Things to know before you visit Marrakech, Morocco Travel Guide 2024

[Music] hello everyone welcome to Marakesh the vibrant heart of Morocco get ready to dive into a city bursting with colors Rich history and an unforgettable culture from stunning palaces to buzzing markets we're about to explore everything this incredible destination has to offer but before we jump in if you enjoy traveling don't forget to hit that like button drop a comment and subscribe for more travel Adventures let's get started to truly understand Marakesh we must travel back to the 11th century when the city was founded by the almoravids a Berber Muslim Dynasty that originated in the Sahara and established Marakesh as their capital in 1070 this decision was pivotal marking the transformation of the city into a major political economic and cultural center that would influence the entire mreb and Andalusia the Amora vids were not just conquerors they were also Builders and patrons of the Arts they introduced Advanced architectural techniques and urban planning laying the foundation for the city's distinctive red walls and Grand palaces their influence is evident in the city's layout and the remains of structures like the Kuba Badin one of the few alar rabid buildings Still Standing today one of their most significant contributions was the introduction of thear or Citadel a Fortified Area that served as the administrative and Military Center they were also cultural Pioneers under their rule maresh became a Melting Pot of different cultures including Arab berber and Andalusian influences this cultural Fusion gave rise to a unique blend of traditions art and music that still resonates in the city's vibrant cultural scene maric's sukes filled with intricate textiles Ceramics and jewelry owe much of their craftsmanship to the legacy of the AL morovids Marakesh is home to some of the most iconic landmarks that tell the story of its Rich past and vibrant present from The Majestic Bahia Palace to the bustling Jamar Ela Square each site offers a unique glimpse into the city's Soul the sardian tombs hidden away for centuries reveal the Grandeur of the sardian dynasty while the Ben yusf Madra showcases Exquisite Islamic architecture and Artistry as we wander through these landmarks we'll uncover the layers of history and culture that make mares truly special our first stop is the CIA mosque the largest and one of the most significant landmarks in Marakesh built in the 12th century under the alahad caliphate its name comes from the Arabic word koutu in meaning book sellers as the area was once a bustling Hub of book markets the mosque's 77 M high minet is an iconic symbol of Marakesh influencing the design of other Towers such as the geralda in sevil non-muslims are not permitted inside but the surrounding Gardens offer a peaceful spot to admire its Majestic architecture next we head to jar alar the pulsating heart of Marakesh this UNESCO world heritage site has been the city's main square and Marketplace since the 11th century by day it's a lively bizaar with vendors selling everything from spices to handcrafted Goods as the sun sets it transforms into a dazzling spectacle of food stores snake Charmers musicians and storytellers offering a sensory experience like no other whether you're sampling a freshh orange juice or getting lost in the sounds of the Nawa musician Jamar Ela is where maret's Soul truly Comes [Music] Alive our journey continues at Bahia Palace a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture built in the late 19th century by simusa a powerful vizer of the sultan the palace is name Bahia means Brilliance and it certainly lives up to its name with 160 rooms beautiful Courtyard yards and Lush Gardens the palace was designed to be the most magnificent Palace of its time although much of its original Furnishings are gone the intricate woodwork stucco carvings and zeage tiles remain offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Morocco's Elite hidden away in the kaspar district the sadian tombs are a stunning example of the sadian Dynasty's grandeur with a mixture of Moroccan and Andalusian motifs rediscovered in 1917 these tombs date back to the 16th century and were commissioned by Sultan Ahmed al- mansur the most impressive chamber the Hall of 12 columns houses the Sultan's tomb and is adorned with Italian Kara marble and intricate stucco work outside the melum you can find a large garden with a group of tombs with distinctive decorations and unique descriptions our next stop is the Majel Garden an iconic Landmark designed by French artist Jack Majel in the 1920s this Botanical Garden is a riot of color with its electric blue Villa exotic plants and tranquil fountains in the 1980s the garden was restored by fashion designer Eve s lauron whose love for maresh inspired many of his collections next to the Garden the eve San lauron Museum offers a fascinating insight into the designer's life and work showcasing his most famous pieces and his enduring connection to the [Music] city when planning your trip to mares there are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most of your experience first always carry some cash as many smaller shops and eies don't accept credit cards be prepared to haggle in the sus it's part of the culture and can be quite quite fun dress modestly to respect local Customs especially when visiting religious sites and don't forget to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen as the Moroccan Sun can be quite intense navigating maresh is an adventure in itself the best way to explore the city's narrow streets is on foot but when you need to cover more ground taxes are your go-to option make sure to negotiate the fair before hopping in as most taxis don't use meters for a more traditional experience consider a ride in a kalesh a h drawn carriage that will give you a unique perspective of the city's historic quarters Morocco's currency is the Duram and it's important to have some cash on hand especially in the sus and smaller shops that may not accept card payments bargaining is a way of life in maresh and it's expected When shopping in the markets start by offering about half the initial price and be ready to deal with back and forth negotiation remember to be polite and patient and hopefully you'll walk away with a great deal when it comes to accommodations if you want an authentic experience stay in a traditional Riad a guest house with a central Courtyard often tucked away in the Medina for those seeking luxury the city is home to some of the world's most opulent hotels offering top-notch amenities and breathtaking views budget Travelers will find plenty of charming hosts and guest houses that provide a comfortable stay without breaking the [Music] bank maresh is a Foodies Paradise with flavors that reflect the city's Rich cultural tapestry don't leave without trying a traditional tajine a slow cooked stew of meat vegetables and spices served in an earth andwar pot couscous often served with lamb or chicken is another must try for a quick snack grab auriat a Savory pastry filled with meat or cheese wash it all down with a refreshing glass of mint tea known as Moroccan whiskey for its cultural [Music] significance scene 4 night life and shopping 3 [Music] minutes as the sun sets Marakesh comes alive with a vibrant nightlife rooftop bars are the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of the city for a more traditional experience head to a Riad for an evening of live music and traditional Moroccan dance the city also offers a range of modern clubs and lounges where you can dance the night way to International [Music] beats no trip to Marakesh is complete without exploring its sus the labyrinthine markets filled with everything from vibrant textiles to aromatic spices each souk has its specialty head to the souk sarine for pottery and textiles the souk Eline for spices and the souk de tainer to see Artisans dying Fabrics remember bargaining is key and part of the fun is the hunt for the perfect souvenir maresh isn't just a place on the map it's an experience that captivates the heart and Sparks the imagination from the historical wonders of the almoravid dynasty to the bustling energy of the sus this city is a rich tapestry of culture and tradition waiting to be explored thanks for joining me on this journey through Marakesh if you enjoyed the video smash that like button share your thoughts in the comments and don't forget to subscribe for More Travel Adventures until next time keep exploring keep