THREE DAYS IN MARRAKECH

Strolling…

How to use your time and prepare a small program that allows you to discover and enjoy the ochre city without stress or haste?

In Morocco and in Marrakech, in particular, you always have to know how to give time to time; no need to rush… inside the walls of the medina.

You have to know how to stroll, hang around, get lost.

 

 

 

 

You have to be able to start a conversation with the locals, respond by a smile to their smiles, accept a mint tea,  always generously offered.

Here in Morocco we consider that those who are in a hurry, only rush towards the final exit!

In three days, it is possible to feel the picturesque city and its inhabitants, to capture this special atmosphere, this daily joyful theater, the unusual aesthetic of this city which is always lively.

 

 

 

 

First day

A first contact with Jemaa El Fna Square is a must.

It is the vibrant heart of the city, the crossroads of all ways. You have to experience the Square Jemaa El Fna at various hours of the day. In the morning, it wakes up quietly, at a tempo «non troppo». Have one orange juice, served by a friendly boy who hells you from his stand, or a mint tea «Atay» or a coffee on a terrace,  your eyes staring the Square, as an initiation process.

 

 

 

Take the time to enjoy the show. No, it is not a tourist trap. The Jemaa El Fna Square has always been a crossroads of trade, meetings, shows and restaurants. Locals like to meet there at night. On one side of the square, the small Jemaa el Fna  Intangible Heritage Museum allows you to go back in time and understand the fascination that the famous place has always exercised on crowds over the centuries.

 

 

 

Then you can head quietly to the souks. Enter by the arch of Bab Fteuh, behind the cafe “Argana”, and find yourself in the heart of the big market.

Today you may just have a look… One can feel dizzy and amazed at the riot of goods, colors, perfumes. A little spotting is already possible; greetings exchanged with the traders, invitations to come back soon to the shops, and «See you tomorrow Inch’Allah» fly from all sides.

For meat lovers, a lunch break in the Mechoui Alley can be a very unusual experience. Two steps away, the souk of olives and candied lemons is worth a look.

 

 

 

 

Then you can reach the Medersa Ben Youssef.

This ancient Koranic school dates from the 16th century and is one of the jewels of Islamic architecture in Marrakech. Upstairs the visit of the corridors and students’ rooms is amazing.

 

 

 

 

Just a few minutes away, the Museum of Photography is a dive into the history of the ochre city and Morocco through the photos, documents and films that are presented in this beautiful typical house of the medina. The entrance ticket is also valid for the Museum of Music in the old district of Mouassine. This museum will satisfy the expectations of those who are eager to learn about Moroccan music. It also organizes evening concerts and dinners.

Many antique shops have opened in the surrounding streets.

 

 

 

The beginning of the evening announces the setting up and staging of the Jemaa el Fna Square, now ready for the great night theater. You will rediscover it, lit by lanterns, covered with restaurant tables. The circles of spectators «Halqa» are now formed around musicians, storytellers and other attractions.

The fascinating party can last until late at night.

 

 

Second day

To start the program of this second morning, go the Bahia Palace in the pretty area of Riad Zitoun Jdid.

It is a very good example of the best architecture for a prestigious private residence at the end of the nineteenth century. You will move freely between the richly decorated interior spaces and gardens, the large reception courtyard and the various patios of the riads.

 

 

On the way out, you can take a short tour in the Jewish district, the “Mellah“, then head to the nearby Place des Ferblantiers (Tinsmiths Square). You will see the artisans who make lanterns and other objects in metal, copper or maillechort.

 

 

 

You can have lunch under the eyes of the storks that nest at the top of the towers of the impressive ruins of the El Badiî Palace !

A few steps away, you walk through the Kasbah area to reach the Saadian tombs, at the foot of the El Mansour Mosque and the famous Bab Agnaou gate. Discovered in 1917, hidden for three centuries, this necropolis, composed of three rooms around a garden, dates from the 16th century and its Moorish decoration of remarkable finesse is stunning.

 

 

 

It would be a shame to pass by the  MAP without pushing its doors. The collection of jewelry, adornments and textiles from all over the world is beautifully presented. Its pleasant roof terrace is ideal for lunch.

In the middle of the afternoon you could be in good mood for a hammam session. According to tradition, it will be completed by a scrub and massage. We recommend the  SPA Hammam «Alphaïs» which offers particularly attentive service.

Absolute relaxation and state of levitation are guaranteed !

 

 

 

Your second dinner could be gourmet in the magical setting of the restaurant «Ksar Essaoussan», hidden in a tiny corner of the medina. It is an opportunity to taste some fine specialties of Moroccan cuisine such as the pastilla with pigeons, a chicken with candied lemons, a beef or lamb tagine with prunes and almonds or a couscous with seven vegetables, Moroccan pastries or the milk pastilla…

 

 

Third day

The last day is often dedicated to shopping, small gifts and souvenirs to bring back! The souks are waiting for you!

Have some specific ideas, price margins in mind and therefore you will bargain without stress. Haggling is not the art of stealing or cheating someone. It’s more like a meeting, a game, just a little theater! The final price will always be the right one. The one you are ready to pay for the item and the one the merchant was ready to accept!

 

 

 

After lunch, go to the Majorelle Garden and its Berber Museum. The cactus vegetation is spectacular, the place is amazing, quiet. Majorelle blue, green and yellow respond to each other. You can walk around calmly, and take beautiful pictures… You can extend the pleasure by visiting the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, the last owner of the garden and house. The Museum exhibits the most beautiful creations of the legendary fashion designer.

 

 

You now have the opportunity to discover the modern city of Gueliz, to stroll on the beautiful avenues, to sit on a terrace of a café. It’s a different aspect of the city of Marrakech. This western atmosphere is quite complementary.

For the last evening, after dinner, you may not resist the urge to take a last little tour on the Jemaa El Fna Square. A good way to engrave, more strongly in your memory, this place, so special and unique in the world !