For European visitors in particular, Marrakech is perhaps the most enchanting, exciting and exotic city this close to home. A place rich in cultural history, it was once home to sultans, princesses, magicians and slave traders. Nowadays Marrakech’s main inhabitants are artists, writers, movie stars and – of course – the thousands of tourists who flock here annually to experience everything this great city has to offer. These are only a couple of the many highlights.
The Souks of Marrakech
Marrakech’s legendary Souks are by far the largest in the whole of Morocco. And as much as they reflected a city that thrived on commerce in years gone by, so too are they a major draw for both local and visiting shoppers today. A stroll through the bustling Souks of the city could take hours – particularly when you’re faced with a steady flow of very friendly (and very competitive) market stall owners, each trying to flog their wears to passing shoppers. Everything from clothes to spices to fine leather, to exquisite hand-crafted ornaments is here under one roof. And in the cool of the morning, and amble through the Souks represents a perfect – if lively – way to start your day.
A Ride Around the City Walls
Almost everywhere you go in Marrakech, you’ll see hundreds of motorbikes speeding through the streets. However you’ll also notice a slightly more relaxed mode of transport: horse drawn carriages, or ‘calèches’. Calèches are as much a part of the city’s identity as the many mosques or marketplaces along the way. And for travellers seeking a decidedly atmospheric way to navigate the local area, nothing is better than the Tour des Ramparts; a calèche ride which takes in all 16km of Marrakech’s historic medina walls. Every inch of these walls oozes history. But no section is more impressive than the Bab Agnaou (or ‘black gate’), an exquisite horseshoe arch built by the Almohads in the 12th century. Remember before making the journey though: always agree to the price of your calèche ride before you depart (100dh an hour is the maximum you’ll want to pay).
Discover the Beauty for Yourself
To try and encapsulate the beauty and magnificence of Marrakech in a couple of paragraphs is futile. The best advice? Travel there through The Holiday Place (or a similar site) and discover the magic for yourself.
