The Medina
From above, the Marrakech medina resembles a human honeycomb. But instead of hexagonal honey cells, the medina is packed with square riads, traditional houses with peaceful inner courtyards. These riads are home to about 200,000 people, a fifth of the city’s population. They also seem to host the same number of tourists.
The hive’s epicenter is Jemaa el-Fnaa, the legendary square that buzzes at night with questionable food stalls and entertainers. Emanating from it are the souks, Morocco’s largest, where handmade crafts, spices, and cheap souvenirs.
Beyond the souks, the streets settle down, and the medina starts to feel and smell not much different than it did centuries ago.
La Jardin Majorelle
After the quietness of the Atlas mountains, returning to the bustling city of Marrakech – and especially to the disorientating streets of its medina – felt rather overwhelming. So we decided to search for some moments of peace and solitude at one of the most colourful gardens in Marrakech – Jardin Majorelle.
We may not have found peace or solitude (the gardens attract over 700,000 visitors a year!), but we did find a multitude of interesting cacti specimens (yay, cacti!), and a beautiful, colourful, lush oasis that was a constant source of inspiration for painter Jacques Majorelle and fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent.
Jardin Majorelle was created by French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle over a period of almost forty years. In 1923 he purchased a plot of land near a palm grove and as he became more established as an artist he continued to develop this plot of land, building a Moorish-style house for he and his wife to live in and a Berber-style building which he named the Borj.
He also painted the buildings in his very own rich blue colour that he trademarked as bleu Majorelle and carefully cultivated 135 plant species from five continents, transforming the property into a enchanting landscape garden.
The evening we arrived, we chatted with an older American couple on our riad’s rooftop. Despite their travel inexperience, they told us their favorite thing to do in the Marrakech medina was wander mapless for an hour or two until they were completely lost, then pull out their phones to find their way back.
It became our favorite thing to do, too.
We’ve never visited a more maze-like place than the Marrakech medina’s tangle of tunnels, passageways, and hidden treasures down dead-end streets.
It’s fun and safe for everyone.
Restaurants:
Nomad– A must in Marrakech. It’s one of the few places with a rooftop view and it’s right off one of the main squares. The decor is adorable, the food is amazing and the prices are extremely reasonable.
Cafe at The YSL Museum– A bright airy cafe with a great outdoor seating area, the cafe at the YSL museum was delish. Their couscous was one of the best we had the whole trip… and we had a lot.
La Maison Arabe– Located inside the hotel (one section inside and one section outside by the pool), this restaurant had amazing food and impeccable service. We sat outside by the pool and it was absolutely lovely. This is a splurge by Moroccan standards. Expect about $30-$40/person.
Le Tobsil– The vibe and the food at Le Tobsil was undoubtedly amazing. You didn’t choose what to eat, the food just came and kept coming…with the wine flowing too. The live Moroccan music was a nice touch. It was great, but we were all a little surprised when the bill came at 650 dirhams (about $65) each. It was pricey by Moroccan standards, but so lovely. If you’re looking for a fine dining option in Marrakech, 100% go here!
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