Of all the many attractions and places to visit in Morocco, Marrakech stands out as a beacon of beauty, charm, intensity and colour, and activity so vibrant that it’s easy to become swept up and never want to leave. It’s a gleaming North African jewel and the perfect place to base yourself in this fascinating country of ancient customs and traditions before fanning out and exploring further.
You can easily take day trips from Marrakech and experience wider Morocco, including going on Marrakech desert tours that will give you a real sense of the breathtaking beauty of the majestic Sahara Desert.
Here is our guide to Marrakech, an enchanting city where Africa, the Middle East and Europe merge. As one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities its history stretches way back in time to 1062.
Medinas, mosques, markets, beautiful gardens, riads and luxury hotels
The thriving focal point of life in Marrakech described by UNESCO as a masterpiece of World Heritage. Here in the city’s bustling main square, you’ll find everything – from cafes for watching the action below to diverse merchants and their many wares. But it is after sunset that music, restaurants, story-tellers come into their own. (Watch out for pickpockets.)
For a fuller sense of the ancient way of life, head to the Medina, or historic part of the city. Here amid its labyrinth and high-walled streets, you’ll discover stunning architecture and exotic items in the souks, or bazaars. Try your hand haggling (learn how to bargain like a pro with our guide to haggling).
This stunning, intricate blend of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture has romance at its heart; built in the 19th century to honour Bahia, the minister Ahmed bin Musa’s wife. It’s one of the great places of the “Red City”, and is open to visitors from 9 am to 9 pm, seven days a week.
Other great attractions in Marrakech are the enchanting Jardin Majorelle botanical gardens famous for their lavish use of blue and that provided inspiration for Yves Saint Laurent; the stunning Madressa ben Yussef Islamic school and its ornate architecture; and — to get a flavour of the history and creativity of this timeless land — the opulent Dar Si Said Museum.
A luxury camp in the Sahara Desert
The experience and thrill of a lifetime await near Marrakech on Marrakech desert tours to witness the arresting sights and solitude of the largest hot desert in the world — the enormous Sahara, lining the eastern edge of Morocco.
Morocco desert tours have become incredibly popular, and you can head out from your hotel in Marrakech with a sturdy 4×4, more than capable of dealing with the challenging desert terrain and with modern comforts.
Stay for a few days or more in the Sahara and feel the majesty of this special part of the planet. You can go trekking among the enormous dunes or hop on a camel and do it the Berber way. At night, you’ll retire to your very own luxury camp in conjunction with a local tour company, such as Desert Majesty. You’ll be served delicious food as you relax and dine under the stars — a unique and incredible Morocco desert tours experience that you will never forget.
Getting around the centre of Marrakech is easy on foot, and you can always hop into a local taxi. Google Maps is a great option to help you not get lost in the swirl of life here. If you know some French, you’ll find it easier to get around, but English is increasingly understood and spoken.
As for cash, you can use either the local dirham currency, or US dollars or euros in the souks. You can visit the city any time of year, though it gets hot during the summer months. So as Morocco is a conservative country, remember to dress modestly. You will find Moroccans warm, friendly and inviting, and ready to help you with almost anything.
Marrakech is an ideal place to stay in Morocco to explore the grandeur of the Sahara Desert. Contact Desert Majesty now and book your Sahara desert trip from Marrakech.