Things to Do in Marrakech

Inside the Medina:

• Behind the walls of the Medina lie Marrakech's most exhilarating hustle and bustle experiences. 16 KM of alleys and streets. Go with a guide, or risk being lost!

• Start your journey by visiting the most beautiful example of a traditional riad with a central courtyard, fountain and orange trees. Dar El Bacha, home of a former "pasha" (governor) is now an open museum. The sheer scale of the mosaic tile-work is nothing you've ever seen before.

• Then stop into Bacha Coffee for a gorgeous latte. Feel like you've been dropped in to a Wes Anderson movie with the gold and yellow packaging, the uniformed wait staff and hospitality to beat.

• Wander the souk, in and out of stalls, rug shopping, pottery, leather babouche slippers in every color (I bought some in camel hair!) nougat candy, kaftans, dates and so much more.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa, The Plaza - see real life snake charmers, monkeys and belly dancers. At night, this area comes alive with an assorted cast of characters and food stalls for miles. It's as though you've been dropped into an Indian Jones movie!

• Ben Youssef Madrasa is the world's first university. And it was built by a woman. Today it's an Islamic school with more than 750 students. A short 20 minute tour will give you an overview.

• Visit Herboristerie Bab Agnaou for spice mixes and ancient remedies from prickly pear oil to menthol.

Outside the Medina:

• Morocco's first mosque at over 800 years old, Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens is a shining example of a typical minaret with its galley pointing to Mecca.

• Jardin Majorelle: Yves Saint Laurent's former home and garden. He famously brought home exotic plant varieties from all over the world, and they are stunningly put together here.

• Inside the Jardin Majorelle lies Le Musee Berbere, documenting the beautiful culture of the indigenous Moroccon people, the Amazigh, aka Berbers.

• YSL Museum: Brand new to the Marrakech art and fashion scene, this stunning museum dedicates itself to one of its most beloved and famous former residents.

• Have a Hammam: Moroccan people have a weekly spa day, which includes a full body scrub with black soap and a Kessa exfoliating mitt, followed by a massage.

• Shop some high-end luxury stores like The Sook, LRNCE, Norya Ayron and Marrakshi Life.

• Royal Mansour workshops: Cooking/ pastry classes, embroidery, pottery or painting, relax in this palace of luxury and open up to the creativity which awaits.

Day Trips:

• A day trip outside the city to the Atlas Mountains will take you about 90 minutes each way. A magical experience to add.