What to see, what to do Marrakech?
The 10 good reasons to go Marrakech
Enchanting gardens
Jasmine, palm and orange trees abound in the city's ponds and gardens.
An ancestral medina
Play the adventurers and get lost in the random districts of this surprising maze.
In the footsteps of YSL
The world of Yves Saint Laurent has invaded Majorelle, between the blue garden and the fashion museum.
Moroccan hospitality
Whether it's an offer of tea or a gesture of generosity, hospitality here is far from being a legend.
The vibrant Jemaâ el-Fna square
Water carriers, cobra charmers, gnaouas... a permanent spectacle.
Tajine and pastilla
Endlessly versatile, gastronomy offers a thousand possibilities for the culinary imagination.
Dream palaces
Beautiful, charming homes to visit or adopt for a stay.
The first steps of the Atlas
Ouirgane, Ourika, Oukaimeden, nature's freshest corners.
La Mamounia
The most beautiful palace in the world whose soul is an integral part of the history of the city.
The joy of night owls
Luxurious clubs with giant dance floors where DJs have become stars in the land of the muezzin.
What to visit Marrakech?
Good to know to visit Marrakech
Timetable
In general, museums are open in the morning (from 9:00 or 9:30 am) and in the afternoon, every day of the week. Some museums close on Sundays or Wednesdays. They close at 6 p.m., with last admission at around 5.30 p.m. Admission for foreign visitors is 70 DH for most of them. In high season, it's best to visit in the morning, as soon as it opens, to take advantage of the quiet. The gardens, with the exception of Majorelle and the Secret Garden, are accessible free of charge.
Smokers
Morocco is a poor pupil when it comes to smoking. The law banning smoking in public places came into force in 2008, but... it's clear that certain habits die hard. Indeed, the pleasure of a cigarette while enjoying a noos-noos coffee on a terrace is a custom that's not about to die out or go up in smoke. What's more, the penalties are ridiculously low (fines ranging from 10 to 50 DH) and never apply. So it won't do you much good to get offended if someone is smoking with impunity at the table next to yours. You have two options: let the offenders know gently that it's bothering you, or... move to the other end of the restaurant.
Tourist traps
Despite the constant efforts of the town hall and the tourist police, unfortunately, there are still a number of bogus guides in Marrakech. If you don't want to suffer their misdeeds and ruin your vacation, here's a simple recommendation to apply: be on your guard when you're approached directly, and don't follow any good soul who claims to be charitable. Nothing is free, even if someone offers to escort you "for free"; the idea is to take you to stores and put pressure on you. These people damage the image of tourism in the country. Genuine licensed guides have a badge and are expected to wear it visibly, speak your language fluently and hold a diploma. Ask your hotel concierge or riad manager for their contact details: they're sure to have a list to recommend to you, so you can be sure of a quality, worry-free experience. Some guides are active online, offering their services directly.
