Indigo & Saffron | Marrakech Travel Guide
PASSPORT | Marrakech
Indigo & Saffron favorites for your trip to Marrakech
Full disclosure - we’re not bloggers, just two travel-obsessed babes who like to share about things we like and places we’ve been. Check out our recs below.
Enjoy friends!
Jemaa el-Fnaa:
The main square and marketplace in Marrakech’s old city. You’ll find the area filled with orange juice and fruit stands, snake charmers, monkey handlers, henna artists, and fortune tellers by day, and more food vendors and amazing sunsets by evening. Definitely worth a visit, but stay conscious of your surroundings — otherwise you may have a monkey placed on your shoulder or a woman forcing henna onto your arm and then demanding a tip (may or may not have learned from experience)! We preferred to move on toward the Koutoubia Mosque and surrounding gardens for a relaxing stroll and escape from the noise and crowds of the square.
Saadian Tombs:
The beauty of this mausoleum is unreal! Dating back to the Saadian Dynasty (late 1500s), these tombs are intricately decorated with traditional Moroccan tiling, woodwork, and marble. The viewing area for the most famous room is limited to 2 people at a time, so go in knowing you’ll have to wait in line to see it. Then wander through the gardens and surrounding grave areas, taking in the meticulous craftsmanship that has survived centuries.
El Badi Palace:
El Badi, or “the ruined palace” was constructed during the same time period, and was extremely grand and lavish in its prime. The palace was eventually stripped of the rich decor and left as a shell, hinting at what it once was. You’ll enjoy exploring the grounds and imagining what it might have looked like hundreds of years ago! The remaining central gardens, water features, and a museum honoring the palace’s past (*with some welcome air conditioning*) add to the experience.
Ben Youssef Madrasa:
Now a historical site, this was once the largest Islamic college in Morocco! The inner courtyard is a sight to see in itself, with a reflective pool surrounded by amazing tile and woodwork details. Have those cameras ready!
House of Photography:
Not typically noted in the “must-see” lists that we’ve read, the House of Photography was one of our favorite discoveries! Tucked in the back alleys off of the Medina, this museum houses a permanent collection of photography related to Moroccan culture and history. From architecture and landscapes to Berber tribes and portraits, you’ll wander between rooms of images and get an insider’s glimpse at local heritage.
Le Jardin Secret:
Another fun discovery during our Medina wandering, Le Jardin Secret is the perfect mini-break from the over-stimulation from the souks! This gem also dates back to the Saadian Dynasty, but was restored more recently in the 19th century. Walking through the interior gardens, admiring the architecture, or enjoying a snack on the balcony - you’ll feel a million miles away from the busy alleys outside. We personally preferred this spot to the Jardin Majorelle / YSL Museum where fighting the crowd and becoming an “extra” in the background of a million photos was unavoidable, and took away from enjoying the beauty of the grounds there.
Get lost in the Medina:
Wandering through the back alleys and pathways through the souks is a must, and definitely part of the Moroccan Medina experience. Be prepared to get lost (embrace it - you might stumble upon something amazing)! Be prepared to be overwhelmed at first (there’s a LOT going on all around you, and SO much to see)! Be prepared to barter (culturally expected and encouraged)! With that said, we never felt unsafe or threatened, and of course you don’t have to buy anything. Just enjoy the adventure (and watch out for mopeds)!
Experience a Hammam:
Moroccan hammams are essentially public bath houses that can be found in every neighborhood. The local ones are separated by men on one side, women on the other, each with communal areas to cleanse and exfoliate while socializing with friends and catching up on the current gossip! This is a weekly tradition for many Moroccans and a cultural staple. There are also private hammams that are more like visiting a spa (solo or with a partner/friend), where you’ll enjoy a similar series of hot steam, exfoliation and cleansing, and then typically a massage or relaxing lounge area afterward. While this may be a step outside of your comfort zone, it is absolutely an experience we would recommend! If nothing else, you’ll have quite the memorable story as a souvenir.
Bahia Palace:
This was one of the stops that made it onto our “to visit next time” list - so while we can’t speak to the Bahia Palace personally, it was often recommended and deserves a mention. The palace and gardens are impressive examples of Moroccan architecture and style, and were built to be the greatest palace of the era (the name even means “brilliance”)!
Day / Weekend Trips:
Depending on how long your Marrakech visit might be, a day or weekend trip is a perfect way to add another element to the experience. First off, we would recommend hiring a private driver if you can. You’ll avoid being only a number in a tour group, the extra time involved, and being forced to follow their schedule. Having a driver gives you the flexibility to make as many stops as you want and to set the itinerary around what you are interested in. Popular destinations include Ouarzazate (a city/palace south of the High Atlas Mountains, known as the “gateway to the desert” - used as a film location for Game of Thrones!) or to one of the many Desert Camps across the Atlas Mountains for sand dunes, camel rides, quad excursions, and stargazing (this would be worth a few nights if you can swing it).
While these are only a handful of the amazing things to see and do in Marrakech, hopefully it will be a helpful starting point while planning your travel!
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Links to the noted sites are below for easy reference:
Jemaa el-Fnaa - https://www.jemaa-el-fna.com/en/
Saadian Tombs - https://www.tombeaux-saadiens.com/en/
El Badi Palace - https://www.palais-el-badi.com/en/
Ben Youssef Madrasa (Medersa) - https://www.medersa-ben-youssef.com/en/
House of Photography - http://maisondelaphotographie.ma/index.php?lang=en
Le Jardin Secret - https://lejardinsecretmarrakech.com/en/
Bahia Palace - https://www.palais-bahia.com/en/