Marrakech: the most exotic African city close to Europe
Marrakech – Morocco city
Marrakech is no doubt the most exotic and enchanting city close to Europe.
Just landed, the thing that strikes you immediately is the airport. In fact, it’s considered one of the most beautiful airport in the World with its high windows that allow for plenty of natural light.
Once upon a time, this city was so important that it gave its name to Morocco.
In fact, its thousand-year history is rich and its Berber origin can be seen in the metropolis of Atlas tribes.
Marrakech was once the warehouse for goods (slaves, spices, salt, gold, ivory and even Morocco leather) brought by Saharan caravan from the ancient African empires from Timbuktu. All of these created the city’s souks and its traditional way of life.
Even today this African nomadic influence is seen in the crowds and confusion of the Jemaa el Fna.
As in the past there were slave-traders, fortune-hunters, colonialists, sultans and princesses, nowadays Marrakech attracts movie stars, writers, artists and unconventional tourists.
As someone of you probably already knows, Marrakech is also called the “Red City”. Why? It won’t take you long to see. The natural red ochre pigment that embellishes its wall and facades look like dominant. Anyway, Marrakech has lots of other colors in the buildings too.
Like all Moroccan towns, this city is divided into the Medina (the old town) and Guéliz (the Ville Nouvelle or new town).
Anyway, each has its own charms: the Medina with its ancient buildings and riads, its winding souks and the main square of the Jemaa el Fna, and Gueliz with its cafés, trendy boutiques, gardens and boulevards. Therefore it became also a modern city, with nightlife and cultural events.
Highlights of Old Marrakech
Jemaa el Fna is the cultural heart of Marrakech. In this circle open area it’s easy to find Berber musicians and dancers, food stalls, medicine men, fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, acrobats, snake-charmers, henna tattooists and storytellers. Performers lead their monkeys and lizards past stalls selling orange juice, roasted chick peas, peanuts, sweet fritters, kebabs and tajines. When you need to take a rest from this madness, many cafés bordering the square have rooftop terraces offering a quite outstanding view.
Just west of the Jemaa el Fna is the Koutoubia Minaret. It’s the tallest feature on the medina skyline and its silhoulette is particularly beautiful at sunset.
On the otherside of the square, you can find the souks.
The souks of Marrakech are the largest in Morocco. They are so famous because it’s one of the most exotic places in the world to shop (and it’s quite unique).
Historically, all souks were divided according to the things being made and sold.
Today, little has changed. Each souk is still named after the product being sold.
The souks thread north from Jemaa el Fna and continue in a winding labyrinth until they hit the Musée de Marrakech.
The best time to visit it is in the cool of morning, or in the evening when the sunlight comes through roof shades, illuminating all the stuffs.
A beautiful spot to visit is le Jardin Secret.
This is a peaceful oasis, perfect for finding some peace and quietness after having strolled in chaotic Marrakech alleys. In fact, it’s an important place for history, for its garden and the architecture. We took the opportunity to go up in the tower and we ate some delicious food in the restaurant. I surely recommend it!
Highlights of New Marrakech
One of the most visited sites in the new part of Marrakech is le Jardin Majorelle.
The French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) created this enchanting garden in forty years of passion and dedication. The intense blue color is so dominant.
Mystic trees and exotic plants of dreamy origin, pools, water lilies and lotus flowers. All of these offer a calming retreat near the bustling old city of Marrakech.
Another point of interest is le Jardin Menara.
The name “menara” derives from the pavilion with its small green pyramid roof and it means lighthouse. Even if there is no real lighthouse in the gardens, any building that is at a high altitude is locally known as menara.
The food and the beverages
One of the great cuisines of the world, Moroccan cooking abounds with subtle spices and intriguing flavour combinations. Influenced by Andalusian Spain, Arabia and France, Morocco’s cuisine is a delicious combination of mouthwatering flavours that make it unique.
You cannot leave Marocco without trying Kefta Tagine, Couscous, Makouda, Zaalouk and others.
Beef or lamb mince with garlic rolled into balls and cooked in a tomato and onion sauce: this is Kefta Tagine.
Instead, Couscous is a fine wheat pasta traditionally rolled by hand. It is steamed over a stew of meat and vegetables. The meat is covered by a pyramid of couscous although the vegetables are put on the sides and the sauce served separately.
Makouda are little deep-fried potato balls, delicious dipped into spicy sauce.
Zaalouk is a smoked aubergine dip, seasoned with garlic, paprika and cumin. It’s usually eaten with vegetable salads and bread.
Finally, the mint tea, also known as “Moroccan whisky”. It is usually sweetened with sugar chipped off a sugar cone. In the teapot there are spearmint and gunpowder tea. It is poured into a tea glass from a height to create a froth called the crown.
Riad Tawargit
Staying in a riad in the old medina of this city is a unique experience. The term “riad” means garden but it is applied to town houses built round a central courtyard with a fountain.
By the nature of their construction riads are very intimate spaces. The one in which me and my girlfriend stayed was very chic and charming.
The Riad Tawargit is ideally located in a calm and safe neighbourhood in the Old Medina. It’s very near to the Souks, Jemaa el Fna Square and other mythical places of Marrakech.
This elegant 380 meters square guest house combines perfectly contemporary and Moroccan style.
Rooms, suites and services
On the ground level, there are different chill out areas with a jacuzzi, a library, a steam room and fireplaces.
The breakfast is served on the ground floor and it has a large possibility of choices. Yogurt, cakes, biscuits, home made bread, local jam, fresh fruits, crepes, butter and cheese. Everything accompanied by tea, coffee and fresh orange juice.
The staff is very attentive to every desire or request but not intrusive. Each one is very kind and friendly.
48 Comments
Followingtherivera
I loved my time in Marrakech, and would return. I did everything you mentioned, and highly recommend them all! A vibrant and colourful city that everyone should visit!
dagniee
Glad to hear that you like it too. It’s a vibrant city with so many things to see. I hope to have the possibility to do an excursion in the Desert next time 🙂
Baia
Marrakech has always been high on my bucket list but I haven’t managed to visit it yet. It sounds so unique and exotic.
dagniee
I hope you could visit it soon, it deserves a visit 🙂
Tara
Something about the composition of this post just WORKS. I enjoyed all of your photos immensely. Marrakech look so beautiful, colorful, and full of personality. Can’t wait to go some day.
dagniee
Hi Tara, you are too kind and I’m glad that you like my works. I hope you visit it soon, maybe you need just a couple of days, the atmosphere here is unique 🙂
Nathan
I never knew that Marrakech gave Morocco its name, even though the resemblance in spelling is obvious. Even though this city is very far from home as I live in Singapore, I’ve heard so much about this place that I’m slowly feeling more inclined to visiting it to check out and savour a piece of African culture for myself as well. It’s amazing how beautiful the architecture is here and the culture is so rich dating back to the olden days.
dagniee
I didn’t know either so you are not alone in this. You can maybe plan a trip to Morocco and Europe together in order to view more with a unique long flight. Morocco is very near to Europe and there are so many flights from the principal cities.
Amy @ Family Globetrotters
You make Marrakech looks positively romantic and I love your photos! And you’re right its close proximity to Europe makes it such a great destination to visit:)
dagniee
Glad you agree with me 🙂
Claire Summers
Your images are dreamy! You have really captured Marrakech beautifully.
Quick questions, what gallery plugin have you used for this? I’m looking for a good one and just can’t find what I need, yours looks great!
dagniee
Hi Claire, I’m happy you like my gallery. I use different plugin but I surely recommend NextGen gallery. Try it 🙂
eli
I’m hoping to go to Marrakech this summer! I love how unique your photos are. They really capture a side of the city that I haven’t seen on Instagram and the like.
dagniee
Hi Eli, I’m happy for this. I love photography so it’s very important for me to receive this kind of comments. Thanks
Mike
Wow! Your photos are absolutely stunning! Your post gives me another reason to finally visit Marrakech. I’ve been to Rabat and Casablanca in Morocco and I’ve really loved thos places. But as everybody tells me who has been to all of these cities, Marrakech is supposed to be more impressive. I hope I can make it tehre next year 🙂
dagniee
Hey Mike, very happy to hear this. Thanks a lot man. I’ve never visited Rabat or Casablanca but other cities along the coast and the south. Marrakech is unique 🙂
Taylor
What a dream! The vibrance of the colors.. the food.. I am ready to book my flight and go! Thanks for writing and taking beautiful photos. Happy travels!
dagniee
Happy travels to you too Taylor 🙂
Marta
What an amazing place and your pictures capture it beautifully! From the food, to the accommodations, the bustling city and the vibrant colors, this looks like a place to put on a bucket list for sure.
dagniee
Hi Marta, yes I surely recommend you to visit the city as soon as you can, before a sort of modernization could change it.
Lynne Sarao
Ok I’ve been to Marrakech and although I loved it, I didn’t see nearly as much as you did! I loved seeing this amazing city again through your eyes. You managed to find so many gorgeous and peaceful respites from the craziness of the markets and medinas! Now I want to go back and see what you saw!
Lynne Sarao
Ok I’ve been to Marrakech and although I loved it, I didn’t see nearly as much as you did! I loved seeing this amazing city again through your eyes. You managed to find so many gorgeous and peaceful respites from the craziness of the markets and medinas! Now I want to go back and see what you saw!
dagniee
It’s not easy to find that oasis of peace but when you do, the city looks less crazy as you said. Surely you will enjoy the city more Lynne
Jenn
Beautiful country and beautiful pictures. Marrakech looks like a place I need to add to my list! I will reread your post before I visit there.
dagniee
Hi Jenn, I’m happy that this post could be helpful for someone. Thanks
Shruti Prabhu
Love your photography! Marrakesh is a dream, the colours, the food, the culture is definitely something worth exploring. A private rooftop to sunbathe! That’s amazing.
dagniee
Yes, absolutely worth a visit.
Sherrie Fabrizi Allbritten
I did not realize Marrakech has so much to offer. I would love to go someday and explore the souks, because I love to shop! I am also loving the garden, so beautiful!
dagniee
The garden is kinda unique as well as the souk. Enjoy it 🙂
Followingtherivera
We went to Marrakech in October, and loved our time there. I always love your photos, what software/camera do you use?! I definitely agree about visiting the souk, it’s a must! A lovely read.
dagniee
I use Iphone now. Thanks for liking 🙂
Nathan
Morocco was not on my tourist radar a year ago, but now that I’ve heard so many good things about this country from fellow backpackers and travellers, I am rather intrigued to check out this African country that has influenced strongly by its regional neighbours up north in Europe. Marrakech seems to have rich culture and heritage as well as the legendary hammams which I would love to try.
dagniee
Ehi Nathan, Marrakech is a beautiful city, glad to persuade you 🙂
Alexander Popkov
Somehow, Morocco is the only place in Africa I am considering visiting in the near future. I would love to see the authentic streets, markets and go up to the mountains.
dagniee
Morocco is worth a visit, I didn’t have the possibility to visit the Mountain but I hope for the next future 🙂
Julz
Wow these bowls in the zouk are amazing ❤️ I’d love to visit Morocco.
dagniee
These bowls are amazing souvenirs 🙂
AMBER
I loved Marrakech so much, but your pictures are so much better than mine – mainly as I took a camera but no memory card (rookie error) . The riad you stayed at was so lovely and looks much more luxurious than our 10 euro a night places!
dagniee
Maybe you can consider it for your next travel 🙂 Forgetting the memory card happened to me too, it’s a bad thing
Aisha
OMG I absolutely HAVE to visit Marrakech! I hope its some day soon! This post has me soooo ready to explore this amazing city!
dagniee
Marrakech is a city worth a visit for different reason, hope you go soon 🙂
Heraa
I am in love with your pictures and so want to travel Marrakech sometime soon. It has been on my list since really long time.
Jim Jones
You’re right that the airport is very interesting and beautiful – not many airports are so pretty! I love the colors in the markets…beautiful. Great post and wonderful photos.
dagniee
Hi Jim, it’s pretty new yes and it’s well-organized 🙂
David
You really seem to capture Morocco in this post! The pictures look great and Marrakesh is a place so many people say is special. Staying in a road is a must and nice to see yours had a jacuzzi too!
dagniee
Quite all the riads have a jacuzzi inside to relax after the hot day spent strolling in the city
eli
I love the pictures you’ve captured of Marrakech! This place has always been on my list and I hope it is still as magical when I go
dagniee
Sure, I won’t change so quickly I think 🙂