6 Reasons to Visit Marrakesh

Marrakesh definitely deserves a spot on all travel bucket lists - we tempt you to read on to find out why you should visit this alluring Moroccan city.

Marrakesh delights all of the the senses with its year round sunshine, exotic cuisines, charming residents, architectural marvels and colourful cultures. Being just under 4 hours away from London by air, Marrakesh is ideal for that well needed weekend getaway. Below are 5 reasons why you should add this captivating city to your bucket list.

1. Excellent Shopping
Marrakesh is a haven of ancient souks selling all sorts of unique traditional goods such as jewellery, clothing, artwork, rugs, souvenirs and much more. The city’s Medina is where you’ll discover most of the best souks – this is a labyrinth of alleyways and back streets filled with colourful stalls, and making purchases here becomes a hobby, as you can haggle for some great bargains. You can even find custom made goods at the Medina, which makes for a special shopping experience. If you prefer shopping for luxurious goodies, then you’re also in luck – Marrakesh boasts a range of boutiques across the city where you can buy upscale items at great value.

2. Colourful Art
Marrakesh is an extremely colourful city with artistic treasures pretty much everywhere you look. There is a lot of vibrant tilework on riad walls, intricate detailed carvings on historic monuments and quirky street art to discover. There are also many museums and a range of art galleries in Marrakesh, and many have just recently opened, adding to the city’s thriving art scene. One of the main art hubs of the city is the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden which showcases lots of world-class African artwork. Marrakesh allures all with endless visual beauty to admire, so if you do visit, make sure you bring a camera!

3. Tremendous Sightseeing 
Marrakesh is not short of impressive architecture – the city has a long and rich history and the buildings here certainly show for it. The towering Koutoubia Mosque is the main sightseeing hotspot of Marrakesh; only Muslims are allowed to enter but it’s still stunning to look at from the outside, especially when it’s illuminated at night. The spectacular Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace are amongst other sightseeing highlights, which will leave any visitor awe-struck. Sightseeing in Marrakesh isn’t just limited to the monuments, though… The winding alleyways of the medina, the mountainous scenery, the lush parks… Marrakesh is bursting with exciting photo opportunities.

4. Endless Culinary Pleasures
Moroccan cuisine certainly doesn’t disappoint, and Marrakesh is undoubtedly the best foodie destination in the country. There is an immense local food culture here, with a wide variety of cafes, food stalls and restaurants throughout the city serving exotic Moroccan dishes such as tajine, couscous and seafood, all made with rich flavours and ingredients. Jemaa el-Fna Square is the food hub of the city, offering plenty of authentic and tasty street food. Marrakesh also has a flourishing contemporary restaurant scene; there are endless rooftop venues and gourmet restaurants to spend the evening at and indulge in delectable dishes. All palates are satisfied in Marrakesh!

5. Relaxation Opportunities
When the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh all gets a little too much, there are many places to escape to where you can enjoy a calmer side of the city and find time to relax. Marrakesh is home to several tranquil gardens and parks which offer a peaceful oasis, and Jardin Majorelle is the most iconic amongst them, with 12 acres of exotic plant life to admire as well as picturesque fountains and fruit groves – you will feel as though you’d have stepped into a whole other world here. For the ultimate relaxing experience, why not visit one of Marrakesh’s finest spas and enjoy a traditional hamman treatment? You’ll find them pretty much everywhere around the city.

6. Traditional Moroccan Accommodation
There are many luxury hotels and resorts in Marrakesh, some being the most beautiful in the world, surprisingly being offered at great value. To really get an insight into the culture of Marrakesh, visitors can opt to stay in a traditional riad guest houses – these are popularly found in the city’s ancient medina and feature inner courtyards, intricate décor, fountains and trees and cosy cave-like rooms. Most traditional accommodation in Marrakesh has been converted from private homes, so many generations of Moroccans have stayed in the same buildings – they are very culturally enriching!

Visit Marrakesh and prepare to become utterly enchanted by this gem of a city. If you’re tempted, browse our flight page now and discover our super deals on flights to Marrakesh.