Djemma El Fna

 

To dive head-first into Marrakech’s melting pot of culture, colour and entertainment, head straight for Djemma El Fna in the heart of the old quarter,The Medina, of the city. It’s literally the heart and soul of Marrakech by day and by night. 

 

It’s name translates roughly to  “The End of the World”, but for the locals, this square is the centre of their society. Essentially, it’s a marketplace for goods, food and entertainment. People, literally in their thousands, come here to shop, be entertained, and to eat on a daily basis. 

 

This square hasn’t seen a peaceful moment in its 800 year existence. It used to be a place for public executions. Later, it was a marketplace, a meeting place and a centre for all kinds of trade as caravans crossed between Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Today it’s all of these things as well as one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Morocco. 

 

Expect to see, hear and taste things you’ve never imagined before. Snake charmers, acrobats, musicians, tattoo and henna artists, even dentists are among the street vendors buying, selling, cooking, eating, haggling and socialising. 

 

Anything in your imagination is available to buy here: spices, sandals, furniture, fruit juice, scarfs, tea, live animals, fresh produce and cooked delicacies that will send your senses racing! 

 

At night, the food stalls will be serving an array of local stews and other traditional meals, offering you the perfect opportunity to try the local fare. If you see the locals eating at a stand, its a safer bet for you to try as well.

 

Bring your camera, but expect to pay a few dirhams in exchange for photos of performers or passers by, and don’t miss the chance to strike up a conversation with the locals, who will be genuinely interested in getting to know you!

 

 

The Souks

 

Just behind the Djemma El Fna in the Medina, you will find an intricate maze of tiny alleyways that go on forever, full of shops and tea houses. It’s a shoppers paradise! 

 

Equal to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, it’s where you should come if you’re in the market to buy a high quality carpet with a local design. If not, there are plenty of other  goods to tempt you: leather shoes, bowls, tangines (the conical shapes pots used for cooking stews) and other pottery, olives, dates and all kinds of seeds, herbs, perfume, jewellery, metal works and woven goods. 

 

Bargaining is part of the experience and will be expected by shop keepers. If you’re looking for a higher priced item, you may be invited in to enjoy some mint tea while you are shown the goods on offer. It’s part of the local’s hospitality, and accepting a cup, does not commit you to buy. Don’t be afraid to shop around and ask to see the range of quality and style on offer. You’re sure to get a better idea of the going rate for higher priced items and see more variations of what you’re looking for. Then, when you’re ready to buy, you’ll be ready to negotiate a good price. 

 

Finally, expect to get lost- its part of the fun, and no tourist map is going to help you successfully navigate the souks unless you stick to the major roads, missing all the hidden gems that are always a corner or two further away.  It’s best to wonder along, get lost, and then find a taxi to take you back to where you started!

 

 

 

Koutoubia Mosque

 

This beautiful mosque is visible from almost anywhere in Marrakech, being the largest mosque in the city. 

 

It’s most famous for its decorative minaret, which was constructed with beaten clay. It is the oldest of its kind on the planet and has become a symbol for the city of Marrakech. It was built following the Almohad conquest of Marrakech around 1150, and completed during the reign of the Sultan Yacoub el Mansour, around 30 years later. 

 

The prayer hall of the Mosque, covering an impressive 5,400 squared meters is older than the minaret, first constructed during the 12th Century, but it was later demolished and rebuilt because it did not perfectly align with Mecca when it was first constructed. 

 

If you’re unfamiliar with the significance of Mecca: prayers under the Muslim faith are always performed facing towards it. Located around 2500 miles away from Morocco, near the Red Sea Coast, its importance lies in that it was the location for the birth of the prophet Mohammed in 570 AD. It was also the capital of Islam in ancient times. 

 

Muslims only are permitted to enter the mosque but anyone can admire the structure from outside the complex, particularly as the sun goes down, giving the clay a lovely warm tint.

 

 

 

Saadian Tombs

 

Close to the Kasbah Mosque in Marrakech’s Kasbah district are the Saadian Tombs, which date back to the time of Sultan Ahmad Al Mansur, who died in 1603. Beautifully decorated with coloured tiles, Arabic script and ornate carvings, the tombs were sealed and remained undiscovered until 1917 when French explorers stumbled upon them. The sealing of the Mausoleums helped to preserve the tombs in excellent condition, making them a rare and popular sight for tourists. 

 

This site was said to be the original burial ground for the Prophet Mohammed’s descendants, but the tombs you see today were built for sixty- six members of the Saadi Dynasty, mostly the nobility and Saadinian princes themselves, buried inside the two mausoleums, including the tomb of Ahmad al Mansur himself and his immediate family. 

 

The first Mausoleum is not as old as the second, but it is more elaborately decorated, built especially to house Mansur’s tomb. The vaulted roof and detailed tiles are similar to those that decorate the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, which was built 200 years earlier. 

 

Apart from the 66 indoor graves, there are a further 100 in the surrounding gardens, marked by their decoratively tiled headstones in various mosaic designs. 

 

 

 

Majorelle Gardens and Museum of Islamic Art

 

If you feel like you need a break from the desert heat in Marrakech, head for the Majorelle Gardens, located in the heart of the New City.  What you’ll find is a lush and peaceful botanic garden that was built  by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924, during the colonial period when Morocco was occupied by France. 

 

After moving to Marrakesh to develop his paintings, Majorelle instead turned his focus to developing the land surrounding his villa and workshop. The  garden later opened to the public in 1947. After his death, French fashion guru Yves St. Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought the property.

 

As well the plants, ranging from colourful bougainvillaea vines to exotic succulents and cactus varieties from the Americas, the garden is home to nearly 20 species of birds which are only found in North Africa. 

 

The striking cobalt blue used for various feature walls and other fixed objects around the gardens was later named Bleu Majorelle in honour of the garden’s creator. 

 

The villa in the centre of the garden is now a Museum of Islamic Art, mostly showcasing pieces from the personal collections of Pierre Bergé and Yves St. Laurent, from local locations including Maghreb region, extending as far reaching as the Asian continent.

 

Amongst the objects are pottery and other ceramics, weapons, jewellery, textiles and carpets, and woodwork. There is also a selection of painted works by Jacques Majorelle, a legacy to his creation of this site which is enjoyed by so many locals and visitors today. 

 

The museum gift shop sells a good range of books, pottery and unique perfumes developed by the gardens. The gardens and museum open every day from 8 am and close depending on the season. They also shut for two hours for lunch between 12- 2pm.

 

 

El Bahia Palace

 

 

Another glorious example of Moroccan architecture is the El Bahia Palace. Built during the 19th Century, construction took 15 years to complete. It was built for the Sultan Ahmed Ibn Moussa (Ba Ahmed) between 1894 and 1900 by a team of craftsmen brought especially from Fez to complete the job. 

 

The name of the palace translates to “palace of the beautiful”, but it does not refer to the 

decorative tiles, carved cedar- wood ceilings, fountains or manicured gardens- the palace was built as the official residence of the Sultan’s concubines, and named in dedication to them. 

 

Aside from 160 individual rooms, you can also explore the lavishly decorated reception halls, Sultan’s quarters, courtyards and eight hectare sized gardens. Allow at least a few hours to do so, and better yet, hire a local guide to take you on a tour, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the most important details, and also so you can gain more than just an appreciation for the beauty of the palace, but an insight into the life of a royal leader, his concubine, the architects, workmen and servants during these times. 

 

Expect to pay around 50 Dirhams for a guide, in addition to the 10 Dirham entry charge. The palace is open every day that the royal family is not in town, between 9am and 6pm, closed for 3 hours from 12pm over lunch. 

 

 

Hot Air Ballooning over Marrakech

 

For a once in a lifetime experience during your trip to Morocco, a hot air balloon ride would not be a bad choice. Imagine lifting high into the sky and flying silently across the High Atlas plains, passing endless desert plains, lush, green oases and Berber villages beneath you…

 

Marrakech is a popular place to take this kind of tour, which range from basic 1 hour flights, flight and breakfast or champagne breakfast packages. Tours can either be booked on arrival or pre-departure. 

 

Local prices sit around the 2,000 Dirham mark (about 175 euros), but you would easily pay at least 200euros if you book before you go.  Good, clear weather conditions are required for flights to proceed, so booking in advance might not necessarily guarantee you fly. 

 

Expect a very early start, before sunrise, which generally means pickup from your accommodation at as early as 5:30am, depending on the season.

 

 

Day Trips from Marrakech

 

If you have more then say, four days planned for Marrakech, why not venture a little further out of town to discover some of the regional sights? There are plenty of choices of things to see and do which can be organised through your accommodation or one of the many local tour companies. 

 

A good idea is to ask around  and find out what other travellers suggest, but to give you a head start, here are some of the more popular tourist destinations close to Marrakesh that are worth slotting in to your itinerary. 

 

High Atlas Mountains

 

The complete Atlas Mountain Range stretches through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, covering about 2,500 kms in length. They were formed when the American continent collided with the African continent, about 300 million years ago. From Marrakesh, it’s possible to take various tours for hiking, skiing or touring the areas Berber village settlements.

 

The word Berber refers to the indigenous peoples from  an area which once stretched from North Africa to the Nile Valley in modern Egypt and some parts of the Mediterranean coast. Today, more than 90% of the remaining community live within Morocco.

 

Many village settlements exist in this area outside Marrakech where the people lead a simple life and make what money they can from visiting tourists. Many tours around Morocco outside the main cities include a stop in these villages where you can try traditional food and buy locally made crafts. 

 

 

 

Essaouira City 

 

This city had a colourful past as a popular anchor port for pirates roaming the coast. Interestingly, Essaouira managed to successfully defend itself against efforts by English, Spanish, Dutch and French explorers attempting to capture the city over the years.

Today it’s listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A port city located on the Atlantic Coast, about 2 hours drive from Marrakech. A popular spot for kite and wind surfing for those looking for some adventure, and a good place to take a beach camel ride for something more laid back.  

 

 

Ouarzazate 

The name of this city, which translates roughly to “Door of the Desert” is literally the last stop before the Sahara desert begins. It’s the home of Atlas Studios where several well known Blockbuster movies have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia, Brad Pitt’s Gladiator, and more recently, Babel starring Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Also a great location to take a Sahara camel trek or a 4WD tour through the sand dunes!

The majority of locals in Marrakech are of the Muslim faith, so many important religious festivals will be marked throughout the year, including the Ras el Am (Muslim New Year) on the 10th February, Ramadan (month of fasting) from October 16th and Aid el Mouloud (the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad) on May 03. There normally isn’t anything of particular interest to tourists to observe, but be aware that these events may disrupt the opening of some shops and other attractions. 

 

For tourists, some of the more interesting mainstream festivals and events in Marrakech include:

 

 

Popular Arts Festival: 2-7 July

 

A celebration of the arts with free music, acrobatic and magic street performances, art and local craft demonstrations held in the streets of the city. The climax of the event is a thrilling routine of stunts performed on horseback, held just outside the city in a field next to the Bab Jdid. 

 

For more information, visit: http://www.marrakechfestival.com

 

 

Sand Marathon: 27 March- 7 April

 

You would have to wonder why on earth elite athletes would want to take part in a gurelling 150 mile long marathon, 7 days running in the intense heat of the desert and suffering from intermittent sand storms! This event is all in the name of charity, which goes towards the development of regional infrastructure. 

 

For more information, visit: http://www.darbaroud.com

 

 

International Film Festival of Marrakech: 18- 22 September

 

The African answer to the Cannes Film Festival was begun in the year 2000 and is open to actors, producers and film makers from all over the world to celebrate new productions and award prizes for outstanding contributions to the industry. The public are invited to attend film premieres which are held in various locations around the city for the duration of the festival. 

Shopping in Marrakech is a delight not often overlooked by tourists. With so many interesting things to buy at relatively cheap prices, shopping can become addictive during your visit to the Red City!

 

 Whether you’re looking for a one- off designer carpet or some small souvenirs to take home, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to buy at various places.

 

What to buy?

 

Just about anything is for sale in Marrakech! Popular souvenirs include woven textiles and carpets, various form of ceramic pottery including bowls and plates with a traditional design. Tangines, also called tajines are the conical shaped pots used to cook stews and other local foods. these make great decorative and useful gifts, but are heavy to carry. 

 

Leather goods are popular: bags, belts and leather slippers, called Belgha, plus a variety of ornamental goods like gilded mirrors, decorated jewellery boxes, lamps and lanterns, glass work and more. You might also be tempted by the local cosmetic products, herbs or spices for something unique. 

 

 

Where to buy?

 

If you are interested in local crafts, a good place to start is the Ensemble Artisanal craft centre on Avenue Mohammed V. It’s run by the government, meaning you can see a range of quality traditional crafts without being pressured into buying, and you can also get a good idea what the item is worth. They may not be the cheapest items available in Marrakech, but they are not unreasonably priced and are generally of a high quality. 

 

If it’s jewellery you are after, head to the Grand Bijonterie jewellery market in the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of the Medina. Gold, silver and both cut and un-cut stones are available here and are sold by weight, generally at good prices compared to the rest of Europe. 

 

In the new city Guéliz, you can find an interesting range of designer boutiques with unusual ornamental and functional crafts and contemporary clothing. 

 

Of course, a trip to The Souks in the Medina is a great experience for  both serious shoppers and those that just want to observe daily life in Marrakech. 

 

For the serious shopper, a good idea is to start at the northern end of the Souks, where most of the craft workshops can be found. Here you can observe many local goods being made right before your eyes, and while you can buy from them, you’re less likely to be touted on to do so!

 

Bargaining

 

Many people find this practice daunting, if not downright annoying! Either way, it’s a common practice that is deeply rooted in the local culture and you will be expected to participate. 

 

Respect that it is a necessary part of the transaction and try to enjoy the experience. To help you learn the art, here are a few simple things you should remember when bargaining:

 

1. Keep a smile on your face but don’t show too much interest. Enjoy interacting with the seller and be patient. Becoming upset or aggressive is not going to get you a better price and might offend the seller, whilst appearing too enthusiastic about the item in question could encourage the seller to hold a higher price.

 

2. Know the market. Don’t rush in and buy the first thing you see, look at the same goods in various places and don’t be afraid to ask for a price and say no if you think it’s too much. If the price is way out of your range, ask the seller if they have something of a lower quality. This usually encourages them to bend a little further if they think the item might simply be out of your budget.  Don’t be afraid to go back to a place if you’ve been quoted the best price or you were able to build a rapport with the seller. 

 

3. Decide what it’s worth. How much do you really want it, and what are you prepared to pay for it? Don’t get caught up over a few dirhams that are worth little, over the value of having something unique to remind you of your trip.

 

4. Ask for a price. Often you will be asked in return how much you want to pay, but insist that the seller nominate his price. If you already have an idea of what the item is worth, and the price is way above that, looked shocked. When it’s your turn to offer a price, start at around one third of what you’re prepared to pay. You will likely then go back and forth on prices until you find one that suits both of you.

 

5. If you’re buying more than one, or several items together items this generally works in your favour with getting a discount, but leave the introduction of other items before introducing the concept. Say something like “what if I take this as well…?”. If you choose half the sellers items before you start negotiating, they will know you’re a serious buyer, and will probably end up paying what they want anyway. 

 

6. Don’t be afraid to say no, and be prepared to walk away. If this doesn’t result in a swift agreement or at least another drop in price, you can always come back later and try again. Never rush off. Give the seller a chance to call you back and offer you a better price. 

 

7. Walking away from a sale without agreeing to a price is perfectly acceptable, but never offer something you are not willing to pay. If you have agreed a price, you are expected to honour the sale!

The Menara International Airport is located about 6kms outside the city of Marrakesh. Recently renovated to accommodate the growing numbers of visitors flying in and out of Morocco, the airport is now equipped to handle a capacity of 2.5 passengers, with the opening of a fourth terminal expected to push this number to a further 4 million.

 

Many complain that the queues are slow, but facilities are good and include currency exchange counters, tourist information, shopping options and a prayer room. Eating options are limited. 

 

Getting to Marrakech from the airport:

 

By Taxi:

 

Taxis are available outside the arrival terminal 24 hours, every day and take about 15 minutes to get you into town. Before getting into any cab, agree on a price! There are signs outside the terminal to guide what you should pay. Expect to pay around 50-80 Dirhams depending on where your destination is. 

 

By Bus:

 

Bus number 19 runs every hour between the hours of 6am and 12:25 am and costs 20 Dirhams one way, 30 Dirhams for a round trip.  Bus number 11 takes you to Jemma el-Fna (The Medina) and runs every half hour, less frequently on Saturday or Sunday.