9 Things to do in Marrakech For First Timers

…already madly in love with Morocco, have been here a few short hours and already have a henna tattoo, want everything from the souks and know I want to live in a Riad back in the states

It’s hard to navigate through such a crazy city full of culture and excitement when there are so many things to pull your senses in a billion different directions.   Here are the top 9 suggested things to do in Marrakech to make the most of your Moroccan experience..

1. Take in the action at JEMAA EL FNA

Marrakech’s main square in the medina that borders the souks acts not only as a marketplace but a venue for all sorts of entertainment.  It fills up slowly in the morning but turns into a full-fledged circus by the evening, complete with snake charmers, medicine men, storytellers, and musicians.  Take in all the different sights, smells and sounds that come your way and get ready to pay a few dirham if you want to take a photo of anyone.

2. Explore the SOUKS

Be ready to get lost in what seems like the never-ending maze of spices, jewelry, leather, blankets, lanterns and other Berber goods that make up this traditional Northern African marketplace.  Getting hassled by most of the vendors you pass can be expected and best ignored unless you are ready and willing to haggle down the price of any treasure that may catch your eye.

3. Appreciate the KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE

The city’s oldest and largest mosque, the Koutoubia, is located just off of Jemaa el Fna.  It stands tall against its low-laying surroundings and its minaret (tall tower) can be seen throughout most of the city.  Although non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque, its beauty can be appreciated from the outside and the call to prayer from atop its minaret can be heard five times throughout the day.

4.Get some HENNA

This is the one thing I really wanted to do while visiting Marrakech.  I had read a few things before travelling that said getting henna done in the square can be risky because you do not know what kind of dye they are using and  the woman giving it to you could try to raise the price after applying it.  I decided to go the Henna Café.  Not only did they do a great job on my hand and foot tattoo, but they also served delicious food.

5. Be an ADVENTUROUS EATER

Moroccan food is some of the best and most flavorful I have ever had and I am glad that I was open to whatever came my way while I was there.  I still think about all the Mediterranean spices, tea, lamb tagine, couscous, tea, falafel, kebabs, and the list goes on and on.   I had the best glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from a little cart in Jemaa el Fna and even tried a bite of my boyfriend’s camel burger (that was delicious!).

Recommended: Café Clock (grab a camel burger and listen to live Berber music)

6. Enjoy all the MINT

Not only is this herb in a lot of the food and drinks you will enjoy while there but it is also sold in many of the markets.  It adds an enjoyable, cooling flavor to the lemonade and hot tea I found almost everywhere as well as to a favorite dish I had, tabouleh.  I also say enjoy the mint because every so often, among the many weird and mostly unpleasant smells that meet your nose while roaming the crowded streets of the city, you will welcome the strong and refreshing smell of mint that floods your nose as you pass a cart selling some.

7. Relax in MAJORELLE GARDEN

Majorelle is a lovely garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle that offers a peaceful place to chill away from the hustle and bustle of the main square.   It is filled with winding paths through exotic trees and cacti, colorful vases filled with flowers and gorgeous water features with floating lily pads.  It was later owned by fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent and in 2008, after his death, his ashes were scattered throughout the gardens.  There is also an Islamic Art Museum filled with ancient Berber artifacts as well as a café where you can enjoy a drink and a nice view of the gardens.

Photo Credit: Suzanna Clarke http://riadzany.blogspot.com/2013/07/creative-director-for-jardin-majorelle.html

8. Stay in a RIAD

If you are staying in Marrakech for more then a day then I suggest staying in a raid.  This is a traditional Moroccan style house with an open interior courtyard that will act as your open and airy oasis away from the craziness of the city center.  Many have rooms covered in beautiful mosaic tiles and have more lanterns, colorful furniture and art around every corner.  Some even have a rooftop terrace with a lounge area that you can stay at for a few dirhams a night.

Recommended: Riad Lakhdar…

9. Take A DAY TRIP

Marrakech can get to be a lot to handle with all of the noise and crowds so if you know you can only take so much of the craziness it is nice to look into different excursions that can take you out of the city.  There are many different things you can do and they all vary in time and price so it really depends on what you are looking for.  A good option for a day trip would be to Essaouira, a famous port town known for having Jimi Hendrix’s favorite beach.  If you had more time and were up for an adventure then a 2+ day trip through the Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert may be a better choice.

TIP: Although you can book day trips in advance, it is usually cheaper to set them up while you are there (which many of the riads can assist you with).

Meet Our Newest Writer:

   Lauren has enjoyed exploring from a young age when she started traveling and learning about different cultures around the world. She loves experiencing all that a place has to offer, from it’s art, music and food to it’s architecture,  and way of life. From shark diving in the Caribbean to camel trekking though out the Sahara to chugging beers at Oktoberfest,  Lauren seeks adventure and excitement everywhere she goes.