Tag: Morocco

  • The Imperial City Surrounded by the Atlas Mountains – Marrakesh, Morocco

    Travel Date: March, 2024.

    Marrakesh, or Marrakech as it is alternatively spelled, is the fourth largest city in Morocco and one of the region’s Imperial Cities. Founded in 1070, this city has a lot of history and is a popular North African destination for sunny skies, outdoor adventures, and delicious food. The ancient city is surrounded by the snow capped Atlas mountains, which create a unique contrast against the famous orange clay buildings and sunny blue sky.

    Rooftop view of Marrakesh buildings with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distant background.
    The view of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains towering over the Marrakesh skyline.

    Note: Sadly, I lost the photos from this trip. I have included the photos I was able to retrieve from social media posts, hence their poor quality.

    Sights & Attractions

    Arguable the main attraction in Marrakesh is the main square in the Medina called Jemaa el-Fnaa. This square is the heart of Marrakesh and is surrounded by souks and narrow winding streets. The square itself is a hive of activity, with various vendors, stalls, and rather unfortunately still snake charmers and monkey handlers. On the outskirts of Jemaa el-Fnaa are rooftop restaurants and cafes with views overlooking the bustling square. The square is located at the center of the Medina so it serves as a great reference point as you try and navigate the ancient maze of narrow streets.

    Golden sunset view overlooking a busy, crowded square in the Marrakesh Medina.
    Watching the sunset over the lively square of the Marrakesh Medina.

    I spent hours wondering around the streets of the Medina, getting lost, and then finding my way around again. After a day or two, you’ll begin to recognize stalls and specific sections, making it much easier to get around. I’m not going to lie though, having Internet connection on my phone to be able to pull up my maps did help a lot at first.

    People walking through a sunny square in the Marrakesh Medina with a wooden donkey cart in the foreground.
    Exploring the hidden squares of the Marrakesh Medina.

    Other than the Medina area, there are fun neighborhoods to explore, many offering unique experiences. I spent some time exploring both the Gueliz and Mellah neighborhoods. The Gueliz neighborhood is the new city, with your typical modern necessities, restaurants, shopping malls, and new buildings. I walked up the main boulevard, Avenue Hassan II, popping in to some of the shops in the area. Souvenirs, gifts, and food were noticeably cheaper in this area, likely as it is less of a tourist spot. It was also interesting to see what the “day-to-day” life of the younger and business-orientated population looked like.

    On the way to Gueliz, I stopped at the Park Arsat Moulay Abdesalam, or the Cyber Park, which is a public garden and park near the Medina. It was very hot and dry when I was in Marrakesh, so walking around and relaxing in this green space was very welcomed. There is no admission fee for the park either, and it was relatively well maintained. Walking to the Cyber Park from the Medina, you pass the main mosque in Marrakesh, Koutoubia. Founded in the 12th century, Koutoubia is known for its tall minaret, Moorish architecture, and the surrounding gardens.

    The tall, ornate sandstone minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh against a clear blue sky.
    The iconic Koutoubia Mosque, an example of Moorish architecture.

    Additional sights to view and things to do include:

    • Visit one of the famous palaces, such as the Bahia, El Badi, or The Royal Palace.
    • View some of the historical landmarks, such as Bab Doukkala and Madrasa Ben Youssef.
    • View the date trees or take part in some outdoor activities in Palmeraie.
    • Visit the Jewish quarter, The Mellah, and explore the Tinsmiths Square.

    Activities & Experiences

    My favorite activity from my trip to Marrakesh was definitely just wondering around the Medina and the various souks such as Souk Semmarine or the Plaza Rahba Kedima. There are many stalls in the souks, selling various items from souvenirs and gifts, to textiles and kitchen wares, to every type of spice or herb you can think of. But be prepared to barter if you stop to buy something. The prices of most of the goods are inflated for tourists and to allow room for bartering, so you’re loosing out if you don’t take part in the bartering. Don’t be scared to walk away if the price is too high, you will pass many more stores selling the same items.

    A narrow souk street in Marrakesh lined with colorful spices, traditional leather slippers, and a woman in a pink djellaba walking by.
    Walking through the vibrant and colorful streets in the Medina

    On the second last day of the trip, a friend from the hostel I was staying at found out about a local football match going down later that evening. As an avid sports fan I had to try and get some tickets. We heard that tickets could only be purchased from a kiosk at the training grounds of the local football club, KAC Marrakesh. We made our way to the ticketing office in the afternoon, only to be greeted by absolute chaos when we arrived. It turned out that the match later that evening was a derby game against fierce rivals HUS Agadir and the amount of tickets available were limited to try and control the crowds. There were hundreds of people trying to force their way towards the front of the queue, with the police arresting the fans that were getting out of hand. We waited at the back of the crowds for over an hour in the hopes that the crowd would become more manageable, but the kiosk was closing every couple of minutes to determine how many more tickets were left to sell. Eventually, a few people emerged from the large crowd with a handful of tickets and we were lucky enough to buy a couple tickets from the one fan after offering him a good price.

    Later that evening the six of us that managed to secure some tickets headed over to the Grand Stade de Marrakech before the game, located outside the city to the north. Only one entrance was open due to security reasons so we queued up with the rest of the fans and waited to enter. The queue was taking very long and the fans were getting irritated. Eventually a group of supporters broke down the fence by the entrance and everyone stormed in. We got bumped and pushed around as everyone made a run for the stands. After making it to the main supporters stand, we sat down and were almost immediately threatened by the home ultras before one supporter told us we better move to the “quieter” stand before the game started. Kick-off was delayed because of all the fireworks and bottles being thrown onto the pitch. Eventually the game started as the intensity of the crowd erupted. Throughout the game the home crowd was chanting and lighting flares. After many more stoppages because of the fireworks and television reviews, the home team ended up winning the game. This was easily one of the wildest sporting events that I’ve experienced!

    Football fans cheering with flares, smoke, and flags in the stands at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
    Experiencing the electric atmosphere at the Grand Stade de Marrakech for a Kawkab Athletic Club of Marrakesh football match.

    Another interesting activity to do while in Marrakesh is visiting the tanneries. The tanneries are located on the northeast edge of the Medina, in the Bab Debbagh neighborhood. I walked to the tanneries from the Jemaa el-Fnaa, which took around 20 minutes. As you get further away from the Jemaa el-Fnaa, the surroundings become more residential and much less tourists are seen. It was interesting to see some of the regular residents and houses of the city. It is said that the tanneries are centuries old and it was interesting see how they have been making leather hides using the same ancient methods and tools. It is advisable to look from afar as the workers have been known to demand money from tourists walking in and around the tannery vats. It is also a good thing as the vats are quite stinky!

    If these activities aren’t your cup of tea, maybe try some of the following ones:

    • Visit some of the museums, such as the Marrakech Museum, House of Photography, Dar El Bacha, Yves Saint Laurent, or the Dar Si Said Museum.
    • Explore or relax in one of the many gardens in the city. Notable gardens include Le Jardin Secret, Jardin Majorelle, and the Menara Gardens.
    • Take a trip down south to the small town of Imlil to hike in the Atlas Mountains and see the beautiful waterfalls.

    Food & Drink

    The Moroccan cuisine is world renowned as one of the best from the African continent, and for good reason. Incorporating Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber influences, this cuisine is famous for its hearty stews, spices, and rich flavors. Staples of this cuisines include tajines, grilled meats, couscous, teas, fresh fruit juices, and sweet treats. I tried various types of tajines, including chicken, lamb, and even tajines made with camel meat! I tried the camel tajine at Cafe Amornakoch while overlooking the main square. The lamb tajine at Les Almoravides was also delicious, and comes with arguably better views of the Almoravid Koubba on Rue Azbezt.

    A traditional Moroccan meat and vegetable tagine served on a colorful table with mint tea, bread, and olives.
    A classic Moroccan meal: a hearty tagine served with fresh bread and sweet mint tea.

    If you are looking for something more casual, there are some great and very affordable food spots in and around the Derb Dabachi street area. One of my favorite meals was the mixed meat sandwich at Chez Omar. This sandwich comes includes a soft pita-type bread with various grilled meats, veggies, cheese, and a special sauce all for slightly more than a dollar at the time. This is up there as one of the best bang for you buck sandwiches and meals I’ve had!

    Some restaurants and cafes to try:

    • Park up at a cafe and people watch, either Cafe Clock, Cafe Mazel, or Zeitoun Cafe are great options. For a more luxurious option, try Bacha Coffee for some delicious coffees.
    • Try one of the many street side fast food stalls such as Chez Omar and Dabachi Chez Cherif, or one of the many spots around the Jemaa el-Fnaa.
    • Try a sit down restaurant with great views of the old Medina buildings including Chez Brahim Restaurant, Votre Table, and my favorite, Les Almoravides.

    Transport & Accommodation

    Most will be flying in and out of the Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), which is situated to the southwest of the city. The lines at passport control were very long when I arrived, and many people, myself included, were being ushered off into the side offices for further questioning by the border officers. The whole process did seem quite unorganized and unofficial. I purchases an e-visa online and no one even asked for my visa when I passed through the border. Once you eventually get out the airport there are many taxis right outside the main entrance fighting for their next customer. It is recommended to first setup a SIM and exchange money for the local currency, Moroccan Dirham, before leaving the airport. Another tip I found useful to avoid scams was to walk away from the crowds and find a taxi driver on the outskirts of the pickup area and then negotiate and agree to a fixed price before climbing in the taxi. This allows you to verify that you have enough cash for the trip, also only hand over the money once arriving safely at you destination and after taking your luggage out the vehicle.

    I stayed at the Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge, right in the heart of the Medina. The hostel was quite popular with backpackers and young travelers. Its great location in the city meant we could easily pop back to change clothes or drop off some souvenirs before heading out again. The facilities were basic, but for the price I paid I can’t complain. The stay even comes with a delicious complimentary Moroccan breakfast.

    Final Thoughts

    Marrakesh is a wonderful city filled with history and unique experiences. The food and dining options are a must for any person wanting to experience new and unique cuisines. I would love to return just to try more of the local cuisine. Walking around the Medina and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the many souks was a unique experience, and one that I hadn’t experienced before. If you are looking for something a bit more crazy, definitely try and get some tickets for a local football match, you won’t be disappointed.

    A local person in a green hooded djellaba walking down a cobbled Marrakesh street carrying a striped bag and a metal milk container.v
    Daily life unfolds in the narrow, cobbled alleys of the Medina.

    Browse these spots and more before for your trip to Marrakesh!