Marrakech walking tour & city guide

Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks

Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, changes throughout the day: orange juice sellers and henna artists in the morning, storytellers, musicians and acrobats in the afternoon, and at dusk, rows of smoking food stalls. Its unique atmosphere is recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral heritage.

North of the square, the souks are a labyrinth of covered lanes, each traditionally devoted to a craft: leather, lanterns, spices, carpets, metalwork and dyed wool. Bargaining is expected, and getting a little lost is part of the experience. The Koutoubia Mosque, with its 77-meter minaret, is the city's landmark.

Palaces and gardens

The Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace of painted ceilings, carved wood and tiled courtyards, and the ruins of the El Badi Palace show the grandeur of the Saadian dynasty, whose ornate tombs are nearby. The Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic school, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Morocco.

Outside the medina, the Jardin Majorelle, a garden painted in intense cobalt blue and once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, is a peaceful retreat. The YSL Museum is next door.

Visiting tips

Stay in a riad, a traditional house built around a courtyard, for the best experience. Spring and autumn are ideal, as summers are very hot. Day trips lead to the Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley, the Agafay desert and the coastal town of Essaouira.