By Dune Journey 

thing to do in Marrakech

The medina in Marrakech is an old and special city. It has many things to see, like the souks and riads. The medina is like a big maze with many narrow streets, and it is surrounded by walls that are over 800 years old. The medina is where many people live and where many tourists go. It is a place where important people have lived and where people buy and sell things. If you visit Morocco, you should visit the medina. Even though it is easy to get lost, it is fun because you can see many different things around every corner. The medina looks the same as it did many years ago, with palaces, big houses, and markets. You should spend some time exploring the medina, and you will see and smell many new things.

 

One of the most interesting things to do in Marrakech is to visit Jemaa el Fna, a lively open square located in the city’s old town. During the day, you can see snake charmers, monkey handlers, storytellers, acrobats, and other performers. However, the best time to visit is at dusk when the square becomes a circus with musicians, dancers, fortune-tellers, and other entertainers. While walking around the square can be overwhelming, you can find some peace on one of the surrounding rooftop terraces. While many performers are interesting, some use live animals for entertainment, which is cruel. It’s important to be a responsible traveler and avoid these shows. Instead, focus on unusual entertainment like self-proclaimed dentists and herbalists with their strange remedies. You’ll also see water-sellers with their colorful hats, leather girdles, and brass cups.

 

The Saadian Tombs in Marrakech are a must-see destination for anyone interested in Islamic architecture. The 66 royal tombs here date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and belong to the Saadian Dynasty, which ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. The tombs were hidden after the fall of the dynasty and were forgotten for over 200 years. The complex is decorated in the Alhambra style and the tombs are divided into two main mausoleums surrounding a small garden. The mausoleum on the left is the most impressive, with three beautiful rooms built to house Ahmed el Mansour’s tomb. The Hall of Twelve Columns is the highlight of the complex. It contains the tombs of Ahmed el Mansour and his family and is a great masterpiece of Moorish architecture. The walls of the tombs are covered in stucco work and glazed tiles. The graves themselves are made from ivory-colored Carrara marble, with the 12 columns also made from this material. There is another mausoleum which is older and more modest, with a garden outside containing headstones marking the graves of children, attendants, and guards.

 

In Marrakech, there is a place called the souks. It is located north of the Jemaa el Fna. The souks are like a maze of narrow streets with many arts, crafts, and workshops. They are very famous and considered one of the best places to buy souvenirs in Marrakech. You can find a lot of things there, such as babouches (pointy-toed slippers), lanterns, kitchen utensils, locks, keys, and many more. Souk Smata is a famous place where you can find beautiful and colorful babouches made from the finest calf and goatskin. Souk Haddadine is also a favorite spot for many visitors, where you can see blacksmiths working tirelessly on hot metal to create many items. In Souk Zrabia, you can find many bright and geometric rugs and carpets. Lastly, Souk El Attarine is famous for spices and perfumes. You will be amazed by the vibrant mix of colors and smells. It is recommended to visit the souks in parts on separate days to enjoy them fully. You can take a guided tour to explore the souks and meet some of the craft-makers.