn, where travelers and merchants stayed.
The museum has a panoramic terrace on the top floor, which is ideal for a quick bite and a view of the city. For less than $10, you can have a coffee or lunch.
Stay In A Riad
Whether you’re traveling with family or on your own, staying in a riad is a great way to experience Marrakech. It is often more affordable than a hotel, and most of the riads have pools and private dining rooms.
Some of the best riads in Marrakech offer custom Moroccan dinners. The meal is usually served in a private dining room and guests can request the menu beforehand. It is also a great way to experience local cuisine. Moroccan cuisine is often exquisite, and guests often comment that the riad suppers are the best they’ve had in Marrakech.
In addition to the dining room, many riads offer rooftop dining. Some also offer a hammam, a Moroccan spa, and Turkish baths.
Riads are small and often family-run. Guests have access to a central courtyard and a shared sitting room. The rooms are typically air-conditioned and feature a private bathroom. Some riads also offer a plunge pool, but it is usually small.
Relax At The Jardin Secret
Located in the heart of the Marrakesh medina, the Jardin Secret is one of the hidden treasures of the city. This small garden is a great example of a culturally significant garden that has been around for hundreds of years. It’s also a great way to spend a few hours.
In addition to the garden, the Riad Jardin Secret is also home to a small cafe, a shop, and a museum, as well as a pool and indoor spa. It also offers a car rental service.
There is an extensive Islamic Garden area that recreates the image of heaven as depicted in the Quran. This area also has a great variety of plants and flowers that you will likely not find anywhere else.
The Riad Jardin Secret also offers a rooftop cafe, as well as a concierge service and dry cleaning services. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the venue. This is a great place to stay in Marrakesh.
Conclusion
There’s so much fun in Marrakesh! The list above encompasses a range of activities suitable for everyone, from families to backpackers. Whether you’re seeking a cultural experience or adventure, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest in Marrakesh.
Marrakesh has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations. It has been a capital city and is now a center for arts and commerce. It is a magnificent destination for tourists from all over the world.
The city is full of life and there’s always something to do. From exploring the markets and Medina to enjoying the nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Marrakesh. The city is also a great place to relax and enjoy the weather. With its beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes, Marrakesh is a city that you’ll never forget.