Are you looking for a getaway that’s gives you a completely different cultural experience without travelling too far? If you are, Marrakech is a destination that really delivers. Just over three hours from London, you arrives omewhere that felt a world away from home: busier, louder, more colourful and warmer too!
Here, we share highlights from our recent trip. A full itinerary including links to hotels, restaurants and activities, can be found on the full website page here.
Le Souk
Exploring the souks is a big part of any trip to Marrakech. You can of course wander without any plan. But if you want a bit of a route through the maze, our website has the route we took when visiting with a Marrakech local. There is even a Google Map in case you want to some more help to navigate your way around!
Madrasa Ben Yousef
Madrasa Ben Yousef is one of the most impressive cultural sights we visited. Dating back to the 14th century, it was once one of the largest Islamic colleges in North Africa.
The central courtyard is the main focus, with a reflecting pool surrounded by layers of craftsmanship—zellige tiles at ground level, carved stucco on the walls and detailed cedar wood above. As you move through the building into the smaller rooms and corridors, you notice the intricate craftwork.
Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret sits in the middle of the medina, close to the Madrasa Ben Youssef. It’s a restored riad garden, designed using traditional Islamic principles, with a strong sense of structure. Pathways divide the space into different sections, with fountains, pools and planted areas creating a calm, ordered layout.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is another must-see site, built in the 19th century for a grand vizier. It’s made up of multiple courtyards, with the main one with colourful, Paul Smith-esque stripes! (below left) Craftsmanship is everywhere, with intricate painted cedar ceilings, geometric tiles, detail around the arches and door frames. There is also a small but pretty garden courtyard.
Le Jardin Majorelle
A visit to Jardin Majorelle, then the Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door, was one of the highlights of our trip. These two places are located in Guéliz, the new part of Marrakech, about 15 minutes to the west of the medina. Book tickets in advance for both, ideally aiming for a slot at the start of the day when it’s slightly less busy.
Jardin Majorelle was created in the 1920s by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. As you walk through, the pathways guide you between different sections, with small water features, archways and shaded areas to pause.
The ornate and beautifully kept gardens are home to stunningly colourful blue buildings painted in yellow and a special blue colour called Majorelle Blue, with the main villa the star attraction. These stand out against the planting of bamboo, palms and cacti.
A trip to Marrakech is a real delight for the senses, which is within easy reach from London or other European cities. A long weekend can be packed full of multi-sensory experiences, with the organised mayhem of the Medina, the impressive cultural sights and countless places to dine and drink.
Check out our website for a more detailed itinerary, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
