Marrakesh

Djemaa el Fna

Djemaa el Fna is the name of the central square in Marrakesh that features on most pictures and postcards of this magical city. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. By day it is characterised by orange juice stalls and a few solitary snake charmers but at night it comes alive with musicians, performers, story tellers, tattooists, acrobats, fire eaters and an enormous open-air food market.

Medina

Take any of the narrow alleyways north or south from the main square and get lost in the medina, or old Arab quarter, that surrounds the main square, Djemaa el-Fna. Follow the cobbled paths into the never ending web of souks (traditional North African markets) where you will find anything from spices to shoes right next to one another. The smells within the old medina can be quite overwhelming. At one instance it might be the delicious aroma of baked bread and the next the more sour odour from a tannery. Be ready to barter with the stall holders who love to give you a run for your money!

Gueliz

As is typical for most North African cities, Marrakesh is made up of an old medina and a modern city. The ville nouvelle, or Gueliz, is located to the west of the old medina, and houses a wide range of upmarket hotels, boutique shops and modern restaurants. Gueliz is where the affluent Moroccans come to live and play. Whilst you will find accommodation and restaurants to suit all budgets throughout Marrakesh, expect to pay slightly more in Gueliz.

Atlas Mountains

The snow capped Atlas mountain range extends about 2,400 kilometres through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The mountains are less than an hour's drive from Marrakesh, making them a popular adjunct to a trip to the city, even if only for a day. There are plenty of organised tours available that include exploring caves, climbing, hiking trails and provide the opportunity to witness the extraordinary hillside Berber communities who remain self sufficient and primarily untouched. If you want to stay longer there are plenty of unique retreats dotted throughout the mountains promising a relaxing getaway from the bustle of Marrakesh.