Making Memories in Marrakesh

There is plenty to do both in the city and in surrounding areas. Morocco as a whole is incredibly easy to navigate by train, bus or taxis. You can catch a taxi around the city or you can catch an inter-city taxi.

One of the absolute must see sights in Marrakesh is the YSL Museum, it is an experience unlike any other and the works inside the museum really demonstrate just how inspired St. Laurent was from the country of Morocco.

Next door to the museum is Jardin Majorielle, a gem of color and greenery in the heart of the city. Taking them in together is the perfect way to start a trip and get excited about the Moroccan experiences to come. Grab a lovely Moroccan breakfast nearby and then hit the museum and gardens to fill your morning.

If you are looking to continue your day in the heart of the city, check out the Medina, get lost wandering around inside the walls of the old city. Do a little shopping for souvenirs and see Jemaa El-Fna in the daylight.

When you are ready to get out of the city, check out one of the many desert tour operators to take you into the Sahara. You can take a quick day trip if that is what suits your itinerary but if you have the time, I can’t recommend an overnight stay enough. The sight of the stars over the desert and the sunrise over the dunes is a once in a lifetime sight that I will never forget.

Day trips

One of the absolute must day trips, if given the time, is to the desert. You can check riding a camel off of your bucket list and sleep in the peacefulness of a vast desert with billions of visible stars. The hosts will also wake you in time to see the most glorious sunrise you will ever take in. Make sure to pack layers as it will be cold out there until the sun comes back up.

If you are looking for something more tropical, Agadir and Taghazout are close enough to take a long drive or a quick train out to the coast to walk on the beach or try your hand at surfing.

For a more adventurous day trip, check out the Ouzoud waterfalls. Not the most accessible destination but worth the hike if you are up for it. The views and bliss of laying in a hammock by the waterfalls or taking a quick swim are worth the trek out to the waterfalls.

If you prefer a unique coastal city experience but don’t have the time to travel all the way to the north coast, the city of Essaouria is the perfect day trip out of Marrakesh.

With so many incredible places to eat around the city, the choices are really endless and there are cuisines for every traveler. Personally, I argue that you have to experience an authentic Moroccan meal as often as possible. One of the best places to start are the stalls in Jemaa El-Fna. I will admit, it can be overwhelming to navigate the stalls but if you just keep walking until you find one you want to try out, you will get the best Moroccan tagine you will ever have. You may even get a little show!

When I travel, I am always looking for a unique and adventurous bite, something I can’t try anywhere else. Morocco introduced me to a lot of food firsts and the Medina is a great place to just walk around and try bites from different menus.

Rooftops are also becoming more popular, it’s a unique way to catch some stunning views of the city while grabbing a bite. Some of the most popular include Otto, Dar Essaalam and Shams. Each offers a different vibe but breathtaking views nonetheless.

If your palate is less adventurous, you can also grab a bite from a familiar favorite. It is true what they say about fast food chains being better elsewhere and Morocco is no exception. When we first got to the city, we stopped at a fast food restaurant for a quick bite and it was the perfect fuel to hold us over while we took in the city.