Marrakesh

is a wonderful vibrant city that should be on everyone’s list. Having been to Marrakesh many times before I can highly recommend it for a 3 day/night stay or add a stay in the Atlas mountains or beyond for a longer trip.

I always feel as if I’m in a country where it feels so different from a mere 3 hour flight from the UK, you are after all in Africa. Transport from the airport is quick, only 3 km from the city center and around an hour to the Atlas mountains. It’s a real feast for the eyes and ears when you get there. It’s crazy, fun, dusty and at times frustrating as you navigate (and get lost) in the souks, but that’s all part of it.

As times are changing there’s a real mix of places to stay so if you don’t want to stay in a riad or near the main Medina then there are plenty of larger hotels on the outskirts. You can still get that traditional Moroccan feel and it’s easy to do a day trip into Marrakesh then head back to your hotel after you have explored. 

One place I would highly recommend to stay which is close to the main square of Jemaa el-Fnaa is El Fenn. With only 41 rooms, all of which are different it just oozes Morocco. It’s got hidden rooms, a huge rooftop bar, swimming pools and its own resident tortoises. It’s also a great option to book for lunch to chill out for the afternoon from the madness below. The set menu offers a taste of all Moroccan delights

has plenty to do, the main square at night comes alive with stalls, snake charmers and places to buy food. It’s certainly not somewhere to be missed. The famous souks are always great to get lost in and haggle for whatever takes your fancy. You name it there’s a souk for it, leather, pottery, spices, food, perfume, woven goods and so much more. 

While exploring the souks and the city it’s great to try the local food and especially a tagine. These are prepared with a variety of meat, fish, vegetables and spices, and cooked in a tagine pot and washed down with traditional mint tea. There’s something for all different tastes to try.

Outside the souks a visit to the tanneries is recommended to witness the traditional leather making process. It can be quite smelly, but offers a good insight into how the leather is made. The Majorelle gardens with its vibrant blue buildings, exotic plants is a lovely place to walk around. You can then head to the Yves saint Laurent museum which is just a small walk away.

Further a field from Marrakesh that Atlas mountain makes a great day trip. You can visit one of the local towns and markets and get a true feel for Berber life. If you really want to splash out then the ultimate stay with the most stunning view is Kasbah Tamadot. 

For a cheaper version of a dessert stay then check out this place, where you can star gaze to your heart's content in a traditional Berber tent Caravan Agafay.

All in all Marrakesh has something for everyone, I have always found the locals to be incredibly friendly and helpful. Give it a whirl and you might just fall in love with this city like I did.