Connecting African Culture Through the Seas
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Marrakech is the city most people think of when they conjure up images of traditional Morocco; here you’ll find snake charmers, fire breathers, and great street food everywhere you look, framed by the gorgeous Atlas Mountains in the distance.
The icons of traditional Marrakech are found the medina, which has at its heart the Djemaa el-Fnaa. Nearly 1,000 years old, the Djemaa is still the city’s main square and center of activity, with sounds, smells, and sights that truly transport you to another era. The square, which is at the top of most visitors’ must-see lists, comes to life at sunset with food vendors from all corners of the country.
The new city, known as the Ville Nouvelle or Gueliz, is more orderly, but still pulses with the energy of a thousand chic bars, shops, avant-garde galleries, stunning gardens, and architecturally significant monuments. One of the most memorable attractions is Majorelle Gardens, once owned by fashion designer Yves-Saint Laurent. It’s a great place to relax and is packed with palms, cacti and other interesting flora. Inside, you’ll find the intriguing Berber Museum.
Most of the high-end restaurants and chefs can be found in the new city, in a dining scene that rivals that of the great cities of Europe. But nightlife can be found in both parts of Marrakech, where posh bars, all-night clubs, and local dive bars pulsate with music every night of the week. Indeed many come to Marrakech specifically for the nightlife, and also to lay their heads in one of the swank hotels or boutique riads where pampering comes at a price that’s worth paying.
Marrakech is a great launch point for excursions to nearby towns and natural attractions. The Ourika Valley is home to fragrant olive groves, scenic overlooks, and local Berber residents who adhere to a traditional way of life. One can also hike in Imlil, go kayaking in the Ahansel river, or even ski in Oukaimeden.
SAFETY: Tourists are often approached by people trying to guide them to their shops. These people are best avoided unless you want to be taken deep into the medina or pay a fee. Violent crime is low, but due to the high foot traffic in the city, you should keep valuables close as pickpocketing is common. Female travelers are advised to cover their shoulders and legs in public areas.
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Long known to travelers looking for a truly exotic getaway, Marrakech has come into its own as a world-class destination. It’s a city where you can visit a newly built shopping mall with the …