Exploring the Vibrant Heart of Marrakech with Friends

A Day of Royal Grandeur and Market Buzz

Today in Marrakech was a deep dive into the city's rich past and vibrant present. From exploring opulent palaces to wandering through ancient tombs and bustling souks, every moment was a sensory feast. The weather was perfect, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 77°F, making it ideal for exploring. I couldn't wait to share these experiences with you.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at La table du riad. The traditional Moroccan pastries and mint tea were the perfect start to fuel our explorations. The restaurant's charming ambiance set the tone for the day ahead.

Bahia Palace: A Glimpse into Moroccan Royalty

Our first stop was the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. Built in the late 19th century, the palace is a sprawling complex of riads, courtyards, and gardens. As a historical building restoration consultant, I was particularly impressed by the intricate details of the zellij tilework, the ornate ceilings, and the carved stucco. The palace was originally built for Si Moussa, the grand vizier of the Sultan, and later expanded by his son, Ba Ahmed. The name Bahia, meaning brilliance, truly reflects the palace's beauty.


Discover the beauty of Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, an exquisite historical landmark showcasing Moroccan architecture and lush gardens.

Wandering through the many rooms, I imagined the lives of the people who once lived here. The palace housed council rooms with impressive zellig fireplaces, flooring, and painted cedarwood. Although the harem is off-limits to visitors, the traditional gardens filled with orange trees and splashing fountains provided a tranquil escape.

The Bahia Palace is not just a historic site but also a cultural symbol, representing the artistic and architectural prowess of Morocco.

The palace's construction, which began in the 1860s and continued through the 1890s, showcases a blend of Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles. The design includes several riads, a harem section, and a grand courtyard used for entertaining guests. I was fascinated to learn that the palace was designed without stairs, possibly to accommodate Ba Ahmed's mobility.

Saadian Tombs: A Hidden Necropolis

Next, we visited the Saadian Tombs, a historic royal necropolis dating back to the Saadian dynasty. These tombs were hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917. The intricate designs and luxurious decorations make it clear why art historians consider the complex a high point of Moroccan architecture.


Discover the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh, an exquisite historical landmark revealing the grandeur of Morocco's royal past through stunning architecture and rich history.

The tombs are the final resting place of 66 princes and over 100 chancellors and wives from the Saadian dynasty. Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur, who ruled Morocco from 1578 to 1603, commissioned the most elaborate parts of the tombs, including the Chamber of Twelve Columns. The craftsmanship is exceptional, with Italian Carrara marble and gilded decorations reflecting the dynasty's wealth and refined taste.

The central chamber, also known as the Chamber of Lalla Mas'uda, is believed to be the oldest structure in the necropolis. It was erected by Moulay Abdallah al-Ghalib between 1557 and 1574 over the tomb of his father, Muhammad al-Shaykh, the founder of the dynasty. The chamber is square, measuring 4 meters per side, and contains the tombs of Muhammad al-Shaykh, Lalla Mas'uda, al-Ghalib himself, and possibly Sultan Abd al-Malik.

The Chamber of the Twelve Columns, the grand mausoleum chamber of Ahmad al-Mansur, is the most richly decorated chamber in the entire necropolis. Its layout follows a previously established plan seen at the Mausoleum of Sidi Yusuf ibn Ali in Marrakech and in the remains of the rawda cemetery at the Alhambra of Granada. The chamber is square, measuring 10 meters per side and rising 12 meters high.

Marrakech Museum: A Cultural Treasure Trove

Our afternoon led us to the Marrakech Museum, housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace. This museum is a treasure trove of Moroccan art and history. The palace itself, built in the late 19th century, is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture with Andalusian influences. The central courtyard, intricate zellij tile work, and expansive arches are truly captivating.


Immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of the Marrakech Museum, where Moroccan culture and creativity come to life.

The museum's collections encompass a wide range of artifacts, including ceramics, jewelry, costumes, and arms from various periods of Moroccan history. I was particularly drawn to the collection of Islamic calligraphy, an art form that holds significant cultural and religious importance in Morocco. The museum also houses contemporary art exhibitions, providing a platform for modern Moroccan artists.

One of the highlights of the museum is its array of traditional Moroccan carpets. These carpets are renowned worldwide for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, each region of Morocco offering a distinct style and weaving technique. The museum's collection provides insights into the social and economic contexts in which these carpets were made, as well as the personal stories of the weavers themselves.

Souk Semmarine: A Shopper's Paradise

No trip to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the souks, and today we explored Souk Semmarine. This bustling marketplace is a sensory overload, with its narrow alleys filled with colorful stalls, exotic spices, and traditional handicrafts. As Isabela always says, Shopping in the souks is not just about buying; it's about experiencing the culture.


Explore the enchanting Souk Semmarine in Marrakesh, a vibrant market filled with Moroccan treasures, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Souk Semmarine is the Bond Street of Marrakech, running north from the Djemaa el-Fna to the Ben Youssef Medersa. The souk is a labyrinth of vendors and stalls, stretching from the central Jemaa el-Fna square to the Musée de Marrakech. Here, you can find everything from pastries to pottery, and a range of textiles. I was particularly interested in the leather slippers, hand-turned ceramics, and hand-woven bed throws.

Haggling is an integral part of the souk experience. Prices are rarely fixed, and bargaining is part of the fun. We managed to find some unique souvenirs, including a beautiful cut-brass lantern and a set of hand-painted bowls for Isabela. The key is to be patient and have a good sense of humor.

Dining in Style: Le Jardin and Le Foundouk

For lunch, we enjoyed a quiet meal at Le Jardin Restaurant Marrakech Medina. This restaurant is a magical oasis of freshness in the heart of the Medina. The setting is beautiful, with green Zellige and endless greenery that transports you from the hectic souks to the calm and freshness of an Oasis with birds chirping all around. The Moroccan and European cuisine was delicious, and the atmosphere was incredibly relaxing.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors in a serene garden setting at Le Jardin Restaurant in Marrakech's enchanting Medina.

In the evening, we dined at Le Foundouk, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of Marrakech. The restaurant offers both Moroccan and international cuisine, and the ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner. The terrace is softly lit by candles, creating an atmosphere worthy of the Arabian Nights. The panoramic views of Marrakech, with its many markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques, were breathtaking.


Experience exquisite Moroccan-French cuisine at Le Foundouk in Marrakesh's Medina, where vibrant flavors meet elegant ambiance.

Le Foundouk was previously a caravanserai where traders and travelers passing through Marrakech would stop with their mounts. Restored in 2002, it now offers an elegant bar on the ground floor and a restaurant room with small private lounges on the first floor. The rooftop terrace is part of the international selection of the best Rooftop Restaurants according to CNN in 2016.

Tomorrow's Adventures

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the House of Photography in Marrakech. We'll also be trying out some new restaurants and bars, including L'mida Marrakech for breakfast, Bazaar Cafe for lunch, and Pepe Nero for dinner. I'm particularly excited to visit the Churchill Bar for a nightcap.

As I reflect on today's experiences, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this vibrant city with my friends. Marrakech is a city that truly captivates the senses and nourishes the soul. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

There were no local events taking place today, but there were many other attractions that captured our attention. From the vibrant colors of the souks to the intricate details of the palaces and tombs, Marrakech is a city that truly captivates the senses and nourishes the soul. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

The weather forecast for tomorrow is also promising, with temperatures expected to be in the same comfortable range as today. This will allow us to explore the gardens and museums without any discomfort.

Until tomorrow, dear readers! May your travels be filled with wonder and discovery.