Mystical Marrakech: A Journey Through Morocco’s Red City
The city of Marrakech is one of the four imperial cities of the Kingdom of Morocco. The “Red City” is known to be one of the most jubilant tourist destinations in all of Africa for a number of reasons that will be enumerated below. You can find many reasons to visit Marrakech, but be careful, you might fall in love with this city and never want to leave!
What Makes Marrakech Such A Popular Destination?
The allure of Marrakech (also spelled as Marrakesh) comes from a lot of factors. While it may not be the capital of Morocco, it sure represents the nation’s culture well. Visiting the medina, or an ancient walled city, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, is undoubtedly the best way to experience Moroccan culture.
The maze-like streets, the lively interactions of the locals, the busy market stores, and the many historical landmarks all contribute to your authentic Moroccan experience. It’ll be best to take the trip on foot so that you can truly explore the hidden gems and unexpected delights in between.
And, there’s a reason why Marrakech is called the Red City. The walls of the medina are the main contributor to its name. They look even more red when the sun shines on them. Marrakech also has other colors, like green and blue. You can see green palm trees in Palmeraie, a large oasis. You can also see blue decorations in Marjorelle Garden.
Marrakech is also a culinary paradise due to the abundance of aromatic spices available. From the street food stalls to the shopping hotspots, you can definitely find the freshest ingredients including plenty of spices for your daily consumption.
If you want more than an ingredient and sample whole dishes instead, well you’re in luck because Moroccan cuisine is as flavorful as it is diverse. Tagine, baklava, couscous, pastille, djejmas, and harira soup are some of the traditional dishes that you don’t want to miss.
In case you don’t know, Marrakech is not only a colorful and culturally rich city. It is also a luxurious destination wherein there are plenty of 5-star hotels, luxury relaxation centers, and more. But no matter where you stay, you will always be welcomed with kindness.
Best Destinations In Marrakech
What is the best tourist destination in Marrakech? There are a number of answers to that question. The places below will help you understand more about what makes the Red City of Morocco very popular for international tourists.
Djemaa el-Fna
Located at the heart of the city, Djemaa el-Fna is the main square and marketplace. You can hear a lot of sounds and see a lot of people there. It might seem chaotic, but it is actually very fun and exciting to be in this big and busy market.
You will see many things happening here like people selling goods and doing performances. And, they do these all day and all night. Djemaa el-Fna, overall, will show you the beauty of Moroccan culture and the liveliness of its people.
Majorelle Garden
Majorelle Garden is a stunning botanical garden with many plants and an iconic blue exterior. A French painter named Jacques Majorelle made and designed this place. It is a very peaceful and expansive spot where you can walk around the green gardens, see the classical paintings, and learn more about the Berber people by visiting the museum inside.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture from the 19th century. It showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of the local artisans. The palace has elaborate decorations on every surface, from the tiled floors to the carved walls to the painted ceilings. The palace also boasts spacious and elegant gardens that are packed with aromatic flowers and citrus trees on every corner.
Koutoubia Mosque
Morocco is a country with a strong Islamic faith and Marrakech reflects that in its culture and architecture. The most prominent symbol of this is the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest and most famous mosque in the city. It has a towering minaret that can be seen from far away. While the mosque is only open to Muslims, non-Muslims can admire its beauty from the gardens and paths that surround the place.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are the unearthed graves of the royal family from the Saadian dynasty that lived in the 16th century. They are not just ordinary tombs as evidenced by the detailed decorations and the fact that they are housed inside a huge, gorgeous citadel at the southern portion of the Kasbah Mosque.
The Souks
If you want to take home authentic souvenirs or just love to stumble upon surprising and interesting items, you have to explore the eclectic souks of Marrakech. Souks are literally marketplaces and there, you get to see the finest products of Morocco and learn how to haggle for decent prices.
Palmeraie
Just outside the medina, you will find a vast oasis of palm trees that is known as the Palmeraie. You can explore the area easily by riding a camel or a horse. Within the extensive oasis, there are luxurious spas and resorts that can be found. It is truly a perfect retreat.
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains is an extremely massive mountain range that separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert. A part of that mountain range is inside Morocco’s territory. On the Marrakech side, you get a chance to hike that portion and visit the charming Berber villages. During winter, you can also go skiing.
Hammams
The hammams are basically communal bathhouses. It may be awkward for some tourists who never had any of those in their cultures, but these places are very relaxing and rejuvenating. In Marrakech, there are tons of them that provide that traditional Moroccan spa experience.
Conclusion
Marrakech is not only a vibrant city but also one of the most relaxing destinations. If you have stressful weeks or months and crave the perfect escape, then you better head to the beautiful Red City. There are seemingly unlimited options waiting for you there.
