4 Essential Attractions in Marrakech

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Marrakech is like an onion, peel back one layer and the next is more intense than the last.

You could easily spend days people watching in the Medina or exploring the souks. However, in our opinion, no trip to Marrakech would be complete without checking out these four must-see locations.

Koutoubia Mosque

Like a landlocked lighthouse, the Koutoubia Mosque stands tall over the one and two story red-washed buildings of the Medina. Its light glows in the form of five daily prayers that are projected live through the Minaret’s speakers.

The mosque and minaret are closed to non-muslims but the gardens are open to the public. But even so, standing outside in the courtyard as the call to prayer expands out over the Medina is a free and simple joy.

Djemaa el-Fna

Djemma El-Fna is like a vaudeville show that never got canceled. Instead, it thrived, drawing more and more people every year, building on generations and growing more aggressive and fun with every new wide-eyed tourist who descends on the square.

Just remember: You will get hassled. You will end up with a creature on you. And you will smile. Of all the things to do in Marrakech, Djemma El-Fna is at the top of the list.

The Badi Palace

Beth and I work hard to get the most out of our cheap holidays and the Badi Palace’s cost to value made it one of our favorite sights in Marrakech.

Built in the 16th century, the Badi Palace stands a bit naked these days. Stripped and looted 75 years after it was built, the palace, despite its starkness, still reeks of the awe it once commanded. Plan on spending an hour strolling the grounds and exploring the terrace and underground portions of the palace. Cost: 10 dirham ($1.20)

Jardin Majorelle

Aside from our Riad, entering into the gardens of Jardin Majorelle was the most tranquil place we visited in Marrakech. The lush setting explodes with vibrant colors and contains more than 300 plant species, including palms and cacti of all sizes.

Strolling through the paths reveals large fountains, ponds, statutes and clothing designer/former owner Yves Saint Laurent’s memorial site. His ashes were spread here and the area is also frequented by African Songbirds. It took us about 40 minutes to tour the garden, but we could’ve easily spent longer in the gardens, just relaxing. The cost to enter the gardens was 40 dirham ($5).

In addition to the garden, you can also visit the Majorelle’s art-deco villa for an additional 15 dirham ($2). Now a museum, Laurent’s former residence houses his collection of Moroccan art, art work from the villa’s original owner, artist Jacques Majorelle, as well as rotating exhibits.

These four essentials sights are perfect to see during quick Marrakech city breaks, do you have any that you would add? If so, we would love to hear about them below!

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*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website, Nariko’ s Nest Weddings & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you do want to use one of them please contact me first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!