Out of all the places I have been, Marrakech seduced me with its exotic allure. Morocco’s dusty, chaotic traffic, snake charmers, unique architecture and exotic darkened dens complete with belly dancers, tagines and mint tea will make you feel as though you have suddenly found yourself in a scene from Raiders of the Lost Arc.
Just Outside the Souk
SPEED READ:
Top Recommended Marrakech TO DOs:
- The Souk/Medina
- Musée Yves Saint Laurent
- Jardin Majorelle
- Morocco Kasbah & Desert Camel Ride (especially for those not venturing elsewhere in North Africa)
Top MUST HAVE Shopping List:
- Antique silver tea pots or trays
- Hand Carved Wooden Chess Sets (make sure the pieces are made of heavy wood!)
- Ornate painted pottery
- Slippers–their pointy shape is renowned to Morocco.
- North African Spices
- And of course–carpets!! (Sorry, they do not fly!)
At the Yves Saint Laurent Memorial at the Jardin Majorelle
We stayed at the uber luxurious, La Mamounia hotel, oozing of Arab-Andalusian architecture and an Art Deco atmosphere filled with arabesque sculptures, textured oriental velvet fabrics, intricately carved woods and the discreet and singing presence of water trinkling from marble fountains and basins. I truly felt heaven on Earth! As you walk outside in the vast, 8 hectares of carefully manicured gardens down the main path edged with olive trees of several centuries old, the scent of orange jasmine blossoms and cedar lingers in the air. Some 1200 plant species can be found here including bougainvilleas, prickly pears, palm trees, Madagascar periwinkles, cactuses of all kinds and many other fruit trees! Have I reached Eden??
The noise and chaos from the city’s medina is nowhere to be heard, only the tinkle of silver plated spoons stirring steaming cups of fresh mint tea and the soft chatter of guests casually mingling amongst the soft sounds of music permeating from the lush lounges dotted throughout.
Doorman at La Mamounia
Hotel Reception Room
Poolside Breakfast Every Morning
The Entrance of the Musée Berbère and Jardin Majorelle
So Many Places, So Little Time!
To do or not? Here’s a list of Marrakech pros and cons:
Pros
- Exotic, fascinating art & culture, a trip you will not forget!
- Beautifully prepared fresh produce and food.
- Friendly people, willing to help you if you are lost or need directions.
- Sunny, warm climate
- Souk vendors are willing to bargain–so don’t be afraid to bargain away!
- Although French is spoken widely, many people also speak English.
- Many nik naks here are unique to the region–shopping will not disappoint!
Cons
- Women should not travel alone especially at night.
- The noise and grit from the souk can be overwhelming.
- Prepare for some scenes of extreme poverty: bent, old men selling 5 beans on a cloth on the side of the street, impoverished children suddenly crowding you trying to sell trinkets.
- Quite a few matted, stray cats and kittens and chained up dogs in extremely poor condition
- Make sure you acquire a reputable guide, who does not lead you to shops where only his ‘friends’ work.
Final Thought
Yes, yes and YES! By whichever way possible, plane, boat, car or broomstick! Marrakech is a must-see and all its grit and beauty adds up to its unique and overall yearning for one to want to explore and see more. I am sold.
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