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This charming city known as the “Red City” has a distinct African atmosphere, more than other cities such as Fez and the capital Rabat. The scenery around the city is special too, with ochre stucco buildings enclosed by the snow peaked Atlas Mountains.
The market in Marrakesh known locally as the Jma-l-Fna is a tourism experience not to be missed when visiting. It is like something straight out of the movies with snake charmers, musicians, dancing bears and acrobats; there is something interesting happening with every turn you make.
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There are stalls dotted all over the market place that sell, for a very cheap price, freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning and afternoon. When strolling around Jma-l-Fna at night there are tables set out where you can sit down and enjoy a lovely fresh cooked meal at very sensible prices. Other things to enjoy at the Jma-l-Fna are Koutoubia Minaret and the Ben Youssef and the Saadian Dynasty tombs, the ruined 16th Century El Badi Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum.
Near to the Jma-l-Fna square is Le Souk, a well known market with meandering streets selling an incredible assortment of local crafts, leather goods, carpets, clothes, spices, olives and many more items you expect to find in a city like this. It really is something special and gives a great insight as to the true feeling of this city. Le Souk has tried and succeeded in become more in tune with times of the modern day but retains the essence of its traditions and history.
Marrakech is the bicycle capital of Morocco and they easy to rent for a small price from the Jma-l-Fna square. Be careful though as the few cars that you do see in Marrakech do not always acknowledge the cyclists. The souks and medina are best investigated on foot as the do get crowded and cycling through the hordes can be hard and frustrating. If you want to explore further out of the city then taxis are readily available too.
The nightlife and entertainment on Marrakech is varied and interesting with more traditional Moroccan nightlife centred around the Jma-l-Fna square whilst more modern and European entertainment in the new town area of Gueliz. The Jma-l-Fna square comes to life at night with a carnival atmosphere with food stalls set up around the square offering delicious local dishes, while snake charmers, dancers, musicians and fortune-tellers occupying the rest of the place.
Marrakech has lots to offer and is definitely worth spending time in if only for a day visit, however if you can spend a few nights you will be able to experience the true atmosphere.
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