About ten years ago, I traveled to Andalusia (Spain) with my cousin and was completely captivated by it. What fascinated me most was the Arab influence that could still be seen in the architecture, but also in the food and everyday life.
Many Moroccan-owned shops can be found there today, and I was always drawn to their colors, energy, and atmosphere. I could spend hours browsing ceramics, ornaments, souvenirs, and all the other treasures displayed inside. It was during that trip that Morocco found its place on my list of countries I wanted to visit one day.
This year, that wish finally came true.
I spent my first few days on the coast, enjoying the sunshine, attempting to learn how to surf, and drinking Moroccan mint tea on the terrace of my hostel.
Afterwards, I travelled to Marrakesh.
The city revealed its character immediately.
A heavy rainstorm began just as I arrived. My accommodation was located inside the Medina, the old part of the city where cars cannot enter. I waited beneath the awning of a small café until the rain eased, then set off into the night, suitcase in hand, wandering through the narrow streets of the Medina in search of my riad.
Djemaa el-Fna
Before long, I reached Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh’s famous central square. One interpretation of its name translates it as “the assembly of the dead,” linked to stories that public executions once took place here. There are other explanations as well, but this was the one I found most intriguing.
Despite its name, there is nothing dead about this square.
It is the beating heart of Marrakesh, alive from early morning until late at night. Today, visitors will find stalls selling freshly squeezed juices, traditional sweets, street food, souvenirs, perfumes, sunglasses, and even umbrellas when the weather unexpectedly changes. Women decorate hands with henna and braid hair, while storytellers (halaiqiya), musicians, and snake charmers keep alive the spirit of old Marrakesh.
And that is precisely why UNESCO recognised Djemaa el-Fna as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage—not because of its buildings or monuments, but because of its oral traditions. Stories are told here, passed down from generation to generation, from storyteller to listener, from traveler to traveler.
Interestingly, Marrakesh is home to both forms of UNESCO heritage. While Djemaa el-Fna is celebrated for its living traditions, the historic Medina itself is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture, urban design, and centuries of history preserved within its walls.
I was lucky that my riad was only a five-minute walk from the square, so I never felt uncomfortable walking back alone, even after dark.
Riads
I have already mentioned that I stayed in a riad.
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses designed around an inner courtyard. From the street, their exterior walls often appear plain and windowless, while the windows face inward toward the private courtyard instead. Many riads feature fountains or small pools at their centre, creating a peaceful space where family life once revolved while preserving privacy from the outside world.
Today, many of these houses have been transformed into charming boutique hotels.
There is something magical about staying in a riad. It feels like travelling through time and catching a glimpse of a more traditional way of life. After spending the day wandering through the souks, bargaining with merchants, and shopping for leather goods, argan products, ceramics, and woven baskets, there is nothing better than returning to the cool shade of a riad and enjoying a glass of Moroccan mint tea.
Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea is traditionally served from a small metal teapot into delicate glasses.
The pouring itself is part of the ritual. The teapot is lifted high above the glass so that the stream of tea creates a light foam on the surface. Often, the first poured glass is returned to the pot to ensure that the flavours are mixed evenly before serving.
Only then does the real enjoyment begin.
But before we leave the subject of façades and windows, there is another layer of Marrakesh’s history worth mentioning.
Windows into Marrakesh’s Jewish Past
As I mentioned earlier, riads are traditionally associated with Muslim architecture. However, Morocco has long been home to a significant Jewish community, one that was even larger in the past.
One of the noticeable differences can often be seen in the houses themselves. While traditional Muslim homes were designed to face inward toward a private courtyard, many houses in the Jewish quarter featured windows facing the street. As you walk through the old neighbourhoods, these details can sometimes reveal that you have entered a different part of the city’s history.
For centuries, Jewish communities played an important role in trade and commerce throughout Morocco. Among the many goods traded was salt.
Today, salt seems like an ordinary kitchen staple, but for much of history it was incredibly valuable. In a warm climate such as North Africa’s, preserving food was essential, and salt was one of the most effective ways to do so. Long before refrigerators existed, it helped communities store food and survive periods when fresh supplies were scarce.
The importance of salt can even be found in language. The English word salary is often linked to the Latin word sal, meaning salt, a reminder of just how valuable this everyday mineral once was.
The True Queens of Marrakesh
Walking through the streets of Marrakesh, it is impossible not to notice the city’s countless cats.
They stretch lazily in the sunshine, nap in shop windows, and observe the world from rooftops and doorsteps as if they own the place.
Despite being strays, many of them appear healthy, well-fed, and surprisingly relaxed. Much of this is thanks to shopkeepers and local residents who generously share food with them. Visitors quickly adopt the same habit, and today it is common to find cat food for sale in small neighbourhood shops.
The true queens of Marrakesh. Whether lounging in a park or claiming the best spot in a shop window, the city’s cats seem to live by a simple philosophy: find a sunny place and enjoy the moment.
This affection for cats is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition. Cats are regarded with kindness and respect, and stories about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his care for animals have contributed to the special place they hold in many Muslim societies. Similar scenes can be found in other countries with strong Islamic traditions, from Turkey to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The cats of Marrakesh seem to embody the spirit of the city itself.
Because Marrakesh is an endless source of inspiration. And despite the apparent chaos that greets you at first glance, time feels different here.
People live in the moment and for the moment.
Perhaps the single word that best captures the spirit of Marrakesh is Inshallah — “if God wills.”
It is neither yes nor no. Neither certainty nor doubt.
It simply means that some things are beyond our control. If something is meant to happen, it will happen. If not, it will not.
And somehow, that way of thinking feels perfectly at home in Marrakesh.
The Medina – The Old City
The Medina is the historic heart of Marrakesh, surrounded by nearly 19 kilometres of ancient walls and entered through a series of monumental gates known in Arabic as bab.
I was surprisingly proud of myself when I recognised that word from my Arabic lessons on Duolingo.
The narrow, maze-like streets of the Medina were not designed by accident. They were built this way intentionally. For centuries, the labyrinth of alleys served as a form of defence, making it difficult for potential invaders to navigate the city. Dead ends, sudden turns, and seemingly identical passageways could easily confuse anyone unfamiliar with them.
But defence was not the only reason.
One moment, I found myself walking through a quiet alleyway of red walls and wooden doors. A few turns later, I was surrounded by shopkeepers, customers, and the energy of daily life. That is the magic of Marrakesh’s Medina—every corner reveals a different side of the city.
The narrow streets also create natural shade and allow air to circulate through the city. In a place where summer temperatures can become intense, this traditional design helped keep the Medina cooler long before air conditioning existed.
With time, navigating the maze becomes surprisingly easy.
One simple rule helped me: whenever I found myself surrounded by people, I knew I was probably close to the centre of the action.
Travel also seems to sharpen our powers of observation. We pay attention to details that we might overlook at home.
For me, the landmark that guided me back to my riad was not a famous monument or a street sign. It was a small sandwich shop that always had a queue outside and an argan oil store directly across the street. Ten steps farther, a turn to the right, and voilà—there was my riad.
The Koutoubia Mosque
Most roads in the Medina eventually lead either back to Djemaa el-Fna or toward the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s most recognisable landmark.
Built in the 12th century, the mosque’s minaret rises above the city and remains the tallest structure in Marrakesh. Strict building regulations help preserve its prominence, ensuring that nothing dominates the skyline above it.
According to local tradition, each side of the minaret features slightly different decorative details. Some guides say that these differences once helped travellers orient themselves and recognise the direction from which they were approaching the city.
No matter where I wandered in the Medina, I would eventually spot the Koutoubia’s 69-meter minaret rising above the rooftops. For centuries, it has guided travelers through the maze-like streets of Marrakesh.
The name Koutoubia comes from the Arabic word for booksellers. When the mosque was built, this area was known for its book market, where merchants sold manuscripts and books from their stalls.
At the top of the minaret stand three large metal spheres. Local stories often connect them to Morocco’s three religious traditions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, all of which have shaped the country’s history in different ways.
The mosque itself is open only to Muslims, and separate entrances are provided for men and women. Non-Muslim visitors cannot enter the prayer hall, but the building is just as impressive from the outside.
Surrounding the mosque is a beautiful garden filled with flowers, palm trees, and shaded pathways. It is the perfect place to pause for a moment, enjoy the scent of blooming plants, and admire the elegant silhouette of the minaret rising above the city.
Located only a few minutes’ walk from Djemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia Mosque is one of the places I would recommend visiting first.
After that, the rest of Marrakesh depends entirely on your interests—whether that means wandering through the souks, exploring historic monuments, tasting your way through local restaurants, or simply doing a little bit of everything.
The Souks of Marrakesh
I belong to the “a little bit of everything” category of travelers, with a strong tendency toward walking for hours without a specific destination, simply following whatever catches my attention.
In Marrakesh, that meant wandering through the streets of the Medina.
More than the famous landmarks, I found myself drawn to the small details: cats peacefully lounging in shop windows, beautifully carved doors, colorful shutters, geometric patterns, and endless combinations of colors and textures. I am convinced I am not the only person who returned from Morocco with an entire photo album filled with random doors and windows.
Soon enough, my attention shifted to the merchants.
The word souk simply means market in Arabic. Nearly every shopkeeper speaks several languages and warmly invites you inside, often assuring you that you are welcome to look around without buying anything.
I eventually came to the conclusion that one of their favorite games is guessing where visitors come from. When they discovered I was from Bosnia and Herzegovina, most seemed genuinely delighted. And almost all of them knew exactly one Bosnian: Edin Džeko.
The souks of Marrakesh date back to the 12th century, when merchants traveled to the city to exchange goods. Over time, the original market expanded into a vast network of smaller specialized souks.
Traditionally, the most valuable trades, such as gold and spices, occupied the central areas, while other craftsmen and merchants established their own quarters around them. In a way, each profession had its own neighborhood.
You can still feel traces of that organization today. Walk into one section of the souks and you will notice that many shops sell similar products. It is surprisingly convenient when you know exactly what you are looking for.
Of course, modern tourism has blurred some of these boundaries, and souvenirs can now be found almost everywhere.
Souk Semmarine
Connected directly to Djemaa el-Fna, Souk Semmarine is the main artery of the Medina and the perfect place to begin exploring.
If it is your first time in Marrakesh, start here.
You will find a little bit of everything: ceramics, sweets, textiles, leather goods, traditional Moroccan clothing, and more souvenirs than your luggage allowance would ever approve of.
Colorful souvenirs, camel figurines, bags, and handmade goods displayed in a souk in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Rahba Kedima
At one point, Souk Semmarine branches off and opens into Rahba Kedima, a lively square famous for its spice stalls.
The colors alone are worth the visit.
Souk el Attarine – The Souk of Spices, Scents, and Lanterns
Turn left and you will arrive at Souk el Attarine.
This is paradise for anyone who loves beautiful scents—not only perfumes, but spices as well.
There is something magical about following a fragrance through the narrow streets, trying to discover where it is coming from. The next thing you know, you have purchased nearly a kilogram of spices. Half of them you cannot identify, and the other half you have heard of but have no idea how to use. You promise yourself that this purchase is actually an investment in your future culinary skills.
The spice souks of Marrakesh are a feast for the senses. Colors, aromas, and flavors blend together, making it almost impossible to leave empty-handed.
Whether that promise is ever fulfilled is another story.
Although famous for spices, the souk also offers stunning lanterns, lamps, mirrors, candle holders, and traditional silver tea sets.
Souk Smata – The Slipper Market
This souk is famous for its traditional babouche slippers.
It was here that I discovered that our Bosnian word papuče (slippers) also traces its roots back through Turkish to Arabic. Moments like that always fascinate me. Even on the other side of the world, there is often something that quietly connects us.
Other familiar Bosnian words with Arabic origins include sahan (plate), sahat (clock), and sokak (street). Interestingly, some of these words can also be heard in Swahili-speaking East Africa. Those small cultural connections are often what stay with me the longest after a journey.
Souk Kimakhinne – The Music Souk
If you love music and enjoy learning about local traditions, this is the place for you.
Souk Kimakhinne is dedicated to traditional instruments, with local artisans selling Moroccan, Amazigh (Berber), and Gnawa instruments.
Gnawa music emerged in Morocco through the blending of Sufi spiritual traditions with musical and cultural influences brought by enslaved people from sub-Saharan Africa. Known for its hypnotic rhythms and mystical atmosphere, Gnawa music has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Souk Haddadine – The Blacksmiths’ Souk
When the sounds of mystical music are replaced by the rhythmic clang of hammers striking metal, you know you have entered Souk Haddadine.
This is where traditional lanterns, chandeliers, metal bowls, and decorative pieces are created. You can even buy a bracelet and have your name engraved on it.
At this point, however, my luggage calculations began to worry me.
My suitcase allowance was 10 kilograms.
The suitcase itself weighed around 2 kilograms.
I already had 1 kilogram of spices.
And approximately 3 kilograms of ceramics.
What were the chances that a 5-kilogram chandelier would somehow fit as well?
2 + 1 + 3 + 5 ≈ 10
I quietly whispered:
Inshallah.
Souk Chouari – The Woodworkers’ Quarter
As I continued walking, the scent of wood replaced the smell of metal.
Beautiful jewelry boxes, carved ornaments, and handcrafted wooden decorations filled the workshops.
I paused for a while to watch the craftsmen at work. Somehow, there is something deeply satisfying about observing people who have mastered their craft.
Souk Cherratine – The Leather Souk
The scent changed once again.
Now it was leather.
Colorful jackets hung from shop walls, while bags, wallets, belts, and traditional leather poufs filled every available space.
For anyone who appreciates leather craftsmanship, this section of the souks is difficult to leave empty-handed.
Souk Zrabi – The Carpet Souk
I have already used the words colorful and vibrant countless times, but this souk deserves both of them.
Then again, so does Morocco.
In the Moroccan Arabic dialect known as Darija, zrabi means carpet.
And every carpet tells a story.
Many of the patterns and colors are linked to the traditions of different Amazigh (Berber) communities, preserving symbols and techniques passed down through generations.
- Triangles and diamond shapes often symbolize protection or fertility.
- Zigzag lines are often associated with water or life’s journey.
- Red is commonly linked to strength, blue to wisdom, and green to hope.
By late afternoon, the souk feels even more alive. Carpets seem to appear everywhere, covering walls, doorways, and open spaces. Merchants proudly display their finest pieces while visitors pause to admire the colors, patterns, and craftsmanship behind each one.
A small voice inside my head insisted that I needed a carpet. I shook my head, as if physically trying to remove the thought.
“Asima,” I told myself, “it’s time for tea.”
That day, I managed to resist.
A few days later, however, during my second-to-last day in Morocco, I found myself at Souk El Had in Agadir. And I bought a beautiful little pink carpet decorated with camels.
Needless to say, my carefully calculated 10-kilogram luggage plan failed completely. Fortunately, I had a Plan B. Before the trip, my friend Dijana had lent me a duffel bag “just in case.” I also purchased additional baggage for my flight.
And so, my luggage, my carpet, and I all arrived home safely.
These days, we spend our afternoons together on the balcony, accompanied by Bosnian coffee and Moroccan mint tea.
Not every street in Marrakesh is filled with vendors and visitors. Some are simply beautiful places to slow down and admire the colors of everyday life.
These are only a few of Marrakesh’s countless souks. Personally, I do not think it is necessary to memorize their names. They are all connected anyway. When one ends, another begins.
And honestly, it is often easier to identify them by their scent than by any map.
Tips for Exploring the Souks
Before you head into the maze of Marrakesh’s souks, here are a few things I learned along the way.
Most Souks Are Open from Morning Until Evening
Many shops open around 9:00 a.m. and stay open until approximately 9:00 p.m., although exact hours can vary. The souks are lively throughout the day, but they take on a particularly magical atmosphere in the late afternoon and evening.
Bargaining Is Part of the Experience
Negotiating prices is completely normal here—in fact, it is often expected.
If you are planning to shop, I would recommend taking a first walk through the souks without buying anything. It helps you get a feel for the products and the general price range before making a decision.
Opening prices are often significantly higher than the final selling price, so friendly negotiation is part of the process. Just remember that bargaining is not a battle. It is a cultural tradition and should be approached with respect, patience, and a sense of humor.
After all, these merchants make their living here.
If You Love Something, Don’t Wait Too Long
If you find a truly unique item that you absolutely love, consider buying it—or at least saving the exact location.
Marrakesh can be surprisingly deceptive.
Sometimes it feels as though you have passed the same shop ten times. Then, when you actually want to find a specific store again, it suddenly disappears into the maze of alleyways.
Cash Is Still King
While more businesses accept cards than they once did, cash is still the preferred payment method in many places throughout Marrakesh, especially in the souks.
Having some cash with you will make shopping much easier.
Keep an Eye on Your Belongings
The souks are generally safe places, and I never felt threatened while exploring them.
However, as in any busy market anywhere in the world, pickpockets do exist.
Keep valuables in a secure bag positioned in front of you rather than in a backpack that you cannot easily see.
Take a Break for Tea or Coffee
The souks are fascinating, colorful, and full of energy.
They can also be overwhelming.
The constant movement, sounds, scents, conversations, and visual stimulation can become a lot after several hours.
Fortunately, Marrakesh offers countless opportunities to slow down.
Hidden among the alleyways are small cafés, many of them with beautiful rooftop terraces overlooking the Medina.
If you begin to feel overstimulated, find a rooftop, order a mint tea or coffee, and simply enjoy the view for a while.
On a clear day, if you look beyond the rooftops, you may even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains rising in the distance. It is one of those views that feels almost surreal—a reminder that Morocco is a country of remarkable contrasts, where bustling markets and mountain peaks can exist within the same horizon.
Sometimes the best way to experience Marrakesh is to stop moving and watch the city move around you.
For more practical travel advice, you can also read my article: My Go-To Travel Tips Before Every Trip.
What to Eat in Morocco
Sooner or later, the tea is finished, the view has been admired, and it is time to continue exploring.
Or perhaps it is simply time for lunch.
Fortunately, Marrakesh has your back.
The city seems to understand that wandering through the Medina, getting lost in the souks, and carrying home a growing collection of spices, ceramics, and “absolutely necessary” souvenirs requires fuel.
And what wonderful fuel it is.
Moroccan food—and Marrakesh’s food scene in particular—is absolutely delicious. Wherever I ate and whatever I tried, I was never disappointed.
These were some of my favorite traditional dishes:
Harira – Morocco’s Beloved Soup
Harira is a traditional soup made with tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas, usually cooked in a rich broth. Many restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan versions.
Comforting, flavorful, and filling, it is one of Morocco’s most iconic dishes.
Bissara soup
Popular throughout North Africa and believed to have Amazigh (Berber) origins, Bissara is a thick soup made from fava beans.
It is often served for breakfast alongside fresh bread such as khobz and is especially comforting on cooler mornings.
Tagine
Perhaps Morocco’s most famous dish.
You will see tagines everywhere—both the clay cooking vessels and the meals prepared inside them.
Technically, almost any slow-cooked dish prepared in a tagine pot can be called a tagine. Traditional versions combine chicken, lamb, beef, or fish with vegetables, local spices, olives, nuts, or dried fruit, creating rich and complex flavors.
Couscous
One of Morocco’s national dishes.
Traditionally served with meat, vegetables, and a flavorful broth spooned over steamed couscous, it is a staple of Moroccan family meals.
Rfissa
My personal favorite.
Rfissa consists of a fragrant stew, often seasoned with fenugreek and saffron, served over shredded pieces of msemen, a flaky Moroccan flatbread that resembles a cross between a pancake and a pastry.
Lentil or White Bean Stew
At first glance, it may seem like a simple dish.
But Moroccan cooking has a way of transforming simple ingredients into something memorable.
At first glance, these dishes may seem simple. Yet some of the most memorable meals I had in Morocco were bowls of lentils or white beans served with fresh salad, warm khobz bread, and plenty of flavor.
Slow-cooked in clay pots and flavored with local spices, these stews are rich, comforting, and surprisingly addictive.
The kind of meal that makes you think:
“I am definitely coming back here tomorrow.”
Sandwiches and Tacos
When I needed something quick between sightseeing stops, I often ended up eating street food. My decision-making process was highly sophisticated:
See a long line.
Notice that locals are waiting.
Join the line.
More often than not, it worked perfectly.
My Go-To Restaurant in Marrakesh
If I had to recommend one casual restaurant in Marrakesh, it would be Snack Toubkal.
A friend first heard about it from the owner of her riad, and after trying it ourselves, we understood why it came so highly recommended.
The location is excellent, right next to Djemaa el-Fna. It has a spacious outdoor terrace, the staff are friendly, and the restaurant is almost always busy—a good sign that the food is fresh.
Most importantly, we kept coming back. More than once.
My unofficial rule for finding good restaurants while traveling is simple:
If local people eat there, it is usually a good sign. After all, they probably know where the good food is.
And if a local recommends a place, even better.
Neighborhoods of Marrakesh
Beyond the souks, the food, and the endless glasses of mint tea, Marrakesh is also home to fascinating mosques, madrasas, museums, palaces, and mausoleums.
I could easily write an entire article about those places alone.
Maybe one day I will.
For now, I would like to introduce a few of Marrakesh’s neighborhoods—places that each reveal a different side of the city. As we move through them, I will mention a few landmarks that might inspire your own itinerary.
Inside the Medina
Kasbah
South of the Koutoubia Mosque lies the Kasbah, a historic district dating back to the 12th century.
Originally built as a royal citadel and palace complex, it remains one of the most important parts of Marrakesh. Even today, the Royal Palace is still used by the Moroccan king during visits to the city.
The district is surrounded by walls and carries a sense of history that is impossible to miss.
Some of its most important landmarks include:
- Saadian Tombs – beautifully decorated royal tombs dating back to the Saadian dynasty.
- El Badi Palace – the ruins of a once magnificent 16th-century palace.
- Bahia Palace – one of Morocco’s finest palaces, known for its courtyards, gardens, and intricate craftsmanship.
- Monde des Arts de la Parure – a museum dedicated to Moroccan jewelry, adornment, and craftsmanship.
Compared to other parts of the Medina, the Kasbah feels calmer and more spacious. Its streets are slightly wider, and in recent years many buildings have been restored. Charming cafés, restaurants, and some of the most beautiful riads in Marrakesh can be found here.
Nearby stands Bab Agnaou, one of Marrakesh’s most famous gates, recognizable by its horseshoe-shaped arch and decorative carvings featuring Quranic inscriptions.
Mellah
Located east of the Kasbah, Mellah is Marrakesh’s historic Jewish quarter.
The city’s multicultural past is still visible here. The streets feel more open, balconies overlook the roads, and windows face outward toward the street rather than inward toward private courtyards.
In other words, this is where the story about windows and façades from earlier in this article comes to life.
Today, visitors come for the cafés, spice shops, local markets, and the atmosphere of a neighborhood that quietly preserves an important chapter of Marrakesh’s history.
One of its best-known gathering places is Place des Ferblantiers, often translated as Tinsmiths’ Square, where metalworkers once practiced their craft.
Outside the Medina
Gueliz
If the Medina represents old Marrakesh, Gueliz represents its modern side.
Built during the French protectorate period, this district is part of the Ville Nouvelle—the “New City.”
Here you will find art galleries, international brands, elegant cafés, and stylish boutiques influenced by French architecture and urban design.
It feels like a completely different city compared to the Medina.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle
Few people have influenced Marrakesh’s modern image as much as Yves Saint Laurent.
Inspired by the city’s colors, he incorporated bold shades into many of his designs and spent a great deal of time in Morocco throughout his life.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. Its warm terracotta tones, geometric lines, and carefully designed spaces make it one of Marrakesh’s most striking modern landmarks.
Today, visitors can explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which opened in 2017 and is well worth a visit.
The exhibitions change regularly, making it a place that can be visited more than once. I especially enjoyed seeing original sketches alongside photographs and videos showing how those creations later came to life on the runway.
There is also a small museum shop where visitors can buy books, postcards, and design-inspired souvenirs. Just keep in mind that payment is by card only.
Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s official website. Entry times are scheduled in 30-minute intervals, and visitors are advised to arrive around fifteen minutes early.
My recommendation is to book as far in advance as possible. Tickets often sell out several days ahead, especially during peak travel seasons. Earlier time slots are usually less crowded.
Right next to the museum lies the famous Jardin Majorelle.
Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, the garden became his lifelong project, filled with exotic plants collected from around the world.
In the 1980s, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the property to save it from potential redevelopment and preserve its unique character.
“For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours.”
— Yves Saint Laurent
When purchasing tickets, I recommend choosing the combined museum-and-garden option.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of buying a ticket only for the museum and missed the garden entirely.
But that’s alright.
At least now I have a perfectly good reason to return.
Wish me luck.
Hivernage
If Gueliz is modern Marrakesh, Hivernage is its glamorous side.
Wide boulevards lined with palm trees, luxury spas, elegant hotels, and upscale restaurants define this neighborhood.
It tends to be relatively quiet during the day.
At night, however, it becomes one of the city’s main entertainment districts.
If you enjoy cocktails, fine dining, rooftop bars, or evenings accompanied by a DJ, Hivernage might be your place.
Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
Located on the western edge of the Medina, next to Hivernage, Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam offers a welcome escape from the city’s energy.
It is a wonderful place for a morning run, a leisurely walk, or simply a break from the heat.
Fountains, shaded pathways, and rows of mature trees create a peaceful atmosphere, while the red walking paths contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
On hot afternoons, it is one of the most pleasant places in the city to slow down for a while.
Getting Around Marrakesh
Arriving in Marrakesh is relatively straightforward.
The city has been one of Morocco’s most popular destinations for decades, and the transportation infrastructure is generally well developed.
From the Airport to the City
Marrakesh Menara Airport is located only a few miles from the Medina, making transfers quick and easy.
Public buses connect the airport with the city center and are usually the most budget-friendly option. Since routes, schedules, and fares occasionally change, it is worth checking the latest information before your trip.
Taxis are another convenient choice.
In recent years, the airport introduced an official taxi booking system. Just outside the arrivals area, there is a kiosk where travelers can arrange and pay for a taxi at a fixed rate before beginning their journey.
That said, it is always a good idea to confirm the price before getting into the vehicle.
Arriving by Train
Marrakesh’s train station is located in Gueliz, the city’s modern district.
The station is well connected, and reaching most accommodations from there is usually straightforward.
Souk to Surf
This was how I traveled from Tamraght, a small surf town near Agadir, to Marrakesh.
I booked my transportation online through Souk to Surf, and the entire process was simple and efficient.
My recommendation would be to reserve your seat as early as possible, especially during busy travel periods, as departures can sell out quickly.
The vehicles are small air-conditioned minibuses, and the journey takes approximately four hours, including a short break along the way.
The drivers were friendly and professional, and in Marrakesh the shuttle stopped at three convenient locations:
- Marrakesh Menara Airport
- Marrakesh Train Station
- Bab Doukkala
Getting Around the City
For getting around Marrakesh itself, I mostly used the InDrive app.
The concept is quite different from most ride-hailing services and, honestly, rather entertaining.
Instead of accepting a fixed fare, you suggest a price for your trip. The driver can accept it, propose a slightly higher amount, or negotiate somewhere in between.
In a city where bargaining is part of everyday life, it somehow feels perfectly appropriate.
Of course, taxis are everywhere, and finding one is rarely difficult.
As always, if you are arranging transportation directly with a driver, it is a good idea to agree on the fare before starting the journey.
There are other transportation apps and public transportation options available as well, but during my stay, I never really needed them.
Inshallah, Marrakesh
Whenever a journey is coming to an end, I rarely sleep well on the night before I leave.
My mind begins replaying small moments from the trip—the places, conversations, scents, and unexpected details that somehow stay with me long after I return home.
Sometimes I understand their meaning immediately.
Sometimes it takes a little longer.
But every journey teaches me something.
Marrakesh is a city of contrasts. Earth and sky. Silence and noise. Warm reds and cool blues. Somehow, the beauty of the city lies not in choosing one over the other, but in how effortlessly they exist side by side.
In Marrakesh, I realized that things that seem completely opposite can exist in harmony.
A cup of coffee just steps away from the noise and energy of the souks can feel surprisingly peaceful.
Colors and geometric patterns that appear impossible to combine somehow fit together perfectly.
The city itself feels like a collection of contrasts.
Chaotic and calm.
Ancient and modern.
Overwhelming and comforting.
And somehow, it all works.
Inshallah.
If God wills.
This was my first solo trip.
It was not planned that way, but it turned out better than I could have imagined.
Travel reminds us that we cannot control everything.
We can make plans, set goals, and work toward them, but sometimes the best experiences happen when we stop trying to manage every detail and simply allow life to unfold.
If something is meant for us, it will find its way to us.
And if it doesn’t, perhaps something even better is waiting around the next corner.
Either way, I would recommend packing a spare duffel bag.
Morocco has a way of leaving a lasting impression.
In fact, only two months after this trip, I found myself back in the country again. This time I explored a few different cities and eventually returned to my favorite place of all—Tamraght.
So perhaps the biggest lesson Marrakesh taught me is this:
Sometimes the best thing you can do is follow your curiosity, trust the journey, and see where it takes you.
Inshallah.
Do you prefer planning every detail of a trip, or do you leave room for a little “Inshallah”?
Let me know in the comments.