Marrakesh, one of Morocco’s four former imperial cities, attracts visitors due the rich historical and cultural heritage. The historic old town of Marrakesh nicknamed as the “Red City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the unique earthen architecture and the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa, a lively central square and marketplace. In addition to the medina, Marrakesh has a modern side with spectacular lush green spaces, including the serene Jardin Majorelle. Over 4 million tourists visited Marrakesh in 2024 meaning that the city is safe to visit for both tourists and locals alike. Marrakesh is the most visited city in Morocco.
Medina of Marrakesh
The medina of Marrakesh is the old part of the city founded in the 11th century between 1070-1072 by the Almoravids. Most of the structures built at the time are still standing including a defensive wall that features monumental gates and doors, stretching for 19 km around the city. Among others include the Kashbash and Koutoubiya mosque with a 77-metre tall minaret. In addition to its monuments, Marrakesh offers lively souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where ancient cultural traditions thrive to this day. Due to the unique architecture and living cultural heritage, the medina of Marrakesh was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985. Among other historically significant attractions outside of the medina include gardens such as the Palm Grove, Gardens of Aguedal, and Ménara founded between the 11th and 12th centuries.
Gueliz, the new part of Marrakesh
Gueliz was established during the 20th century when Morocco was a French colony. A new administrative and residential hub was envisaged by the colonial administrators and urban planners for better living conditions, modern infrastructure, and economic development. investments and population increase as the medina couldn’t accommodate it all contributed to the rapid expansion. Gueliz offers boulevards, art galleries, modern shops, restaurants, cafés, museums, spectacular gardens, nightlife, and a wide range of accommodations.
Things to do in medina of Marrakesh
Explore the architectural buildings
Bahia Palace is one of the biggest palaces in Morocco built on 20 acres of land with over 150 rooms and an interconnecting complex of courtyards, riad gardens, pavilions, mosques, and schools. The palace is adorned with decorative Moroccan and Islamic art including cedar wood ceilings, stucco and mosaic artwork, making for a must-visit gem in Marrakesh. The palace’s foundation was established in the 1860s by Alawi sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman and later expanded by his son Si Ba Ahmed ibn Musa, grand vizier of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz, between 1894 and 1900. The palace was abandoned following the demise of the Sultan and some of its precious elements were looted, however. King Hassan II of Morocco declared Buhia Palace as a national cultural landmark and tourist attraction in 1959 and the palace was opened for the public and it has been maintained through restoration and adding of decorative art.
Madrasa Ben Youssef
Ben Youssef Madrasa also known as the Great School of Marrakesh served as a stronghold of Islamic academic standards in the 14th century during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Al-Ghaleb Assaadi of the Marinid dynasty. Ben Youssef Madrasa became an active educational institution and was among the largest in North Africa, accommodating over 800 students. The madrasa was closed in 1960 due to decline in the number of student enrollment and change of purpose from school to historical monument. During the Moroccan Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs during the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the madrasa was declared a national historical landmark as a way to conserve its architecture and decorative elements. The madrasa was renovated and opened for tourism in 1982. The renovation works restored the authentic Moroccan art including carved cedar wood, Moroccan zellige, sculpted plaster, and sacred Islamic calligraphy. Madrasa Ben Youssef is a must-visit gem for a keen architourist.
Koutoubia Mosque
Being the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Koutoubia Mosque is worth visiting for its unique architectural design featuring traditional horseshoe arches and a ribbed dome. The mosque’s unique feature is the 77-meter tall minaret, which is the tallest in Marrakesh and second tallest in Morocco. The name Koutoubia is an Arabic word meaning ‘booksellers’ in English as it is known that there was once a bookselling market around the mosque when it was established. Construction of the first structure was done between the period 1147-1157 within the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty religious leader Abd al-Mu’min who conquered Marrakesh from Almoravids. However, the original structure of the mosque was found to be rickety and misaligned with the mihrab not facing Mecca. It was abandoned and left in ruins. As a result, a second new structure was built using sandstone between 1158–1190 during the same century. The architecture of Koutoubia Mosque was done by Moroccan craftsmen who used brick and sandstone blocks, adorning them with intricate stone and ornamental filigree work in the interior. As a functional mosque, non muslims aren’t permitted to enter, however, visitors can see the mosque from outside and soak in the tranquil atmosphere from the surrounding gardens. The mosque is located in the old median of Marrakesh 200 meters west of Jemaa el-Fna square.
Visit Jemma el Fnna Square
The UNESCO cultural space of Jemma el Fnna Square is a must-visit attraction in Marrakesh city. It serves as the main marketplace and public space for sociocultural gatherings including food sales activities and various street performances and entertainment. The best time to visit Jemma el Fnna Square is at sunset when the scene transitions from day into a lively night street fair full of food and entertainment. Restaurants and cafes around the square offer visitors an opportunity to sit-back, enjoy Moroccan cuisine and watch the lively atmosphere. The market closes at midnight. Those intending to explore the rich history can visit Jemaa el-Fna Intangible Heritage Museum during the day starting from 10 AM. The Square became a meeting point for traders after the founding of Marrakesh city by Almoravids. However, there’s a dark history associated with Jemma el Fnna Square being a spectacle of public executions.