Marrakesh will require you to bring your wallet. With so many shops and markets crammed into an ancient medina, Marrakesh offers the ideal city to shop and indulge in a morocco holiday. You can still enjoy Marrakesh’s best attractions even if you are on a tight budget or saving for a Moroccan souvenir. These are the best things to do in Marrakesh, from the bustling main square to the sprawling souqs and tranquil gardens.
Editor’s trains, street performers, and, as night falls, food vendors and smoky barbecues open their doors for dinner. Since the 11th century, the halqa street theater and unrest have been a constant feature of this area. Djemaa’s nightly Carnival continues to amaze them. While henna tattoo artists and gnaoua groups sing, Amazigh musicians, take to the stage. This is a great show that you won’t want to miss. It’s also a bargain: all the action is free, with a few dirhams for an encore.
Marrakesh’s most beautiful green space is the Menara Gardens. They feature a reflecting pool and a pavilion from the 19th century set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. The Menara Gardens are a quieter spot for photos and away from the bustle of the medina. Many postcards are sold around the city featuring the iconic view of the Atlas Mountains. Moroccan families still enjoy the historic gardens established in the 12th Century. They can relax around the water basin or among rows of olive and palm tree trees.
It’s a great place to take a stroll, and the Mellah Market is bustling in the morning when the stalls are busiest. This market is the primary source of food, flowers, and spices for the southern side of Marrakesh. It’s also a great place to find cheap souvenir stalls. Marrakesh’s Jewish quarter is the mullah. It feels like you have discovered a hidden gem. The mullah is only a few steps from the center. However, it has a unique atmosphere with Stars of David placed above doors and shaded balconies that overlook the narrow lanes.
Riad Kniza Musee and Galerie are private museums that Mohammed, an antique shop owner from the Gueliz neighborhood, started. His overflowing collection of Moroccan antiques was a big problem when his family closed the shop. This charming little museum displays carpets from the High Atlas Mountains and tribal jewelry and clothing. It also features Fez-based decorative pottery dating back to the 17th Century and a fantastic collection of Amazigh sugarhammers. It is free to visit.
Dar Bellarj Marrakesh’s most prestigious community arts center is in an old stork hospital. Bellary is Arabic for the stork. Dar Bellarj Foundation, a non-profit organization, creates a program focusing on living culture. It includes everything from film and women’s textiles to storytelling. Although admission is accessible in most cases, some events may require a fee. Regular draws include calligraphy demonstrations, art workshops, and, during Ramadan (when Ramadan is over), a series of music concerts in the central courtyard.