Marrakesh

Marrakesh, Morocco

A medieval city of drama, myth and mystery, Marrakesh will captivate all who venture inside its ochre-coloured walls. Step in and you will be transported back to a place and time that has been consigned to the annals of history. The winding alleys of the Medina and the sights, sounds and smells of the souks, the human drama that is Djemaa el-Fna square and the Atlas Mountains rearing up in the background all make Marrakesh Morocco’s crown jewel.

Population:

1,060,000

Currency:

Moroccan dirham (MAD) 1 dirham = 100 centimes

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 19
Ambulance/Fire: 15

Opening Hours:

Banks: Mon-Fri 8.30am-11.30am and 2.30pm-4.30pm. Businesses: Mon-Sat 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm

Newspapers:

The Moroccan Times (daily news in English)

The City

The city is divided into two highly contrasting districts: the medina, founded by the Almoravids nearly 1,000 years ago, and the Ville Nouvelle, a French colonial modernist project from the early 20th century. It is the medina, and its central square Djemaa el-Fna, that will undoubtedly spark the imagination.

Djemaa el-Fna is the heart and soul of Marrakchi life, and really comes alive with the setting of the sun, when a caravanasi of food vendors, selling all manner of Moroccan delicacies, descend onto the square. These are accompanied by snake charmers, wide-eyed story tellers, musicians and performers that lend a medieval scent to the night air. To the north of the square are the important religious buildings and the souks, while to the south are the Imperial quarters where the palaces and monuments of past rulers proudly stand.

The Ville Nouvelle, which in comparison to the medina is a decidedly more ordered and sedate affair, divides into the areas of Gueliz and Hivernage. Here you will find an array of civic buildings, international hotels, bars and restaurants typical of any modern European city.

Do & See

The city divides into two highly contrasting districts. The medina, founded by the Almoravids nearly 1000 years ago, and the Ville Nouvelle, a French colonial modernist project from the early 20th century. It is the medina, and its central square Djemaa el-Fna, that will undoubtedly fire the imagination.

Dining

Moroccan cuisine, in general, consists of the staples of meat―mainly chicken and lamb―a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and couscous. The most renowned Moroccan dish is the tajine, a slowly cooked stew of meat, vegetables, fruit and nuts. Another famous dish is pastilla, which is composed of either chicken or pigeon between layers of pastry.

Cafes

Enjoy the different sounds and views in Marrakesh at a nice cafe with a cup of strong Moroccan coffee in your hand. Moroccans also have a liking for sweet things, so be sure to try out their desserts and pastries, washed down with an aromatic glass of "thé à la menthe" or mint tea.