Marrakech Tourist Information and Tourism

(Marrakech, Morocco)

Serving as the capital of southern Morocco, the city of Marrakech is one of the country's most visited and this colourful oasis retains a rather exotic flavour, with some 16 km / 10 miles of mid-brick ramparts still standing adding an undeniable feeling of the past. Marrakech is now something of a Moroccan tourism Mecca and is home to the south's premier souq (market).

Founded almost 1,000 years ago, the character of Marrakech remains quite unchanged, being hot, full of energy and somewhat African. However, the city of today has been greatly influenced by arriving Europeans and features outdoor swimming pools, mountain parties, and street cafes, as well as Moroccan palaces, mosques and kasbahs, spread around the Medina and its centre Djemaa El Fna square. For the latest in Marrakech tourist information, head to the New City (Ville Nouvelle) and pay a visit to the Office National Marocain du Tourism (ONMT).

Marrakech Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

The 'Rose City' of Marrakech is filled with sights and sounds well worth experiences, and many tourists are interested to spend time at one of the city's innumerable tanneries, learning more about this historic and highly-skilled craft . Others may enjoy exploring the highly decorated Saadian Tombs, or simply relaxing within the very peaceful Agdal Garden and beautiful Majorelle Garden. More information about Marrakech Tourist Attractions.

The Koutoubia Mosque is without question one of the most eye-catching of all the landmarks within Marrakech and hard to miss, with its beautiful towering minaret playing an integral part of this unique Moroccan skyline. Other important sights include the Bahia Palace, which is known locally in Marrakech as the Palais de la Bahia and is known for its elaborately decorated rooms and splendid architecture. The 16th-century El Badi Palace is equally ostentatious and home to no less than 360 rooms. More information about Marrakech Landmarks and Monuments.

Offering an array of information about the history and life of Marrakech, the city's museum often occupy especially impressive buildings. This is particularly the case with the Marrakech Museum, which is housed within the Dar M'Nebhi Palace, on the Plaza Ben Youssef, and features an impressive central atrium display area. Further artefacts are on display within the Dar Si Said Museum, while art is best appreciated at the Jardin Majorelle and Museum of Islamic Art, at the Fondation Culturelle Dar Bellarj and at the Matisse Art Gallery, where the works of Moroccan artists are in good supply. More information about Marrakech Museums and Marrakech Art Galleries.

The Ourika Valley is just a short drive from the city of Marrakech and has become a much favoured day trip destination for many a tourist. Other possible excursions include the nearby village of Asnia, which lies within the Atlas mountains and near to the Jebel Toubkal, which actually hold the title of North America's tallest mountain. The weekly souq at Amizmiz town, which is within easy reach of Marrakech and near to a number of rustic Berber Villages. If you have the time, do take a drive along either the Tizi n'Test Pass or the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, or check out the mountain resort of Oukaimeden, where surprisingly, skiing is possible each winter, despite this being North Africa! More information about Marrakech Attractions Nearby.

More Marrakech Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Morocco / Kingdom of Morocco (North Africa)
• Location: Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz Region / foothills of Atlas Mountains
• Status: city / regional capital
• Area: approximately 3 square miles / 7 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 1.1 million
• Language: Arabic
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Time zone: UTC + 0 / summer UTC + 1
• Country dialling code: +212
• Telephone area code: 024
• Religion: mainly Islam
• Average daily Marrakech January temperature: 18°C / 64°F
• Average daily Marrakech July temperature: 35°C / 95°F