Things to see in Marrakech: Overall impressions
Things to see in Marrakech: The bulk of visitors enter Morocco through Marrakech, serving as their first introduction to the country. Its indisputable advantages include a fusion of Moroccan and French culture, an astounding array of hip hotels, including small boutique and serious and luxurious establishments, a ton of stylish shops and eateries, a respectable number of museums, lovely gardens, and the convenience of the city itself for strolls.
I thought Marrakech in Morocco was warm, fascinating, safe, and clean. How can Marrakech surprise me after Andijan or Termez? No matter what they say, Africa is the old city. In reality, nothing. When a visitor arrives, there is always a ruckus. Of course, everyone makes an effort to persuade you to buy their products or heed their counsel.
The fact that we are in the East, though, means that trade and communication are pervasive here. When you say “Welcome to Marrakesh,” everyone you come across in the medina will grin. Every individual you encounter in the medina will ask you where you are from. It’s like Uzbekistan, but Uzbekistan hasn’t developed its tourism business or anything related to welcoming and delighting travelers.
The main factors that influenced our decision to visit were the direct flight, the distinctive fusion of French and Moroccan, the flourishing hotel industry, and the abundance of hotels, some more opulent than others. We were quite pleased with the result. Even my husband, who despises the Middle East and these bazaars, was amenable to the idea of going back to visit and exploring the country in depth. As a result, he was unafraid of Marrakech in Morocco.
We were incredibly happy with the holiday. Had all six of them. We didn’t want to rush or wander aimlessly, even though people frequently spend less in Marrakech, Morocco.
both Ramadan and entrance
Local restaurants have closed because they aren’t necessary during the fast. The restaurants that had been open began to close at seven o’clock, one hour before the curfew. You have until 8 o’clock to get back to the hotel.
All throughout the medina, there are both open and closed shops and stores. Others are closed throughout Ramadan, while some are open during Qawid.
The most annoying thing is having to continuously check on the phone (because the internet is wrong) to see if the places you want to go are open or closed. Closed in Marrakech, Morocco, were the Bahia Palace, Saadite Tombs, Palmeraie Museum of Contemporary Art, and Menara Gardens. The experience, however, was unaffected.
Things to see in Marrakech: Hotels
One of the modifications brought to our way of life and our travel habits by the Covid is the elevated status of the hotel. It should now be able to answer any possible need and act as a type of shelter in a world where nothing is understood or known with certainty. It should be possible to live there permanently without feeling bad about skipping a vacation.
We chose the magnificent Amanjena resort hotel from the Aman brand in Marrakech. And we hired a villa there as well, complete with a garden and pool, just in case we didn’t want to leave the house if we didn’t like Marrakech in Morocco, if it was too difficult to walk, if there were problems with the cultural program, or for any other reason.
Nearly spotless cleanliness permeates the hotel. It’s a huge resort 15 minutes from the medina with a golf course, surrounded by vegetation, and built to feel like the Moroccan city of your dreams. Water abounds. Flowers, birdsong As darkness falls, millions of candles are ignited.
Very attentive service; This may be helped by a lack of guests, but it’s mostly due to high-quality work. Despite every detail being considered, the slippers in my room were too small. Nightly treats. There’s complete freedom. Overall, excellent. The supper was served in a Berber tent erected up on the grounds, and we thought it was very romantic. It must have caught the attention of everyone who read my blogs. Anyone who didn’t watch can now luxuriate and immerse themselves in a world of luxury (just joking).
We had a home with a private pool, sliding glass doors in the living room, a stairs, and a palm-covered patio pavilion. To ensure nothing new competes with the traditional Moroccan decor, the hotel’s technical features are covered, and body lotion is offered in a ceramic bottle. Everything is well-thought-out and gets an A+.
Things to see in Marrakech: the Medina
The heart of Marrakech, Morocco, is the medina, or ancient city. It is a network of shopping alleys, bazaars that merge into one another, market squares, small cafes, and gardens hidden behind rose-colored walls.
A magnificent visual spectacle, Marrakech in Morocco is an universe of color. The homes, hotels, fences, and other structures in the city look as though someone has painted them all a bright pinkish-red color! Its pink color comes from the local clay. Thanks to the French, who dominated Morocco for most of the first half of the 20th century, it developed into a cult. Under French rule, laws required the customary ornamentation of all properties, even newly built ones.
Despite the convict, we were still able to seize the city. Seriously, it’s an unbelievable joy! first, to travel. The second is to visit a different area. Third, city life is forgotten. to be amazed, smile, and learn new things sunny fun. The shops, bazaars, and hospitality that constantly extends to tourists are further elements of the oriental atmosphere that I truly adore. Just consider the amount of attention you would get if you were the only visitor in town!
One day, when Ramadan had already begun and the once-bustling medina had become quiet, we went shopping without a guide to buy both gifts for those waiting for us at home and presents for ourselves. We bought Moroccan babushi shoes. The owner welcomed us with oriental hospitality and served us mint tea before driving us to his favorite sellers. We visited a spice shop, the top of a carpeted palace (I almost fell asleep there), and a Moroccan-Japanese couple’s straw and wood items store.
How joyously our host marched around the Medina with us at his heels—such privileged and pampered guests. And, curiously enough, he found slippers in size 47 for Pasha. Anyone who wears that size is aware of how tough it is to get shoes. By the way, the shoes are an eye-catching blue, another Marrakech color that Jacques Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent made famous.
Things to see in Marrakech: Gueliz
When the French took over Morocco, they treated the country and its architectural heritage with the utmost regard. They didn’t try to encroach on the eastern city’s center; instead, they established new communities for themselves. Thus, in Marrakech, Morocco, Geliz—a brand-new city that blended features of both conventional Moroccan and typical French architecture—appears. For example, this city would not be feasible without corner cafes, just as it is impossible to imagine Paris without them. Gueliz, a French colony from 1912 to 1956, has modernism, art nouveau, and art deco. Everything is pink.
Gelizé does, of course, have some squalor. After all, it’s not Europe; it’s Africa. However, it is this that gives the area—as well as the entire city of Marrakech—astonishing attractiveness, particularly when combined with antiquated French artifacts like the Grand Café de la Poste. It has everything at once, including mopeds rumbling, Moroccans sipping tea in run-down cafes, carts bringing freshly baked scones from street vendors, bars full of Frenchmen smoking like locomotives, a riot of bougainvilleas, and ornately decorated and vibrantly painted iron gates. Although there are undoubtedly fewer Ferraris here, something about this part of the city reminded me of Beirut.
Things to see in Marrakech: Gardens
One of Marrakech, Morocco’s major attractions, are the gardens. There are gardens close by to almost all reputable museums, and there are also some hidden gardens in the medina, inside of the traditional Moroccan dwellings called riads. A garden is a cool sanctuary because the green flora and blue water contrast with the pink city’s dirt. In other words, you must go to Marrakech right away if you like gardens and gardening.
Both the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Black had been Yves Saint Laurent‘s go-to color until he said that Marrakech was the spot where he first noticed color. Yves Saint Laurent made his debut in Morocco’s Marrakech in 1966. At that time, the city was a well-liked vacation spot for everyone who was youthful, liberated, believed in novelty, and was seeking out fresh experiences and emotions.
Or, to put it another way, Marrakech was once a haven for hippies, musicians, and other creative types, which, incidentally, enraged the local Moroccans. Later, Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the home and garden of the French orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle. Majorelle constructed his open-to-the-public home and garden in the Heliz area at the turn of the 20th century. He was influenced by French royal blue, Tuareg indigo, southern Moroccan cobalt blue, and sunny-day shadow blue.Naturally, Matisse’s usage of blue is the one that best conveys the tones of Morocco in his artwork. The Majorelle Garden finally become the artist’s most well-known work.
This garden was in disrepair when Saint Laurent and Bergé bought it and the Villa Oasis in 1980. The garden is You can visit Yves Saint Laurent’s villa for $6000 with a group of 6 persons. The Majorelle Garden also houses the Museum of Berber Culture.
I didn’t like the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. A beautiful structure, but the display is outdated and, of course, a lesser version of what is on display in the museum in Paris. By the way, I wrote extensively about it here; it’s enjoyable to read while sipping coffee. For some reason, photography is prohibited within the museum (why? The only things that exist are copies of the dresses; there are very few originals, and those that do exist are all in Paris. There is nothing regarding the influence of Morocco on the couturier and his life in Marrakech.
The museum devoted to Berber culture also didn’t appeal to me. The great Pierre Berger collection is badly presented, lacks comments and signatures, and cannot be investigated. You’re free to have seen it.
The garden, though, is pretty gorgeous. It literally strikes you down with its stunning blue, these vibrant colors, and this riot of plants. In fact, one of Marrakech’s most beautiful locations.
Things to see in Marrakech: Plant Secrets
Hidden Medina garden. The 19th-century garden was rebuilt from a Saadite palace (16th–17th century). Arabian and Andalusian styles influenced Moroccan architecture and garden art. An Italian repaired the unkempt garden. Inside are photos of its neglect.
The secret garden is one of the medina’s most beautiful spots. Not only generally, it smells of flowers and rosemary. These magnificent painted pavilions, fish and turtle ponds, and wrought iron chairs beneath the trees, not to mention the lovely emerald tiles! These kaleidoscopic designs and embellishments! From a tower next to the garden, one can see both the ancient city and the garden itself. One of the pavilions has a cafe on the top where you may sip Moroccan tea or coffee while admiring the malachite garden.
Things to see in Marrakech: The Bacha Dar
Tami el Glaoui, the French government’s administrator of the country’s southern region, had this museum and garden built for him in the early 20th century. The name of the building, which translates as “Pasha’s house,” means “Pasha’s house.” Pasha was first and foremost a man of taste, then a man of society, and last a guy who valued invention. Do you know about the Cartier Pasha timepiece? Louis Cartier made them airtight so Tami el Glaoui could swim in them. Our man lives in luxury. Additionally, the palace and garden looked stunning! It is one of the most beautiful examples of Moroccan architecture I have seen.
Since I was already familiar with the most of the Uzbek architecture’s methods, I thought it to be rather fascinating to take in all of this beauty. The execution, colors, and ornamentation are all completely distinct. These rows of columns and the ornately carved doors give the impression that you have seen them before, but you cannot locate them.
People who appreciate coffee beans will be drawn to the palace and garden, which are both located in the medina and have highly popular coffee shops inside.
Things to see in Marrakech: Anime Garden
This garden is worth visiting in addition to Marrakech if you like modern structures along with gardens and great views. André Heller, a multi-genre musician, developed it. The garden is a piece of art in this incredibly rich environment, and the scattered sculptures only reinforce this impression and leave you amazed at how art and nature have been merged.
Photographic House
a medina cafe on the roof terrace of a small, old house. The museum houses the oldest photographs that Europeans ever took in Morocco. If you appreciate capturing portraits of people and photography in general, don’t miss it.
Things to see in Marrakech: MACMA
The Marrakech Museum of Art and Culture is a private museum in Gueliz. If you hadn’t been inside, you wouldn’t have expected it to be this big! It offers a lot of knowledge about Moroccan culture, making it an excellent spot to start your program in Marrakech. Both about the several ethnic groups that call the country home and the role that women play, as well as about clothes, songs and dances, tea parties, and Moroccan homes. In the halls are furniture, ordinary things, and jewelry, along with photos of Marrakesh from the late 19th to the mid-20th century with detailed annotations.
Things to see in Marrakech: Modern art
There are many modern art museums in Marrakech, Morocco. We were were unable to attend each one due to the Qawid and Ramadan. Sincerely, I had not expected such a rich cultural environment and a strong art community. It will motivate you to come back!
Things to see in Marrakech: Macaal
The Museum of Contemporary African Art is located close to Amanjena outside the medina and is definitely worth a visit. Maccal is a series of thematic exhibitions in which artifacts from the museum’s collection are shown with pieces from other galleries. We visited Essaouira, a Moroccan beach city, and were amazed by how well-planned and structured the exhibition was and how extensive, intriguing, and wonderful the tour was.
Stiftung Montresso
The Montresso Foundation offers global artists debating platforms and studio space. The Foundation has a big site with exhibition halls, workshops, and a garden and is about a forty-minute drive from Marrakech. Only appointments made in advance are allowed. The artists who currently live and work here are mostly responsible for what you see inside.
Restaurants
Large hotels with restaurants run by renowned French and Italian chefs, bars and bistros with a stronger expat focus, and other cafés and restaurants with varying degrees of local cuisine are also options. Additionally, Marrakech boasts a lively nightlife. Unfortunately, the situation prevented us from trying everything we desired. Due to the curfew, we began eating dinner at 5 o’clock. Many restaurants are closed.
The Post’s Large Café
Among the most beautiful and delectable places I’ve ever gone. You guessed it: It takes you to France by way of an old-fashioned café. Foie gras, ham, baked camembert, oysters and rosé, a chic colonial setting, and top-notch service. Few places are open for food.
The Vino Bar 68
a wonderful wine bar located on a street in Guéliz. It has a terrific wine list, a dismal, scary atmosphere, and delicious French gastronomy. You should follow our lead and go inside for an aperitif.
An Amount of Cornichon
Another French locale, this time a delectable bistro. Inventive modern French cuisine served in a gorgeous setting. Both the scallops and the beets were excellent.
Le Jardin D’Hiver is located at the Palais Ronsard.
Palais Ronsard is a wonderful boutique hotel, although the Royal Mansour, La Mamounia, and Amanjena are better. This palace hotel features excellent colonial decor in Marrakech, Morocco’s upscale Palmeraie area. One of the eateries and pubs open when we were there was Le Jardin D’Hiver, and it was entirely vacant. We appreciated our meal despite the chef’s comment being completely untrue—something about mozzarella. There are two menus: one is French and the other is Moroccan; the latter one seems to be the chef’s specialty.
Hotel La Mamounia’s Jean-Georges L’Italien restaurant
The Hotel La Mamounia is worth a visit, even if simply to drink a cup of coffee (pastry store and tea parlor by chocolatier Pierre Hermès), to appreciate the bar rebuilt by designer Jacques Garcia, and to walk the lobby and hallways, which honor Churchill’s steps. The only dining option at the hotel is an Italian restaurant led by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It has large windows that overlook the yard and pool. We liked the cuisine, pizza, pasta, and all, even if the restaurant is more of a dining place. But everything is done to the highest level.
Things to see in Marrakech: Trattoria
Another Italian restaurant with a nice decor but average food. Even if it was accidentally, it’s a good thing we were able to get inside.
Kovid fell during Ramadan, but the concierges of two premium hotels, ours and the Royal Mansour, approved our reservations.
Finally, the concierge of the Royal Mansour gave a Guélise Italian restaurant recommendation. Because of the chaos and the need to eat fast, the food was generally pleasant but not exceptionally outstanding. The champagne helped a little with the poor mood (hello, curfew).
Crowded before Ramadan. Moroccan design legend Bill Willis designed the interiors, which I found fascinating. The Uzbek suzane on the walls made me feel so warm within (along with the champagne, of course).
Also
Residence Royal Mansour
Even though we never made it to the Alaimo Brothers restaurant, we spent an hour admiring the interior while waiting in the lobby for a reservation and a car. Despite its attractiveness, I didn’t understand how much art and design it had. It’s the hotel’s fault and Marrakech’s.