Marrakech is somewhere not just to be seen: you need to feel it, smell it, taste it and hear it. It’s a vibrant city that hypnotises anyone who steps into its labyrinth of streets or ventures into its exotic landscapes.
Known as the “Red City” due to the characteristic ochre colour of its buildings, Marrakech is a melting pot of cultures and a feast for the senses, a place where every corner offers an unrivalled sensory experience. Whether in winter, when you can feel the freshness of the Atlas Mountains, or in spring, when the gardens are blossoming in all their splendour, any time is perfect for exploring this fascinating destination.
Sight: a spectacle of colours and contrasts
Marrakech is pure magic to the eyes. From the majestic sight of the Jemaa el-Fna square at dusk, when the food stalls and street artists are bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, to the vibrant colours of the souk, where the carpets, slippers, and spices create a mosaic of dazzling hues.
One of the absolute highlights is the Jardin Majorelle, an oasis of deep blue and lush vegetation, saved from developers by Yves Saint Laurent. Also worth visiting, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, intricately decorated with tiles and stucco, takes you back to another era. And for the most stunning views, you can’t beat going up to a café rooftop in the medina and looking out over the city, with the Atlas Mountains in the background.
Hearing: the pulsing beat of the city
Marrakech is an endless mix of intermingling sounds. In the heart of the medina, the hustle and bustle of the markets combines with the tinkling of the artisans working on copper and the hypnotic and melodious call to prayer from the minarets. In the riads, the babbling of the water in the fountains and the chirping of the birds create a peaceful atmosphere in contrast to the hive of activity outside.
For a true delight to the ears, stroll through the Jemaa el-Fna square at nightfall, when the Gnawa musicians charm you with their ancestral beats and the storytellers narrate tales that could be taken from the Arabian Nights.
Smell: a journey through the aromas
The air in Marrakech is impregnated with fragrances that transport you to other worlds. In the city’s gardens, such as those in the Bahia Palace or the Menara Gardens, the scent of the orange blossom mingles with that of the roses and jasmines. In the souks, spices such cumin, cinnamon and saffron awaken the senses, while the characteristic smell of leather from the tanneries reminds you of the city’s ancient artisan traditions.
For a unique olfactory experience, a stroll through the spice souk in Rahba Kedima is a must. There, the sacks of turmeric, paprika and ras el hanout fill the air with a heady aroma. And if you fancy something a bit more relaxing, you could visit a traditional hammam and enjoy the essence of eucalyptus and argan oil.
Taste: a feast for the palate
Moroccan cuisine is one of the richest and most varied in the world, and in Marrakech, every mouthful is an explosion of flavour. The mint tea, sweet and aromatic, is almost a ritual in itself, and there’s nothing like savouring it in the rooftop café at the Maison de la Photographie with views of the medina.
The tagines, slow-cooked with a perfect blend of spices, are a speciality you can’t afford to miss. You can try delicious versions at restaurants such as Dar Yacout and Nomad. Another classic is the Friday couscous, served in family homes and in small local restaurants.
For those with a sweet tooth, the honey-coated chebakias and the msemen (a crispy pancake) are an irresistible delight. And make sure you refresh your palate with a freshly-squeezed orange juice in Jemaa el-Fna.
Touch: textures that tell a story
Marrakech can also be felt with your hands. At the souks, running your fingers across the Berber fabrics, with their unique durability and patterns, is a sensory experience in itself. The leather artisans work with their ancient skills, and in shops such as Marrakshi Life and Mustapha Blaoui, you’ll find some unique creations.
The coolness of the marble in the riad courtyards, the smoothness of the argan oil in the hammams or the sensation of the baked clay beneath your bare feet in the palaces are tactile pleasures that will enhance your trip. A traditional hammam, such as the Hammam de la Rose, is the perfect place to enjoy exfoliation with a Kessa glove and rhassoul clay body wraps.
Marrakech, a destination to be enjoyed through all the senses
Visiting Marrakech is a multisensory experience that stays with you forever. It’s a city waiting to be tasted, heard, smelled and felt, enveloping you in a whirlwind of unique sensations. To find out more about the magic of this destination and feel the essence of the place, you can read more in our article that gives you 10 good reasons to visit Marrakech.
