Marrakesh: A Journey into the Heart of Morocco’s Red City
While Morocco’s capital is actually Rabat, some 324 kilometres to the northeast, our adventure began by flying directly into the pulsating heart of the country: Marrakesh. Why start with the administrative capital when you can dive straight into the magic? In June, we boarded a direct EasyJet flight from Glasgow, touching down at Menara Airport ready for the heat, the scents, and the unforgettable energy of this legendary city. The return flight cost was a very reasonable £145 per person, and a pre-arranged taxi whisked us from the airport for around £15, delivering us straight to the gates of the ancient Medina.
It’s no surprise we chose Marrakesh. Back in 2015, TripAdvisor crowned it the No.1 travel destination in the entire world, beating favourites like Prague, London, and Rome. After spending a week there, we understood completely why it earned that top spot.
Accommodation: The Enchanting World of the Riads
“Marhabbah Murrākuš!” (Welcome to Marrakesh!). When you arrive in Marrakesh, forget standard hotel chains. The true Moroccan experience lies in staying in a Riad – a traditional guesthouse built around a serene interior courtyard. We decided to sample two different ones. Our first Riad was simpler and budget-friendly, offering an authentic taste of local life. The second, however, was absolutely stunning, boasting large, ornately decorated rooms and a private pool that became our oasis from the midday sun.
Both Riads were nestled within the labyrinthine lanes of the Medina, the old town, near the Bab Doukkala Mosque. Here’s our top tip: always arrange for a representative from the Riad to meet you at a well-known landmark. We learned this during our planning, and it was a lifesaver! The Medina is a mesmerising spider’s web of narrow, winding streets where even taxi drivers get lost, if they are able to get in there at all.
Without our guide waiting by the mosque, finding the unassuming doorway to our accommodation would have been our first great, perhaps, at least half-day-long, challenge.
Getting Around: Stepping Through History
The area around Marrakesh has been inhabited since Neolithic times by Berber tribes, but the city itself was founded in 1062. Walking through the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like travelling back through centuries. It’s incredible to think that we were actually living within a protected world heritage site!
The city’s allure is timeless. During the 1960s and 70s, it became a bohemian retreat for icons like Yves Saint Laurent, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones, drawn by its exotic charm. Today, that same magic captivates visitors from across the globe.
There are two main ways to explore the city – on foot or by taxi. Within the Medina, walking is not just the primary mode of transport – it’s an essential part of the experience. Getting lost in the souks is a rite of passage! For longer journeys, the city’s distinctive red taxis are cheap and efficient. You’ll never spend a fortune getting back to your Riad after a long day of exploration.
Places to Visit: The Oasis of Jardin Majorelle
A must-see highlight is the breathtaking Jardin Majorelle. This botanical garden, a labour of love by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, is one of Morocco‘s most-visited sites. It’s open daily from at least 9 am until 5 pm.
We chose to embrace the journey and walked both ways from our Riad in the Medina. The round trip was around 4 kilometres, and it was a fantastic way to see the city transition from the ancient walls of the old town to the more modern Ville Nouvelle (New City).
The garden itself is a stunning masterpiece of cobalt blue villas, vibrant greenery, and tranquil pools – a perfect, peaceful contrast to the bustling energy of the Medina. It was the perfect embodiment of Marrakesh. A beautiful, curated space born from wild, creative passion.