Marrakech is a very special and unique city. This ancient place is culture pot where different nationalities, traditions, and histories met, grew, and developed together. It is one of a kind blend of European, African, and Middle Eastern influences, the sorts of which you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
The city is the fourth largest city in the country of Morocco right after Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier, and it is often thought to be the capital. Actually, Rabat is the capital of Morocco, but Marrakech is arguably the most popular and most visited.
The city is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and it is the capital of the Marrakech-Safi region. Abu Bakr ibn Umar, a chieftain of the Lamtuna Berber Tribe, established the famous city in 1062. Today, it has almost a million citizens, and the population in 2014 was 928,850.
As a popular tourist destination, the city has many wonderful and interesting things to offer. Read the rest of the article to learn more about the things you can do and see in this spectacular city.
Attractions
There are dozens of places to spend your time in Marrakech, but you should definitely start at the Medina Souks, the old town part of the city filled with narrow alleyways, colors, scents, and sounds. Except for watching and enjoying the surroundings, you can also do a lot of artisanship shopping in this region.
The center of Marrakech’s life is the Djemaa El Fna, a vibrant hub of fortunetellers, musicians, storytellers, snake charmers, and all sorts of street performers. Around it, you can find rooftop restaurants and cafes that overlook this enormous square.
The Koutoubia Mosque is among the most iconic and famous buildings in the city. It was built in 1162, a hundred years after the establishment of the city. It is 70 meters tall. It is an important piece of Almohad architecture. Mind that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque.
Saadians, the Medersa of Ben Youssef, built the Medersa Ben Youssef in 1565. This is the largest theology college in the whole of Morocco, and one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Its main internal courtyard is the best part, which you have to visit.
Other things you should also see if you have time are the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts, and of course, the stunning Majorelle Gardens.
Activities
Like most other places surrounded by a desert, the top two outdoor activities to try once you get to Marrakech are camel riding and quad bike riding in the Sahara Desert.
There are tons of places where you can rent a quad bike (such as atlasbuggyquad.com) or a camel, but the best way to do it is as a part of a group. You will get a guide who knows the terrain, and who will take you to check out some of the best and most amazing places the region has to offer. There are even combination tours where you can try both activities.
Different times of day are available, and ATVs are quite easy to ride. They are automatic, and you will get all of the necessary gear. When it comes to camels, trained professionals are there to teach, assist you on the way, and show you the ropes. For more information on this, check out this website.
