This list starts in the Kasbah, which is technically different than the Medina. The Kasbah would have been the fortified edge of the city, whereas the Medina is the actually city itself. Many cities in Morocco have both (Tangier for instance has both as well). The Kasbah is less touristy than the rest of the Medina, but also way less developed - expect to be walking on some dirt roads during this section of the tour!
From here you leave the Kasbah and into the Medina proper. At this point, you won't encounter cars for a while as the roads are now too small for proper cars. But watch out because motorcycles are EVERYWHERE in the Medina. You'll also be walking on beautiful stone streets at this point giving a real air of a historic city.
Around this area, you can also find Le Jardin Secret. I haven't included it as a historic site as it more serves as a botanical garden, but it's still a great stop. Around this location, you can find several old riads turned into shops with multiple galleries. These art galleries are fun ways to explore some of the old houses in this part of the Medina. I could not find a name for these - however, follow the road from Le Jardin Secret to the Ben Youssef Madrassa and you should find these areas.
This part of the Medina has particularly pretty rose colored buildings. I enjoy walking this area at night when shops have closed as well as the streets here are far and away the most scenic in the Medina.
Of course I did not mention the Souks in this article. However, there are lots of markets selling everything from jewelry to perfumes to clothes to tourist souvenirs. Exploring these allow you to get a sense of culture, as many shops still cater to locals and not tourists (surprisingly). The Souk Semmarine is particularly famed (just off the Jema'a el Fna). However, any set of shops can be quite interesting an insightful!
The Medina continues to the north of these sights. However, there is noticeably less to do in terms of attractions and tourist sites. That said, exploring the Medina and seeing old buildings is a key part of the experience in Marrakesh - go for a walk (especially around 6 PM when things are still lively but it is "end of day") to see the Medina in its full magic. And as always explore different sites off of this guide! This is just a helpful tool to start your trip!
Recommended Riads and Hotels
As you probably have read, the best places to stay in Marrakesh (and all of Morocco) are Riads. Riads are specifically a traditionally home, centered around a courtyard, usually serving as a garden. Given culture dictated the outsides of homes should be simple, this is where the embellishment would begin. Around the courtyard there would be various rooms.
While "Riad" in Morocco usually refers to a locally owned bed and breakfast, the Riads in Marrakesh usually are proper Riads. Regardless, the riads on this list provide delicious breakfast and beautiful rooms.
In case luxury is on your list, I've included two famous hotels. While rooms here are quite expensive (think at least $600 a night) they are good locations with beautiful grounds. It may even be worth stopping by for a coffee (especially La Mamounia)
Reach out to Mark!
Mark provides all sorts of info to help your travel needs! This includes specific travel itineraries and planning services. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like customized travel services.
This list starts in the Kasbah, which is technically different than the Medina. The Kasbah would have been the fortified edge of the city, whereas the Medina is the actually city itself. Many cities in Morocco have both (Tangier for instance has both as well). The Kasbah is less touristy than the rest of the Medina, but also way less developed - expect to be walking on some dirt roads during this section of the tour!
From here you leave the Kasbah and into the Medina proper. At this point, you won't encounter cars for a while as the roads are now too small for proper cars. But watch out because motorcycles are EVERYWHERE in the Medina. You'll also be walking on beautiful stone streets at this point giving a real air of a historic city.
Around this area, you can also find Le Jardin Secret. I haven't included it as a historic site as it more serves as a botanical garden, but it's still a great stop. Around this location, you can find several old riads turned into shops with multiple galleries. These art galleries are fun ways to explore some of the old houses in this part of the Medina. I could not find a name for these - however, follow the road from Le Jardin Secret to the Ben Youssef Madrassa and you should find these areas.
This part of the Medina has particularly pretty rose colored buildings. I enjoy walking this area at night when shops have closed as well as the streets here are far and away the most scenic in the Medina.
Of course I did not mention the Souks in this article. However, there are lots of markets selling everything from jewelry to perfumes to clothes to tourist souvenirs. Exploring these allow you to get a sense of culture, as many shops still cater to locals and not tourists (surprisingly). The Souk Semmarine is particularly famed (just off the Jema'a el Fna). However, any set of shops can be quite interesting an insightful!
The Medina continues to the north of these sights. However, there is noticeably less to do in terms of attractions and tourist sites. That said, exploring the Medina and seeing old buildings is a key part of the experience in Marrakesh - go for a walk (especially around 6 PM when things are still lively but it is "end of day") to see the Medina in its full magic. And as always explore different sites off of this guide! This is just a helpful tool to start your trip!
Recommended Riads and Hotels
As you probably have read, the best places to stay in Marrakesh (and all of Morocco) are Riads. Riads are specifically a traditionally home, centered around a courtyard, usually serving as a garden. Given culture dictated the outsides of homes should be simple, this is where the embellishment would begin. Around the courtyard there would be various rooms.
While "Riad" in Morocco usually refers to a locally owned bed and breakfast, the Riads in Marrakesh usually are proper Riads. Regardless, the riads on this list provide delicious breakfast and beautiful rooms.
In case luxury is on your list, I've included two famous hotels. While rooms here are quite expensive (think at least $600 a night) they are good locations with beautiful grounds. It may even be worth stopping by for a coffee (especially La Mamounia)
Reach out to Mark!
Mark provides all sorts of info to help your travel needs! This includes specific travel itineraries and planning services. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like customized travel services.