Tourist Attractions in Marrakech, Morocco, Part 1

With a rich and diverse cultural history and enough smells, tastes and colors to spark just about any traveler's interest, the attractions in Marrakech are second to none and it will take visitors a while to explore all that this enchanting city has to offer. With ochre sandstone buildings, there's no guessing why this city is known as 'The Red City'. Here is a list with the best places of interest worth visiting in Marrakech.

1.     Koutoubia Mosque

Towering over the labyrinthine streets and markets of Marrakech is the city's principal landmark, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, known as the 'mosque of the booksellers' because of the bazaar of the book traders that used to be nearby. The red stone mosque was first built in 1147, but demolished and rebuilt in 1199 because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque, basically a massive prayer hall, has 17 aisles and 112 columns, and room for thousands to pray within it.

2.     Djemaa el-Fna

What it lacks in beauty, the large town square of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna (Square of the Dead) makes up for in pulsating liveliness that belies its name. Every day the square is a colourful circus of performing artists where snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers vie with each other to be noticed by the milling crowds; every evening food stalls take over and the competition is fierce among them for the passing trade, offering anything from boiled snails and sheep's heads to thick vegetable soup, kebabs or fresh salads. Freshly squeezed orange juice stalls stand side by side encircling the market and offer a refreshing drink both day and night.

3.     Dar Si Said Museum

The Museum, housed in a palace on the Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid, depicts the arts, crafts and culture of the Berber people, including displays of some Moorish cedar wood furniture, and arte facts from everyday life in the Sahara desert. There is also a collection of door and window frames, elaborately carved and ornamented, in the museum courtyard.

4.     Saadian Tombs

The beautiful necropolis was built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the late 16th century as a final resting place for himself and his successors. There are 66 indoor tombs, lavishly decorated with colourful, intricate mosaics. The central mausoleum, the Hall of the Twelve Columns, is exceptionally ornate with a high vaulted roof, furnished with stunning carved cedar panels and columns of grey Italian marble.

5.     Oukaimeden

A ski resort in the desert! Indeed, thick snow envelops the Jebal Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter months (usually January and February), just a 46-mile (74km) drive from Marrakech. The town of Oukaimeden, which can be reached by taxi or self-drive car, is well equipped for the skiers that seek restaurants, ski equipment to rent, and comfortable hotels, set in lush greenery backed by blue mountains. Skiers can ascend the mountain by donkey or camel, but there are also modern ski lifts.

The mentioned places of interest are only a part of the great number of attractions in Marrakech. Visits to the mentioned places can be organized by individual tourists. It is important to say that most of these places are also included in guided tours but taking part in such a tour you will not have enough time to experience with your own senses the whole atmosphere there. Another important issue by planning your trip to Marrakech is the accommodation. You can find many options for accommodation in Marrakech. The best is to stay in a Marrakech hotel. As it is a well-known tourist destination, you will easily find the one you are looking for.