Top 10 things to do in Marrakesh, Morocco

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Explore the Medina
A medina is essentially a walled city. More than a thousand years old and a UNESCO heritage site, the medina of Marrakesh is a wonderful place to lose yourself (quite literally). Inside the medina, you are transported back in time to the days of the old Almoravids kings. As a defensive strategy against invaders, the kings purposefully built the walled city with winding streets, dead ends and sharp random corners. While their intention may have not been to trick tourists, it gives a whole new meaning to “get lost and wander”.
Nevertheless, it is an interesting experience to see the day-to-day transactions of this ancient city and its inhabitants. Just make sure you remember your GPS or else you might need to pay a small child to bring you back to your Riad.
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Stay in a Riad
So what is a riad?
A riad is something in between a house and a palace, usually with a garden in the centre. Traditionally Moroccan, most riads have now been converted to boutique hotels, usually with 6 to 10 rooms. If you are visiting Marrakesh, staying in a riad is a must-do! Not only would you be inside the Medina where all the action is, you get to feel and experience the unique culture of Morocco.
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I stayed in Riad Vanilla Sma, which was luxurious yet affordable, rooms are going at 110 euros a night. There's even a hot tub on the roof!
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Shopping in the souks
Souks are the Singapore equivalent of the “pasar malam”, except that they are open throughout the day as well. Prices are not fixed and are negotiable, so for all those budget barbies and bargain queens, this is for you! Usually the souks are classified into different sections so it’s quite easy to find what you are looking for. The only problem is which shop?
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Maybe even buy some Arabic furniture for your home!
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Experience a traditional hammam
How does a spa day sound for you?
A hammam is a traditional public bath. It is so ingrained into Moroccan culture than the ruins of the oldest hammam can be found in Morocco. A hammam starts with a relaxation in a hot steam room, think of a sauna, where you sweat all your worries and stress away. After which, a masseuse performs a full body wash for you, exfoliating all the dead skin cells, revealing renewed baby soft skin. Once the treatment is over, you can opt for a massage to complete your de-stressing process.
Photo: Mandarin Oriental Hammam
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Eat, eat, eat!
Let me tell you about the gastronomical delights of tagine. The most delicious, soft and succulent chicken I have ever tasted was cooked in one. Basically, a tagine is a traditional Moroccan pot with a conical shape lid. The conical shape of the lid makes the air flow in a circular direction, steaming its contents and slow cooking it at the same time. You can find all sorts of meats cooked with a tagine and they are all amazingly prepared.
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Travel back in time to Ben Youssef Madrasa
Constructed in the 14^th century during the Islamic Golden age, the Ben Youssef Madrasa served as a college for the best and brightest (and wealthiest) in Morocco. The madrasa is the largest in the whole of morocco and may have had 900 students at one time. As you enter, you feel as though you have been transported to the glory days of the yesterdays. The exterior remains intact, with the same doorway arches, the tiny windows for ventilation, even the same busy roads.
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Everything within the madrasa was crafted painstakingly by hand. The carved marble arches and mosaic designs are all uniquely different. Spend some time marvelling at the amazing architecture but remember to go early as it gets crowded in the afternoons!
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Stroll in the famous YSL Majorelle gardens
Synonymous with a hue of bright cobalt blue, Jardin Majorelle is another top destination in Marrakesh. The passion project of the late Yves Saint Laurent, it is chic and photogenic every step of the way. YSL loved the garden so much that his ashes are now scattered here.
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While the garden is a little underwhelming compared to the greenery we have here in Singapore, it is a must-see for any fans of YSL.
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Hike the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains
Only an hour away from Marrakesh, the High Atlas Mountains are easily accessible and stunningly beautiful. While summits are over 4000 metres high, the less adventurous can opt for lower elevation treks to take in all nature can offer in a more relaxed pace.
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Take a day trip to Ourika Valley
Situated at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and 60km away from Marrakesh, it is another perfect day trip from the hustle and bustle of the busy, busy Medina.
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Offering stunning views, Ourika valley is also home to Argan collectives as well as some Berber villages.
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Book an expedition to the Sahara Desert
The first thing you notice about the Sahara is how quiet it is. Silence.
Just complete and utter silence.
Camping in the Sahara desert is certainly an experience that should be in your bucket list. There is simply nothing like it. While not strictly in Marrakesh, most trips to the Sahara start from there. I would recommend spending at least 2 nights in the Sahara as the journey there (about 6-8 hours) can be quite exhausting. Usually, expeditions would take about 4 nights with a overnight in a nearby town to break up the ridiculously long car ride.
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So that’s about it, the top 10 things you can do in Marrakesh! Marrakesh is a vibrant and beautiful city, and I would be back in a heartbeat!

Recently voted as the favourite travel destination in the world, the distinctively ash-pink, clay colour of Marrakesh is now instantly recognisable everywhere. Marrakesh offers a multitude of exciting activities — from exploring the gastronomical delights of Moroccan cuisine to walking in gardens sprinkled with human remains, there is something to do for everyone! Here’s an insider look at the top 10 things to do in Marrakesh.

Photos: Lynn Yeo