Marrakesh: the red city
Marrakesh, also spelled Marrakech, is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. It is the capital of the Marrakesh-Safi region. Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and near the Sahara Desert, Marrakesh is famous for its Medina, red walls, bustling souks, historic monuments, and vibrant culture. In this article, we explore Marrakech Morocco travel, the city’s history, culture, and attractions.
History of Marrakesh
Abu Bakr ibn Umar founded Marrakesh in 1070, making it the capital of the Almoravid empire. He built the city’s first walls, mosques, and palaces, attracting scholars, artists, and merchants from across the Islamic world. Marrakesh soon became a center of learning, trade, and power in the Maghreb and beyond.
In the 12th century, the Almohads conquered Marrakesh, expanding and embellishing it with the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Saadian Tombs. They also created the Agdal and Menara Gardens, still popular today.
In the 16th century, the Saadian dynasty made Marrakesh their capital, ruling most of Morocco and parts of West Africa. They enriched the city with gold, spices, and slaves, building magnificent palaces like El Badi and Bahia. They also defended the city from Portuguese and Ottoman invasions.
In the 17th century, the Alaouite dynasty favored Fez, leading to Marrakesh’s decline. However, in the 19th century, Moulay Hassan and his son Moulay Abdelaziz restored some of its glory by repairing monuments, improving infrastructure, and promoting arts and crafts.
In the 20th century, French colonialists built the modern district of Gueliz with wide avenues, cafes, and hotels. They introduced Art Deco, Art Nouveau, French cuisine, and language. Celebrities like Winston Churchill, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jimi Hendrix were drawn to its exotic charm.
Culture and Attractions of Marrakesh
Marrakesh is a city that offers a unique blend of Moroccan and European cultures, as well as a rich and diverse heritage. You can experience the authentic Moroccan life in the old town (medina), where you can find narrow streets, colorful markets, and historic monuments. You can also enjoy the modern and cosmopolitan side of Marrakesh in the new town (ville nouvelle), where you can find elegant boulevards, trendy cafes, and chic boutiques.
Some of the landmarks that you should not miss:
Djemaa el-Fna: Marrakesh’s main square is the busiest in Africa. Here, you’ll find snake charmers, acrobats, storytellers, musicians, henna artists, and food stalls. This lively and chaotic place is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, symbolizing Moroccan culture and tradition.
The Souks: These traditional markets are a maze of alleys and shops. You can find everything from spices and leather goods to carpets and jewelry. Bargain and haggle with vendors as you discover local crafts and products.
Koutoubia Mosque: Near Djemaa el-Fna, this is Marrakesh’s largest and most famous mosque. Built in the 12th century by the Almohads, it features a 77-meter-high minaret, a city landmark. The mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with intricate decorations and geometric patterns.
Majorelle Garden: Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical garden and museum is a peaceful oasis. With exotic plants, fountains, and ponds, it features the striking Majorelle blue, contrasting with the greenery and the red cityscape.
Medina Ramparts: Surrounding the old town, these walls were built by the Almoravids and Almohads. Made of red clay, they stretch 19 kilometers with 10 gates and 200 towers. They offer scenic views of the city and mountains, especially impressive at sunset.
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Book with us today and let us make your dream trip to Marrakech an experience of a lifetime.
Discover the timeless elegance of Morocco
Welcome to Morocco — a land of stunning landscapes, rich culture and vibrant culture. It is a unique place where you can witness four seasons as you travel from green lands and snow-capped mountains in the North to the Sahara desert and Palm oases in the South. A land with rich culture, history and varied landscapes, Morocco is an ultimate vacation destination. It is also the closest country in North Africa to Europe, which makes it convenient for travellers to explore it
Whether your idea of a Morocco tour is to wander through the maze-like medians, trekking the towering Atlas Mountains, or riding camels into the golden Sahara Desert, our travel experts will work with you to craft a personalised travel package to let you make the most of your time in Morocco.. If you are planning a Morocco tour, our customised and guided tours are designed to offer you an unforgettable vacation experience. Connect with Morocco tour experience to book a trip of a lifetime. Book your Morocco trip today
Why hire a local Morocco guide?
If you are planning a trip around Morocco, hiring a local Morocco tour guide is a way to have a memorable experience. At Morocco Travel Experience, we connect you with an expert local guide who helps you truly uncover the heart and soul of this North African gem
- Local expertise: Our passionate local guides—like the acclaimed Abdellatif Bougoula—share insights that bring you closer to history, culture, and hidden gems of Morocco.
- Multilingual: Our local guides are multilingual, so they can ensure smooth communication throughout the journey.
- Safe navigation: When you explore the city with a guide, you feel safer. Also, you can ask them to explore more local attractions such as local markets, local restaurants, street food and more
- Customised experiences: An expert tour guide can help you have a customised and unique vacation experience. Whether you are looking to have a culinary experience, explore architecture, or experience specific cultural aspects of Morocco, our team can design the perfect itinerary just for you and provide an expert guide to let you
Our guided Morocco tours will allow you not just to create new stories but know the story behind the marvels of Morocco. Our Morocco tour guides are not just navigators — they’re cultural ambassadors who open doors you didn’t know existed.
FAQS
How much does it cost to hire a local tour guide in Morocco?
The cost of hiring a tour guide in Morocco varies depending on various factors such as duration, expertise, and the specific region you’re exploring. On average, you may have to pay anywhere from $45 to USD 250 per group/person for the services of a knowledgeable guide. If you want to know more about it, head to our tour operators and they will be delighted to answer your queries
How many days are required to explore Morocco in your vacation?
Exploring all the major attractions of Morocco typically needs around 7 to 10 days. It is sufficient time to explore all iconic cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca, as well as trips to the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. However, having more time means having a more enriched experience
How to hire a local guide?
You want to explore the magic of Morocco along with a local tour guide. Here are three easy steps to securing a professional:
Hire a local tour guide in Morocco, you can utilise online platforms like Private Guide World, Withlocals, or ToursByLocals, or by visiting tourist offices in major cities. Many tourist offices also list independent guides on their websites.
At Morocco Travel Experience, we offer guided tours and day trips from Marrakech and all other prominent destinations in Morocco. Our tour guide has been serving Moroccan travellers for so many years. With a focus on a customised experience, we craft tours that suit your idea of a perfect holiday. Let our local experts ( licensed drivers and expert Morocco tour guides) show you the imperial cities, Atlas Mountains, Fortified castles, beaches, charming towns, historical sites and a lot more. From short excursions to comprehensive tours and from transportation to hotel, we can assist you with all your travel requirements.