No trip to North Africa can be complete without visiting Marrakech, Morocco. Located in the Sahara Desert , the thousand-year-old “red city” is home to a thriving Medina, amazing shops and some of the most beautiful architecture in the world.
Marrakech is also famous for the beautiful riads (inns converted into family homes) and boutiques dotted along the winding streets throughout the city.
Ready to fall in love with Marrakech, one of the most fascinating cities in Morocco ? Find out about the main attractions, the best time to travel and what you need to do to get to know this amazing place!
Main tourist attractions in Marrakech
city walls
Commissioned by Ali Ben Youssef in 1126, the walls surrounding the Medina (Marrakech’s old town) have become iconic. With about 8 meters high, they have always protected the inhabitants of the region and, until the beginning of the 20th century, the 10 gates that give access to the Medina were locked every night.
Today, the walls are much more welcoming, becoming a meeting and resting place for many locals.
Koutoubia Mosque Gardens
The Koutoubia Mosque is the most visited monument in Marrakech . Standing at 77 meters high, the mosque’s magnificent minaret tower dominates the city’s skyline, being a point of reference for tourists and locals alike.
One of the best attractions in the area is the Koutoubia Gardens . Upon entering the garden through the main gate, it is possible to see a large fountain and a wide path towards the minaret, which stretches into the Moroccan sky. The effect is charming.
Jemaa el Fna square
The vast open square in the heart of the Medina is one of Marrakech’s biggest attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . There you will see snake charmers, street artists and henna artists excited at every step.
Tombs of the Sadida dynasty
The Saadian tombs are a series of tombs and mausoleums in Marrakech that house the remains of important figures from the Sadida Dynasty , who ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. Shortly after the fall of the dynasty, the tombs were sealed and hidden, being rediscovered only in 1917.
Located outside the walls of the Medina, close to the Koutoubia Mosque, the tombs are now a must-see attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is considered one of the great palaces in the city of Marrakech, Morocco. Created by minister Ahmed bin Musa in the 19th century to commemorate his wife’s name, today it is a work of art that harkens back to the splendor of ancient Moroccan architecture .
Best time to visit Morocco
The best months to visit Marrakech are between March and May and between September and November . These seasons offer more pleasant weather and more affordable accommodation prices. Avoid visiting it at the height of summer , when the average maximum daily temperature exceeds 34°C.
And remember that religious holidays like Ramadan and Christmas, and national holidays that follow the lunar calendar can affect everything from public transportation, attraction hours and room rates.
Documents needed to make the trip
To visit Marrakech, Morocco, you need to have a passport valid for at least six months after the end date of your trip. Brazilians do not need a visa to enter as tourists and can stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Ideal time to experience the local culture
With a good travel plan that optimizes time, it is possible to experience the local culture of Morocco in approximately one week . Don’t forget that, in addition to Marrakech, the country has other charming surprises that you can’t leave out of your itinerary — such as Chefchaouen, the so-called Blue City .
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