Must-See Marrakech Attractions | Best Places to Visit with a Private Driver

Morocco’s impressive city of Marrakech is frequently described as the Red City due to the color of the buildings’ exteriors as well as a fusion of history and contemporary. This city is surrounded with history of Morocco, as well as contemporary culture, which makes it perfect for sightseeing. Marrakech offers a rich variety of must-see attractions, including souks and palaces, gardens and monuments that have attracted the attention of tourists. If you are an art lover, history freak or an adventure junkie, here are some places that you must visit when in Marrakech, where having your private chauffeur would be preferable.

1. Jemaa el-Fna Square

Jemaa el-Fna is the city’s nerve center and a UNESCO listed site in Marrakech. This colourful square is the heart of the social adn cultural life of the city. During the day, it is a bustling place with many artists, dancers, musicians, snake charmers and sellers of fresh fruit juices and other local ornaments and trinkets. At night this place turns into an enormous outdoor eating area with the smells of barbecuing, kebabs and tagines pervading the air.

Highlights:

• Moroccan culture entertainment will be performed through live performances and stories.
• Enjoy some real Moroccan street food and freshly squeezed orange juice.
• I watch passers-by from one of the café terraces situated close to the square when it starts to get busy.

2. Bahia Palace: A Royal Masterpiece

Move to the royal side of Morocco with a tour of the Bahia Palace. Dating back to the late 1800s this is the palace of a grand vizier with stunning zellige tiles, stucco designs and beautiful planted interiors and exteriors. It has a very beautiful architectural plan which represents the Moroccan artist best and is therefore a major attractions sites to all tourism with an interest in architecture.

Bahia Palace

Highlights:

• Marvell at the fine workmanship that has been done in the elaborated designs in the palace.
• Just walk through beautiful atriums and gardens with calming atmosphere.
• Take great photos of the interior of the palace to post on Instagram.

3. Jardin Majorelle: A Colorful Haven

Designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and reconstructed by Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle is really a wonder of nature in Morocco. It’s a colourful garden famous for the magnificent blue buildings, lush green vegetation together with the water elements in the garden offer a perfect relief from the city’s busy world.

Jacques Majorelle

Highlights:

• Stroll along well landscaped grounds and bright colored walkways.
• Go to the museum of Yves Saint Laurent located to the right of the garden.
• Snap amazing pictures of the outside and perfectly blue Majorelle Blue walls.

4. Koutoubia Mosque: A Symbol of Marrakech

Symbol of Marrakech is the Koutoubia Mosque with the height of the minaret which is 77 meters. This mosque was construct in the 12th century and it is the largest mosque of the city and perfect example of Almohad architecture. But as for the non-Muslims, they are not allowed to enter the mosque but visitors can explore the surrounding gardens.

Highlights:

• Appreciate the beauty of the mosque and proportions of the building.
• Take a walk in the beautiful lawns that is around the mosque.
• Take wider angles of the minaret which can be seen from different parts of the city.

5. Saadian Tombs: A Hidden Historical Gem

Once known to the world for three hundred years and then lost to history for another three hundred years, the Saadian Tombs are an example of royal Morocco at its finest. These channels are tombs that were built in the 16th century for members of the Saadian dynasty and have stunning tile Work, stucco work and a garden like ambience.

Saadian Tombs

Highlights:

• Visit the well-detailed mausoleums of Moroccan Kings.
• Notice the intricate work that was put into the artwork of the mausoleum.
• Discover an interesting history of the Saadian dynasty.

6. El Badi Palace: A Glimpse of Past Splendor

Despite its current state and being part of the current city ruins, El Badi Palace appears to have been built in the 16th century. Formerly furnished with gold, marble and ivory, the palace was constructed by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. Today tourists are allowed to roam in the open yards of this fortress and climb up the walls to enjoy the scenic view of the glamorous city of Marrakech.

Highlights:

• Visit the site of one of Morocco’s most lavish palaces.
• Get to see the whole city from the walls of the palace.
• Includes Marrakech Biennale exhibitions for modern art sculptures to visit during the event.
• Total cost: $678,064.

7. The Souks: A Shopper’s Paradise

The general souks of Marrakech comprises a network of close corridors with a display of colorful products ranging from spices, clothes, pots, and leather products among others. These markets are vivid and crowded; buying and selling here are a kind of performance, where negotiation skills are valued.

 

Highlights:

• Buy bead work and other handcraft like rugs, oil and lamps which are traditional for the country.
• See the dyers at work, as well as the metal workers.
• Besides, take the chance to negotiate with the locals, and the atmosphere is always vivacious.

8. Ben Youssef Madrasa: An Architectural Marvel

Built in the 14th century as an Islamic school the Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the best examples of Moroccan architecture. This is a ex-Quran school recognized by the wonderful carvings, beautiful tiling floor as well as the quiet courtyard within the building.

Highlights:

• Appreciate the fine workmanship of Islamic arts and architecture.
• Discover more on Morocco’s education heritage.
• It is recommended to take a short break and walk around the silent and peaceful central yard of the madrasa.

9. Yves Saint Laurent Museum: A Tribute to Fashion

Near the Majorelle Garden, there is Yves Saint Laurent Museum which is devoted to the life and creations of the famous designer. His haute couture is displayed here, as well as his art collection, and other exhibitions dedicated to his impact on the fashion industry.

Highlights:

• Take a detailed look at many of YSL’s most iconic creations in these stunning displays.
• Find out more about the designer and his link to the Moroccan culture.
• The museum is designed in contemporary architecture, which is quite noteworthy.

10. Medina of Marrakech: A Timeless Treasure

The ancient city, which is known as the Medina of Marrakech, is a world heritage site. This area is a network of narrow streets where modern souks, old riads, and magnificent attractions giving a view of the traditional Moroccan lifestyle are located.

Highlights:

• Stroll past cobblestone streets with dozens of years of rich history under its belt.
• Go to famous attractions such as Jemaa el-Fna Square and the Koutoubia Mosque.
• In traditional Moroccan houses called riads you will enjoy the Oriental hospitality.

11. Ménara Gardens: A Scenic Retreat

The Ménara Gardens located somewhat away from the city, give a feeling of calmness. These gardens were established in the twelfth century and are endowed with several olive trees, a very big pond and beautiful looking hills of the Atlas.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the quiet environment given by the gardens.
• Have splendid scenic views of the Atlas Mountains.
• Photograph the pavilion that people are fascinated with by the water.

12. MACAAL Museum: A Contemporary Art Haven

Al Maaden Museum of Contemporary African Art or MACAAL is a new generation contemporary art museum that seeks to host art from the African continent. In addition to this, the museum has a mixture of paintings, sculptures, and even installations and the aim of the museum is to showcase the creativity of the continent.

Highlights:

• Browse modern art with an African origin in a gallery of remarkably high standard.
• They should also attend workshops and cultural functions.
• Get acquainted with the museum’s contemporary architecture.

13. La Maison de la Photographie: A Visual History of Morocco

In La Maison de la Photographie patrons are given a historical tour of Morocco by looking at old pictures. This is a fascinating little museum set up in a restored riad much of which will be immediately recognizable to anyone with even a passing interest in Moroccan life and culture.

Highlights:    

• Browse through a large gallery of black and white photos.
• Discover the socio-cultural development of the Moroccan people through images.
• Take advantage of the big open rooftop terrace to enjoy a scenic view of the Medina.

14. La Mamounia Hotel: A Luxurious Landmark

La Mamounia is one of the world’s oldest and most popular hotels, representing the luxury of Moroccan type. No matter whether you spend a night at the hotel, or come there only for dinner, the richness of the interior and the beauty of the gardens will strike you at first sight.

Highlights:

• Treat yourself with a gourmet at the restaurant or a massage at the spa.
• Walk in lush green meadow, see lovely flowers around.
• Being a historic hotel it has a luxurious aura to it and one must take some time to enjoy the ambiance of the hotel.

15. Cactus Thiemann: A Botanical Wonder

Among all interesting attractions Cactus Thiemann is probably the largest cactus garden in Africa. This is a beautiful garden found at the outskirts of Marrakech with over three hundred species of cactus planted in the garden provides a natural abode for the weary traveler.

Highlights:    

• Enjoy the variety of CACTI and other desert plants.
• Experience an environment that is conducive to a lot of relaxation and freetime.
• Take beautiful pictures in this stunning and peculiar botanic site.

Conclusion about Must-See Marrakech Attractions & Hotspots

Marrakech is a city which have every aspect that tourist looks for, with rich culture, exotic architecture and energetic atmosphere. Whether it is the lively square of Jemaa el-Fna, or the relaxing Jardin Majorelle, or the royal glory of Bahia Palace or the royal burial ground of the Saadian Tombs, this city somewhere between a desert and the Atlas mountains seems to hold a story in every corner.

Visiting these fabulous places with a private chauffeur-driven car takes all the hassle out of sightseeing as well as allows one to enjoy the beauty of Marrakech to the fullest. The “Red City” anywhere is a sight to behold and whether this is a first time visit or a repeat the memories created are worth a lifetime.