During your visit to Morocco, you should consider visiting the beautiful and historic city of Marrakesh. This is a former imperial city in western Morocco and has a rich culture and history. The medina is the heart of this medieval city and is a densely packed area with mosques, palaces, and gardens. In addition to the historic sites, the city is also a major economic center. You can shop for traditional Moroccan goods in the souks.
Jemaa el Fna
Located in the heart of the medina, Jemaa el Fna is a popular attraction in Marrakech. This square is home to dozens of entertainers, street performers and food stalls. The square also serves as a venue for cultural exchange.
The main attractions at Jemaa el Fna include snake charmers, magicians, jugglers, Gnaoua dancers, acrobats and herbalists. Some of these performers use live animals for their show. You should avoid them if you are not comfortable with this.
Jemaa el Fna has many cafes and restaurants. You can try Moroccan mint tea which is traditionally sweet. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or in the evening. You can also try local dishes at the food stalls.
You can take great photos at Jemaa el Fna. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes electric. It is best to visit the square before sunset to get the full effect. You can take pictures on the rooftop terraces.
You should be careful in Jemaa el Fna. There are pickpockets who target tourists. It is wise to carry a small amount of cash for tipping.
Some of the attractions at Jemaa el fna include snake charmers, henna tattoo artists and hawkers. These stalls can be a little aggressive, but the hawkers are often very engaging. You should be firm in your refusals when you don't want something.
Dar Si Said Museum
Located in the Riad Ez-Zaitoun El Jadid, the Dar Si Said Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakech. It is also one of the oldest museums in the city. The museum features a wonderful collection of Moroccan arts and crafts, which date back hundreds of years.
The Dar Si Said Museum is an ideal venue for a relaxing afternoon. The building is modest in size and is set around courtyards with graceful arcades. The second floor features the most beautiful decoration. It is also a great place to view a wide array of Moroccan carpets. The museum also houses some of the oldest artifacts in the city.
The museum exhibits include a variety of objects, from ceramic tiles to elaborate stucco-work. The museum's collection is considered one of the finest in Morocco. The museum is surrounded by lush gardens. There are also several patios and courtyards.
The Dar Si Said Museum is a great place to see some of the oldest and most beautiful artifacts in the city. The museum displays some of the finest Moroccan crafts, including Berber jewelry and traditional carpets. The museum also displays weapons and other antiques.
The museum is also located in a palace, which is a great place to visit. The museum includes a fountain, harem quarters, and a courtyard filled with flowers. It also has a collection of oil lamps from Taroudannt.
Saadian Tombs
Located in the Kasbah of Marrakech's Medina, the Saadian Tombs are one of the most beautiful royal burial sites in the Middle East. The site is the resting place of hundreds of members of the Saadian dynasty, including Sultan Ahmed el Mansour, who was known as the "Golden One."
The Saadian Tombs are a beautiful example of architectural splendor. The complex is surrounded by an oriental garden, which blends different buildings into one. The interiors feature intricate plasterwork and mosaics, as well as stunning domed ceilings.
The mausoleum of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur is the most impressive. It is a three-room structure with twelve marble columns supporting a large central dome. The walls are decorated with multicolored zellij mosaic tiles. His mother, Halimah al-Sa'diyah, is also buried here. This is the only burial site that remains to this day of the Saadi Dynasty.
The Saadian tombs were largely forgotten for centuries. They were only rediscovered by a foreign general in 1917. After this discovery, restoration work began. The tombs are now open to the public daily. The admission price is ten Moroccan dirhams, or approximately $1.10.
The Saadian tombs are a serene and beautiful site. They are the final resting place of 100 Saadian dynasty members, spread over two mausoleums. The main chamber contains the graves of the sultan, his children, and his family.
Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
Located in Marrakech, Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam is an ornamental botanical garden. The park was originally constructed during the eighteenth century. During the French Protectorate, the park was restructured into a botanical garden. The garden is divided into two parts, including an Islamic and a rose garden. The Cyber Park is also popular among the youth in Marrakech.
In addition to its beautiful rose gardens, Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam features a number of interactive kiosks. These kiosks provide educational content for visitors. They are based on sustainable development and the protection of the environment. They are designed to provide a better understanding of Moroccan culture.
The gardens at Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam are a great place for a relaxing walk. They are surrounded by the beautiful Atlas Mountains. The park has a wealth of plants and flowers, including a number of exotic species. There are many places to stop for a break, including a reading corner. There is also free WiFi in the area.
Besides its beauty, the park is also home to a number of cultural shows and exhibitions. It is open from 09h00 to 19h00 each day.
The park has been refurbished by the Mohammed VI Foundation. In 2005, the foundation reopened the park. Today, the garden is a green oasis. It is a great place to visit with the family. It is also ideal for a quick day trip from Marrakech.
Menara Gardens
Located in the western part of Marrakech, Menara Gardens is a picturesque maze of green tracts. The landscape is dominated by tall palm trees, rare fruit orchards and olive groves. The area is also a good spot for a photo op.
The gardens are popular with locals and visitors alike. They are an excellent place for a picnic, or a romantic getaway. The park has a pavilion that offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. The balcony is decorated with Moroccan inscriptions and provides a great view of the water basin.
During the 12th century, Abd al-Mu'min, the ruler of the Almohads, ordered the construction of the Menara Gardens. The name "menara" derives from the building's small pyramid-shaped roof. The pavilion was rebuilt in Alawi style in 1869.
Menara Gardens is known as a garden oasis. It is a scenic park surrounded by the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The pool of the Menara Gardens is said to be a holy water source. Several carps live in the basin. There is a reflection pond where fish swim, and the area is an ideal spot for a morning walk.
The area is accessible from the center of the city by public transport or taxi. The gardens are not a typical tourist attraction, so there is no entry fee.
The park is open daily between 8:00 and 19:00. The shortest route from the New Gate is to walk down Avenue Bab Jedid. The entrance is at the corner of this street.
Bahia Palace
Located in the southern end of the Medina of Marrakech, Bahia Palace is a stunning example of Islamic and Moroccan architecture. Built in the late 19th century by the grand vizier Si Musa, this palace is one of the most popular sights to visit in Marrakech. Unlike most palaces, this one is relatively empty, so you can enjoy the architecture of the building without any of the crowds.
The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The garden features splashing fountains and orange trees. The courtyard has a white Carrara marble floor. The main buildings of the palace are covered with mosaic tiles. These tiles were brought to the El Bahia region from the Meknes.
The buildings have stained-glass windows and painted ceilings. The ceilings are made of cedar wood and decorated with decorative patterns. The walls are also covered with woven silk panels. The hammam is located within the palace. The rooms of the palace are filled with ornate carvings, including zellige tile mosaics.
There are a total of 150 rooms at the palace. There is a large harem section of the palace that is connected to the Court of Honour. The Court of Honour was used to house the grand vizier's wives. The vizier's treasures were stolen by the French during the Protectorate, so the palace was looted. However, the buildings and their intricate decorations were restored in the 21st century.
