48 hours in Marrakech – Weekend Edition
Marrakech In Less Than 48 Words
Marrakech is often called the “Red City”, and is one of Morocco’s most important cities. Located by the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, it is a staple destination for the outlandish travelers with its snake charmers, magic potions, trance music, steamy hammams, feasts, and hidden palaces.
El Badi Palace (Photo by Sarfraz Hayat)
First 24 Hours
Arrive at the mesmerizing city of Marrakech via the Marrakech-Menara Airport, which is located six kilometers from the city center. From there, you can catch an airport shuttle bus that arrives every 30 minutes, and takes you to the city’s main square. The journey will cost around 20Dh. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi straight to the Medina (the oldest part of the city), although this will cost you upwards of 150Dh.
Marrakech is generally a low-rise city, as its centuries-old city planning allows only one building to stand highest there, the Koutoubia Mosque. The city is divided into two major parts, the Old (Medina) and New (Nouvelle Ville) Cities. It is advisable to pay a visit to the city’s main tourist office (Place Abdel Moumen Ben Ali, Avenue Mohammed V, 00 212 524 43 61 31, website), which is open from Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at Marrakech’s hotels
You can rest your tired mind and body at Marrakech’s excellent hotels. One of the best in the city is the Kasbah Dar Ilham (Km 13, Route De Fes, Marrakech 40000, +212 661787516, website). It has a traditional Moroccan design, plus delicious food and an excellent staff. A nice alternative is the Riad Assakina (Derb Alaati Allah, 14 | Hay Salam, Medina, Marrakech 40 000, 00212 (0)524 38 05 52, website), which offers a friendly welcome, exquisite rooms, and a helpful staff.
Moroccan-themed room of Riad Assakina (Photo from Google images)
You can also try out the Riad Les Trois Palmiers (36 Derb Tizougarine | Dar El Bacha, Marrakech 44000, +212 678960184, website). It has a nice location right in the heart of Marrakech, plus lovely rooms, excellent food, and five-star service.
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE: Let’s take a view
Koutoubia Mosque (Photo by roblisameehan)
Perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Marrakech is the Koutoubia Mosque (Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech, Morocco). It is the largest mosque in the city, and rises 69 meters into the sky. It was built in 1184, and is known for its traditional Almohad style and décor of four copper globes. The highlight is climbing up to its top floor and having a breathtaking view of the city. However, it is not open to non-Muslims; so those of a different religion can take solace in admiring the structure’s architecture.
EL BADI PALACE: Head to another Moroccan palace
You can also head to the El Badi Palace (Place des Ferblantiers, Marrakesh, Morocco), which is a once-magnificent palace built in 1578 by the Saadian king Ahmad al-Mansur. But, it is today a romantic set of sandstone ruins, after it was destroyed by Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. You must bear in mind that it was one of the most impressive monuments in the world, earning the name “The Marvel”. It was decorated with Italian marble and Sudanese gold, and is believed to have contained around 360 rooms, plus a massive courtyard and pool. The site is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:45 pm, and admission will cost you 20Dh.
BAHIA PALACE: Visit one of the greatest Moroccan palaces
Another popular tourist attraction in Marrakech is the Bahia Palace (Beyond Place des Ferblantiers, Marrakech, Morocco). It is a palace built in the late 19th century, and spreads over an area of two acres and is considered to be one of the greatest palaces in the country. It has a unique architectural style, fusing the Islamic and Moroccan styles. Inside the complex, you can see a harem, decorated rooms and ceilings, mosaic fireplaces, lush gardens, scenic patios, and an open courtyard lined with cypress and orange trees, with two star-shaped pools. The site is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and entrance will cost you around 10Dh.
Bahia Palace (Photo by Gillian Gagie)
DINNER TIME: Discover Marrakech’s restaurants
A perfect way to relax after sightseeing is by dining at one of the superb restaurants. One of the best dining experiences is available at the Riad Kniza Restaurant (34 Derb L’Hotel | Bab Doukala Medina, Marrakech 40000, +212 5 24 37 69 42, website). It offers an authentic Moroccan cuisine, plus impeccable service and a lively atmosphere. A nice alternative is the Le Restaurant du Riad Monceau (7/8 derb Chaabane | Riad Zitoun Lakdim, Marrakech 40000, 212 (0) 524 429 646, website), a small gourmet restaurant that serves excellent food and is located near the main square.
Le Restaurant du Riad Monceau (Photo from Google images)
Go vegetarian at the Earth Cafe Marrakech (No2, Derb ZAWAK, Riad ZITOUN KEDIM | Medina, Marrakech, 212 0 660544992, website). It offers delicious vegetable dishes often wrapped in filo pastry and served with tasty sauces. You can also try out the La Table de Mona (6, Rue Capitaine Arrighi, Marrakech 40000, 00212(0) 618.137.959), which has great food, atmosphere, and service.
Next 24 Hours
Your next 24 hours in Marrakech can be used to discover the city’s other famous tourist destinations. One of the must-sees in the city is the Menara Garden, which is located at the western edge of the city. It is better known, however, as a gate to the Atlas Mountains that surround the city. The garden is housed in a pavilion with a small green pyramid roof, and is believed to have been built back in the 16th century. You can find there an artificial lake, orchards, and olive groves. From there, you will have nice views of the mountains, and you’ll often find yourself taking snapshots of the marvelous scenery. It is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm, and admission is free.
Menara Gardens with a scenic backdrop of Atlas Mountains (Photo from Google images)
MARRAKECH MUSEUM: Have a bit of history
Another popular attraction in Marrakech is the Marrakech Museum (Fondation Omar Benjelloun, Place Ben Youssef – Marrakech-Médina, +212 24 44 18 93, website). It is a museum housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace, a 19th century structure built by the architect Mehdi Menebhi. Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of traditional and modern Moroccan art. Other exhibits are historical manuscripts, Moroccan coins and pottery, plus Jewish, Arab, and Berber artifacts. The building itself is a wonder, with a classical Andalusian style of architecture, fountains, a courtyard, a hammam, intricate carvings, and exquisite tilework. It is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and admission will cost you around 60Dh.
JARDIN MAJORELLE: A walk in the park
You will have some unforgettable moments inside the Jardin Majorelle (Avenue Yacoub El Mansour Marrakech, 00 212 5 24 31 30 47, website). Also known as the Majorelle Garden, it is regarded as the best public garden in the city. It was created in 1924 by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, and contains numerous plant species planted around a villa painted a special shade of bold, cobalt blue.
Majorelle Garden ( Photo by Sarfraz Hayat)
You can take a leisurely stroll around its plants, and see a memorial dedicated to the fashion figure Yves Saint-Laurent who owned the site in 1980. The garden also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, where you will find ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and North African textiles. You can even find more than 15 rare bird species. The site is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm, and admission is free.
NIGHTLIFE: Indulge in Marrakech’s vibrant nightlife scene
You may also get immersed in the exciting nightlife at Marrakech’s bars and clubs. One of the most popular is Le Blokk (Ennakhil, Propriété Farah, Préfecture SYBA, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc, +212 (0) 674 334 334, website). It is a cocktail lounge with a retro vibe and old school cool, plus live music and a fusion menu. A nice alternative is the Le Churchill Bar (La Mamounia, Avenue Bab Jdid, Marrakesh, +212 24 38 86 00, website), which is Marrakech’s own version of a New York jazz club, with traditional drinks and an Old World atmosphere.
You can also try out the Pacha Marrakech (Zone hôtelière de l’Aguedal, Boulevard Mohamed VI, 40000 – Marrakech – MAROC, +212 (0) 5 24 38 84 00, website). It is one of the top clubs in the city, with a restaurant, pool, and a pounding sound system.
Related posts: