explore Marrakech
THE DAUGHTER OF THE DESERT...There’s a rawness and wilderness to Marrakech that makes it so wonderful. The sand-colored city that is everything but monochromatic. It reeks of leather, incense and cumin. Sometimes of mint and roses too. There’s constant noise as scooters try to make their way through the maze of the Medina. It’s an explosion energy, art and color. Marrakech is like a triple-shot of espresso to the senses.
the Quick Facts✷ Where: The Capital of Morocco
✷ Language: French and Moroccan Arabic
✷ Currency: Moroccan Dirham
✷ Religion: Muslim mainly
✷ Population: 1,033,000
Emilia’s Marrakech Top 5
01. Wander around the Medina:
You could go to Marrakech and do nothing but wander the wonderfully, hypnotic maze of streets and alleyways in the Medina and it would be totally worth it.
02. Medersa Ben Yousef:
This 14th-Century religious school is known for its incredible ornate carvings, woodwork, and colorful geometric patterns that make it one of Marrakech’s most iconic places to see.
03. Museum of Photography:
For photography lovers, obviously. Housed in charming, restored riad in the medina, this little museum offers a captivating glimpse into Morocco's history through the lens of photography. Some of the pieces here are absolutely stunning.
04. Take a Cooking Class:
Food is an amazing way to learn about a place’s culture and history. And cooking classes are the perfect window for that. Plus, coming home with a new skill set is the best possible souvenir!
05. Stroll around Jemaa El-Fna:
Marrakech’s main square is like nothing I’ve seen. Snake charmers, traditional musicians, vendors and street food stalls. While this square can be overwhelming, it’s also electrifying and it’s worth visiting both at daytime, as well as night time.
MY TOP ADVICE FOR MARRAKECH
the Marrakech bucket list
✷ Go on a Berber Street Food Guide
✷Go on a Walking Tour to learn all about the city
✷Shop at the Souk Semmarine
✷Drink Moroccan Mint Tea
✷Visit the Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
✷Visit the Bahia Palace
✷Marvel at the El Badi Palace’s ruins
✷Have a night of great Jazz and Moroccan cuisine at Bistro Arabe
✷Take a ceramics painting class
✷Visit the MAP Museum
✷Cool off with some fresh juice at a terrace restaurant
✷Go on a Day Trip or Over-night trip to the Agafay Desert
favorite hotels…
foods to try…
✷Tagine…Slow-cooked with meat (like lamb or chicken), vegetables, and a blend of spices…it’s an explosion of flavor!
✷Cous cous…Fluffy semolina dish is often paired with vegetables, meat, and a flavorful broth.
✷Snails…Simmered in a spiced broth called "brouillon", which is the real star of the dish. The broth typically contains a mix of warming spices. If you’re unsure about snails, the broth alone is worth trying.
✷M’Semen…Flaky, layered Moroccan pancakes that are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and are often served with honey, butter, or jam.
✷Zaalouk…A delicious salad made from roasted eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, seasoned with cumin and paprika.
✷Fresh fruit juice…Jemaa El-Fna square is packed with fresh juice stands served by the funniest, loveliest vendors. I always get one (or sometimes even two) mixed fruit juices a day!
Marrakech pro tips!
✷You’re going to get lost in the maze the Medina is. Inevitably. Make sure you download the area in Google Maps offline to make things easier for you!
✷ Haggling is a common practice, so go ahead and have fun haggling in the Souks. But be respectful, always!
✷Cash is king. You’ll need cash for taxis, shopping at the souks, and tipping.
✷The heat can be intense. Drink plenty of water!
✷While women don’t have to dress a certain way in Morocco, I’d advice you to dress modestly to respect local culture, especially in mosques and traditional areas.
✷ Stick to licensed guides to avoid scams. Politely but firmly decline if someone offers unsolicited help or directions.
