Exploring the Enchanting City of Marrakech with Friends

A Day of Discovery

Today in Marrakech was a deep dive into the city's soul, a blend of serene beauty, historical grandeur, and tantalizing tastes. Leaving the familiar comforts of the TUI BLUE Medina Gardens, I felt a surge of anticipation for the day ahead, eager to uncover the hidden gems that Marrakech held. Accompanied by my friends, I knew that this day would be filled with shared laughter, awe-inspiring sights, and culinary delights that would linger in our memories long after we departed.




Experience a luxurious adults-only retreat in Marrakesh with all-inclusive amenities, stunning gardens, and proximity to iconic attractions.

The day began, as it often does, with a hearty breakfast at our hotel, TUI BLUE Medina Gardens. Fuelled up, we set out to find Le Jardin Secret. Navigating the labyrinthine alleyways of the Medina was an adventure in itself, a sensory overload of vibrant colors, exotic scents, and the cacophony of local life. It's easy to get lost, but that's part of the charm. Finally, we stumbled upon the entrance, a discreet doorway that belied the oasis within.




Explore the enchanting beauty of Le Jardin Secret, a tranquil botanical garden in Marrakesh's Medina, perfect for a peaceful escape amidst the city's vibrant culture.

Stepping inside Le Jardin Secret was like entering another world. The air was cooler, the noise of the Medina faded into a distant hum, and a sense of tranquility washed over us. The garden is divided into two parts: an exotic garden and an Islamic garden. The exotic garden was a riot of lush vegetation, with plants from all corners of the globe thriving in the Moroccan sun. The Islamic garden, with its symmetrical layout and tranquil water features, was a testament to traditional Moroccan design. We spent a good hour wandering through the gardens, admiring the intricate details and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. I even braved the climb up the tower, and while I was a bit winded by the time I reached the top, the panoramic views of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains were well worth the effort.

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are the ones hidden just out of sight.

Leaving Le Jardin Secret, we plunged back into the vibrant chaos of the Medina, our next destination was the Madrasa Ben Youssef. This 14th-century theological college is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, and I was eager to see it for myself. The Madrasa is named after the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque. As we approached, the intricate details of the building's facade began to emerge, a testament to the skilled artisans who had crafted it centuries ago.




Discover the rich heritage and stunning architecture of Ben Youssef Madrasa, a historic Islamic school in the heart of Marrakesh's Medina.

Stepping through the imposing doorway, we entered a serene courtyard, a haven of peace and tranquility in the heart of the bustling city. The walls were adorned with intricate tilework, carved stucco, and cedarwood, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. We wandered through the student dormitories, imagining what life must have been like for the hundreds of scholars who once lived and studied here. The prayer hall was particularly breathtaking, with its soaring arches and ornate decorations. It was easy to see why the Madrasa Ben Youssef is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech.



After immersing ourselves in the serene beauty and historical significance of the Madrasa Ben Youssef, our stomachs began to rumble, signaling it was time for lunch. We decided to try Cafe Restaurant Dar L'hssira, a place recommended for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and reasonable prices. Finding it was a bit of a challenge, tucked away in a small alley, but the delicious aromas wafting from its doorway assured us we were in the right place. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with colorful décor and a lively atmosphere. We ordered a selection of traditional dishes, including tagine, couscous, and harira soup. The food was absolutely delicious, bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. It was the perfect place to refuel and recharge before continuing our exploration of Marrakech.




Experience the true taste of Morocco at Cafe Restaurant Dar L'hssira – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

With our appetites sated, we ventured into the souks, eager to experience the vibrant energy of Marrakech's marketplace. We decided to visit 33 RUE MAJORELLE, a concept store near Jardin Majorelle. This shop is known for its curated selection of Moroccan designer goods, from clothing and accessories to homewares and beauty products. It was a treasure trove of unique and stylish finds, and I couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs for myself and Lena. While the prices were definitely higher than in the traditional souks, the quality and design of the products made it worth the splurge. The shop definitely leans towards a French vision of Moroccan goods, but the location is great for a quick visit before or after the museum. It's also located in the Gueliz area, which is close to a lot of restaurants and other shops.




Discover the vibrant artistry of Marrakech at 33 Rue Majorelle, where unique souvenirs and local craftsmanship await every traveler.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city, we made our way to Pointbar Marrakech. This trendy bar is known for its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and delicious tapas. We settled into a comfortable corner, ordered a round of drinks, and toasted to another unforgettable day in Marrakech. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, the music was upbeat, and the tapas were absolutely divine. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.




Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Pointbar Marrakech, where Moroccan flavors meet modern tapas in a lively atmosphere.

Finally, for dinner, we had reservations at Le Foundouk, a restaurant known for its romantic ambiance and exquisite Moroccan cuisine. Finding it was a bit of an adventure, as it's tucked away in a maze of narrow streets, but the effort was well worth it. The restaurant itself was stunning, with a multi-level interior decorated in traditional Moroccan style. We were seated on the rooftop terrace, which offered breathtaking views of the city. The menu was a tempting array of Moroccan and French dishes, and we struggled to choose between them all. In the end, we opted for a selection of Moroccan specialties, including tagine, couscous, and pastilla. The food was exceptional, each dish bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The service was impeccable, and the overall atmosphere was simply magical. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration in Marrakech.




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

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still taste the delicious flavors of the tagine, feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, and hear the echoes of laughter in the Medina. Today was a day of discovery, a day of immersion, and a day of pure joy. Marrakech has a way of capturing your heart and soul, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Tomorrow, we plan to visit El Badi Palace and the Marrakech Museum, continuing our exploration of this enchanting city's rich history and culture. We'll also be trying out La Table Ocre for lunch and La Mamounia for dinner, two restaurants that have been highly recommended to us. And of course, we'll be sure to check out SKY-BAR for a pre-dinner drink and Max & Jan Medina for some more shopping. I'm particularly interested in seeing El Badi Palace, as I've heard it's a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. I'm also looking forward to visiting the Marrakech Museum, as I'm always eager to learn more about the history and culture of the places I visit. It's days like these that make me so grateful for the opportunity to travel and explore the world. And I'm so glad that I can share these experiences with my friends. As Lena always says, Life is meant for good friends and great adventures.