At first, most of my dream destinations and places used to originate from classic adventure books. With the help of Jules Verne, Rudyard Kipling and Mark Twain they took me from dry prairies and erupting volcanos to the deepest depths of the ocean.
After that, I discovered colourful images between the glossy travel magazine pages, but nowadays I find a lot of inspiration in surf magazines and on social media.
I still remember seeing a picture of Ben Youssef Medersa, the largest Qur’anic teaching college in Marrakech for the very first time on Instagram. Profoundly smitten by its baroque designs, brightly coloured zellij tiles and wood carvings, I was instantly filled with a stubborn yearning to see it.
Over time, I found myself glued to the computer screen or a magazine page, whenever a photo or a blog post of Ben Youssef Medersa popped up, unable to stop slobbering while I inspected every single impeccable detail of this somewhat unique place.
Three years ago, shortly after moving from Dublin to Sligo, we eventually fulfilled our dream of visiting Marrakech and came home overloaded with sensory experiences that are going to stay with us for a long time. Prior to our trip, I spent hours online browsing the vibrant photos of the souks and traditional riads, but no guide could prepare me fully for Marrakech.
Marrakech’s new town, Gueliz couldn’t be in more significant contrast to the old medina and its maze of narrow streets and magical souks. Residential houses, hotels and fast-food restaurants mix with supermarkets, cutting-edge galleries and international cafes. The main street, Avenue Mohammed V, is beautifully lined with palm trees and travelling from a bus station to our riad we spotted KFC, Pizza Hut and even Zara shops.
To make sure we interacted with locals and learned as much as possible about the history of Marrakech, we arranged a guide to steer us through the labyrinth of Old Medina. Having lived in Marrakech for over 20 years, he was more than happy to provide insights into what life is actually like in one of the biggest cities and helped us focus on the details that make the medieval walled city so unique.
Six Wonderful Things to Experience in Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakesh is one of the largest cities in Morocco and home to 1 million people. There is an incredible amount of sights, places and attractions to see. We are appreciative to have been able to spend time in Marrakech and would love to come back one day for more because as much as we wanted to visit every single place, we just run out of time.
In this blog post, we wanted to highlight a few spots worth visiting. If you are tempted to see incredibly beautiful architectural wonders and roam around the sunlit souks of Marrakech, go visit once it’s safe to do so!
#1. Visit the beautiful Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakech. It’s hard to describe precisely what you feel standing in the middle of the central courtyard with white Carrara marble floor underneath your feet and surrounded by the intense colours and those gorgeous patterns – it’s almost like embroidery.
While you are busy admiring hundreds upon hundreds of intricately placed tiles and ornate geometric patterns, don’t be surprised to find out that the name of the palace translates to ‘brilliance’. This nineteen-century place is one of the true masterpieces of Moroccan and Islamic architecture and also one of the busiest places we visited in Marrakech.
Here you’ll find displays of impressive mosaics, colourful patterns, cedar-wood carvings, stained glass windows, painted cedar ceilings and marble features. In the pretty gardens, you’ll see a great variety of trees – jasmine, olive, banana, lemon as well as date palms and loads of orange trees.
Address: Avenue Imam El Ghazali, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Opening times: The palace is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (may be subject to changes or closures during royal visits and other events).
The entrance fee is 10 Moroccan dirhams, or about $1 US.
#2. Walk around Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
If there is one place that defines this incredible city, it’s definitely Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a big open space with an electric atmosphere. Overlooked by the distinctive Koutoubia mosque tower, this is where you can find citrus fruit stalls, snake charmers, donkeys charts and a healthy mix of foreign visitors and locals. Horse-drawn carriages called Calèches can be found near the square and can be used to go for a ride.
Early in the morning and during the daytime hours Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is much quieter compared to when the night rolls in. If you wish to see it during the night, but don’t feel like walking around on your own, put your feet up in one of the rooftop cafes (consumption is required), and watch the square transform in front of your eyes.
Absorb how the guys pull charts through the square to set up the food stalls for the night. Witness how the square becomes even more alive when street performers try to attract tourist attention with rhythmic music and dancing. And be prepared for an exotic mishmash of fortune tellers, henna artists and monkey-tamers
While nearby rooftop cafes provide an escape from the chaos and the great viewpoints for fantastic pictures, it’s hard to capture the tones of traditional Berber music and the smell of fried food that fills the warm air.
#4. Pay a visit to the Marrakech Museum
This museum is situated just beside the Medersa Ben Youssef and to understand all the descriptions of exhibits you will need the knowledge of French or Arabic.
Although there wasn’t much on display regarding artwork or any other exhibitions you would expect from a similar type of museum, the interior of the building was worth going to see as the wooden ceiling and tile work was stunning.
Make sure you leave the main hall behind and visit smaller rooms as well, we found lovely paintings, fountains, mosaics and decorative art objects (most of them actually were dusty and poorly arranged, nevertheless we absolutely loved it).
Entrance – 50 MAD / 5 USD
#5. Explore Marrakech Souks
Marrakech Medina is enclosed by 19-kilometres of pink walls built around 1122. Until just over 100 years ago, the whole city lived within these walls. There are plenty of things to keep you entertained in the medina; palaces, mosques, museums and souks to get lost in.
Even in your wildest dreams, it’s hard to imagine that places like Marrakech souks exist. The souks of Marrakech are the largest in Morocco and famous globally as some of the most exotic marketplaces to shop in the world. The rhythm of life here is so authentic and unique that even the best adjectives are nowhere near describing this place. It has to be seen in person.
If you are a first time visitor, it can be a bewildering experience to explore the maze of shadowy alleys and passages dotted with overflowing stalls. Each souk is still named after the product being sold there, and many of the products on offer are still similar to how they would have been a hundred years ago.
Be prepared to take your time and get lost, it’s part of the cities charm. Don’t rush and devote a few hours to slowly walking around dimly lit alleys and absorbing eye-catching patterns and colours. Try to identify exotic aromas, be in awe of delicate-looking glassware and let the silk scarfs run through your fingers.
#6. Relax at Le Jardin Secret
Our last day in Marrakech involved more sightseeing. Exclaiming with sheer joy, we entered through the simple door into a place that could only be found in the storybooks. Visiting Le Jardin Secret was something I needed to refresh my soul.
Walking around the gardens, listening to the tinkling water and bird sounds, I realised that some places are so simple yet so surreal! There are two beautifully symmetrical gardens, a small rooftop café and a museum.
Once owned by the powerful U-Bihi, this place exchanged many hands before it was abandoned entirely. Today Le Jardin Secret is beautifully restored and open to the public. It was our tour guide who suggested we visit these blissfully quiet gardens. I am glad we did! We enjoyed the entire experience while learning about the complexity of the flowing water, trying to identify fragrant herbs and many trees.
Entrance – 50MAD, Panoramic Tower – 30MAD
How to set yourself up for a successful visit
It’s good to know the lifestyle and to understand the customs when going to Muslim or any other country for the very first time. Fortunately, there is a wealth of useful information online, from tourist board websites to personal travel blogs you can use to educate yourself.
Arrange a transfer | If you are staying in one of the traditional riads within Marrakech’s old city, organise a transfer, because arriving at your hotel may be a bit more complicated than you realize. Most taxi drivers will leave you off outside of the Medina from where you can hire someone to help you with bags.
Pick a good place to stay | We choose our riad located in the heart of medina because of the great reviews and good value—both of which proved to be true. The ancient Medina is arguably one of the best places to stay in Marrakech as many of the city’s top attractions can be found within its walls.
Hire a guide | If you are travelling solo and it’s your first time in Northern Africa, hire a guide. Some of the official guides are qualified historians that can help you acclimatize if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Communication | In addition to Arabic and Berber, French is also widely spoken in Morocco. If you speak none of those languages, you’ll be OK with English.
What to wear | Showing bare shoulders and legs is frowned upon. Street harassment is common and very often the amount of attention that you get will depend on what you wear.
Use sun protection | The sun in Morocco can be intense throughout the year, especially during the summer month. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
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Now over you!
Have you been to Marrakech? What sites did you see?
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Marrakech and have travel-related questions
OUR CROSSINGS 
Beautiful article, so precise and so filled with valuable and useful information for a good trip to Morocco. As always, the photographs are incredibly beautiful!
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Thanks so much, Francisco. It’s a must-visit city for sure, especially because of the warm weather and traditional cuisine! Although it was tricky to find our way around Medina, we absolutely loved every minute of it. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. At the moment Ireland is basking in a much-needed heatwave as the sun splits the stones in Sligo today. While the current temperatures, sitting at 21’C, might not be much for those that live in Southern Spain, in Ireland that means summer! Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva
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Wow! It sounds just lovely, our temperatures are in mid twenties but quite breezy and nice today. Enjoy the summer weather Aiva and take good care,
Cheers,
FBC
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Books really take us to different and unique destinations (since you mentioned Jules Verne). And nowadays, social media and blogs ( as this one) has us craving for travel.
But now it’s only pictures that can cure our wanderlust.
Thanks for sharing this post!
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From the arrondissements of Paris to the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley, books can take you far, far away. I just started reading Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed and couldn’t be happier for a chance to be transported to places like California, Oregon and Washington. International travel is set to resume in July but only for those who are vaccinated. That’s why my only option of travelling is going to be through the books. Aiva 🙂 xxx
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Your article shows well the attraction that Marrakech exerts on the senses. It is first of all the light, the colours, the shapes, the sounds, the heat, the smells, we let ourselves be invaded by a whole series of reactions. At the beginning there are also the crowds, the stalkers, but you eventually learn to get rid of them. Marrakech is so full of travellers that it is a good gateway to the Arab world. I would add the Majorelle garden as a great memory of a visit to Marrakech. Thanks for bringing us back there.
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Thank you very much 🙂 Marrakech is a popular holiday destination, with many visitors choosing to spend at least a long weekend enjoying the city’s delights Majorelle gardens including. Thanks so much for your suggestion. Before we departed for Norther Africa, I had my heart set on visiting the gardens which are famous for beautifully kept plant life, a number of fountains, pagodas, canopied walkways and even a small museum. Much to our surprise we arrived and found an hour-long queue. Knowing that the gardens are quite small we didn’t want to be in an overcrowded environment with a small child. But definitely next time. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂
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I understand your choice, without intending it I was lucky, my hotel was close and I went there after a rain shower that made everyone leave 🙂 The colours, it’s the colours of Majorelle that stay with me, his blue especially
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I still don’t understand why I’ve never been to Marrakech but there you are, I never made it. Still, you are the perfect guides to the city and your Post is excellent. Should I eventually make it to there, I’ll carry your suggestions with me.
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Thank you very much 🙂 Marrakech is a very photogenic city to explore and photograph, there’s so much light and colour! The souks of Marrakech are often a highlight for visitors with its bustling atmosphere, the bargains, the thrill of haggling and the wonderful feast for senses. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you get to visit Marrakech one day. Aiva 🙂
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A great introduction to Marrakech, somewhere I’m yet to visit but hope to one day. In December we were almost in touching distance of the country when we visited Gibraltar so hopefully I’ll step onto African soil before too long. Wish you more of this fine, sunny weather. Marion
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You should definitely catch a ferry to Africa next time you are visiting Gibraltar, Marion. The shortest crossing from Spain to Morocco by ferry is between either Tarifa and Tangier or Gibraltar and Tangier. Both crossings take under 1 hour (incredible right!) and are open to both foot and car passengers. We had friends staying in Gibraltar for over a week and one of the trip highlights was catching a ferry to Northern Africa. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂
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A fascinating place to be sure Aiva. It has always interested me. I think it is wise to hire tour guides to show you around such a complex market area, both for tour content and safety. Thanks for showing us the sights. Have a great week. Allan
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As a travel enthusiast who wants to see as many new parts of this world as I possibly can, I also can’t deny that some destinations – like Morrocco, for example – are so special that I would love to go back again one day. I felt a pretty deep connection with Marrakech and was taken by the richness of local culture, welcoming people and their traditions. Hiring a guide was one of the best decisions. It gave us an opportunity to have a chat with the stall owners and learn about their day to day life in the ‘red city’. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂
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What a wonderful tour of Marrakech. I always imagined the streets and souks being filled with people but either you timed your visit for a quiet time, or you’re patient to wait for a time when not many are around. I love the architecture in this part of the world with the large open arched doors and high ceilings. Thanks for the warning about snake charmers, I’ll hire a guide just to avoid them 🙂 Maggie
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Thanks so much, Maggie 🙂 The history and culture of this former imperial city, as well as its beautiful architecture and bright colours, is something needed to be seen in person. Of course, it’s overwhelming for the first few days and that’s why it’s best to be prepared for a sensory overload. One of the ways how we avoided the crowds was to get up early. While the idea of setting an alarm for the crack of dawn can be a painful one when you’re on holiday, it’s more than worth it. You can then enjoy a leisurely afternoon nap when the sun is at its zenith. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva
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I really like all of your suggestions of places to go – the shopping looks truly amazing!
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Thanks so much, Meg 🙂 Called the red city because of the colour of walls that enclose the old medina, Marrakesh offers a mix of history, traditions, landscapes, tasty food, nice weather and luxury life. Shopping in Marrakech is a unique experience. With a labyrinthine souk bursting with colourful leather bags, vintage carpets draped over buildings with vendors waiting to discuss the price over a cup of mint tea, and even spices and herbal remedies for all ailments, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Thanks for reading and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂
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My brother has been there and his photos, and yours, really make me want to visit someday!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, if you plan on visiting Marrakech one day, the best advice we can give you, is to approach everything with a sense of humour and smile. Moroccans have an excellent sense of humour, and interacting with them is so much fun. Cheers and have a good day. Aiva 🙂
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It looks a wonderful experience, Aiva. I’ve never been to North Africa, but I’d like to. Thanks a lot for the tour 🙂 🙂
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Thank you kindly, Jo. We weren’t sure at first about travelling to Morocco with our two-year-old in tow, but ended up having one of the most memorable trips ever. And I have to say that Marrakech is a very photogenic city to explore and photograph, there’s so much soft light and colour! Have a nice day. Aiva 🙂 xxx
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Loved reliving Marrakech through your photos and writing. Beautiful and mysterious, the square, the souk, the spices, the tiles, the doorways. 🙂
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Thanks so much 🙂 Visiting Morocco, specifically Marrakech, will immediately transport you to a different era the moment you step off the plane. The thrill of exploring hidden alleys and achieving a successful haggle at the Jemaa el Fna medina was one of the most exhilarating feelings. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂
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I’ve done all but the museum when I visited Marrakech over four years ago. Aside from a troubling experience with a robber (thankfully, I was fine and got my stuff back), I had a reasonably-good time. The Bahia Palace was a stunner, and one of the highlights was the Menara Palace, situated on a lake with the Atlas Mountains in the background. And the copious tagines and Moroccan mint tea were divine! Thanks for sharing your adventures in this north African country!
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I’m sorry to hear you were robbed in Marrakech, Rebecca. Did you ever write about your experience in Morocco on your blog? I would love to read about it 🙂 We didn’t have any hassle during our stay, and I think it was mainly due to the fact that I was walking around with a 2-year-old baby strapped to my chest. Back then Ericeira easily fit into a baby carrier and whenever we went for a walk, we were always offered genuine help and affection from the locals. The inspiring Menara Gardens with the imposing Atlas Mountains as a backdrop were on my wish list as well as one of the most Instagrammed places in Marrakech, La Mamounia, but we simply run out of time. Maybe we’ll be able to return one day 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva xxx
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Yes, I wrote about my unfortunate experience about four years ago: https://rebeccagoesrendezvous.wordpress.com/2017/06/09/crazy-travel-story-3-that-one-time-i-got-robbed-in-morocco/. And I feel you on running out of time to visit; it’s always a curse!
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Thanks for sharing it, Rebecca. I’ll read it tonight 😉
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It really is a crazy travel story, Rebecca and you are so brave for chasing after him! Nobody wants their holiday to be a bad experience but that’s exactly what happens when you get robbed while travelling overseas. Material loss is manageable, but if your documents such as passports etc are stolen your holiday plans can go for a toss. Thanks for sharing Aiva 🙂
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Thanks for reading, Aiva!
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It looks just so beautiful and exotic. And a real snake charmer – wow!
On another note, I just finished Normal People on Hulu. Have you heard of it? The main characters are from Sligo, though the show goes back and forth between Sligo and Dublin. I wouldn’t say you get a great sense of the place (I’m not sure how much they actually filmed in Sligo, if at all), but I hadn’t heard of the city until I started reading your blog (and I now know I’ve been mispronouncing it in my head all along . . . as “sleeeego” but I thought of you every time they mentioned it in all 12 episodes! 🙂
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Morocco was dizzying with diversity and culture and managed to overwhelm my senses in ways I have never felt before.
I am absolutely delighted to hear you’ve just finished watching Normal People, and I am glad to know you thought of me during its twelve episodes 🙂 This Hulu original series adapted by the same title novel and screenplay also written by the same “Sally Rooney” was a topic of many conversations and newspaper articles in Ireland due to those explicit and extraordinarily intimate moments yet it put Sligo on the world map. I am sure Ireland is preparing itself for a flood of new fans who have become obsessed with the Emerald Isle through watching global television hit Normal People during the lockdown.
Tourism Ireland has been frantically working on producing a video and an official map of the show’s locations following thousands of inquiries about the beaches, buildings and streets featured as the backdrop to the on-off love story of Marianne and Connell.
The sandy dunes and untouched strip of sand where Marianne and Connell spend their days talking are Streedagh Beach in Sligo not too far from where we live and so is Tubbercurry village, where both Marianne and Connell grow up, attend school and first meet each other. When it comes to pronouncing Sligo, try to break it down into sounds: [SLY] + [GOH]. It took me a while to get it right. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂
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The running joke around our house is that when we stayed at The Harmony Motel outside of Joshua Tree, we were part of “rock history.” Now you can honestly say you are part of “cinema history.” Cool! It was SUCH a great limited series and I think the scenes of intimacy were done really beautifully. Such great chemistry between the two main characters also, even when fully clothed.
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What an incredible place!!! My friend and I hit Marrakech the end of a backpacking trip post college. Disaster struck when we realize that we maxed out our ATM withdrawal limits (ah yes… young naive travelers….) The drama took the better part of our far too brief time in Marrakech to figure out before heading to Fez. It’s a place I hope to go back to, particularly with these spots in mind 🙂
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Maxing out on ATM withdrawal limits while on a holiday doesn’t sound fun! I usually try to find out what my bank’s foreign exchange fees are as they can be pretty hefty if you’re not careful. When we arrived in Essaouira, we weren’t able to buy any food because we only had 50 dirham notes. It took us a while to find someone who could break the notes and by then we were starving.
We were also surprised to find out that the ATMs were a little difficult to locate within Marrakech’s ancient medina, and the ones that can be found (usually around Jemaa el-Fna, the main square) often didn’t accept foreign cards. You travel and you learn and that’s the best part I love about it. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂
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Exactly! Sometimes the biggest setbacks windup being the most impactful memories!
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This is beautifully written and though I have never been to Morocco, your photographs and words remind me of Turkey. On another note, I have been told by the husband that he has booked a four day trip to Sligo and I am very excited. Reading up your blogs on Sligo in all eagerness!
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Thank you kindly, Prerna 🙂 Visiting Marrakesh provided us with a rare opportunity to see an ancient city embrace modernity. Here it isn’t uncommon to find 16th-century palaces adorned with Pop Art or sweaty nightclubs pumping out old Moroccan ballads. I loved traditional Moroccan cuisine and romantically lit garden withing riads and not to mention the balmy weather. Having lived in Ireland for two decades where sunshine is rare I was pleased to soak up the warm rays.
I am excited to hear you are planning on visiting Sligo. Four days would provide you with plenty of time to see its beautiful sights and tourist attractions. Don’t forget that this year, admission charges to all open, fee-paying OPW heritage sites are being waived from 14 May until the end of 2021. Make sure you use this opportunity to explore Irish castles for free. How amazing is that! Thanks for stopping by and I can’t wait to read all about your trip to Sligo. Aiva 🙂 xxx
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I’m so glad you were finally able to visit Marrakech. I like how you arranged for a guide to take you through Old Medina. This is such a great idea to get a better sense of the area and learn more about its history and highlights from a local. I’d love to visit here someday. My travel bucket list only seems to keep growing!
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Even someone with the keenest sense of direction is guaranteed to get lost in the twisting, turning, unmarked streets of Marrakech. In the area around the Jemaa el-Fna, brightly coloured signs helpfully point the way to the main square…except…the signs we all wrong! As there are no footpaths, no lanes and very few traffic lights, chaos is the only way the scene can be described and that’s why it was a pure delight to have a local guide by our side to helped us navigate the city. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. My travel wish list has grown immensely too! Aiva 🙂 xxx
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This sounds like such an incredible trip! And the architecture is surely beautiful. I have a friend who studied abroad in Morocco and he had such a cool experience with so many amazing stories! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a great day.
-Grace
gracefulrags.com
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Thanks so much, Grace. There are many reasons to visit Marrakech and its secret gardens, like Le Jardin Secret where you can sip tea from the cafe on the second-floor terrace while you take in the panoramic views of the historic city, is definitely one of them. I’d say your friend had a marvellous time studying in Morocco. From medieval medinas to the Atlas Mountains, Northern Africa has many intoxicating sights to discover for international students. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day. Aiva 🙂 xxx
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All gorgeous…. you’re right Aiva re accommodation – I’d also suggest a riad in the medina- they will organise someone to meet and guide you. The only thing I can add is that if you’re planning on a Moroccan trip then maybe leave Marrakech until the end. You’ll be better able for the medina and the manic buzz after experiencing other parts of the country. And forget about driving there! After our touring, we dropped the car at the airport at Marrakech and got a taxi f to the medina.
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I love your tip about leaving Marrakech until the end because that’s exactly what we did on our trip around Northern Africa. We started with five days in the pretty port of Essaouira which gave us an opportunity to adapt to its souks and absorbed the vibe. The little stores and stalls in Essaouira’s medina were so lovely to shop in and prepare us better for Marrakech. The owners were kind and patient – there was no hassle of any kind. I also felt the quality of all the products were better too than in other places in Morocco. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂 xxx
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You have me dreaming of Marrakech – the beauty of the architecture is incredible. I would absolutely love to visit one day so thank you so much for sharing 🙂
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Marrakech is a brilliant city to explore, either as a city break, on a longer Morocco adventure, or as a winter sun holiday. The city was exactly as everyone described it. Hot and dusty, with lots of noise and chaos. There were snake charmers in the main square, Jemaa el Fna and tourist crowds everywhere. However, we loved it. Maybe because it did match our expectations of Morocco? Thanks for reading and have a nice day. Aiva 🙂 xxx
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I would like to visit Morocco
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I hope you get to visit Morocco one day because to travel to Morocco is to experience one of the true jewels of North Africa. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day. Aiva
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👍🦋
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Morocco is a land of profound historical and cultural importance, and we had such a great time exploring it 🙂 Aiva
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As an American, it’s sad to me that so much beauty in the Muslin world is overshadowed by such divisive political times. Thanks for the “heads up” in experiencing Moroccan culture. We’ll be visiting Casablanca next spring.
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Beautiful post the details and amazing pictures felt like I was visiting…thank you for sharing lovely post🌼💛
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Love it all♥️🙏 , definitely will be on my top bucket lists. Wonderful images, exciting discoveries. Thanks.
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Now I just want to book a ticket to Morocco! I was supposed to go on a trip to Marrakesh when we lived in Egypt but we got posted to Houston. I love all the Arabic architecture, from Spain to Abu Dhabi. The smell of a souk is something that lives with you forever – it is overwhelming. I noticed you had your wrap on in the photograph and that you were dressed not to offend. Many visitors to Muslim countries forget the adage “When in Rome…” Always have a scarf in your bag in case you want to visit a historic mosque.
Great post, Aiva, as always, with excellent advice. K x
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If less is more in most fashion circles, dressing in traditionally Muslim countries is just the reverse—the cover-up. That’s why I had no problem covering my arms, legs and sometimes even hair with loose clothing. It’s the simplest way to avoid getting unwanted attention from men.
I am sorry to hear you never made it to Morocco – occupying the northwest shoulder of the African continent, Morocco is rich with history and full of colour. I was delighted to taste flavorful tagines cooked according to ancient recipes and sample freshly squeezed orange juices and strong Arabic coffee.
When it comes to travelling – I always have a scarf with me, even in Europe. I remember one time I travelled to Milan with my friends to visit Milan Cathedral only to be refused an entry due to bare shoulders. You travel and you learn! Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva xxx
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I have shocked at what people wear at places of worship in conservative countries such as Mexico. Travelers are different from tourists. K x
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Thank you for sharing this lovely post. The gardens look so peaceful – I wish I was there!
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Thank you kindly. For many people, me including, Morocco is the Tooth Fairy of travel destinations — mythical, colourful, and otherworldly. I was delighted to find out that for the first time, a travel company is now offering women-only expeditions in Morocco, led exclusively by local women tour guides. How amazing is that! Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva
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Aiva, thank you for this beautiful tour. Your photos are totally seductive. I’ve never been to Morocco but it’s high on my list. I had a taste of what Morocco might be like on our trip to southern Spain, especially in Granada. I found the Moorish architecture so alluring. Your photo of the Bahia Palace with its curved entrances, arches and incredible tiles is making me want to book a trip right now. I also love the look of the Jardin Secret—so peaceful-looking and such lovely lines.
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What a wonderful place to visit! I’ve always thought Marrakech is full of live and colour. A beautiful experience! I hope one day I’ll see it too!
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There are many reasons to visit Morocco and their tasty cuisine is definitely one of them. Spices are found in abundance in a typical Moroccan kitchen, adding plenty of flavour to dishes. Bread is a staple food, and there are various types, such as khobz, msemen, and baghrir to enjoy. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day 🙂 xxx
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Amazing post! I could really feel how much you loved visiting Marrakech! Even though I have always been very curious to explore and discover this city, I have actually never been there, but it is high on my list! How long would you say is the perfect time to explore the city?😊
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That is a beautiful experience in Morocco, Thank you for sharing with us and We hope to see you again one day!
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Oh how stunning, Aiva! I’ve always heard so much about Marrakech but I never looked into it seriously until this post. Now it’s fair to say that it’s shot up in my priority list of places I’d like to visit.
Le Jardin Secret looks so peaceful and refreshing (and also reminds me of the images in a book of fairytales I had as a child)! And thank you for including the prices as well; it’s always so much easier to chart out itineraries that way! I don’t know when I’ll be able to travel again but Marrakech is definitely on my mind!
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