Marrakesh has developed in recent years into one of the top city trip destinations from Europe. Thanks to the cheap flight connections and flight duration, it is ideal for a long weekend. For me, one thing is already clear – I will keep a weekend free for 2019.
evening bustle on the Jema El Fna
TRAVEL TIME Marrakesh
The temperatures in Marrakesh are pleasantly warm in almost every season of the year. For this reason the destination is very popular in November and February-April.
- Temperature-wise I can only recommend you our travel time end of November (24-28.11.18). Besides, there were no holidays or so. The city was incredibly quiet. This was confirmed by the Moroccans themselves.
The second time in Marrakesh – what to do?
Two days are absolutely enough for the medina to stroll through the medina, to revel in the memories of the first trip and to check out all the favourite places. We had another look at the Palais Bahia and the Jardin Majorelle. Both sights are beautiful again and again (but the prices have increased quite a bit and now there are local as well as tourist prices everywhere). On one afternoon we decided to head to the luxurious Royal Mansour. You can have some relaxed (but oh so pricey) drinks by the pool and enjoy the sun.
After you have visited Marrakesh enough – get out of town!
I found the city very crowded and loud the first time. In the Medina there is unbelievable chaos, at every corner someone wants to talk you something up (here, however, it is said that the Moroccans are always very polite and we as women have never felt pressured). For our travel duration of five days, it would have been too exhausting for me within the Medina.
So I suggested the following to my friends:
- spend two nights in a typical riad
- spend a night in the desert
- two nights in a beautiful villa-hotel outside the medina
Day 1 – 2: Stay inside Marrakesh
Marrakesh can also be flown to at the lecture without any great additional costs. Accommodation in a classic riad costs around 20-30€. A big advantage is that you can sleep well and wake up with a first Moroccan breakfast.
WHERE TO STAY?
- If you want to do a lot of sightseeing, I recommend to spend the night in the south of the medina, from where you can easily reach all the main attractions on foot.
- The northern part of the city is ideal for a quieter stay.
- Even more quiet is spending the night outside the medina.
spot the cat!
Museum recommendation: The new Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Last year, the new Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum was opened. The museum was designed by Studio Ko and was my personal highlight in Marrakesh. The museum can be wonderfully combined with a visit to the Jardin Majorelle.
- Click here for the detailed article!
- The entrance fee is 7€. Tickets can be purchased online at www.museeyslparis.com for a surcharge of 1€.
Shopping recommendation: Max&Jan Concept Store
A super casual concept store with a beautiful roof terrace.
Eating recommendation
Even more beautiful to dine – Terasse des Épices
… in contrast, the Le Jardin – seemingly cozy restaurant but the food was just all right and absolutely unfriendly, upscale staff
Dinner at El Fna – definitely try some of the dishes at one of the food stalls!
Poolside at Royal Mansour
a second visit from the Jardin Majorelle. During the first visit we had not found the part with the summer residence at all.
Palms, palm trees, palm trees – pure holiday flair!Day 2-3: Out of the city – 1 night in the stone desert
I wanted to go to the desert so badly. We hadn’t managed this the last time. But this time it would not have been possible without any time effort. The sandy desert is at least 8 hours away from Marrakesh by car.
A good alternative for us was the stone desert within 30-40 minutes of Marrakesh. For the perfect glamping experience we chose the dreamlike Scarabeo Camp for one night. In my opinion, one night is enough. But if you want to do some real online detox, this is the place for you (don’t cheat and get a Moroccan sim card!).
- A family tent for three people costs 270€ including half board. It is best to write directly to the camp and say that I recommended it to you. They will certainly make you a good price.
- The transfer cost us 550 DHS per trip, about 105€. This is probably cheaper, but we trusted the booking directly through the camp more.
Here you get to the detailed article about our night in the Scarabeo Camp!
Day 3-5: 2 nights outside the medina in the Palmeraie
After a magical stay at Scarabeo Camp, I recommend a hotel outside Marrakesh. These are usually referred to as “Dar”. We stayed two nights in the beautiful Dar Ayniwen Garden Hotel & Bird Zoo in the so-called Palmeraie, the palm oasis of Marrakesh. Here you have to come down for the first time, enjoy the birdsong and jump into the pool.
- There is a detailed report about the Dar Ayniwen Hotel here.
Exceptional Villas Outside Marrakesh
Marrakesh offers a great selection of villas, most of which are located outside the city. As a Marrakesh Insiders you can visit the sculpture park of Jean-Francois Fourtou in Dar El Sadaka. The park contains the artworks “The House Fallen From the Sky” and “The Giant’s House”.
The tour costs for two persons for two hours 3500 DHS (approx. 335€), which I find already extremely much. According to the motto – you don’t treat yourself to anything else!
Dar El Sadaka | photocredits: Bloggers Boyfriend
Peacock Pavillions | photocredits: Bloggers Boyfriend
Another extraordinary accommodation are the Peacock Pavillions, which unfortunately were fully booked during our stay and we couldn’t visit them.
- Reading tip: Top 10 Places to stay in Marrakech!
Visit museums and foundations in the Palmeraie
I love to visit museums on my travels. In addition to the classic sights inside the Medina, I came across the following museums and foundations, which we unfortunately did not manage to visit due to lack of time. Next time then!
- Musèe de la Palmeraie in Marrakesch
- Farid Belkahia Fondation
photocredit: both images ©Fouad-Maazouz
I hope these tips were useful to you. If you have more questions or suggestions, write me.
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