Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main pulse of Marrakech. By day, the square buzzes with snake charmers, henna-tattoo artists and various other entertainers, while at night there are countless stalls boasting traditional lamb dishes and fresh orange juice, among other culinary delights.
One of the most popular locations in Morocco, the Jardin Majorelle is the creation of French painter Jacques Majorelle, who spent 40 years injecting his passion and creativity into this magical garden. Complete with enchanting little lanes, tranquil streams and over 300 species of stunning plants, Jardin Majorelle is one of our favourite spots to contemplate and unwind.
Given the importance of mosques in Moroccan culture, the Koutoubia Mosque is a must-see for those in the area. The largest mosque in Marrakech, the Koutoubia is not only a spiritual center but a point of reference for international architecture.
The museum shows creative masterpieces that span the late designer's 40-year career, from 1962 until his retirement in 2002. (He passed away six years later, in 2008.) Next door to the Majorelle Garden and steps away from his private villa, roughly 1,000 items from Saint Laurent’s studio are on view and are a true testament to the designer's finesse for colour and form.
Hidden away down a secluded Medina alleyway, Le Jardin brings a touch of French elegance and refinement to the bustle of the Marrakech old town. It is an oasis of peace within the chaotic world of the Medina, and allows diners to experience the palatial charm of ancient Marrakech in peace and quiet.
Set within an atmospheric riad, Dar Moha is one of the best places in town to experience ‘new Moroccan cuisine’. This is a reinvention of classical gastronomy in which the core flavors of Moroccan cooking are interweaved with innovative techniques and cooking styles. The restaurant is run by Mohamed Fedal, who transformed the beautiful riad into an idyllic dining space in which guests are seated around the pool of the patio area.
A 20th-century update of 1920s style, Le Grand Café de la Poste combines the sophistication of colonial era Morocco with contemporary trends. The decor is decidedly retro, with an emphasis on Art Deco styling and a relaxed ambience which conjures memories of the faded Francophone past.
Terrasse des Épices, located on a hidden rooftop terrace in the heart of the Old Town, is one of the best places in the Medina to relax over a drink and enjoy fresh Franco-Moroccan cuisine. Al fresco dining is nothing new in Marrakech but Terrasse des Épices does it to perfection!