Things to do in Marrakesh

Marrakesh is not just one of the most enchanting cities in Morocco, but it is significant to the fascinating history of Morocco, representing what the country once was and what it still remains. The city is packed with many exquisite sites to visit including several beautiful gardens, architectural wonders and Marrakeshs landmark, the salmon-pink ramparts.

Agdal Garden

The Jardin de l'Aguedal stretches out a full three kilometres south of the Royal Palace, consisting of large orchards, a big lagoon and small pools. An ideal place to walk around and observe the beauty of nature, the garden is surrounded by high pis (a mixture of mud and clay) walls inside which you can find olive, citrus, fig, pomegranate and apricot orchards in their original raised-plot form. In the old times, this place used to be the site where the sultans had parties and picnics.

Dar Si Sad

Museum-goers will love this place, as it features many excellent collections of Moroccan antique crafts such as jewellery, local carpets, leatherwork and pottery from the seaside town of Safi and from Tamegroute, near Zagora. The highlight of the display is probably a marble basin with an inscription indicating its 10th century Crdoban origin, which was brought to Morocco by the Almoravid sultan Ali ben Youssef for his mosque. Having served as a palace in the 19th century, this arts and crafts museum is now well-visited by tourists. Its courtyard is also impressive, with many kinds of flowers and cypress trees as well as a charming fountain.

El Badi Palace

Once Sultan Ahmed el Mansour's home, which was, at that time, considered one of the most impressive monuments in the world, El Badi Palace is a 16th century palace featuring a remarkable series of underground dungeons. Make sure you wander around in the dungeons to get a feel of what it was like to live here. There are also four drunken orange orchards, a lagoon and many pools. A number of storks now make their nests on the vast pis and sandstone ruins of the palace. The ruins come to life once a year during the Moroccan folklore festival which takes place at the palace.

Koutoubia Mosque

Visible from far away, this Moorish mosque is a majestic sight and a gem of Islamic architecture. Built in the early 12th century on the site of the original 11th century Almoravid mosque by the Almohad sultan Abdel Moumen, the mosque boasts a square minaret, topped by three remarkable golden orbs. Now also a place for relaxation, the mosque has a large plaza, walkways and gardens for visitors to take a rest and take in spectacular views of this grand mosque and its fascinating atmosphere.

Menara Garden

Popular among locals and tourists alike, this lovely garden is peaceful and a perfect place if you want to take a break from the bustle of the city. The garden also unveils a beautiful lagoon and an elegant villa-styled pavilion, built in the early 19th century by Sultan Abd er Rahman. If you visit Menara Garden during winter, you will see the stunning backdrop of the Atlas peaks, covered by snow; a breathtaking sight that you shouldnt miss. In autumn, you might be able to spot locals picking the green, pink and black olives from the gardens.

Muse de Marrakesh

Here is where you can find many unique paintings and artefacts owned by local art collectors. Housed in a mansion that was once owned by the illustrious Mnebhi family, the museum usually has interesting art exhibitions. If you are lucky, you might be able to buy some paintings from the collectors. Tourists can also find a good bookstore and a charming little caf at the museum.

Saadian Tombs

Beautifully carved tombs reflecting fine Moroccan Saadian architecture, these tombs were built by the Saadian sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the late 16th century as a burial ground for himself and his successors. The rooms are lavishly and colourfully decorated, and the building is composed of three rooms, with the most famous one being the central mausoleum, the Hall of Twelve Columns, which contains the tomb of the son of the sultan's son, Ahmed El Mansour. There are 66 indoor tombs and some other tombs containing Saadian princes and members of the Royal House, located amid lovely flowering shrubs and palm trees.

Ramparts

Ramparts are distinctive architectural marvels that play a significant role in the nickname of the city of Marrakesh, the Rose City. The well-preserved salmon-pink ramparts are outstanding sights that lend the city its unique atmosphere that takes you back in time.

Since the Middle Ages, Marrakesh's solid ramparts have encircled and protected its mysterious labyrinthine Medina, hiding sultans' palaces, the ornate mansions of rich merchants and glorious, colourful bazaars. Before the French Protectorate, the gates were still used to prevent people who did not live in Marrakesh from entering the city. You can drive around the perimeter to observe the ramparts. These pretty ramparts are 33 feet high and 15kms in circumference.