Marrakech or Marrakesh The Heart of Morocco — A Complete Guide to Culture, Food & Hidden Gems By Twin Peaks Travel
Introduction: The City That Awakens Every Sense There are places you visit, and then there are places that live inside you. Marrakech — the red city — is one of those rare destinations that steals a piece of your heart the moment you arrive. The scent of spices floats through the air, the hum of the medina wraps around you, and the warmth of its people feels like sunshine itself. I’ve wandered through many cities across the globe, but few compare to the genuine kindness I encountered here. The locals of Marrakech are some of the friendliest people I’ve met lately — warm, welcoming, and proud to share their culture. Whether it was a shopkeeper offering mint tea or a stranger pointing me in the right direction through the maze-like streets, every interaction felt deeply human. This guide will help you experience Marrakech in a way that connects you to its heart — through its people, food, colors, and rhythm.
11/5/20256 min read
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Koutoubia Mosque — The Watchtower of the Red City
The Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, is one of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks.
Standing 77 meters high, its minaret can be seen from many parts of the city and often serves as a reference point for first-time visitors.
While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, admiring it from outside is still awe-inspiring. As the call to prayer echoes several times a day, it fills the air with a spiritual calm that anchors the city’s energy. Visit at sunset when the sky glows pink and the minaret casts a golden hue over the city.
💡 Book a Guided Walking Tour of Marrakech’s Old Town on GetYourGuide to learn more about the Koutoubia’s fascinating history.
Jemaa El-Fna — The Beating Heart of Marrakech
If Koutoubia is Marrakech’s soul, Jemaa El-Fna Square is its heartbeat.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living theatre of Moroccan life — a swirl of sound, scent, and color.
By day, the square bustles with vendors selling fresh orange juice, spices, and handmade crafts. But as night falls, the entire atmosphere transforms. Smoke from food stalls fills the air, musicians perform, storytellers draw circles of curious listeners, and the square pulses with energy.
For the best view, climb to one of the rooftop cafés surrounding the square — like Café de France or Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier — to watch the chaos unfold from above.
🥘 Try a Moroccan Street Food Tour with a Local Guide on Viator to sample traditional dishes right in the square.
Bahia Palace — A Masterpiece of Moroccan Craftsmanship
Step into Bahia Palace, and you step into a world of color, geometry, and light.
Built in the 19th century for Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, this 150-room palace showcases Morocco’s finest craftsmanship — carved cedar ceilings, zellige tilework, and marble courtyards that whisper stories of royalty and artisanship.
The palace took six years to complete, involving the most skilled artisans of its time. Wander slowly; every room reveals a new layer of beauty. The scent of jasmine drifts through the courtyards, and the intricate mosaics reflect centuries of tradition.
🎟️ Skip the line and explore Bahia Palace with a professional guide through GetYourGuide.
Morning in the Medina — Getting Lost on Purpose
Start your day wandering the Medina, Marrakech’s ancient heart.
It’s a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, colorful souks, and hidden courtyards. Scooters whiz past, cats lounge on doorsteps, and artisans craft everything from lanterns to leather bags.
Many first-time visitors worry they’ll be hassled or get lost — and yes, you will get lost, but that’s part of the adventure. I found locals to be respectful and genuinely helpful, especially compared to busier markets in other countries.
Haggling Like a Local
Bargaining is expected and even enjoyed here. Start at about 50% of the first price offered, smile, and stay polite. The key is to treat it as conversation rather than confrontation.
If you can’t agree on a price, thank the seller and walk away — it’s often the best negotiation trick!
🛍️ Want a local to guide you through the souks? Try this insider shopping tour.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
The Medina — Immersed in Tradition
Staying in the Medina places you right in the heart of the action.
You’ll wake up to the sound of distant prayers, step outside into vibrant alleys, and retreat at night to peaceful courtyards.
One of my favorite stays was at Palais Moulay Riad — conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Jemaa El-Fna. The staff were incredibly kind and professional. Mr. Bashir and Mr. Shohair went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable — even setting up a desk and chair for my remote work calls.
This riad is the largest in the medina, yet it feels intimate and beautifully decorated.
🌿 Find more riads in the Medina on Booking.com
Gueliz — The Modern Side of Marrakech
If you prefer a more contemporary vibe, stay in Gueliz.
It’s filled with stylish cafes, international restaurants, and boutique hotels. It’s quieter, and just a short taxi ride from the old city.
A Food Tour with Rachid — The Hidden Flavors of Marrakech
In September 2025, I joined a food tour with Rachid, starting at Bab Doukkala gate.
Over the next few hours, we wound through the medina’s backstreets, sampling over 15 different dishes — from sizzling sardines with cumin to bubbling beef tangia cooked in underground embers.
We sipped mint tea, tried escargots in spiced broth, and ended the evening with honey-soaked pastries. It wasn’t just about food; it was about the stories behind each flavor.
Rachid’s humor, knowledge, and love for his city made this one of the best experiences of my trip.
🍢 Join a Chef's tour Marrakech for authentic street eats and local insight.
Day Trips from Marrakech
Agafay Desert — Sunset, Camels & Stars
Just 40 minutes from Marrakech lies the Agafay Desert, a rocky landscape that glows gold at sunset.
Join a tour that includes a camel ride, dinner under the stars, and live Berber music by a campfire. Watching the desert sky fill with stars while sipping mint tea is pure magic.
Ouzoud Falls — Nature’s Masterpiece
For nature lovers, a day trip to Ouzoud Falls (about three hours away) is a must.
You’ll hike through olive groves, picnic near cascading water, and even spot playful wild monkeys along the cliffs.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Getting from the Airport
Marrakech doesn’t have Uber, but taxis and private transfers are easy to arrange.
Always agree on a price before you start — most rides into the city center cost around 150–200 MAD.
If you’re staying in the Medina, note that cars can’t always reach your riad. Ask your host to meet you at a nearby landmark for a short walk.
🚗 Book your private transfer from Menara Airport here
Exchanging Money
The best exchange rate we found was at Hotel Ali, near Jemaa El-Fna — much better than airport rates, and they didn’t require a passport.
You can also withdraw Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) from ATMs easily.
💰 Tip: Exchange only what you need for a few days at a time — Morocco is largely cash-based, but cards are accepted at most riads and larger restaurants.
Why Marrakech Stays With You
Marrakech isn’t just a place you see — it’s a place you feel.
It’s the warmth of the people who greet you with open hands, the scent of saffron in the air, the rhythm of drums echoing through the night.
For solo travelers and couples alike, the city offers a perfect mix of adventure, authenticity, and human connection. And when you leave, you’ll already be planning your return.
