Walking through busy streets, exploring amazing cuisine and seeing the best sunsets – Marrakesh is totally worth a visit for everyone. While this city has a lot to offer, below are my top spots for the first time in Marrakesh.
1. Ben Youssef Mosque
The mosque is the perfect place to learn more about the Islamic religion and also to amazing to see the architecture as well as outstanding mosaics. Being located in the middle of the city, it is easy to find and to walk there. This visit can be combined with the Madrasa which is the school where religious thoughts were taught, which is also an impressive building with a nice central fountain. Since this is one of the main sights in Marrakesh, there might be a lot of people and also some groups.
Disclaimer: Be sure to wear appropriate clothes to appreciate the culture and religion!
Info: Tickets can be bought upon entrance and no reservations is required.
2. Explore the Souks
The souks are an amazing place to find souvenirs, jewellery, sweets or anything that the heart desires. I loved to just walk around and look at the products the shops offered. Be aware that there can be many people, however, it is still fun to walk around.
TIP: The Souks close in the evening and they are not well-lit, so in the evening make sure to stay in more populated areas!
3. Bahia Palace
Nice palace in the southern part of the city. This place is amazing to see the local architecture and mosaics. Furthermore, it is a great opportunity to learn about the royal families of the past. This site is lesser known and not as crowed so perfect to just walk around. Sadly, for my visit some parts were closed due to renovations so check before if that is still the case.
TIP: Tickets can be bought upon entrance and no reservations is required.
4. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop
Marrakesh has one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. We had the luxury that our Riad (Riad Tamazigh) had a rooftop area where we could enjoy the view. However, there are many restaurants like the Nomad or L’mida which have a rooftop to enjoy your dinner on.
5. Jemaa el-Fna
The main market place of Marrakesh which is quite busy. Really nice to look at different vendors and to people watch. Also a great start to explore nearby Souks and restaurants. Please be aware that the animals showcased on the square might not live in fair conditions.
6. Enjoy the local cuisine
Enjoy the good food of Morocco. Moroccan cuisine is amazing – full of flavour and also has a huge variety. We already had one of the best meals on the morning of our first day since our Riad provided us breakfast with authentic dishes (Riad Tamazigh). But also lunch or dinners with Tajine or Couscous always were amazing.
Restaurants and Cafes to visits
– Bacha Coffee
– Hyuna House Café
– Thirty5ive Marrakesh
– L’Mida Marrakesh
– Nomad
– Terrasse Bakchich
– Kathi Restaurant Rooftop
Other things I was not able to visit but are amazing (make sure to book your tickets earlier than me 😊)
– Jardin Majorelle
– YSL Museum
– Anima
– House of Photography
– Le Jardin Secret