Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco's 'pink city' is packed with attractions and activities and some of the best are those that won't cost you anything!

Here we round up nine of the best free things to do in Marrakech:

1. Haggle for a bargain in the Marrakech souks

Ornate moroccan lamps in the souks

Vibrant, loud and carrying the spirit of a traditional Arabic bazaar, the souks in Marrakech are an explosion of colour, smell, sounds and tastes. Walk the narrow streets where you can expect to find ornate Moroccan-style lamps, cushions and rugs, or pick up a real-leather bag, a pair of baboushes (Moroccan slippers) or a djellaba (traditional dress), alongside many other souvenir ideas.

2. Visit Koutobia Mosque and Minaret

Koutobia Mosque

The stunning Koutobia Mosque is located in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakech and its 77-metre-high minaret with an intricate spire and orbs can be seen from miles around. The mosque is ornamented with curved windows, a band of ceramic inlay, pointed merlons, and decorative arches. Though non-Muslims are not allowed to visit inside the Mosque, it is worth strolling the large plaza and gardens around the building.

3. Marvel entertainers in Jemaa el Fna

Jemaa el Fna Square

The heart and soul of Marrakech, Jemaa el Fna square is the place to go if you want to see what the locals get up to. Packed with food and drink stalls, serving delicious Moroccan dishes and fresh orange juice, as well as a host of entertainment including snake charmers, storytellers and belly dancers, this is the place to head for a cheap and cheerful cultural experience.

4. Relax in Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park

Cyber Park, image: antoine.bertier, Flickr

If you feel like you've had a sensory overload and need a respite from the city bustle, then step into the Cyber Park and enjoy a bit of peace, queit and urban greenery. It's very conveniently located, beautifully maintained and the parks lovely trees give the much needed shade from the hot Moroccan sun. You can also use free wifi here.

5. Take in the views at Tin Mal Mosque

Tin Mal Mosque, image: ashley CHILE baz Flickr

Renovated by a French team, the breathtaking Tin Mal Mosque is a must-visit attraction when you're visiting Marrakech. Quite apart from its historic and architectural importance, the Tin Mal Mosque is a beautiful monument - isolated above a lush reach of river valley. Enjoy stunning views with friendly and helpful local people on-hand to share information. It becomes a "working" mosque on Fridays but is otherwise open to tourists.

6. Explore the Marrakech Ramparts

Walls of the Old Medina

It is the wall that surrounds the Medina in the old city, with beautiful gates and wonderful architecture scattered along the wall. Not all the walls look the same; different locations have different designs at the top and the best way to take in the marvellous designs and surroundings is to cicle the walls on foot or on a rented bike.

7. Discover the hidden Rahba Kedima Square

Great for spices, hats, baskets and other little treasures

A gem for shoppers looking to buy spices or other speciality goods like hats and baskets, this bazaar is much quieter and less crowded than Marrakech's main souks and even if you're not looking to buy it's a great place to escape to for a few hours. Here you'll find pleasant cafes serving reasonably priced and good food with delicious mint tea. It's a good place to people watch and admie local life.

8. Take a pit stop at Station Marrakech 

Architecture enthusiasts will love the station frontage

This is a very cool station with an amazing frontage - if you love architecture then this is the place you want to see. It is worth taking a walk through it or maybe even stopping here for a refreshment from the juice bar or a main meal at one of the fast food restaurants. Close by you will find the opera house, theatre and a lovely park as a road divider.

9. Picnic in Jardin el Harti

If you thought the Cyber Park was relaxing, wait until you get here. Jardin el Harti is a beautiful, small and pleasant park with a scenic setting of lush greenery, blissful fountains, and two rather attractive dinosaurs in the play area by the entrance. When you're done with the picnic, take a walk through the mesmerising cacti garden which has a nice tropical feel. 

For special offers and great deals to Marrakech, click here. 

Have you been to Marrakech? Tell us some of the things you enjoyed doing there! Comment below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK

FemaleFirst

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
find me on and follow me on

Tagged in