Marrakesh Entertainment
The heartbeat of Morocco, this city is where everything happens. Marrakesh is where you can see the grandeur of divine architectural sites and holy places alongside dodgy food stalls selling local snacks. Marrakesh is no less exciting when the sun goes down, when travellers flock to the square of Djema el Fna to see amazing performances and sample the amazing food.
Eating out
Moroccan food is famous for its variety of spices and tastes. Marrakesh offers a full range of eateries and holidaymakers can choose the type of cuisine that most appeals to them. The Medina is where you can find most of the citys French-styled cafs, bistros, restaurants and bars, but if you want to try real Moroccan food at its best, head to the Djema el Fna, a large square which is very happening both in the daytime and at night.
An array of inexpensive restaurants can be found here; however, if you want to dine in style, there are also many upmarket palaces-turned-restaurants offering Moroccos traditional cuisine. One of the most remarkable eateries is Dar Marjana, a charming authentic riad with a salon looking out into the courtyard, cypress trees and a lovely fountain, offering Moroccan wines and other specialities.
Local cuisine
Prepare to try some of the most palatable foods in the world. Moroccan dishes will wet your appetite with a rollercoaster ride of flavours, exotic spices and fancy decorations. Spices play an important role in Moroccan food, with common spices including cinnamon, cumin, ginger, cayenne pepper, marjoram, tumeric, paprika, aniseed and black pepper. Try bisteeya, a triple-layered savoury chicken pastry, and mechoui, a roasted lamb dish with a generous amount of spices. Hot sweet mint tea is usually served with meals at most restaurants and cafs.
Nightlife
The Djema el Fna is no doubt the most intoxicating area and it becomes a fascinating nocturnal scene when the sun goes down. This large central square in the Medina, which is perfect for a stroll and food-hunting during the day, turns into a hub of entertainment in the evening. Many performers such as jugglers, jokers, musicians, storytellers and acrobats flock to the square and charm people with their talents, creating an exciting ambience for those visiting the area. Food stalls surround the square, so hungry tourists can satisfy their cravings while watching the shows.
If you want to hit the bars, a couple of places you can go to are the hotels in Gueliz and La Mamounia in the Medina. Small bars can also be found at almost all hotels.
Shopping
A haven for shoppers, Marrakesh boasts delicate local products such as rugs and handicrafts, which have a well-known reputation in the western world of interior design. Marrakech is home to a large tanning industry and leather goods of high quality can easily be found. Camel leather and items made of the local cactus silk make good souvenirs for your friends and family. Brightly-coloured platters and bowls are also Marrakesh signature products.
The bazaars, or souks, have everything you can ever imagine and the prices are unbeatable. However, you still have to practice your bargaining skills, as the initial price given by the trader can still be overpriced by 50 per cent.
If walking around in very crowded areas such as the souks gives you a headache, head to the boutiques in Gueliz, where you can shop at your own pace. These stores also offer shipping services.