CITY GUIDE MARRAKESH

©Riad El Fenn

INTRODUCTION

Out of the Moroccan desert rises Marrakesh, an oasis of beauty and tranquility that will gratifytravelers looking for adventure, rejuvenation, and the experience of a lifetime. Silhouettes of archways and minarets rise over the Red City, as the muezzin’s call to prayer echoes across the rose-colored sky. Those who visit Marrakesh will not soon forget it. 

HOTEL

Beldi Country Club is the perfect place to unwind and La Sultana is not only a stunning place to reside, but also offers a rooftop with magical panoramic views over Marrakesh. Riad El Fenn (picture) is a gorgeous hotel filled with modern art and ancient Moroccan crafts. Riad de Tarabel is a luxurious boutique hotel in a colonial mansion. La Maison Arabe is one of the oldest hotels in Marrakesh. Its bar makes a wonderful place for a quiet drink. Riad Dar Darma had been turned into a stunning place that fuses modern minimalistic with traditional architecture. Ryad Dyor and Riad 72 are amongst the new-wave of riads that have incorporated a modern twist to the traditional architecture. Ksar Char-Bagh is located a few minutes outside the city within a thousand-year-old palm-grove oasis in the midst of a dry desert landscape. In addition, La Pause is a back-to-nature eco-hotel that makes it name proud and is the perfect place to slow down the racing mind. 

CAFÉ

Kechmara is ideal for breakfast. The terrace of Café Des Épices is the perfect place to soak up the Moroccan air. Once you enter Le Jardin you find yourself in an old riad, which is filled with old banana trees and other foliage that provide shade for the tables in the courtyard. Dar Cherifa is another wonderfully restored riad with tall columns, ancient stuccowork and old carved beams. Kafe Fnaque Berbere is ideal for a mint tea break between weaving through the maze of markets.

RESTAURANT

Located in a jewel-like riad PepeNero is a romantic restaurant that is decorated with thick Moroccan rugs, fine art and beautifully cedar-wood ceilings. One of the most famous restaurants is Al Fassia. Also, recommended are Le Fondouk, which serves a mix of Moroccan, French and Thai dishes, or Azar if you like Lebanese food. Maison MK is a small restaurant with only 20 seats that fuses Euro-Moroccan cuisine. Similar, Latitude 31, which revives the traditional Moroccan cuisine and gives it a modern twist. La Famille restaurant is set in a beautiful garden and ideal for lunch. Latitude 31 and La Famille both accommodate vegan food plans. Whilst in the medina, visit Kui Zin, for more vegan cuisine, and Café Arabe to grab a typical Moroccan bite to eat. Furthermore, Nomad is a place not to be missed. Enjoy Moroccan delights, spend some time and embrace spectacular views over the spice market and feel the city. Do not miss out to dine on the roof of La Salama, especially to witness the desert sunsets that illuminate the evening sky.

BAR

Bo&Zin is a stylish and hip place to dine, drink and dance. The Inara Lounge at the Four Seasons is inviting for an aperitif, so is the bar at Riad El Fenn. Le Bar at La Mammounia was already one of Churchill’s favorites and at Le 68 you can enjoy a nice glass of wine. Lotus Club is good for dancing and at Jad Mahal you can watch belly dancers and other live shows. 

STORE

33 Rue Majorelle is a beautiful concept store that showcases emerging local designers and Hanout sells fashion for women, which incorporates ancient Moroccan techniques into contemporary pieces. Riad Yima is an all-in-one kitsch-crammed shop, tearoom and gallery. Sidi Ghanem is a revived industrial district that hosts a number of furniture stores, manufactures, boutiques, bistros and cafes. One of them is Topolina that sells clothes in unusual color combinations, patterns, and fabrics. Chabi Chic is a little decoration store, where you can find all sort of items for your living space at home.

ACTIVITY

Medersa Ben Youssef is a must-visit to appreciate the full measure of beauty of Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. Les Jardins Majorelle is a little oasis with its bright blue colors and the colorful flowers and plants, and the former garden of Yves Saint Lauren. Stroll through Jemaa el-Fnaa market, taste various types of food and embrace the sound of the Arab language and the scent of spices. Known for its leather goods, visit one of the city’s tanneries at the north end of the Medina to learn about production process.