Marrakech is one place where you surely won’t run out of things to do. From exploring the grandeur of the palaces to walking in the serene, scenic gardens and through sprawling market places, a week spent in this tantalising Moroccan city will leave you overwhelmed. So fulfill your wanderlust by following this seven day planner to spend quality time in the ‘red city’. If you haven’t yet, grab yourself one of those tour packages such as Morocco Tours to experience all the wonders that await you.
Day One: Marrakech city
After checking in at any of the grand or mid range hotels, take out a little time to get the feel of the sights and sounds of Marrakech. Wander into Jemaa El-Fna and just walk by the tempting souks located at the northern side. Just get a good idea of the prices and leave the actual buying for a later date.
Next walk within the terracotta walls which are a part of the old town and enjoy the cacophony of vehicles and human sounds. Spend the evening from the top of a rooftop bar and watch the frenzied scene as the sun sets.
Day two: Marrakech dining
The Moroccan food is considered to be the best in Africa, and the ultimate way to enjoy a true Moroccan meal is to cook it yourself in many of the cooking classes on offer. After you have had your fill, seek out some of the other main attractions like the Quranic Learning Centre of Ben Youssef Medersa, the Saadian Tombs and the spectacular Palais de la Bahia. These are part of almost all Marrakech tours. Take them with a local guide to add wonderful insights and historic backdrop to your experience.
Spend the evening eating out at any of the exciting food stalls, which set up shop in the square after sunset. Try out the disturbing tongue of a goat or fried snails from the wide variety available.
Day three: Go mountain hiking
Now is the time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tranquilizing city and go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, to discover whether they look as beautiful and astonishing as they did from your hotel room window. Trips of varying time frames are available, however, the trek to Imlil is recommended.
Imlil is the starting point of some excellent walking trails and is just one hour drive from the base of the mountains. Visitors get to see a breathtaking sight of the snow covered Berber villages, should they come in early spring or winter.
Day four: Rejuvenation time
After all the trekking, head to a hammam, a Moroccan bath similar to the Turkish bath. A rigorous scrub down will leave you a bit bruised but thoroughly refreshed.
Later on walk to Souk Sebbaghine, the Dyers Souk, Criee Berbers (carpets) or Souk Smata for traditional leather footwear. Savour the Le Churchill cocktail at a piano bar, named after the grand patron.
Day five: Discover the posh side
Souks and Snake charmers of Marrakech apart, the districts of Gueliz and Hibernate are worth a visit. Here high end boutique shops, elegant pubs and nightclubs play host to the well heeled locals and upper crest tourists.
Day six: Tryst with the coast
Essaouira, the picturesque town on the southern coast of Morocco played host to Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin in the sixties. The Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases wares by local artisans. The beach is uncrowded and tout free, making it the right place to relax.
Day seven: Treat yourself to some shopping
Now that you have surveyed the market in the last six days, it is time to try out your bargaining skills. Visitors should begin with a third of what they want to pay. Carpets, jewellery, babouches, djellabas, kaftans, handicrafts are some of the best buys in Marrakech.
The once caravan trading post of Marrakech, brings some of the most outlandish tourist tales to life. Famous for snake charmers, hidden palaces and magic potions, the famous Central Square of the city springs to life after dark. So make the most of your week in this city of many sides with this seven day guide.
