What to see

Jemaa El Fna: the beating heart of the town. All streets seem leading to it. The largest square in African continent can’t be missed especially at sunset (when sun falls on the Koutoubia Minaret) and in the night, when the night market, the people crowding it and the street artists make it a unique place in the world.

Bahia Palace: residence named in honor of the favorite wife ("The Beautiful") of the vizier of the Sultan Mullay Abdelaziz, who resided here at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Perfect example of Moroccan architecture and ornamental art. To visit with the El Badi Palace, just a few minutes walking distance.

El Badi Palace: only the ruins remain of what was once an ancient royal palace. Anyway, after recent restoration it’s now possible to perceive its past greatness. Along the walls, groups of storks make their nest: they are the true masters of this place today.

Majorelle Gardens: the “Blue Majorelle” color is the distinctive feature of this property that was purchased in the 1980s by Yves Saint Laurent, who restored it and opened to the public. The botanical garden is worth a visit for its variety of plants. There is also a small restaurant and a museum. Located in Gueliz, just outside the Medina walls, 15 mins walk from Miostello.

Medersa Ben Youssef: old Koranic school, the biggest Medersa in Morocco. A perfect example of Arab-Andalusan architecture, simple and baroque at the same time. Also visit the Marrakech Museum next to it.

Saadian Tombs: lush mausoleums of the Saadian dynasty, dating back to the 16th century but discovered only in the 20th. Access is via a small entrance to the side of the Kasbah Mosque.

Le Jardin Secret: botanical garden, recently renovated and open to the public in the Mouassine district. Interesting work of recovery of the original irrigation channels. A green oasis in the heart of the Medina.