Posts Tagged ‘Things to do in Marrakech’

A Designers Guided Tour of Marrakech, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Saturday, September 16th, 2017
Marrakech Design Tour

Marrakech Design Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marrakech has long been sought after by designers for its’ style, beauty and sophistication. A Designers Guided Tour of Marrakech is the is a must do activity for Interior Designers, Artists, Architects and Fashion Designers looking inspiration, sourcing and networking opportunities within the Marrakech design community. A Marrakech Design Tour will help lay the groundwork for design professionals who are interested in engaging with local artisans, Marrakech designers and sourcing Moroccan Handmade crafts.

There are a host of well known expat artists and creative types who have made their business or home in Marrakech and in Morocco. French artistic genius, Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent did so in the 1960’s and the result is a collective of three incredible projects, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Majorelle Gardens and Berber Museum. Prolific writers such as Paul Bowles, William Burroughs made Tangier their home while French painters Eugene Delacroix and Henry Matisse also spent significant time there.

 

Yahya Marrakech Designer

Yahya Marrakech Designer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today there are a host of new designers on Marrakech’s doorstep who are paving the way in the contemporary design scene. From the latest design trends in Moroccan fashion to innovative Moroccan crafts local artists both expatriates and native Moroccans are making a name for themselves . Designer  wares can be seen at Pop Up Shops and Marrakech concept stores across the Marrakech Medina and the new town, Gueliz. There are a wealth of new carpet and weaving cooperatives, Moroccan owned, in rural regions to explore

Norya Ayron Marrakech Designer

Norya Ayron Marrakech Designer

The new town of Gueliz and it’s world-renowned Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Majorelle Gardens and the Berber Museum are just a starting point for Interior Designers and Artists. Those who want to explore all that Marrakech has to offer should consider a Marrakech Design Tour led by a local.
On a Mararkech Design Tour, Interior Designers and Artists can visit Marrakech’s most sought after chic boutiques and concepts stores in Gueliz. This new town’s mix of Colonial and Historic, Art Deco architecture make it perfect for exploring.
Yves-Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech

Yves-Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things To Do On A Marrakech Design Tour Overview:

Explore the new city of Gueliz and it’s world-renowned Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Majorelle Gardens and the Berber Museum.

Visit Marrakech’s most sought after chic boutiques and concepts stores in Gueliz.
Learn about Sidi Ghanem, the Marrakech Industrial zone, where contemporary artists and designers have their workshops and showrooms.
Sip mint tea and engage with Moroccan and International Designers who have made Marrakech’s, Historic Medina their home.
Take a road trip just 30 kilometers outside of Marrakech to a rural village where weaving and embroidery cooperatives are located.

For More Information about A Designers Guided Tour of Marrakech

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Top 10 Marrakech Lunch Spots, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Sunday, May 14th, 2017
Marrakech Restaurants, Perfect for Lunch

Marrakech Restaurants, Perfect for Lunch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marrakech is home to some of the most interesting restaurants in Morocco. From Moroccan Traditional Fare served streetside to Contemporary French cuisine served on Moroccan salon style seating, Italian Trattoria’s, local Crèperie’s by the dozen, Asian Fusion, Riad three-course dining along with a variety of eats in Djemaa El Fna Square. There’s some place for everyone to dine for lunch in Marrakech regardless of budget or taste.  There are so many Marrakech restaurants, new and old, that one could spend weeks dining out and just touch the surface of the local food scene. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 of the Best Lunch Spots in Marrakech that offer travelers a keen variety of cuisine from the Chic and Savory t0 the Hip and Traditional.

Top 10 of the Best Lunch Spots in Marrakech

Le Petit Conichon

A new address in Marrakech, this chic, Gueliz lunch spot is the place to go for those looking for aftternoon or evening bistro fare with a French touch. The lunch menu is offered on three courses, pre fixed with option to have a la carte. Waiters present the daily fare without printed menu or pricing. Decor is retro chic. Designer papered walls with zig zag blue and white floors lend to a crisp and unique dining environment. Try the crab and eggplant terraine coupled with seabass ceviche or baked fish with wild rice.

Address: 27 Rue Moulay Ali
Phone: +212-524421251

Le Petit Cornichon, Marrakech

Le Petit Cornichon, Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

El Fenn
This well appointed trendy, Bo-Ho, Luxury boutique hotel in the Medina is the place to be seen in Marrakech. A Branson address and host to the ultra cool, visiting for lunch, a swim and a stop to explore their new home and fashion boutique guarantees an fun filled afternoon outing. The El Fenn terrace restaurant has views of the historic medina and a pre-fixed lunch menu is offered daily. The several-course menu always includes what’s in season. Typical dishes served for lunch are vegetarian salads accompanied by a variety of fresh breads, vegetarian quiche, grilled chicken or fish with a sorbet and lively garnish for desert. El Fenn’s lunch menu is one of the few in town that is perfect for those on who preefer a vegetarian and gluten free diet.

Address: Derb Moulay Abduallah Ben Hezzian
Phone: 
+212-52444210
 

Royal Mansour
An extraordinary dining experience of French, Moroccan gatronomy for discerning foodies. Built into the historic medina walls, this Marrakech luxurious hotel has become a landmark for those interested in classic elegance. The Royal Mansour chef’s table has one of Morocco’s best, created by renowned Michelin 3-star, French Chef Yannick Alleno. Starters, main courses and deserts are beauituflly presented and retain glorious flavors and spices of the Magherb.

Address: Rue Abou Abbas el sebti
Phone: +212-529808080

Amal Center, Marrakech Restaurant

Amal Center, Marrakech Restaurant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amal Center
For those looking to dine on local Moroccan fare in a cozy atmosphere look no further then the Amal Womens Center & Moroccan restaurant. This non-profit organization empowers disadvantaged women by training them in modern cuisine. Amal Center is the perfect go to place for afternoon lunch whether you want a simple tajine or several courses. You will be served a Moroccan traditional cuine by women with home made pastries to round out the meal. Amal Center also offers cooking workshops and is ideal for those who want to venture on a walk from their riad in the medina to discover the Ville Nouvelle (new town), Gueliz.

Address: Rue Allal Ben Ahmed
Phone: +212-524446896

La Familie
La Familie is a lush, laid back garden and patio restaurant that offers Mediteranean fusion style cuisine. Afternoon grazers who want a slow food experience or to curl up in a lounge chair and sip tea with a magazine in hand will feel comfortable at this boutique out door restaruant located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. The lunch menu at La Familie changes daily basis – main courses include a variety of salads, home made pasta dishes with a side of couscous. There is also a variety of fruit juices offered. Everything on the menu is made  with organic, fresh produce. While the Muezzin call can be heard five times a day and break the calm at this little Oasis, it’s a must eat when in Marrakech during afternoons given it’s only open for lunch.

Address: 42 Riad Zitoun Jdid
Phone: +212-669041137

Cafe Clock, Marrakech

Cafe Clock, Marrakech

Cafe Clock
Cafe Clock is the resident cafe in the Marrakech Medina and the most sought after address for local Moroccans, expats and travelers who want to try a camel burger surrounded by local art. The Clock as locals call it is run by British, Expat, Mike Richards, known for his freindly character and as being  highly distinguised in the local community. Richards helped to bring back the Moroccan tradition of hikaya, story telling in Djemaa El Fna Square. Cafe Clock is accessible to locals and also offers weekly performances by local musicians. This highly original cultural centre offers a contemporary menu that features original dishes such as goat cheese, quiche, falafel and hummus with mint and carrot dressing along with grilled sandwiches, delicious cakes, tarts and a home made iced-mint green tea that is a must have. Don’t miss lunching at Cafe Clock in Marrakech. If you do, then make sure it’s included on your bucket list at in Fes or Chefchaouen.

Address: Derb Chtouka
Phone: +212- 524378367

 Kechburger

The perfect place for a quick, cheap lunch expereince in Marrakech for those longing to take a break from tajine and couscous when on vacation. For travelers who want to forgo a heavy tajine or French fare, a hearty burger is the perfect choice. Kech burger serves hamburgers, chicken and fish burgers with fries. A side of slaw is available on request. For fast food lovers this particular place beats the local McDonalds both burger and price wise.

Address: 39 Rue Mohammed el Beqal, Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: 0524448589

La Crèperie
A Marrakech landmark, owned by a Breton native that offers a delicious selection of crepes made with buckwheat garnished with a savory or sweet topping. Roquefort, Spinach or chorizo, or the emblematic butter-sugar and Nutella to the subtle variation of suzette oranges. Perfect for those with a savory or sweet tooth. Best crepes in town.
Address: Rue du Capitaine Arrigui
Phone: 
+212 661433272

Le Cantine Parisienne
French owned, this Marrakech chic bistro is headed by the young chef Faisal Zahraoui and deserves a big applause for his solid “Cantine.” A perfect lunch can be savored by choosing artichoke carpaccio, the dazzling veal medallion with porcini mushrooms and a chocolate delicacy for desert.

Address: Rue Ibn Hanabal
Phone: 212-524458565

L’Atlelier Cuisine

A must dining experience for travelers and expats looking for homemade organic cuisine perfect for lunch or early dinner before sunset. This petit restaurant, French owned with a Spanish chef,  has both outdoor and indoor seating with a view of the Hart Gardens. L’Atlelier s a wide serves array of hearty salads which can serve as a meal, along with organic chicken, meats such as lamb or duck and fish dishes not to mention many delicious deserts. Their three-course fixed price menu’s consist of salad, main and desert. One of the favored ones is Fava bean soup, Chicken confite with lemons and herbes, accompanied by lemon and ginger creme brulee for desert, topped off with an espresso and home made chocolate chip mini cookie. Don’t miss out on this local dining experience.

Address: 8 Rue Oued El Makhazine
Phone: 212–66194373

 For More Information about Marrakech Tours and Restaurants

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Top 4-Day Desert Adventure Tour, Tours from Marrakech

Saturday, September 3rd, 2016
Trek Across Erg Chebbi, Top Desert Tour

Trek Across Erg Chebbi, Top Desert Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The city of Marrakech was Voted the World’s Top Holiday Destination by TripAdvisor. Marrakech is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and is  a three hour drive from High Atlas Mountains. The location of Marrakech makes it ideal for taking  Sahara Desert Tours and Private Day Trips for travelers whose schedule allows for a limited time in the country. Ideally positioned an hour from Spain and three hours from Paris, the locale of Marrakech and its contrasting landscape has made it a top destination for Morocco Travelers.

There are a vareity of Desert Adventure Tours to the Sahara from Marrakech to choose from. For travelers who have a liimited amount of time some options are a 3-Day, a 4-Day or a 5-Day Sahara Desert Tour. Visitors that have a longer timeframe  can instead choose a  Tailor Made Tour.

Bonfire in Sahara Desert, Adventure Tour

Bonfire in Sahara Desert, Adventure Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Top Recommendation for a 4-Day Sahara Desert Morocco Adventure Tour Itinerary is:

Day 1: Departure from Marrakech to Ouarzazate via the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Along the route you will see panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains as well as sights of fertile valleys, blue and red colored pise villages and other striking mineral environments. Visit Kasbah Telout, one of Morocco’s hidden jewels and a famous Kasbahs that is the origin of the Pacha Glaoui Family. Continue to the Skoura Palmeraie. Overnight in Skoura at a Charming Boutique Riad.

Day 2: Explore Skoura and the Valley of 1000 Kasbahs. Visit the Valley of Roses. Next, drive towards the Sahara Desert. Visit  Erfoud, the capital of fossils. Tea in Mount Mgoun with Nomads. Continue to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Trek by dromedary for 2 Hours before sunset. Arabian Nights dinner and couscous. Overnight in a  Luxury Desert Camp.

Day 3: Travel by pise across the  Sahara Desert. Continue the towards Rissani. Continue to Rissani for a breadbaking lesson on Madfouna. Next continue to a Berber Village. Sip Mint tea and eat Couscous with a Berber family. Next take the road to Ouarzazate. Overnight at a Charming Boutique Riad in Ouarzazate.

Day 4: Travel to the Oasis of Fint.  Visit this Oasis which is reached by off road pise. Then continue to visit the Atlas and Cinema Studios in Ouarzazate. Enjoy a guided historical tour of Ait Benhaddou. Located 32 km from Ouarzazate lies the picturesque village. Aït Benhaddou is situated in Souss-Massa-Draâ on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here along with dozens of other Hollywood films. Many refer to Ouarzazate, as the Hollywood of Morocco. part of the village was rebuilt. After visiting Ait Benhaddou, return to Marrakech

The 4-Day Top Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech Includes:
Transport in 4×4 Land Cruiser with an English, Multilingual Speaking Driver/ Guide
Accommodations Daily at Charming Guest Houses
Overnight in Luxury Desert Camp  with Arabian Nights Dinner & Music Celebration
Overnight with views of the Dades Valley
Hiking Excursion to the Todra Gorge
Sunset Camel Trek with Berber Camel Guide
Lunch with a Berber Family

Other  Top Desert Tours Advetnure Tours from Marrakech:
3 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
4 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
5 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Mararkech

For more information on a Sahara Desert Safari or Desert Adventure Tour 

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

12 Things to Do in Morocco with Kids

Wednesday, July 20th, 2016
12 Things to do with Morocco with Kids

12 Things to do with Morocco with Kids

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morocco is a family friendly country and the perfect choice for travelers with kids. Whether you are planning Morocco vacation as a younger family or traveling with older children Morocco has a wealth of adventure activities and things to do with kids. There are many exciting activities that serve as family tour essentials on a private tour not to be missed. Moroccans love children and much of the culture revolves around family. Children are welcome in Morocco and treated well and with much personal interest. It is common for Moroccans to admire children, offer compliments and engage warmly with families. The unique combination of Morocco’s rural landscapes paried with the old world medinas (cities) and mix of exotic cuisine make Morocco a magical place to take a Family Adventure vacation.

 

12 Things to Do in Morocco with Kids:

Camel Trek Acorss the Moroccan Sahara Desert
Camel Trekking offers a unique way to travel Morocco’s great south. Families can explore nomadic villages and Kasbahs situated in palm groves, surrounding valleys, mountainous landscapes, gorges and the grand Sahara Desert Dunes. Camel trekking is an inspirational family adventure that shows how Moroccans traveled through the desert for decades and centuries before. Trek to an Oasis or camel trek at sunset before overnighting in a desert camp in the heart of the dunes.

Explore Moroccan cuisine on a Food Tour
Food Tours serve as an opportunity for families to discover local Moroccan cuisine. Venture on a guided, private Food Tour of Marrakech’s Djemma El Fna Square. Discover the best local eats such as exotic snail soup, sheepshead and sip Mint tea. A Fes Food Tour hosted by a local is also a perfect family activity for kids. Your local Moroccan Food Tour guide will share traditional cooking methods by taking you to visit a furnatchi where the water for the communal bath house ‘hammam’ is also heated, and a 400 year old ‘furan’ or communal oven and bakery. Look no further as the world of spices and their uses and the secrets will be in your hands. Explore the spice market and the male-oriented domain of the tea den under the guidance of a culinary leader and story-teller. Learn to bake bread in the 400-year old community oven with the baker overseeing your hands-on efforts. Take your hot bread to the honey souk to try it with 8 artisanal wild honeys, aged butter or khlia, spicy dried beef. Food tours are created for foodies and those who have the penchant for the exotic, you may try cooking ‘on-street’. Shop and fill up a terracotta urn ‘tanjia’ to have embedded in the hot ashes of the furnachi for a rich and spicy Moroccan casserole, followed by a succulent tasting.

Hike the High Atlas
Hiking in Morocco is an essential family activity. With the High Atlas Mountains and located just an hour from Marrakech, families can trek through Berber Villages, overnight at a refuge and dine at a local family, Berber barbecue.

Djemaa El Fna Square

Djemaa El Fna Square

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Djemaa El Fna Square
Djemaa El Fna Square is said to be the heart and soul of Marrakech. At the signal of sunset, this mysterious and mesmerizing place truly comes alive. Snake charmers fiddle flirtatiously with their cobras, fire swallowers eat fire, storytellers entertain big crowds, fortune tellers mesmerize tourists with tall tales and the rhythms of African and Arabic sounds hypnotize the crowds amongst the colorful clouds of cooking smoke decorating the air with mingled aromas of mint, cilantro, cumin, and turmeric. The square is transformed into a magical medieval styled circus.

Attend a Fantasia Horse Spectacle
Experience a traditional Fantasia at the Chez Ali Equestiran Show in Marrakech. A Fantasia is an equestiran horse show, with entertainment, with Berber song, dance and fireworks that can be enjoed with a Moroccan meal of miswhi (Moroccan roasted lamb) and couscous.

Get Lost in Morocco’s old medinas with a Local Guide
Morocco’s medinas )ancient cities) have narrow alleys, each leading to hidden architectural jewels and unique Moroccan historical sites. Morocco’s medinas are traditional living quarters of the local population that has within them neighborhoods which allow self sufficiency such as a mosuqe, water fountain, bread oven, vegetable souk and butcher. Medinas also have magnficient boutique riads and hotels, opulent gardens, restaurants and are home to wonderful fruit and vegetable souks, handy crafts, woodworkers, desginers and bakers.

Quad Ride Across the Sahara Desert Dunes
Quad riding in Morocco is ideal for families looking for adventure or those who want to experience rural terrain. Morocco offers dense desert trails, wild beaches and dunes that you can fly across during your Quad biking session. Quad bike across the Sahara Desert in Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi Dunes, M’hamid El Ghizlane’s Dunes or Erg Chegaga’s Dunes.

Take a Cooking Class with a Daada Chef
Cooking Classes are conducted by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook) or a chef from and held at a kitchen in the medina, rural or in a palmeraie garden setting. Family Moroccan Cooking Classes are a total of 4 hours with an option of an add on of wines tasting accompaniment. At the end of each class, families can dine on the meal they have prepared. At a typical half-day cooking class, families will prepare an appetizer and a main dish, or a main dish and dessert.

Fly Over the Hot Atlas in a Hot Air Balloon
Hot Air Balloon Over the Atlas at sunrise with views of Marrakech. Enjoy a 1-Hour balloon flight, then receive your souvenier flight certificate. Included in the kid friendly adventure for families is a 4×4 Land rover excursion through local Berber villages to a private tent where breakfast is served along with a visit to a Berber house and camel trek across the Marrakech palmeraie.

Zipline Through the Atlas

Zipline Through the Atlas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zipline Through the High Atlas
Zip Lining across the High Atlas can easily be incorporated as a one or two day excursion from Marrakech. The estate Travel Exploration works with is a grand example of ecotourism in Morocco done at its best suitable for families with kids. Take in the breathtaking famous 700-foot gorge and tree-to-tree zip-lining. Morocco adventure travelers can also cross the Tyrol suspension and tight-rope bridges, hike and trek on foot, horse or mule, participate in Berber bowling, archery, falconry and polo on mule-back. To top this off there are Berber weaving demonstrations along with Moroccan cuisine and tea-making workshops.

 

Vist A Water Park
Oasaria Water Park serves as the perfect day excursion for families planning to visit Morocco in summer. This water park features multiple slides, a wave pool, a lazy river & kids’ splash areas.

Lunch with a Berber Family

Lunch with a Berber Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sip Tea with a Berber Family
Meet a local Berber family, sip tea in the Sagro Mountains, and dine on couscous. Then explore and tour the village by foot. Walk in the green fields and see how the traditional Berbers live with their gardens of herbs, livestock, and henna plants. After lunch, you can have your hands and feet painted with henna or your hair adorned with saffron by a local village artist and relax. Experience the tradition of Berber perfume made from musk and amber along with the villages own spices.

For More Information about Things to Do with Kids in Morocco or a Private, Morocco Family Tour

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Top 5 Things to do in Marrakech, Off the Beat Morocco

Tuesday, November 10th, 2015
Majorelle Gardens, Top 5 Things Marrakech

Majorelle Gardens, Top 5 Things Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marrakech, referred to as the “red hamra” city is a major city in Morocco known for it’s magnificent ochre color and is an attraction in itself. Marrakech boasts a vibrant street life and a rich array of drought tolerant flora and fauna, magnificent scents, exotic street food and bustling souks. Marrakech is a lively city where the traditional collides with the contemporary. A travelers experience to Marrakech can be highlighted by visiting UNESCO Heritage sites, sprawling gardens, mysterious palaces with majestic mosaic zellij tile work along with glorious houses of worship. The Top 5 Things to do in Marrakech are those that combine new trends with tradition along with off the beaten path experiences. For those who want a touch of local culture and authentic of city life our take on the Top 5 Things to do in Marrakech are stand out choices.

The Top 5 Things to do in Marrakech, Off the Beat Morocco – Recommended by Morocco Travel Designer Alecia Cohen:

#1: The Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museum – The Majorelle Gardens, previously the Jardin Bou Saf, bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy, France, in 1886. Jacques Majorelle was the son of the celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. In 1947, the son opened his gardens to the public and, during this time, also painted a magnificent ceiling at La Mamounia, a five-star hotel with exquisite gardens and the place where Alfred Hitchcock wrote The Birds. Jacques Majorelle studied at the École des Beaux Arts in Nancy in 1901 and in 1919 went to Marrakech to recover from heart problems. He built the garden during those years, using a special blue color that he used extensively in the garden and that is named after him, Majorelle blue. Majorelle returned to France in 1962 after a car incident and died later that year of complications from his injuries. As a collector of unique plants from five continents, Majorelle left to Yves Saint Laurent one of the more unique collections of flora and fauna of this era as well as a place of inspiration and contemplation. Even though Morocco is no longer under the French protectorate, this original French creation is one of the most beloved areas in Morocco. The Majorelle Gardens also houses a 200 meter squared Berber Museum with its spectacular collection of Berber Silver and an exclusive collection of over 600 objects from diverse regions of Morocco. Visit the Majorelle Gardens  during the early morning to take advantage of the Marrakech sunlight.

Amal Women's Training Center, Top 5 Things to do in Marrakech

Amal Women’s Training Center, Top 5 Things to do in Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2: Amal Women’s Training Center – Perfect for Couscous on Fridays, a Cooking Class and mingling with women – The Amal Womens Center & Moroccan restaurant is a non-profit organization that empowers disadvantaged women by training them in traditional and modern cuisine. Founded by Nora Fitzgerald, an American born and raised in Morocco, this fabulous small house is located in the new city of Gueliz. The Amal Center offers cooking classes and is the prefect place for couscous lunch on Fridays.

#3: Café Clock – A Camel Burger and Hikayat Storytelling Experience – Mike Richardson, owner of Café Clock in Fes launched a Mararkech offshoot that is the ideal place to go for lunch. Cafe Clock is trend setting with its fine get up of retro and vintage style Berber decor where young Moroccans, foreigners and expats can commence together to meet and enjoy Moroccan cafe fare while participating in variety of activities such as the Art of Hikayat Storytelling.  Café Clock is off the beaten path in the Kasbah region of the Marrakech medina and embodies the diversity of which Morocco is celebrated. The oral storytelling of Hikayat can be heard at Café Clock twice weekly. Hikayat is over 1000 years old and the oral culture of storytelling encompasses everything from love to recipes, legal agreements and daily life. Visit Cafe Clock at sunset for a camel burger and Hikayat Storytelling. The perfect evening for those wanting an insider experience of Marrakech.

La Maison Photographie, Top 5 Things to Do in Marrakech

La Maison Photographie, Top 5 Things to Do in Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#4: Maison de la Photographie – A visit to Marrakech is not complete without a visit to La Maison de la Photographie which is close to the Medersa Ben Youssef. It is truly one of the wonders of Marrakech. Housed in a converted three story Foundouk (the old inns and storage houses for camel trains coming to sell their wares in the souks) which Patrick Man’ach and his Moroccan business colleague Hamid Megrani converted in to a photographic gallery in 2009. There are photographs of Morocco from the 1860’s at the very dawn of photography when intrepid adventurers had to carry heavy equipment into what was still a largely closed country up until the 1950’s and Morocco’s independence in 1956. The exhibitions are arranged on three floors, with large size portraits and scenes from the 1860’s and 70’s to the early20th Century and the late 1950’s. The third floor has a video room showing the films of Daniel Chicault who took his cine camera to the Atlas Mountains to film in colour unique dance scenes and the village life of the Berber tribes in 1956 and 1957. Don’t miss this boutique museum or the chance to purchase one of their fabulous vintage prints.

Ben Youssef Medersa, Top 5 Things to Do in Marrakech

Ben Youssef Medersa, Top 5 Things to Do in Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#5 Ben Youssef Medersa – Visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, one of Marrakech’s leading mosques of magnificence. Not far from Djemaa El Fna Square is the Ben Youssef that was built between 1121 and 1132. A former theological university the mosque faces towards Mecca. Each wall is marked with zellij tile work and entering in the Ben Youssef takes you back to another century and makes one feel as if they are on a pilgrimage. This dynastic mosque is one of Morocco’s greats and worth the sight and the photo-op in front of its massive shallow pool and columns in the morning or early afternoon.

For more information about the Top 5 Things to Do in Marrakech 

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We offer Private Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Marrakech Museum Awarded Best Emerging Culture Destination Prize

Monday, October 26th, 2015
El Badi Palace, Marrakech's Museum of Photography & Visual Arts Home Until 2016

El Badi Palace, Marrakech’s Museum of Photography & Visual Arts Home Until 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts (MMPVA) has been awarded the “Best Emerging Culture Destination Africa” Prize, by the Leading Culture Destination Awards 2015. The Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts has featured the work of Don McCullin, Lewis Morley, Magnum and Moroccan photographers inside its temporary home at the Badii Palace. The El Badi Palace, originally commissioned by Ahmad al-Mansur, is this progressive museums home until new construction is complete  by Sir David Chipperfield in 2016.

Renowned architect, Sir David Chipperfield is the creating a distinct and contemporary building for the MMP. The Marrakech Museum for Photography (MMP) offers a rich program of exhibitions, education and cultural exchange will making it a first example of this kind of artistic institution on the African continent.

David Knaus is the Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts Managing Director. Inclusive in their programming is educational scholarships, exhibitions that are contemporary and showcase a host of Moroccan and non-Moroccan talent.

Marrakech Museum of Photographie and Visual Arts Website

Marrakech Museum of Photographie and Visual Arts Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The MMP’s website offers showcases its events, an online gallery, a Collector’s program along with information that is up-to-date on current exhibitions. Established in 2012 as a non-profit institution, the Marrakech Museum of Moroccan Photography prides itself on being dedicated to exhibiting the best of Moroccan, North African and international0lens-based contemporary arts.

Visit the Marrakech Museum of Photography & Visual Arts

Address: El Badii Palace, Place des Ferblantiers, Marrakech

Hours: Wednesday to Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm / Closed Tuesdays

For more information about Marrakech Tours and the Museum of Photography & Visual Arts

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.