The Perfect Insta Worthy Itinerary for 2 days in Marrakech
February 23, 2019
Marrakech is definitely not your typical holiday destination. Some would even say it is a shock to visit it, not only because of such a different culture compared to ours, but also due to specialties you can't really find anywhere else.
In fact, the city will definitely confuse you, because of its streets that are just like a maze, the non-working traffic rules and people saying they love you, just for you to turn around and visit their restaurant.
However, you'll also feel delighted by all means. The tasteful olives on every corner, free of charge with every meal, fresh piece of bread every morning and beautiful gardens.
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| New City of Marrakech |
The confusion often meets with frustration as you need to watch out for every thief, can't take photos of locals, because they will haunt you even in afterlife and well, the traffic.
The traffic lights don't work like in Europe down there. If you can't make it on the green sign, just stop if you don't want to get driven over.
I didn't want to stop in the middle of the street, so I just went on and dodge around the cars coming from 5 lanes (there were only 2 drawn on the road). Welcome to Morocco. (but it's mostly fun and delight, I swear.)
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| Le Jardin Majorelle |
Marrakech truly is a city that fulfills all of your senses. The loud noises of prayers are the blessing to hear (or a curse if they wake you up at four a.m.) as you know the city comes to life.
The beautiful pieces made of full grain leather look so soft to touch..
But only one look at a product and you have a seller, seller's cat and his friend around giving you their "best price".
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| Street next to our Riad |
Donkeys who dutifully carry everything their owner put on them are in contrast with taxis and nice cars outside of Medina, the old city.
Needless to say, Marrakech isn't only about the ornate walls and gates to heaven as seen on Instagram pictures. It's so much more culture, people, smells of spices and much less of glam and safety. It's sometimes dirty and dusty, messy and exploiting..
Perfect as it is. Going there is definitely an experience, however it's important to fully prepare in order to be really aware about the culture, customs and traditions.. To not offend anyone but to not get ripped off as well.
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| There are many insta worthy places here, wanting to be discovered |
Nevertheless, Marrakesh offers amazing sights and experiences every traveler have to visit and try. And why not make some pretty pictures along the way? This article is a complete itinerary for everyone that wants to experience real Marrakesh and take most instagrammable pictures.
I will post more articles on Morocco and Marrakesh so stay tuned for those. I am also writing one about more factual information which is really filled with resources and well, the basic but very needed info that is a must.
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| New City. Very different than Medina |
Why only 2 days?
I was in Marrakesh for about 2 and a half day and it was quite enough for the city itself. We saw everything and we could even see more if the weather haven't had let us down. Two days are for those who want to taste a bit of Marrakesh but don't want to fall under its spell way too much.
1. DAY | resting in Jardin Majorelle and sunset camel trip
Stay in a Riad
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| Our little riad |
There's nothing more traditional than Riads in Medina. Many travelers encourage you to book a stay here, and I'm not an exception.
Riads are houses built around a small garden or a pool. They have typical berber architecture decorated with tiles and mirrors.
Many of Riads are also incredibly cheap, so check reviews and photos and book your stay here. Some of the nice ones are even as low as 25€/per night.
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| The restaurant right on the Jamaa el Fna |
Why?
You'll never see Marrakech in true colours without staying here and sense all the smells of Medina. Seeing the toil and sweat of regular people will make you feel more empathic and appreciative than you were before.
Enjoy the Saadien Tombs
The beautiful square with minaret and the whole mosque complex looks amazing. The place is not as crowdy as Koutoubia Mosque, where we will come tomorrow.
The Saadiens are very important part to Morocco's history. They are the reason why Morocco flourished and grew as a powerful nation.
Saadien Tombs are one of the only remains of the dynasty that reigned over the golden age of Morocco (16th - 17th century). However, in 18th century, sultan decided to remove everything that showed any signs of their magnificence. He destroyed everything, but he haven't touched the burials, out of respect to the dead.
The tombs are located next to Kasbah Mosque which is truly gorgeous and looks just like a smaller sister of Koutoubia one.
The entrance fee is 70 dhs (7€), which may be quite a lot for just tombs. However you can still be stunned by the Kasbah Mosque and get lost in the complex.
Visit El Badi Palace (Palais Badii)
There isn't as much left from the Badi Palace. The name itself is translated as "incomparable palace" which was probably true couple centuries ago. It took 15 years to build and the ornaments truly showcased the incredible craftsmanship and wealth of the Saadiens and their era.
The Palace is one of the places non-muslims can enter, as visiting mosques is prohibited.
There's not an entrance fee, so you can wander around freely. The place really has that typical Moroccan feel, that it's a must to see.
Get rest at Le Jardin Majorelle
Majorelle Garden or Jardin Majorelle in French will amaze you by its calmness and monstrous succulents.
The enchanting garden was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in over 40 years. Later it was renovated by world famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who has his memorial here.
Next to the garden, there's a museum dedicated to him, as well as berber museum.
Located in the New city, garden issues a delicate summons to the senses. The water barbling in pools filled with water lillies and the succulents of tropical origins. The houses are built in berber style, hinted with Art Deco. The colour blue is said to be inspired by that in Atlas Mountains.
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| Yves Saint Laurent Memorial in Jardin Majorelle |
I recommend spending here at least 2 hours. Ordering a taxi from Medina will cost you maybe around 70 dhs (7€) and the entrance fee is the same. You can also buy combined ticket in YSL museum, so you won't be waiting in two long queues.
Book a Sunset Camel Trip
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| Our lovely camels |
Without enough time to visit beautiful ouzoud waterfalls or get lost in Sahara or Atlas, I encourage you to take a tour to a near oasis called Palm Grove.
We chose the one that had the most reviews on TripAdvisor and it was lovely. The camels seemed well taken after. They had nice skin and fur and their bodies looked healthy.
We even got to see small camel babies, one was 1 day old and the other 5.
The sunset wasn't seen at all, it looked like there was something like a haze or a mist, that was not allowing the sun to come through.
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| Me on Maike, petting Olivia |
Anyways, it was a very pleasant experience, we tasted the olives, bread and their mint tea along with some biscuits.
2. DAY | sightseeing and shopping spree in souks
Meander to Ben Youssef Madrasa
Tiles, ornate walls and other dreamy architectural specialties are waiting for you in Madrasa.
The term is for Islamic school, and it's one of the only things where you can go as a non-muslim. That's why it is so rewarding to see, because we can get at least a glimpse of the beauty in the mosques.
I am really disappointed that we couldn't get here because of the reconstruction works. I am including it here because I know that many of you would wanted to visit it like me. Hopefully they will open in the near future. The reconstruction works are scheduled until 2020.
Koutoubia Mosque
One of the most touristy places in Marrakech and Morocco in general is this religious temple. It was built almost a millennium ago and is by far the prettiest mosque I've ever seen.
It is actually not the original one, as the one standing there before was leveled because it wasn't in the right direction to Mecca.
The one important thing to be said here, is that, don't be photographed with men in the funny hats or with a monkey, because they will ask for money (even if you say no multiple times). However, stand your ground and if you don't want a product simply don't buy it.
Wander around Bahia Palace
The beautiful temple ornated with tiles and other architectural specialties,
is truly one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. It is also one of the monuments of the country's cultural heritage.
is truly one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. It is also one of the monuments of the country's cultural heritage.
Unfortunately, we missed this one as well. It started to rain and we decided it would be better to just go to our riad and get warm clothes on.
The entrance fee is 70 dhs as almost everywhere around here and I would say that according to photos it is worth it. This is the palce I would like to visit when I will (hopefully) come here somewhere in the future.
Shop in the Souks
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| Shopping for spices |
Ohh the souks. The markets of Marrakesh where you can buy literally everything. From live chicken, to meat of various animals and the most interesting - leather. The leather of highest quality, without any embellishments. You can also buy spices such as cayenne pepper, kurkuma and more of their traditional ones.
The clothes they sell don't seem very high quality, however I bought one of their typical caftans which looks very nice. The lamps, plates and other ceramics are also something that would be very nice as a present.
Also, don't forget to haggle, they love it and it's a great chance you'll love it as well. You will be considered a fool if you don't haggle and you'll get the best price if you actually leave the shop. I will write something like a tutorial for this as some people are really clueless on how to do it properly.
Don't be overwhelmed by Jamaâ el Fnaa
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| Snake charmers |
The night should end in the Jamaâ el Fnaa, the market where everything is happening. You can watch snake charmers do stunning performances, buy a fresh pressed orange juice for a mere 50 cents and just appreciate the mess around you.
Ladies that make henna are constantly trying to sell you their services, children are offering tissues with their subtle soothing voices which almost sound like a prayer: "Mouchoirs, Mouchoirs. "
And then there's you, probably one of the richest people on the street along with other tourists. The life is, indeed strange.
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| Who knows where do these poorly looking chickens live |
SEE NEXT
An Ultimate Guide to Marrakesh
How To Not Get Ripped Off in Morocco (haggling guide)
How to Dress as a Woman in Morocco
How To Be Safe In Marrakesh
5 Dishes You Must Have In Morocco
7 comments
Wow! You got so much done in just two days! This was such an informative post, and your photos are absolutely stunning! I can really get a sense of the atmosphere of the place from your words and pictures. Thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much 😍❤️ I am so glad someone find this informative.
DeleteOh my! This looks like such a beautiful place to visit! It definitely looks like it's worth the challenges you mentioned!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely different culture. But yes, the beauty of nature and well the city itself with its buildings is such an amazing experience. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a charming city indeed. So many beautiful things to see and experience. Love your photos dear!
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you so much Jessica. :)
DeleteI would love to be able to visit. I'm sure it is SO different, but that's why we travel, right?? Especially that camel ride. My mom did that in Egypt although she doesn't remember it fondly.
ReplyDeleteBut I love how you toured us around with you. Thanks for all of this!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you so much for commenting on my blog. I will gladly talk to you here as well as on my Instagram page.