
The Red City, as it is commonly known because of the red city walls that surround the Medina, is not like any other city you will have been to. From the narrow winding streets in the ancient quarter to the hustle and bustle of the souks you will be mesmerized by this encapsulating city.
What to do …
The city
effectively has two parts, the Medina, the old town, and the more modern Gueliz
or Ville Nouvelle and it is no surprise that most tourists head for the
historical district. Soak up the sights and sounds of the Medina with its
narrow interlinked passageways and why not barter for some typical souvenirs in
the souks (markets) that surround Djemaa El Fna square. Even those who dislike
shopping will find this and amazing place. You can buy almost anything -
slippers, spices or silver, it’s all here! And you will come across the odd
snake charmer and Bedouin too. The souks are huge but don’t worry about getting
lost, you will sooner or later find yourself back in Djemaa El Fna. Bustling
during the day, and incredible at night when the square comes alive with
musicians, dancers and story tellers with stalls offering traditional Moroccan
food – be sure to visit at least one night! Alongside Djemaa El Fna is the
Koutobia Mosque, also on the list of must-sees, famed for its minaret, which
can be seen from much of the city. Note tourists are not allowed inside. Gueliz
is home to many of the big brand fashion stores and international restaurants
but also worth visiting is the Majorelle Gardens. More expensive than other
attractions, it nonetheless provides a wonderful respite from the bustle of the
city beyond and has a fantastic collection of plants from across the globe and
an amazing display of just about every type of cactus. Why not take a day trip
across the Atlas mountains and follow the ancient Berber trails which delve
deep into the traditional Moroccan lifestyle and take in the unforgettable
views that surround you.
Where to stay …
A perfect 3
star option and a good base to discover Marrakech is the Amalay hotel. For a 4
star option then the Nassim hotel is hard to beat on price and location and
comes well-recommended from Cities Direct clients. For a little pampering then
the 4* superior Della Rosa hotel features lovely accommodation and a spa to
indulge in a traditional hamman. We feature many alternative hotels for your
Marrakech city break, so if you have a recommendation or are looking for
something different, please give our Cities Direct reservations team a call and
they will be happy to advise.
What to eat…
World famous
are the tagines and couscous widely available and delicious, but also soups and
locally grown nuts are well worth trying. There is a plethora of international
food available too.
When to go…
A city break to
Marrakech can be taken at any time of the year as this fabulous city is
beautiful whatever the season. July and August can get very hot, but
temperatures in other months are pleasant. Ramadan, when Muslims fast during
daylight hours means services can be a little slow. December is also a popular
time to travel and stock up on some beautiful Christmas presents.
Getting there…
We offer
direct flights to Marrakech from 5 UK airports including Gatwick, Manchester
and Stansted, but Marrakech can also be enjoyed as part of a multi-centre break
with other cities such as Madrid or Lisbon. Please call us for more information
about flights.
See Cities Direct handpicked accommodation for your City Break to Marrakech.