Marrakech: Museums & Attractions - TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293734-s410/Marrakech:Mo...

Marrakech has many wonders for the first time visitor and the following are the main attractions which people are
inevitably drawn to. The centre of activity in Marrakech is Jemma el Fna, a truly magical experience in the evening
which can be viewed from one of the terrace cafes. All except Jardin Majorelle and Jardin Menara are located within
the medina and easily accessible on foot.
Museum of Marrakech
If you're not a fan of museums do not be put off as it is worth a visit for the building alone, which is stunningly
impressive. If you're interested in art then that is an added bonus as there are some amazing works of art
displayed, you may also be interested in the Moroccan items although there is no English labelling or information
so it's more for visual pleasure.
Palais la Bahia
Constructed around 1880, this is a fine example of Moroccan architecture with plenty of detail, arches, light,
engravings, magnificent wooden ceilings and was actually built as a harem residence which makes it even more
interesting. Open daily but closed when the Royal family visit who have direct access from the adjoining
palace. The name Bahia means 'brilliance' and the palace was intended to capture the essence of the Islamic and
Moroccan style. Entry fee 10Dh. Recommended.

Palais el Badii
This construction was ordered by the Saadian Ahmed el Mansour in 1578 and was not completed until after his
death in 1603. No expense was spared, items were even transported from China. Entry fee 10Dh.
Jardin Majorelle
Built in the 1920's by the Majorelle brothers these world famous gardens have a predominantly blue and yellow
colour scheme. Large scale planting of desert and succulents of all sizes with ponds and terrapins. Also houses the
Museum of Islamic Art but with additional entry fee. Formerly owned by Yves Saint Laurent who occupied a
separate house. Entry fee 30Dh. Recommended.

1 of 5 18/05/2010 19:44
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Marrakech: Museums & Attractions - TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293734-s410/Marrakech:Mo...

Koutoubia Mosque
In the southwest part of Marrakech, not far from Jemma el Fna, the landmark of the Koutoubia Mosque is situated
with its great minaret which can be seen from a great distance. The height of the minaret is 69m and was
constructed by the Almohads in the late 12th century and is the only one finished during their reign. Surrounding
the mosque are gardens, fountain and the remains of the Almoravid Palace next to the mosque. No entry to
non-Muslims.

Jardin de Menara
On the outskirts of town towards the airport, these gardens were designed as a summer escape with orchards and
olive groves. The original pavilion predates the present structure which was built in the mid-19th century by Sultan
Adu Rahman. The building is one of the most photographed settings of Morocco with Atlas mountains in the
background, sadly it is also very rundown with no detail, furnishings, murals etc, probably the burglars got here
first. Entry fee 10Dh.

La Mamounia hotel
The world famous hotel visited by the rich and famous since it opened in 1923 and located in the very heart of
Marrakech and just at the entrance to the medina called Bab Jdid. La Mamounia is set amid idyllic gardens that are
almost three hundred years old and surrounded by the city's 12th century ochre-coloured ramparts.
Tombeaux Saadian
Located near the Bab er Rob entrance in the southwest of the medina, the Saadian tombs are those of the ruling
dynasty of the 16th and 17th century. Created by Sultan Ahmed al Mansour in the late 16th century, 66 in total for
his dynasty, they were sealed up in the 17th century but only re-discovered in 1917. The two attached mausoleums
include more than 100 unrelated tombs. In spite of their location in a very busy part of the medina, it is a very
peaceful and tranquil place. Access is via a very narrow passageway. Open daily except Tuesday and is best viewed
very early to avoid the numerous tourist parties. Entrance fee is 10Dh. Recommended.
The Mellah
This is the old Jewish district located in the southern part of the medina, again with some very old and fine
architecture and very low arched tunnels.

Chez Ali
Arabian Nights complex north of town best described as a sort of Moroccan Disneyland. Despite the crowds that
flock there nightly, you may just want to make the pilgrimage because it presents a variety of folk music and
folklore from parts of Morocco you might not otherwise see.
Dinner is a rather mad affair served under caidal tents and includes the famous Mechoui roast lamb, couscous with
chicken & veg, fruit, tea and Moroccan pastry with half wine and half water.
This is followed by ringside entertainment comprising a staged camel caravan, belly dancer, singer, bareback riding
and finally the charge of the horsemen firing rifles and a flying magic carpet (?).
Place Jemma el Fna
Originally a place of execution hence the name “place of the dead”. In the daytime this is filled with musicians, a

2 of 5 18/05/2010 19:44
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Marrakech: Museums & Attractions - TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293734-s410/Marrakech:Mo...

Originally a place of execution hence the name “place of the dead”. In the daytime this is filled with musicians, a
dancing troupe, performing monkeys, dentist, snake charmers, orange juice sellers (not always fresh), fruit and
spice sellers and sellers of general tourist items. Leading off the square are entrances to a labrynth of souks and
numerous riads.
It is quite manic in the daytime but as sunset approaches, the square is transformed before your very eyes. Firstly
the restauranteurs move in whilst still light and begin setting up the numerous restaurant stalls, all with seating.
One loses track of time and before realising it, darkness has arrived. The stalls are all brightly lit and for a small
payment of typically 30Dh you can enjoy a good selection of fish served with bread, salad, fiery chili sauce, grilled
aubergines, olives and salsa, all in generous quantities; best to agree a price before sitting down.
There is also a friendly boxing match in the square surrounded by a small crowd, elsewhere in the now
overcrowded square there are more musicians and performers and storytellers speak of times long past and it is for
this reason the Jemma el Fna is classed as a world heritage site.
A spectacle not to be missed. Recommended

3 of 5 18/05/2010 19:44
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Marrakech: Museums & Attractions - TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293734-s410/Marrakech:Mo...

Dar Si Said
Private museum of Moroccan arts and crafts including jewelry, costumes, weaponry, ceramics, wood carvings,
furniture and other artefacts. Set in a dar of three storeys. Each craft is carefully situated in its own room so as to
avoid the appearnace of being cluttered. The gardens are tastefully crafted with mossaics and a fountain where one
can relax not caring that you are in the busy medina. Entry fee 30Dh. Open daily. Recommended

The Tanneries
Described by some as a “paintbox of colours” which is very inaccurate. Profound smell of pigeon droppings used to
treat the skins. Bab ed-Debbagh is the the entry point for the tanneries otherwise it is a long way going through
the winding alleyways from Jemma el Fna. There are opportunist guides to lead you there and put you in the hands
of one of the workers, you are then expected to pay a minimum of 100Dh to each.

4 of 5 18/05/2010 19:44
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com
Marrakech: Museums & Attractions - TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293734-s410/Marrakech:Mo...

Marrakech Tour Bus

On this you can observe the most important monuments from a double-decker bus while learning more about the
city’s history. There are two circuits with about 25 stops each: “Marrakech Monumental” and “Marrakech
Romantique” which goes too far out and shows you little. It operates on a 24 hour hop-on, hop-off system so one
can get off at any stop and then get on later using the same ticket, although it does not operate at night (so not
really operated 24 hours).
Ciel d'Afrique
Take a relaxing flight up in the sky in a hot air balloon with Ciel d'Afrique, looking over the breath taking views of
Marrakesh . Fly over the wide open tranquil deserts and the small local villages while travelling through the sky in
a relaxed and peaceful manner. This fantastic activity is available to any one with a sense of adventure and an
interest in the magnificent culture that Marrakech has to offer..
Medersa ben Youssef
Built in the 16th century as an Islamic school by the Saadians and could house up to 900 religious students. If you
are thinking of visiting a medersa, you should definitely take a look at the one next to the Ben Youssef mosque. It
is one of the most significant monuments of Marrakech, and one of the largest medersas in Maghreb. Here you will
be able to see some of the best examples of Saadian art anywhere. Entry fee 10Dh. Recommended

The Ramparts of Marrakech

The walls of the medina have been standing since the 13th century and make for a wonderful early morning stroll.
Each gate is a work of art and the walls run for 12 miles.
Souks
There are many souks to visit, each one with its own speciality. The Souk Laghzal is devoted to wool, El Batna to
sheep skin and Zarbia to rugs and caftans, although there are more.
Many of these are situated off Jemma el Fna square at different entrances. In these you will also observe hard
working folk creating many items from wrought iron works, ornate lampshades, wood carvings, leather crafts and
silverware in addition to the usual tat for tourists. Recommended
Popular Arts Festival
This is one of the most important festivals in Morocco since it first started in the 1960's. It takes place every year
in June in the ruins of the El Badii palace. There you will be in awe of the music, dances, costumes, etc. Many
national and international groups come and entertain the crowds during ten days. At the end of each show, there is
also a superb display of fireworks.

5 of 5 18/05/2010 19:44
PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com