marrakesh
marrakesh is like a living bridge between worlds; traditional and modern, africa and europe, the chaos of the streets and the calm of the courtyards. really loved the quiet morning walks around kasbah before diving into the busy streets of medina, enjoying the delicious food and rich history in the souks and fonduks.
from the grand ruins of el badi palace and the arches of bahia palace to the amazing museums in tastefully renovated traditional riads, the architecture here focuses entirely inward to shield you from the heat and chaos of the outside world.
i particularly loved the peaceful internal courtyards and rooftop terraces that harmonise lush greenery with the vibrant geometry of walls, carvings, and tilework. below, i have structured my highlights around the kasbah, the palaces and museums of the medina, and finally, the gardens right outside the city centre.
kasbah
the kasbah, located in the southern part of the city, is historically the fortified royal citadel. it is a great place to find some quiet, authentic atmosphere before stepping into the vibrant, beautiful chaos of the medina. walking through its narrow alleys feels like stepping into history where the sun casts its glow on the iconic red walls and cats claim the quiet doorsteps as their own.
palaces
marrakesh’s medina hosts the greatest examples of the country's royal past, including el badi palace and the bahia palace.
near the kasbah, el badi palace offers a perfect stop before getting lost in the bustling souks of the medina. built as a palace for the saadian sultan ahmad al-mansur in the late 16th century, today it serves as an exhibition space showcasing marrakesh’s urban, artistic, and historic evolution.
wandering through its massive, sun-bleached sandstone ruins feels like stepping into a peaceful, forgotten kingdom. the sunken gardens and reflective pools bring a sense of serene, living contrast to the towering sandstone ruins of the palace.
a short walk away into the medina, the bahia palace likewise offers a light-filled sanctuary in the medina. built in the late 19th century, its labyrinth of rooms and grand courtyards showcase moroccan craftsmanship and islamic architecture. with its painted cedarwood ceilings and bright marble floors, the entire palace feels like a living masterpiece of art.
museums
what i loved most about marrakesh is how its museums blend art and architecture. the buildings themselves are beautiful historic monuments, acting as the perfect canvas for the amazing art and design collections inside.
Le Monde des Arts de la Parure (le map) is definitely one of my favorites. located in the heart of the kasbah, it is a stunning place designed around a unique octagonal courtyard, combining contemporary design with traditional architecture.
its galleries exhibit thousands of historic pieces of jewelry, textiles, and ornaments from around the world, mapping out how different cultures have decorated themselves through the ages. as a bonus point, its plant-filled rooftop garden offers a peaceful spot to sip tea with panoramic views of the historic medina.
hidden in the small alleys of the medina, the house of photography has similar vibes. it is housed in a beautifully restored, multi-story traditional riad with whitewashed walls and a peaceful central patio.
the galleries showcase a curated archive of vintage photographs offering an intimate window into old morocco. the ultimate highlight is the rooftop terrace where you can relax with mint tea while enjoying the views of the surrounding rooftops and the atlas mountains.
finally, the marrakesh museum offers a serene escape from the busy alleys of the souks. originally built as a palace in the late 19th-century, the museum is known for vibrant tilework, cozy internal courtyards, and carved cedarwood ceilings. it is a great place to explore the curated collection of berber carpets, traditional clothing, and ornate jewelry, where art, architecture and history meet.
gardens
last but not least, marrakesh is also known for its grand historic gardens. from the deep silence of menara gardens to the vibrant colours of jardin majorelle, it truly feels like an oasis at the foot of the atlas mountains.
jardin majorelle is a vibrant, colorful botanical garden just a short stroll away from the medina. created by french painter jacques majorelle and later bought by yves saint laurent, the complex is an architectural and botanical masterpiece, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
winding paths lead through a botanical collection featuring towering cacti, delicate water lilies, and dense bamboo groves. housed in the iconic blue cubist villa, a dedicated museum showcases an exceptional collection of indigenous berber art, jewelry, and textiles. it is an amazing place where bold design, rich heritage, and nature meet in perfect harmony.
In stark contrast to Jardin Majorelle, the Menara Gardens offer a vast, breezy escape and a deep silence, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection. Established in the 12th century as an Almohad olive grove, the site remains a timeless monument to historic Saharan hydraulic engineering.
Standing by the massive central basin brings a great sense of peace. The water perfectly mirrors the iconic green-roofed pavilion, while the ancient olive trees and distant peaks of the Atlas Mountains frame the background.
venues
marrakesh offers an amazing food scene and a brilliant contrast between the historic medina and the modern, trendy neighborhood of gueliz.
foundouk gargaa in the medina is definitely my favourite spot where you can enjoy breakfast dishes, desserts and mint tea in a restored small riad with a nice rooftop space. petanque social club in gueliz is a hidden garden oasis where you can grab fusion small plates and hang out with the local creative people.