Oh Morocco… What a fascinating place! The first country I explored in the African continent was Morocco and it did make quite an impression on me.

I started my trip in the beautiful city of Chefchaouen, you can find a full travel guide here, then the next city was Fez where you can find a guide here and my third city was Marrakesh.

Even tho I had a really good time in Marrakesh I have to say that so far is the city I like the least in Morocco… and why? Well, Marrakesh is cool but way too crowded and too touristy and don’t get me wrong, is not that I didn’t like it it’s just that if you compare it to other cities, for example Fez and Chefchaouen the experience feels less authentic.

Buuut if you visit Morocco you have to go to Marrakesh at least once, so here are some of the things you have to do if you go for the first time:

• Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa: Madrasa is the Arabic word for a ‘place to study’ or school where people go to learn about the religion of Islam. Ben Youssef Madrasa is the largest Madrasa in Morocco and it was built almost 500 years ago. Its beautiful interiors and architecture makes it one of the ‘must do’ in Marrakesh. It is currently closed for restoration.
• Discover the Sahara Desert: If you go to Fez is closer to go to the Sahara Desert from there but if you don’t then go from Marrakesh. I think it is mandatory to have an adventure in the Desert if you visit Morocco. It’s an unforgettable experience and sleeping under the stars in the middle of the Sahara makes it even more magical, it’s truly awesome. There’re plenty of tours in Marrakesh just make sure to book one that you feel comfortable with.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: Located in the heart of Marrakesh, Jemma el-Fnaa is probably one of the main places to go for tourists. This square is crowded all day with locals and travelers from around the world. From all kind of souvenirs, artists, snake charmers to yummy traditional dishes and refreshing juices stalls you have to experience Jemma el-Fnaa by day and by night. There’s a spot called Café du Grand Balcon which is perfect if you want to drink mint tea with a really good view of the place.

• Visit Le Jardin Majorelle: The Majorelle Garden is a botanical and landscape garden, a perfect place if you want a break from the heat and the bustle of the Medina and the city.  It took 40 years to build it and it was later restored by Yves Saint-Laurent. If you love cactus and beautiful design then you should come at least once, I recommend you to come early because it gets pretty crowded during the afternoon. The entrance fee is around 50 Moroccan dirham ($6).

• Eat all you can: Because any time you are in Morocco no matter what city, you have to eat your heart out! Try everything and enjoy it because Moroccan food is just so good 😛 A couple of restaurants I really enjoyed because of the place and the view were Nomad and Café Des Épices. They’re kinda popular on social media so I tried them and they are good besides they are perfect to watch the sunset!

• Experience staying in a traditional riad: There’re really nice riads all over the old part of town for very affordable prices. I think you should stay at least one night in a riad, it feels like you are living the Moroccan life and makes your experience even cooler.

What else would you add to the list of things to do in Marrakesh? Tell me in the comments below, I’d love to read them for next time I’m there! Thanks for reading and remember you can find more of my travels on my IG travel_with_jennats.

Happy adventures 😀

Photos by me