Marrakesh, unlike India was, forever, in my bucket list. I had seen the pictures, I knew iconic fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent loved it and my friends had told me about the unique beauties of Morroco. I really wanted to go!!!!!
So, we went a few weeks ago.
I was planning to write a post with my favorite best things to do in Marrakesh if you have 3 days.
However, it wasn’t until my friend Aristea send me the message ” I am counting on you for food, fun and a little shopping” that I decided I have to write, asap, my Marrakesh travel tips.
Marrakesh, a former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire. In the maze like alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewelry you will find amazing restaurants and stylish Riads. Riad (in Morocco) is a large traditional house built around a central courtyard, often converted into a hotel.
We stayed at Riad Idoine, a stylish value for money place, with beautifully decorated suites, lovely staff (a cook, a maid and a guard) , perfectly located in Medina, just outside the main shopping area.
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Day 1 : Explore the souks
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If your navigation skills are not perfect, consider getting a guide the first day your explore the maze like alleys.
Tip : Google maps works in the Souks.
What to shop?
Leather slippers and metal decorated bags, baskets, pottery… Shop around for prices and bargain.
Max and Jan, is a beautiful concept store and next door is Joykech bazar where you can find amazing vintage traditional coats.
Where to have lunch?
Book at the NOMAD for lunch. Amazing Moroccan, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern food with panoramic views of the Medina. Make your way through the Médina to get to this little gem. The rooftop terrace is where everyone wants to be so make a reservation.
1, Derb Aajrane | Raba Lakdima, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Tel +212 5243-81609
Nothing caps a day of triumphant souk negotiations like a luncheon in this green-hued oasis. Take a seat beneath an overarching canopy of banana leaves, bamboo and palms, and watch tiny tortoises inch across the iridescent green floor-tiles.
32 Rue El Jeld, Souk Sidi Abdelaziz, Medina
Tel +212 524 378 295
Where to have coffee?
Visit the 5-star luxury hotel La Mamounia for coffee and walk around the garden, it’s walking distance from the main square Jemaa el-Fnaa (outdoor market and food court of the city center).
It all began in the 12th century with an oasis sheltered beneath the ramparts of Marrakesh. Six centuries later, Prince Al Mamoun, who received the gardens as a wedding gift from his father, gave it his name. The years passed and, in 1923, the hotel La Mamounia opened its doors, offering a subtle blend of Arabic-Andalusian architecture and Art Deco style. A legend was born…
Tip : Look like a potential customer to pass security… not an exhausted tourist who wants to add one more attraction to his list.
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What to wear in Marrakesh
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Silk caftan dress Anthropologie similar here
Handmade sandals Chinese Laundry similar Figue gold, similar here
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Day 2 : Visit Yves Saint Laurent Marrakesh Museum – Jardin Majorelle
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The Yves Saint Laurent Marrakesh Museum, the Jardin Majorelle and the Berber Museum are must or even a reason to visit Marrakesh.
Rue Yves Saint Laurent
40090 Marrakech
Maroc
10:00 am to 6:00 pm except Wednesdays
Tip: buy the combined ticket
Where to have lunch?
Oposite Jardin Majorelle, part of 33 Rue Majorelle
Where to shop?
Beautiful shops around the area, check out 33 RUE MAJORELLE
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Where to have dinner?
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Dar Yacout for the unique, very Morrocan experience in a stylish traditional Riad.
Riad Ell Fenn has 28 individually styled rooms and suites, tree-filled courtyards, a 7000ft2 roof terrace and a family of resident tortoises, it is the perfect retreat from which to enjoy Africa’s most exotic city. Combining grandeur and historic architecture with hideaway nooks, terraces and gardens, the hotel is just five minutes walk from the world-famous Djemaa el Fna square and bustling maze of streets that make up the souk.
In 2002 Vanessa Branson and Howell James were looking for a holiday home and walked into the almost ruined courtyard of one of Marrakech’s formerly great private homes and they transformed it.
9 Sidi Ahmed Soussi، Marrakesh 40030, Morocco
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 7:30PM
Phone: +212 5243-82929
Riad Ell Fenn restaurant
This is a designers paradise. Beautiful decor, colours, fabrics, spaces make this an unforgettable experience.
Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Phone: +212 5244-41210
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Day 3 : Relax at La Kasbah de l’Ourika
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Conde Nast Traveller’s hidden jewel of Marrakesh, La Kasbah de l’Ourika offers exceptionally beautiful landscape in the Atlas mountains (360 panoramic views) and you can have lunch at the Moroccan, Mediterranean Vegetarian friendly restaurant.
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Rte de l’Ourika , KM 45, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
+212 671-996366
Where to shop?
Has a tiny super stylish little treasure shop Ask to check it out. Shop Hamimi handmade handbags
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Have a lovely Day and thank you so much for reading!!!
Photos- AF, Nikos Z, Nina P