#4 Explore Bab Doukkala
- Enter Bab Doukkala through the wide arches of one of the most important gates of the city walls, and enjoy this quiet and residential area of the Medina;
- Admire from the outside the Grande Mosquée Bab Doukkala;
- Take a walk in the enchanting Jardin Secret, a traditional Islamic garden, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Medina from the terrace.
#5 Go East to visit the Souk Des Teinturiers
- Take some time to visit the Musée de Marrakech for a dive into Moroccan traditions. However, it is more about the decoration of the rooms, rather than the exhibition itself;
- At this point, we were supposed to visit the beautiful Medersa Ben Youssef, the Koranic theology school next to Ben Youssef Mosque. Unfortunately, when we visit Marrakech, it was under restoration, but I truly wished I could have a look since it is said to be gorgeous;
- Don’t waste time looking for the Fontaine Chrob or Chouf – Drink and Look – as it not such a masterpiece; but if you happen to pass by, then turn your gaze upwards and admire the old decorations;
- When the smell becomes extremely strong, you will have reached Rue de Bab Debbagh, the tanners’ district. Best to be visited in the morning.
#6 Admire the old Jewish district
The mellah is a quiet area of Marrakech, where many years ago the Jewish people used to live. Today only a few of them still live in this area of the city.
- Marrakech Henna Art Cafe is a great spot to ask a kind lady to draw beautiful motifs with henna on your hands. Consider it takes some time – about 15 minutes – plus you will have to avoid using that hand for the following hours;
- Visit Dar Si Said, an old 19th-century residence, today a museum dedicated to Moroccan art with beautiful architecture and decoration of the rooms;
- The Bahia Palace is the magnificent residence of sultan Al-Mansour, adorned with plenty of decorations. You will find some resemblance with the Dar Si Said, but this is bigger and much more sumptuous. The queue can be very long and you could encounter many tourists around; however, you shouldn’t miss this palace.
#7 Go South to visit the Kasbah
From Place des Ferblantiers head to El Badii Palace. This is the place I loved the most in Marrakech. In my opinion, it is simply magical. Its magnificent decadence makes it a peaceful and very charming place. The bare walls and the ruins prove the past opulence and glory before it was sacked and left empty. Extremely recommended!
The Kasbah Mosque cannot be visited by non-Muslims, but you will still be able to admire the minaret, especially from the terraces of the cafés in front of it.
Another popular attraction in the Kasbah is the Saadien’s Tombs. This majestic funeral complex houses the tombs of several members of the Saadian dynasty; first of all the sultan Al-Mansour who spared no expense for the twelve-column room. As one of the most visited sites in Marrakech, it will be very crowded, but the wait is worth it.
Before leaving the Kasbah, have a quick look at Bab Agnaou, the majestic gateway to the city.
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