Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech has always been one of the great cities of the Maghreb. Somehow this bursting-at-the-seams medina exists on the edge of the Sahara Desert, its pink pise (rammed earth) palaces framed by the snow-capped High Atlas. In its busy souks, Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge, and the past and present are hard to tell apart.
But make no mistake, Marrakech isn’t some petrified piece of history. Instead, this centuries-old trading hub is a creative sweet spot where ideas thrive and a buzz of entrepreneurialism and salesmanship charges the air with an intoxicating, and sometimes, intimidating energy. This isn’t a place you can gracefully glide through. Instead, you’ll find yourself telling jokes with snake charmers, hankering after the latest henna tattoo or getting a scrub down in the local hammam. Pause for unexpected banter and beauty as shafts of light filter through the sun shades striking the ruby red pomegranates on the nearest juice stall, after all, what are the chances you’ll come this way again?
Scroll down to find plenty to inspire you for a short break in the city, and for more inspiration, see are our guides to Marrakech’s best restaurants, attractions, shopping, bars and hotels.
