What to do and see in Marrakech in 2024 when here for 48 hours or more.

After the pandemic, Marrakech was burgeoning with new openings: museums, art galleries, restaurants or riads. We’ve taken our time to test and try some out so that we answer the simple question: What should you do and see in Marrakech if you only had 1 day ?  We’ll skip the obvious highlights such as Jemaa El Fna squarre, Medersa Ben Youssef or the Majorelle Gardens. This is addressed to those that either 1) have already toured the main sites of Marrakech or 2) want to experience the city from a more intimate and local angle. Because we have lived in Marrakech since 2006, some of these sites are personal favorites and won’t be found on the net or in Forbes/ Lonely Planet guides. 

MAISON DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE – historic prints and commanding roof terrace.

What is Maison de La Photographie ? The name would want us believe that it’s a photo gallery. And in a certain way, it is. Old black and whites ( and some color prints) from decades ago don the walls of a tiny reconverted foundouk in the Kaat Bennahid district, on the eastern fringe of the medina, not far from the tanneries. To me, personally, it’s more than that. It’s a vehicle of culture. The 3 stories of white washed plaster packed with exposes that change once or twice a year, the 1950’s documentary on the Berbers that runs on a loop on the second floor, the Friday couscous concocted by Mohammed the cook,  or the 360 degrees rooftop view are certainly worth the detour. 

But it’s the man behind the project, Patrick, and his team, that have made this ( and the sister property Maison de la Musique) staples in the cultural circuit of the medina. Their collection pays homage to some of the first European photographers that ventured into Morocco, as early as 1880’s, true pioneers, when taking photos meant trundling along a wagon of gear. The staff is earnest, speaks English and always ready to help. If you happen to meet him on site, it’s worth asking Patrick about photography and Moroccan culture – the man is a trove of information.

Best visited all year round, especially in winter for the Atlas and medina views from the terrace. In summer, it’s best to visit before lunch time. 

MAP MUSEUM – finally, a world class museum in the medina.

Just a stone’s throw away from Palais Badi’ lies the newly opened Le Mondes des Arts de la Parure ( The World of Arts of Adornment), a private collection of more than 3000 pieces of ornaments, jewelry, clothing, textiles and other ethnographic items. As one wanders through the exhibits, bricks, wood, skylights and concrete staircases resonate with the collection. Its 22 distinctive sections introduce one to the symbolism, history, techniques and uses of adornment in vernacular societies.

Horse saddles from Caucasus and India, massive gold jewelry from West Africa or caftans from Morocco and Arab world are stunningly presented and highlighted here. The building itself is not just another old riad converted into a museum, but a completely new edifice dedicated solely to this project. And it shows.  Having lived in Marrakech for 15 years, it delights me to say the medina of Marrakech has finally gotten a world class museum.

Best visited all year round. For impatient/bored children/ teenagers, there is a terrace with restaurant and open spaces. 

DAR EL BACHA – sublime architecture and craftsmanship. And the café.

The house of the pasha. On a walk from Jemaa El Fna square down Fatima Zahra street towards Riad Laarousse, one can not help but notice the huge walls girding what looks to be lush gardens on the inside, just on the corner of the district it gives its name to. Years ago, stories about its history abounded. Among other gossip, it was said many had tried to purchase the palace over the years, but for some reason it never happened. Some said it was haunted. After all, it is said that some that went for an audience with the pasha were never seen again…

Whatever the truth, this was the main residence of Pasha El Glaoui, a highly controversial, picturesque and stately figure of Morocco, a fine politician, a lover of perfumes, a man that used to have tea with Winston Churchill or the Queen of England at a time when France occupied Morocco. Having finally opened its doors to the public in 2015, as a Museum of Confluences, it hosts rotating exhibitions on topics as diverse as craftsmanship of wood or modern Moroccan painters.

Beyond all that, what’s truly worth it is the building itself – one of the most lavish noble houses Marrakech has ever known through its arches, marble columns and wood ceilings. Just scoot over to the Douiria pavillion and awe at the refinement of stucco and carved wood craftsmanship, reminiscent of that epitome of monument that shone its influence on anything erected after it in the Islamic world- the Alhambra. PS: Do not miss the café !

Best visited all year round. In high season, try and visit early in the morning, before the crowds gather. Tip: before starting on the visit, book a table at the cafe.

BELDI COUNTRY CLUB – chic pools and acres of gardens for families or couples.

PIKALA – great coffee in the medina.

RIAD DENISE MASSON – Where the Lady of Marrakech lived

DOUIRIA MOUASSINE – live traditional music in Marrakech

GALERIE 127 – insight into Moroccan culture past and present

MAMOUNIA GARDENS – the most romantic gardens of Marrakech

Marrakech teems with gardens, resembling much its sister city on the Guadalquivir, Seville, some public and some private. I know what you’re thinking: Majorelle. Well, bad news: unless you visit at opening time and book your ticket on the internet, you risk of stumbling into someone’s selfie every step you take.  Instead, take a step back into Marrakech’s past and enter La Mamounia. Yes, the hotel. Its story begins in the 18th century with the Alaouite Sultan, who used to offer a domain as a wedding gift to each of his sons and thus Arsat Al Mamoun inspired the name of a hotel. Winston Churchill, a regular guest, told Franklin Roosevelt about Marrakech in 1943: “This is one of the most beautiful places in the world”. The Rolling Stones stayed in 1968. Many celebrities and statesmen followed.

But you are not here for the suites – it’s the gardens that mesmerize. One can’t think of a more romantic site in Marrakech than these gardens when the afternoon turns to dusk, here, among the hundreds of well- manicured olive, lemon, pine and orange trees. Once inside, it feels like you’ve suddenly been extricated from the white noise of the neighboring medina and its traffic madness and landed into an oasis without leaving the city. And you won’t even need a taxi – it’s 10 minutes walk from Koutoubia mosque.

Tip: The gardens not being public, tell the concierge at the entrance that you wish to have a coffee on the terrace overlooking the gardens. And then, go for a stroll. Important: please note the hotel has a strict dress code and sandals, flip- flops, shorts and mini skirts are not allowed.

Best time of year: all year round except high season ( Easter and New Year’s Holidays).

All of the above experiences and sites are included with our private bespoke tours of Morocco. For more information, write to us at [email protected] or fill in this form.