Visit Marrakech: Immerse Yourself in the red City with Multiple Gardens

Sébastien • 06/01/2024

Prepare your journey to visit Marrakech, the red city of Morocco, and its bustling souks, sumptuous palaces, and lush gardens. With over 1000 years of history, the ancient imperial city of Marrakech has always been a Moroccan jewel, an integral part of its culture and traditions. In recent years, Marrakech has become a popular tourist destination, offering visitors easy access to both the southern Moroccan desert and the Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, this overlooks the splendour of the palaces and gardens surrounding the medina.

Visit Marrakech : the sumptuous palaces and lively souks of the historic Medina

I began my visit to Marrakech in the magnificent labyrinths of the historic medina, where my riad is located. An explosion of colours, scents and sounds overwhelmed me. I start in Jemaa el-Fna square, filled with street vendors selling fruit and aromatic spices. Through narrow streets and winding passages, I get lost in the souk, each alley specialising in local products such as carpets, clothes, jewellery and pottery. Artisans also work in their shops, accompanied by the sounds of tourists haggling for the best prices. Negotiation is the only way to avoid being the victim of a rip-off.

Tirelessly navigating my way through the souk, a grand monument will catch my eye. It will be the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a jewel of Islamic architecture. Built in the 14th century, it was once a prestigious Koranic school where students from all over the world came to study religion, philosophy and science. Its courtyard, adorned with a fountain apparently used for ablutions, spreads out in front of an imposing door, the windows of the privileged students rooms lining its height.

After successfully navigating my way out of the labyrinth, I came across the Koutoubia mosque, a symbol of Marrakech with its 70-metre-high minaret. Continuing my journey, I come across the next landmark: the magnificent Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century. Not far from here, the remains of the El Badi palace are a reminder of Marrakech’s past splendour.

At the end of this full day, I took a well-deserved break at a local café, where I enjoyed mint tea and delicious Moroccan pastries. I watched people stroll by, listened to traditional music and enjoyed the unique and lively atmosphere of the medina square.

Visit Marrakech and his lush gardens

Marrakech is a city known for its vibrant colours, majestic architecture and lively atmosphere. But the city also has a well-kept secret: its lush gardens.

These gardens offer a striking contrast to the bustling city that surrounds them. They are an oasis of peace and tranquillity where visitors can relax and forget the stresses of everyday life.

The secret garden

In the 17th century, Moroccans built the Secret Garden, a hidden garden in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina of Marrakech, famousfor its fountains, pools, and paved courtyards.

The garden is divided into two parts: the outer part and the inner part. The outer part of the garden has fountains, pools, and paved courtyards. The inner part of the garden has a zen garden, a pond and a pavilion.

The Majorelle garden

The Majorelle Garden, a botanical garden located in the Gueliz district of Marrakech, is undoubtedly one of my most visited and highly recommended gardens. Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, created it at the beginning of the 20th century. It is famous for its bright blue walls, exotic plants and cacti.

The garden of the menara

Built by the Almohad sultans in the 12th century, the Menara is a famous garden in the heart of the Marrakesh medina. It is particularly famous for its central pond, surrounded by palm and cypress trees, and its pools decorated with mosaics and ceramics. The garden’s fruit trees produce a variety of fruits including oranges, lemons, pomegranates and dates.

The Agdal garden

Built by the Saadian sultans in the 16th century, the orchards, vegetable gardens and fountains of the Agdal Gardens make this historic site, just outside Marrakech’s medina, a famous destination.

The orchards in the garden produce fruit such as oranges, lemons, pomegranates, dates, figs and grapes. The kitchen gardens produce vegetables such as tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and peppers. An underground spring actively feeds the garden’s fountains, contributing to the beauty and sustainability of this space.

Visit Marrakech and his surroundings

While Marrakech is a fascinating city, it’s not the only destination in the region to explore. There are many day trips from Marrakech that will allow you to discover the natural beauty and culture of Morocco.

Essaouira : The City of Winds

Essaouira is a seaside town on the Atlantic coast. Its beaches, port and Moorish architecture all contribute to its reputation. It is also an important cultural and artistic centre.

Ouzoud Waterfalls: Nature in Its Purest Form

The Ouzoud waterfalls are the highest in North Africa, nestled in the Atlas Mountains, about 150km from Marrakech.

Imagine yourself walking through a lush forest surrounded by green mountains. You hear the sound of a waterfall, and as you approach you are greeted by a breathtaking view – the famous Ouzoud Waterfalls. You can then choose to either swim in the natural pools formed at the base of the falls or hike through the valley to admire the panoramic view from above.

Ouarzazate : The Gateway to the Desert

Ouarzazate is a city at the gateway to the Sahara. Wander through the film studios where films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator were made. Explore the kasbahs, traditional Berber fortresses such as Aït Ben Haddou. And of course, no visit to Ouarzazate is complete without a camel trek into the desert.

For a delightful dining experience in Marrakech

Moroccan chefs often use fresh, seasonal ingredients to give their dishes a unique flavour. They also incorporate spices such as ras el hanout, which gives dishes an intense and aromatic flavour.

The most popular Moroccan dishes are couscous, tajine, pastilla, harira and méchoui.

Couscous is a traditional Berber dish made from durum wheat semolina, vegetables, and protein.

Tajine is a slow-cooked dish in a clay pot called a tajine. It is often made with meat, vegetables, and spices. Tanjia is a specific version found in the city of Marrakech.

Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dessert or starter made with puff pastry, pigeon, or sugar.

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup made with lentils, chickpeas, meat, and spices.

Here are two recommended restaurants in Marrakech:

La Grande Table du Maroc is a gourmet restaurant offering refined Moroccan cuisine. The menu changes with the seasons, and the dishes are prepared with fresh, high quality ingredients.
Le Jardin is a traditional Moroccan restaurant with a family atmosphere. The menu includes traditional Moroccan dishes prepared with love and passion.

Where to Stay for a Comfortable Visit to Marrakech

There are two main options when choosing accommodation in Marrakech. One option is to stay in the medina and immerse yourself in the sounds of the city, or to opt for the luxury hotel zone in the Palmeraie, albeit with the potential for higher taxi costs for every trip.

Here are my two recommendations:

Ryad Hamza: Ryad Hamza is a traditional Moroccan riad located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina. Built in the 18th century, it was completely restored in 2012. The riad has 12 rooms and suites, all decorated in a traditional Moroccan style.
Maison d’Hôtes Villa 55: Maison d’Hôtes Villa 55 is a guesthouse located in the Palmeraie of Marrakech. With 11 rooms and suites, all decorated in a modern and elegant style, the spacious and comfortable rooms offer all modern conveniences. The pool is perfect for refreshing yourself after a day of exploration.