Marrakech is the most popular destination in Morocco. The setting is stunning, with ochre stucco buildings on a dry, rocky plain and the snow-peaked Atlas Mountains as a backdrop (they’re not always visible). Much of the medina is surrounded by beautifully restored pinkish-red ramparts, and lovely palm gardens are interspersed among the impressive buildings, including an ever-growing number of nicely renovated courtyard mansions (riads) that now serve as boutique hotels. The modern Marrakech has gracious, wide avenues and large, resort-style hotels.

Marrkech’s vast square called Djemaa el-Fna is the main show in town. It’s a market scene straight out of the movies, with snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and storytellers. At night, the plaza is filled with gaslit restaurant stalls and people enjoying the food and spectacle. If you’d rather not be in the thick of things, you can enjoy the atmosphere from one of the rooftop terrace restaurants overlooking the plaza. If you’re longing for some nightlife, Marrakech has some very trendy clubs, such as Jad Mahal and Pacha.

When to travel to Marrakech

It is best to try and avoid the summer heat and crowds and visit Marrakech in the cooler months between September and May. But, some annual events take place in summer that you may not want to miss, such as the arts festival in July.