Founded in 1070, Marrakech was one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and is now considered a symbol of the nation. This city is teeming with history, culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It may be a central hub for tourists, but it’s for good reason. Marrakech is simply unparalleled, and an essential part of the Moroccan experience.
At Desert Luxury Camp, we have countless visitors journeying to our Luxury Desert Camps in Morocco before or after their travels to Marrakech. If you’re still planning your trip and are uncertain of where to go, we’ve created this guide to the best places to visit in Marrakech.
Keep reading to learn more about our suggestions for a top Marrakech itinerary, and feel free to contact us to find out more about our camps in the Sahara.
Koutoubia Mosque: Experience One of the Top Attractions in Marrakech!
Marrakech’s most iconic and famous landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque has stood since the 12th century. It’s the largest mosque in Marrakech, with the minaret towering at a height of 77 metres. It’s an excellent example of Almohad architecture, decorated in geometric patterns. The mosque is in fact named after the booksellers who used to sell their scripts around the base of the mosque, with the word “kutubiyyin” meaning booksellers in Arabic.
While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, visitors can still admire the breathtaking architecture and explore the surrounding lush gardens. Seeing such a famous site in this bustling city is the perfect contrast to the time you will spend discovering the hidden gems of the Moroccan Sahara.
Marrakech Medina: Immersing Yourself Here is One of the Best Things to Do in Marrakech
The Medina of Marrakech is the lifeblood of the city, teeming with vendors, artisans, locals, and tourists. This vibrant and bustling place has attracted crowds since its establishment in 1070 and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s home to many of the most popular attractions in Marrakech as well as the main square, Jeema el-Fnaa. The square is inscribed as a place of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as the meeting place of musicians, storytellers, poets, dancers, and even snake charmers. If you’re only in Marrakech for a short period, Jeema el-Fnaa is unmissable! It’s one of Morocco’s Most Famous Landmarks, which you can learn more about with our blog.
Bahia Palace: A Beautiful Addition to Any Top Marrakech Itinerary
The Bahia Palace is one of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture in Marrakech. Constructed over decades and completed in 1900, the palace was the home of the grand vizier Si Musa and later his son. “Bahia” translates to beautiful, and it’s the perfect description. The palace, which is open to the public, has 150 rooms decorated in intricate mosaics, wood carvings, and stucco. The gardens are also equally stunning.
Are you hoping to explore even more of our captivating country beyond Marrakech and the Sahara? Don’t miss the recommendations in our blog The Best Places to Visit in Morocco.
Jardin Majorelle: One of the Top Attractions in Marrakech for Lovers of Beauty and Style
Jardin Majorelle is a sight to behold. This botanical garden is home to a striking blue villa that was once the home of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The garden was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle, who was inspired by the colours of Morocco. He developed the property between the 1920s and 50s and decorated the gardens and villa in a rich cobalt blue, which is now known as Majorelle Blue.
Yves Saint Laurent lived here from the 1980s until his death. Jardin Majorelle has since become a major tourist attraction, where you can tour the gardens and visit the Berber Museum. Near Jardin Majorelle is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the designer’s works and legacy.
Madrasa Ben Youssef: A Scholarly Addition to Any Top Marrakech Itinerary
Located in the Marrakech Medina, Madrasa Ben Youssef was once at the centre of art, knowledge, and culture. Built in the 1500s, it served as a school for centuries. Walking through its halls today, you can almost imagine scholars here exchanging ideas. This monument now serves as a prime example of history and architecture in Marrakech, displaying some of the most detailed and elegant decorations in the city.
If you’re planning a journey through Morocco, read our blog on a Good Itinerary for a Two-Week Tour of Morocco, which begins in Marrakech.
Le Jardin Secret: A Marrakech Hidden Gem in the Bustling Medina
An oasis in the heart of Marrakech, Le Jardin Secret offers a peaceful break from the medina. With a history dating back hundreds of years, this palace complex is now a botanical garden, filled with flora against a backdrop of gorgeous architecture. It has an exotic garden with plants from around the world, as well as an Islamic garden which reflects the historic gardens of Morocco. Le Jardin Secret is one of the most recently opened attractions in Marrakech and is fast becoming one of its most popular ones.
Discover Morocco with Desert Luxury Camp
No matter where you to choose to travel in Morocco, the team at Desert Luxury Camp is here to guide you on your journey. Our range of Morocco Luxury Holiday Packages will take you across the country, including Marrakech. And if you choose to visit the city on your own, why not add on a stay at one of our Luxury Desert Camps in the Sahara? We’ll make sure you have one of the most immersive and authentic experiences of all that Morocco has to offer. If you have any questions about our tours or camps, feel free to get in touch with us.
