Riad Les Trois Palmiers

The Pink City

by diageva

Well all the houses inside and, nearly all outside are pink ... why??? well the material with wich the outside wall makes the wall be pink, ... nowadays people MUST by law paint their houses that way ... to preserve the name of the "Pink City" ... I like that because its make Marrakech a unique place in the planet ... as I like andalucian villages from spain to be white .

CTM or Supratour

by Bigjones

CTM and Supratours are the most reliable bus companies in Morocco. We also tried SATAS but it's not to recommend.

The main bus station in Marrakesh is located outside the walls of the medina. You can walk (+/- 20 min.), take a local bus (3 Dh) or a little taxi (should be less than 10 Dh, check if the counter is on and ask the price before getting in).
CTM : 044 43 44 02

Supratours is located near the train station (avenue Hassan II) : 044 43 55 25

Jardin Majorelle

by clouds111

This garden outside the Medina walls in the newer part of town is a small haven in a bustling city. Designed by Jacques Marjorelle in 1924, it was restored to it's former glory by fashion designer Yves Saint Lauren.

It's amazing what hides behind the high walls. Entering a small courtyard with a central fountain and leading on to the garden with paths leading off in various directions, lined with tall bamboo and cacti. The bold cobalt blue of the house and plant pots contrast beautifully with the greenary.

The water feature in the centre of the garden can be viewed very differently from either end. There's another pond located at the furthest point (near the house) full of turtles, frogs and fish. This garden is so peaceful and well worth a visit.

There's a cafe inside a small courtyard where you can grab a bite to eat, a mint tea or a delicious fresh fruit smoothie.

Entrance fee: 30 dirhams to the garden, 15 dirhams to the museum.

El Bahia Palace

by Bigjones

Don’t miss this beautiful palace. It’s another good example of Moroccan architecture (decoration with tiles, fountains, carved-ceddar ceilings, gardens).

Entrance fee : 10 Dh (+/- 1 euro)
Sat.-Thur. : 8:30-11:15 a.m. and 2:30-5:45 p.m., Fri : 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 3:00-5:45 p.m.

Marrakech - مراكش

by MM212

Strategically situated at the converging point of caravan routes, Marrakech has been been an important merchant town since its founding. It is the meeting point of the dominantly Berber south and the mostly Arab north, with a French colonial overlay, which together provide the city with a unique mix of cultures. The majestic Atlas Mountains nearby not only offer a scenic backdrop, but also naturally irrigate the plains around Marrakech, thus bestowing the land with a lush oasis and the great contrast to the Sahara behind the mountains.

For sometime now, Marrakech has captured the imagination of many with its unusual sounds, vivid colours, spicy scents and intriguing people. The Pink City, as it is known for its pink architecture, is one of the most animated, colourful and exotic destinations in this world, where turning every corner brings a new experience. La Médina, the old half of the city, is stuck in time and still functions as it has for centuries. Its souk, the largest in Morocco, offers an unforgettable experience with its fascinating merchandise, covered alleys, and aggressive sellers. Over the high walls of the Médina, beyond imposing doors, and away from the frenzy of its narrow streets, exists the other world of riads, the old palaces now converted into private residences, charming hotels or exquisite restaurants. For an even greater contrast, yet another world exists in the second half of Marrakech. Known as Le Guéliz or Ville Nouvelle, the new city was built by the French during the colonial period. It is as modern as many European towns and has many of the city's bars and restaurants, as well as some of its famous gardens.

Beyond the city, the Atlas Mountains and la Palmeraie oasis both offer many outdoor experiences and breathtaking scenery. If you are staying more than three days in Marrakech, then a trip outside the city is highly recommended.

I spent 4 days in Marrakech at the end of November/early December 2006, which were sufficient to see the major sites in the city, plus a daytrip into Vallée d'Ourika in the Atlas Mountains. Another day or two would have been better for some hiking or a trip to the Atlantic Ocean.