Prepare to be wowed: Djemaa El Fna is the dazzling heart of Marrakesh, filled with hordes of people throughout the day and into the night. It’s an exciting place to be, featuring shops, restaurants, herbalists, and the vibrant atmosphere of drummers and fruit-juice carts. This bustling plaza is surrounded by local cats, children, tourists, and street performers, creating a unique mosaic of life.
Emanating from the plaza, narrow lanes lead into various neighborhoods, some quieter with excellent accommodation options, others filled with fascinating museums and marvelous monuments to explore. Moreover, it’s worthwhile to delve into the Ville Nouvelle (new city) with its glamorous art deco buildings, artist galleries, and chic boutiques, or venture south for a day at palm-fringed resorts.
Djemaa El Fna
Best neighborhood for soaking up the local atmosphere
This wide square is the pulsating heart of Marrakesh where every visit begins. By day, the sounds of snake charmers’ flutes and gnaoua drums fill the air, combined with the aromas of burning incense and freshly squeezed juices. Visitors flock to various stalls offering bright fruit, herbal remedies, and intricate henna designs. By night, the atmosphere transforms as locals and tourists gather around food stalls, drawn by the tantalizing scent of kebabs sizzling over glowing coals.
Around the edge of the square, entertainers captivate the crowd—musicians, acrobats, and performers add to the lively scene, all under the watchful eye of the towering Koutoubia mosque. For breathtaking views and great photo opportunities, try the rooftop of a cafe, where you can also indulge in superb local dishes.
Mellah
Best quartier for exploring grand monuments, museums, and pretty squares
Not all medina squares are as frenetic as Djemaa El Fna. A short walk south leads you to the beautiful, palm-fringed Place des Ferblantiers. Here, you can find spice shops selling aromatic ingredients such as rosewater, saffron, and argan oil. Breathe in the fragrant air as you explore Concept Bohem, a store offering chic basketware and home decor.
This area is in close proximity to major historic sights like the Badi Palace, renowned for its grandeur even in ruins, and the beautifully decorated Bahia Palace, noted for its picturesque courtyards. The Mellah, once the Jewish quarter, also features the fascinating Lazama Synagogue and adjacent Jewish cemetery, making it a culturally rich place to visit.
Staying in the Mellah provides the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility, as it’s only a 10-minute walk from the action of Djemaa El Fna, allowing visitors to recharge after experiencing the bustling atmosphere.
Gueliz & Ville Nouvelle
Best for contemporary art galleries, chic boutiques, and superb restaurants
A convenient taxi ride from the medina leads you to Gueliz, a trendy suburb that sports a laid-back vibe. This area is ideal for exploring art deco buildings established during the French colonial era in the 1930s, many of which now house art galleries showcasing contemporary Moroccan artistry. In Passage Ghandouri, you can enjoy a mini shopping mall filled with unique showrooms and galleries featuring a diverse range of homewares.
After shopping, unwind at one of the chic cafes and restaurants that this area boasts, offering something for every palate.
Mouassine
Best neighborhood for spectacular architecture, superb guesthouses, and relaxing hammams
Mouassine is celebrated for its stunning 16th-century Saadian architecture. Renowned sites include the Dar Cherifa merchants’ house and the remarkable gardens of Le Jardin Secret. Additionally, the Musée de Mouassine showcases music and hosts concerts several evenings each week.
This area, just a short distance from Djemaa El Fna, also offers some of the medina’s finest riads and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for visitors looking for comfort and local culinary delights. After a day of exploration, relax with a soothing hammam or indulge in a massage at one of the local spas.
South of Marrakesh
Best area to escape the city and relax at countryside resorts
For a peaceful day away from the urban bustle, journey south to the nearby countryside resorts. Places like Beldi Country Club offer a serene atmosphere with lush gardens, pools, and boutique shopping opportunities. Another option is La Ferme Berbère, where you can experience nature while enjoying a delicious lunch under the palm trees.
Family-friendly options abound as well; Oasiria resort features water parks with slides and games for children, while Terres d’Amanar provides zip lines and adventure courses, ensuring fun for all ages.
