Luxury Marrakech City Breaks

Few cities in the world enjoy such a dramatic setting and intoxicating atmosphere as Marrakech where the rose-pink walls of the ancient city sit low beneath the soaring peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the fronds of towering palm trees jostle for position above the medieval ramparts where nesting storks colonise each vacant turret. One of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, Marrakech was founded in 1062 and is today still the commercial centre for the High Atlas and the Moroccan Sahara. An exciting and lively city, it boasts a vibrant medina listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site, vast souks considered by many to be the best in Morocco, numerous historic monuments, luxurious riads and tranquil, exotic gardens.

Djemaa el Fna

Marrakech has attracted visitors for centuries and Djemaa el Fna square is the focal point to which tribes and travellers have been drawn since ancient times. Each day, as the shadow of the elegant Koutoubia minaret lengthens towards the square, the carnival begins and an extraordinary collection of Berber musicians, snake-charmers, fortune tellers, fire eaters and dancers gather to

entertain the ever shifting circles of mesmerised onlookers. During the day, wander for hours through the seemingly infinite souks and enjoy a refreshing mint tea on the terrace of a pavement cafe whilst waiting for the colourful pageant to unfold.

Medina & Souks

A multitude of souks are found in the intricate maze of the vibrant medina where the heady scent of the spice stalls, the din of the carpet auctions and the bustle of the crowds, creates an exciting atmosphere. Souk des Teinturiers, the dyers’ souk, is strung with brightly coloured wools and silks, Souk Zrabia, the former slave market, trades in beautiful carpets, and Souk des Babouches specialises in traditional Moroccan slippers. There is a large covered street market, Kissaria, a leather market for bags, boots, sandals and jackets, and numerous souks selling pretty much anything you can think to buy and wish to haggle for!

The Gardens of Marrakech

Spend a half day visiting the gardens of Marrakech by horse-drawn carriage. These gardens are a must on things to do in Marrakech and the tour includes a visit to the Menara gardens, where one of the most famous sights of Marrakech the Saadian Pavilion, overlooks the reservoir against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Take in the Agdal Gardens en route to the lush botanical Majaorelle Gardens privately owned by Yves St Laurent.

Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate

Cross the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi N'Tichka pass and enjoy spectacular scenic views of mountains and semi-desert terrain topped by kasbahs and adobe homes before visiting the spectacular 11th century Ait Ben Haddou kasbah declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site and historical treasure.

Evening at Yacout

One of the most popular things to do in Marrakech is to dine in the fantastic Yacout restaurant. Take cocktails on the roof top terrace overlooking the medina before enjoying a gala dinner in the sumptuous interior of an ancient Moroccan Palace and one of North Africa's most revered restaurants. Splendid rooms decorated with antique chandeliers, fireplaces and stunning mosaics offer an intimate atmosphere whilst ornate crystal, fine china and white table linen strewn with rose petals complement a beautifully presented traditional Moroccan feast.

Ben Youssef Medersa

This former 14th century theological college housing more than 130 student ‘cells’ was the largest medersa in Morocco, originally built to rival the colleges in Fes. Influenced by Andalucian architectural styles, it is beautifully decorated with intricately carved cedar wood and mosaic tiling.

Koutoubia Minaret

The city’s most prominent landmark and one of the most notable things to do in Marrakech is the extraordinary 12th century Koutoubia Minaret, which towers above Djemaa el Fna at a height of nearly 70m. Named after the Kutubiyin, manuscript sellers who laid out their wares in the square, it is the oldest and most complete of three great 12th century Almohad minarets: the others being Hassan Tower, Rabat, and Giralda, Seville.

Saadian Tombs

The 16th century tombs of the powerful Saadian dynasty, sealed up by the vengeful Sultan Moulay Ismail, were re-discovered in 1917 and a passageway built allowing access to these lavishly decorated pavilions.

For more inspiration visit our blog post on things to do in Marrakech: 5 unmissable experiences.