Marrakech

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.