5 Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

There are so many things to do in Marrakech, it’s hard to narrow it all down especially if you only have 5 days to explore. I definitely felt like I was there much longer than 5 days being that we planned in advance and were very efficient with our time. Here are 5 Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco.

1). Visit the Souks — Definitely visit the Souks (a collection or vendors selling goods in a large winding market). You will find tons and I means tons of artisans selling everything! Each vendor usually sticks to a certain product such as: Rugs & Poofs, Shoes (I bought 5 pairs), Lamps, Throws and Blankets, Straw Bags, Handmade Leather Goods, Spices & Herbs, Traditional garbs & clothing, Bowls & Plates, Custom Art & Paintings and Jewelry. It is a very visually stimulating place and the smells can intoxicate you from donkey urine, to sweet smelling Amber bars to the thick soot from motorbikes zipping through the tiny streets of the Medina. Be ready to haggle too, its part of the sale in the Souks. I rarely paid anything over 200 Moroccan Dirhams for anything (the equivalent of $20).

Zara Dress & Earrings | Matiko Faux Fur Slides | Piñata Tote (on sale) | Fanm Djanm Bangles

2). Ben Youssef Madrasa — Not too far from the Souks is Ben Youssef Madrasa which was an Islamic College aimed after Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf who reigned from 1106-1142. It is a stunning sight to see and is the largest madrasa in all of Morocco. It was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa housing as many as 900 students. For 20 Moroccan Dirhams you can spend a good hour here taking in the beautiful architecture, tile work and door carvings. Open from 9am-6pm go early or right before they close.

Fanm Djanm Headwrap | H&M Linen Top | Emerson Thorpe Culottes | Tibi Fringe Slides

3). Scarabeo Desert Camp — A short 45 minute ride outside of Marrakesh to the Scarabeo Desert Camp is an absolute must do. We opted to stay one night and it was the best thing I did on this entire trip. The landscape is beautiful and desolate. We lodged in a large tent, complete with a large double bed and a single bed for 3 guest. Or room has a lovely work station desk, a sitting area with a couch and a bathroom with toilet and shower. We also had a tented sitting area in front of our tent for sitting outside, drinking mint tea and taking in the scenery. Breakfast, lunch were served in large open tents in the center of camp. Dinner was served in an elaborate tent with silverware and lit with candles. Before dinner fires are lit throughout the camp where you can sit with friends around the fire and enjoy a glass Moroccan Rose while the sunsets. Of course there are numerous actives such as camel riding, star gazing, four wheeling and morning yoga. For a few hundred dollars (no more than about $200) you get round trip transportation to and from the camp from your hotel, lunch when you arrive, a 1 hour camel ride, dinner, breakfast for the next morning and unlimited mint tea whenever your heart desires it. See my day in the desert here on Insta-Recap. Get more information HERE.

Photography by Rose Lazard; Edited by Monroe Steele

Stella Jean Dress | Cult Gaia Bag | Matiko Faux Fur Sandals | The Salt Empire Earrings

4). Visit the Jardin Marjorelle (YSL Gardens) and the newly opened YSL Museum (next door to the Gardens). TIP ALERT: We got there after 10am and the line was down the block to the gardens, so we went over to the YSL Museum next door instead and found that you can buy tickets for both the gardens and the museum there. So we got a ticket for both (about $16 or 160 Moroccan Dirhams) and went back over to the gardens where we skipped the line, showed our receipt and got in right away. It took French painter Jacques Marjorelle 40 years to create this whimsical garden. In 1980 the garden was bought by Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Bergé to keep it from being turned into a hotel. The gardens are colorful and tranquil and best seen in the early morning when it’s still quiet. The YSL Museum next door is also a sight to see especially for a fashion lover like myself. Don’t miss the YSL Haute Couture clothing exhibit (sidenote— no photography allowed in the museum, so just go and save the memories). Find out more about the YSL Gardens here and the YSL Museum here.

5). Visit a Hammam — Although I didn’t have time to visit a hammam during this trip I’ve heard so many great things about them. A hammam is a public bathhouse or spa where you get a body scrub with black soap and kessa glove to remove dead skin. This is usually followed with a cold water bath. Supposedly it leaves your skin baby smooth for weeks.

In case you missed my Insastories from Marrakech, head on over to Insta-Recap under the Categories Menu. From now on I’ll be re-posting insastories from travels, instagram takeovers, beauty & hair tutorials and events. Check out my Monroe In Morocco Day 1 VLOG and the #MonroeInMorocco hashtag for more Morocco Tips and inspiration on Instagram.

xx

Monroe

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