ONE WEEK IN MARRAKECH

From the intricate maze of streets and little allies in the old Medina to the refreshing terrace views in Djemaa el Fna Square, this vibrant city subtle spell will surely not leave you indifferent.

Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco and it is usually called “ The red city” after the color of its salmon pink buildings that reflect as reddish cue under the sunlight.

It is divided in two, the “Old medina” and the “ modern city ”, and it is home to around one million people.

The city emanates some creative energy that has been attracting artists and creators for centuries. And my personal experience was that it was during my first visit to Marrakech that I decided to start this blog.

One week in Marrakech

How long to spend in Marrakech? Is one week in Marrakech too long? If you are reading this blog you are probably asking yourself this question And the answer is: -No, one week in Marrakech is not too long. It is simply enough and the city has so much charm it will most likely leave you craving for more.

Many of the people that I know decide to go there for a long weekend only and that is not a bad choice if you only have one week in Morocco. But I would highly recommend to spend at least one week in Marrakech.

If your time is limited you might want to consider this two weeks Morocco itinerary.

Marrakech: where to say

If you want to experience the authentic Moroccan experience and be close to all main attractions and “souks” (markets) I strongly advise to stay inside the “Old Medina”.

Your one week visit to Marrakech will not be complete unless you spend at least a couple of nights in a “riad”.

A “riad” is a traditional Moroccan building built around an inner courtyard or a garden. They usually have a central fountain as well and some of them a small swimming pool where you can relax.

Spend some time enjoying your “riad” and feeling the slow paced vibes of the Moroccan lifestyle and do not forget to try some Moroccan food.

Marrakech travel tips

Marrakech is a really safe city and there are lots of CCTV cameras in the Old Medina that will guarantee your safety. It is a stunning destination but a radical different culture and there are some things to know before visiting Morocco.

When asking people for directions if they offer to walk with you to the destination ask if they will charge you in advance. It is a common practice for some locals to walk you to a place and expect a payment at the end.

Dress up modestly: This is an Islamic country and even if during the Summer I have seen people walking around in shorts and sleeveless shirts it is very recommended to cover your legs and shoulders. It works pretty well to buy some local clothes (it is very cheap) and dress like a local. I remember the receptionist of my “riad” telling me :- I like you even more now that you are wearing this dress

People are expecting you to haggle so they will initially give you a higher price than they expect you to pay.

Ask permission when taking photos from people as many Moroccan people do not like to be in tourists photos. And please make sure you check when is the best time of the year to visit Marrakech to make the best out of your experience.

Do not forget to taste some of the Morrocan culinary gems while you visit Marrakech.

Get a taste of Marrakech at  Djemaa el Fna Square

This bustling square is teemed with snake charmers, dancers, stalls and street food shops.

It is simply perfect for sunset and early night. It has a lots of restaurants from where you can see the sunset over the square and “Koutoubia Mosque” silhouette on the background.

TIP; Be very careful here as it is the most tourist spot of the city and some people will approach you asking and exaggerate amount of money for things. If you accept something arrange the price first.

Visit the Saadian tombs

The Saadian tombs are a royal necropolis and date back to the time of the Saadian dynasty. They have been used for royal burials long afterwards as well.  The tombs are located behind one of the Kasbah Mosque walls and are located around 15 minutes walking from Djemaa el Fna Square.

The mausoleums are an exquisite piece of “Almohab” arquitecture.

Have a stroll around Mellah (the Jewish quartier)

One of the things that I really like about Morocco is how the Jewish and the Islamic communities accept their differences and work together to bring success to their respective businesses

The Mellah in Marrakeh refers to the area of the city where Jewish people live and it is an area where you can find spices vendors, tailors and and all sorts of hawkers.

There is even a synagogue founded by the jewish that were expelled from Spain and invited by one of the Saadian Sultans to take refuge in Morocco.

Mellah synagogue

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Meditate on the Jewish cemetery in Marrakech, Miara

There is an energy in most cemeteries that invites to meditation. It is as if the unavoidable reality to come is so present there that it claims its sovereignty and eradicates at least for a short period of time the worries of our mundane existence.

And there is no better place to feel this energy that Miara, the Jewish cemetery in Marrakech. It is the biggest Jewish cemetery in Morocco and it is around six hundred years old.

There is an entrance fee to be paid to the guardian at the entrance of around 20 dirham and it is usual to wash your hands on a pile at the exit of the cemetery.

Get lost in shades of blue and green at the Mayorelle garden

The Majorelle garden was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and it was later purchased by Yves Saint- Laurent and Pierre Bergé who worked to save it from the hotels. They both had their residence in the villa inside the garden and it is open to the public nowadays.

The villa houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, the Berber museum and the Yves Saint Laurent museum.

The garden display a perfect balance of greenery with blue architecture. The perfect spot for your Instagram photos.

As an alternative and if you are fond of gardens you could visit the Anima garden.

Walk around the Koutoubia mosque

The Koutubia Mosque is located 200 meters from Djemaa el Fna Square and it is the largest mosque in Morocco. Entrance is not allowed but you can walk around it and in the neighboring gardens.

Enjoy the Bahia palace

The Bahia palace is quite a modern palace that was built in the 19th century. It was built by Si Musa, a descendent of a family of black slaves that served the Moroccan government.

He began the construction of the palace in 1859 under the reign Sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman.

The palace present a labyrinth like structure that indicates that was clear design when its construction.

The inner garden and the exquisite decoration in its doors it is something you will not want to miss during your one week in Marrakech visit.

Explore the Badi palace

El Badi means “the incomparable” and it is one of the 99 names of God in Islam.  Its construction started by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty in 1578

There are some nice views of the Atlas mountains from the top of the palace fortress.

Have dinner while watching a Berber show

You can usually book a dinner together with a Berber horse show at your Riad. A bus will take you to the outskirts of Marrakech where you will be served a buffet dinner. After dinner you will see a beautiful Berber horse show with fire.  The price is around 35 euros.

Visit the Marrakech tanneries

Marrakech tanneries are in the outer part of the Medina and not so much visited by tourist but I highly recommend a visit to get some local “smell” ( be prepared and bring some mint with you ) and sights.

I got there guided with a local guy who after visiting the tanneries brought me to some leather shops. He charged me nothing but he would get a commission if I bought something.




TIP; Negotiate price with the guide before getting there. I got offered a free walk to the tanneries but this is always not the case.

Take one of the day trips from Marrakech to the Atlas mountains

When you are spending a week in Marrakech one of the best way to organize your visit is to take a rural break in the middle of it. The Atlas mountains are not too far from Marrakech and are visible from most rooftop terraces all around the city.

I recommend the day trip to Setti Fatma. It takes one hour and half to get there and there is stop in a rural market and an argan oil woman cooperative. Buying some oil helps local women and I can guarantee you the oil quality is really good.

Be careful on the way as there will be some merchants trying to send you precious stones when what they are selling is only painted quartz. There are still very beautiful stones for children, but do not get fooled by the colors.

Once in Setti Fatma the tour guide will bring you along a trekking trail with stunning views of the Atlas mountains and waterfalls.

At the end of the tour a Tajine will be waiting for you at the riverside. ( food is not included in the tour)

I booked this tour at my hotel reception and I paid around 35 euros.

Relax at Marrakech Secret Garden

This is a little gem in the heart of the old medina. It is a beautiful perfect garden to visit and relax from the hectic streets full of merchants.

Shop in the medina and dress like a local

There are so many trinkets, clothes and leather for sale in the zouks inside the Medina. I highly recommend buying some local clothes and dress like a local. My favorite piece of clothes is the Selham. It is usually a piece for man but it looks amazing also on a woman. It is very handy when traveling Morocco in Autum and Winter as the nights can get so chilly.

Go for a traditional Haman and massage

A Hamman is tradition steam room where someone will scrub your naked body and wash you. The traditional local Hammans are communal and with separate rooms for men and women. There are plenty of individual Hammans in Marrakech where you can enjoy a more intimate experience.

Learn some history at Ale Ben Youssef Madrasa

This Islamic school was in re construction when I visited but I was told that it will be back open in 2021. A place to put in my to visit list for my next visit to Marrakech

As you can see there are plenty of things to do to make your one week in Marrakech stay memorable. Do not forget to just sit done one a terrace and drink some Moroccan tea observing the local life.

Get also a taste of the Morrocan desert in Zagora