Things to do in Marrakech

Marrakech is Morocco's intoxicating city of duality. Streets are dotted with both ancient and modern buildings. Snake charmers sit outside refined palaces. Riotous marketplaces sell all kinds of wares, and the mysterious Medina (old town) contains nearly two miles of secret passages.

Mopeds, mules and Mercedes dart around the city, yet time seems to have slowed down, and the locals pause to make connections with others. Musical events may not be formal and organized, but it's easy to find yourself swaying to the beat of an impromptu gathering of singers and musicians.

The Medinas of Morocco - a unique atmosphere

All great Moroccan cities have two facets: the medina or traditional town and the modern town. In a medina, at the heart of each district, are the mosque and the medersa (schools) and houses, built close to each other, creating many labyrinthine streets. Medinas are places for traders and craftsmen with souks or kissarias, specialist markets.

In Morocco, five Medinas have been included on the UNESCO world heritage list for their architectural value.

The Fez medina shelters 143 mosques and the Quaraouyine university, the oldest in the world. In Marrakech, you will discover the beauty of the grandiose monuments of the Medina. DJemaa el Fna square is its strongest symbol. In addition to architectural beauty, daily life in the Medina is a colourful outdoor theatre exuding wonderful fragrances of spices, fruit and mint.

DJemaa El Fna

The heart of Marrakech beats in this wonderful square situated east of Gueliz. Declared a World Heritage Site this is where you can experience traditional Morocco in all its vibrant colour. The site of all kinds of events such as the beheading of criminals in the past, walking around this area is now a wonderful way to spend an evening. The market is alive with tradesmen and fruit stalls. Magicians, snake charmers and the sound of musicians and other medieval entertainment will amuse you, while the aromas of the scores of food stalls wafting in the air will tantalise your taste buds.

The Souks

The famous Souks of Marrakech offer one of the city's most fascinating sights, a city full of many souks and markets, hiding away in the narrow alleys and squares of the Medina's. Covering over a square kilometre, the souks enclose a variety of trades including leather, silk, metal, jewellery, carpentry, weaving, sculptors and more and all practise their trades for all to see. The babouches (slippers) made by leatherworkers are unique.

The High Atlas Mountains

Jebel Toubkal in Morocco is North Africa's highest mountain. There are two main passes over the mountain range which work well as a touring route of the area. The Tizi-n-Test, to the south-west, runs up past the 12th Century mosque of Tin Mal, snakes over the spectacular pass, and hairpins down to the Sous Valley and the pre-Saharan town of Taroundant. The Tizi-n-Tichka to the south-east, runs over the mountains near the Kasbah of Telouet, and then down to Ouarzazate and the edge of the Sahara.

Oukaimeden

This ski resort is in the Atlas Mountains where the lower slopes are perfect for beginners. Apart from the skiing, there are elephant and sun wheel Bronze age rock engravings in the village. Further up the mountain there is a view site where stunning views of the mountain and Marrakech can be enjoyed.

Bahia Palace

On the northern edge of the Mellah (or Jewish Quarter) is the Bahia Palace, built principally by Ba Ahmed Ben Moussa, a powerful vizier to the royal court in the 1890s and a man of ~indomitable will, and cruel'. Entered via a long garden corridor, it's a collection of paved courtyards, arcades, pavilions and reception halls constructed in a modern style but smothered in traditional Moroccan decoration.

Mamounia

Almost since opening in 1923, the Mamounia has been so famous as to be practically synonymous with Marrakech. It was the palace of the crown prince of Morocco when the French administration annexed it for a hotel. During that romantic era of early travel, the Mamounia was not just a hotel; it was a way of life. In post-war years it was a favourite haunt of Winston Churchill's.

Saadian Tombs

The persistence of one curious French official in the 1920s was rewarded when he discovered a narrow, dark lane, wide enough for a single person that ended in a tiny arched door. He pushed through to enter a courtyard garden and see what apparently no infidel had ever seen before " the holy tombs of the Saadian sultans.

Koutoubia Mosque

At 77m (252ft) the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is not actually that high, but thanks to Marrakech's flat topography and a local ordinance that forbids any other building in the medina to rise above the height of a palm tree, it towers majestically over its surroundings. As such, the minaret is the first thing that any visitor sees when approaching the city from afar.

Morocco's magnificent mountain ranges and array of landscapes ensure that trekking remains the most popular activity for travellers, and the High Atlas Mountains and desert around Marrakesh offer plenty of leg stretching options. Bird-watching, cycling, climbing and spa-soaking are also possible.

Saadian Tombs

Situated in the Rue de la Kasba these lavish tombs date from the Almohad period (1145- 1248) and consist of two mausoleums set in a lush flower garden

.The interiors are beautifully decorated with gold leaf clad cedar panels, ivory coloured marble and stalactites, a fit last resting place for the young princes who lie here. The arches and amazingly intricate carvings make for a sumptuous setting for the huge dome in the central room.

The second building is less extravagant and consists of a prayer hall, loggias and the burial chamber of the mother of Ahmed the Golden who died in 1591.