Marrakech is the most popular city in Morocco, and for good reason. Walk around and see some sights of the city. The famous square is the heart of the city. The city has around 900,000 inhabitants, but the feeling is that it is way more when you walk through the crowded city. Enjoy the sights, the friendliness, and the food of this great city. If you want to know about the city, here are the main highlights:

Observe everything on Djemaa el Fna 

Djemaa el Fna is a very vibrant square. This is probably the favorite square I have ever been to. Traffic, tourists, locals, market stalls, restaurants, bars, hotels, a screen, and animals make this very overwhelming, but so cool to walk on. Note that you always avoid taking pictures with monkeys and snakes. The people scam you, and it is hell for the animals. There is a huge transformation in daytime and nighttime, and I would recommend visiting the square several times a day. Overall, this is the most fantastic sight in the city. 

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: 3 hours

Have dinner at the mighty square

We stay a second longer on Djemaa el Fna. Yes, it is a bit touristy and a bit more expensive than at other places, but the food was great. However, the most interesting thing is the fantastic atmosphere. The people were very friendly, and you are sitting in the middle of the most amazing square of the city (and maybe of the country). Enjoy everything about this fantastic evening activity. 

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 1.5-2 hours

Stroll the crazy medina

The medina is a fantastic area to walk around and enjoy the craziness of the city. Most of the sights of Marrakech are in and around the medina, such as Djemaa el Fna, the souks, and the palaces. See the market stalls, spices, and scooters that go through the city. 

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 1 day

See the beauty of Moroccan culture in Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is a stunning oasis in the middle of a crowded city and a fantastic stop from the 19th century. Admire the very beautiful mosaics in the various beautiful rooms with paintings and high ceilings. There are some small and cute fountains to observe in the bigger "squares" in the palace. Also, the great garden is worth a visit.

Price: 70 Dirham

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 1 hour

The cool ruins of El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace is totally different from Bahia Palace. The palace is way older than Bahia, as it is from the 16th century. Bahia is still in perfect shape, and El Badi has more ruins that you can admire. There are also cellars to visit, but the most impressive is the middle square, with several waterways and ruins around you. The palace is huge and can be overwhelming at first, but it is stunning. There is also a viewpoint, so you can see a bit outside the palace wall and the interior of the palace.

Price: 70 Dirham

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 1 hour

Feel confused in Slat Al Azama Synagogue

Seeing a synagogue in Islamic Morocco? Yes, that is possible! Before Israel was a country, there were many Jewish people in Morocco, but many of them emigrated to Israel when it became a country. This synagogue is an example of what is left from the era before. There is a small garden, cute holy places, and a short movie to learn more about Jews in Morocco. We were the only ones here.

Price: 50 Dirham

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 20 minutes

Shop in the souks and at other shops

Many shops may have the same or similar things to sell, but it is nice to walk around and see the crowds pass by and see the salesman. Marrakech offers fantastic options to shop, and although I am not a shopping fan, these are fun places to walk around.

How much time needed: 1-2 hours

See Djemaa el Fna from above

We are back at the great square! Sorry to name it again, but seeing the square from above is a thrilling experience. There are so many things happening at the same time that you are short on eyes! It is lovely to watch, and I could sit here for hours to observe the chaos.

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: 1 hour

See the Mellah

The Mellah is the Jewish Quarter, which is a lovely part of the city, close to the palaces and the synagogue. The small streets are more quiet than in the city centre, so strolling around is a relaxed and comfortable recreation in Marrakech.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1 hour

Things I have not done, but can be interesting

• Musée Yes Saint Laurent - big fashion collection
• Jardin Majorelle - Great garden with blue buildings
• Saadian tombs

Final thoughts

Marrakech is an overwhelming city at first, but you will love the crazy crowds when you get used to it. The city surprised me as a fantastic city, although we heard some less stories. The city felt safe, and the people are great. In combination with the square, medina, and palaces, there is much to do for a couple of days and a great start to going north in Morocco.

If you want know more about Morocco, check out: