Wandering through the bustling streets of this Moroccan city, I was pleasantly surprised by how much this “best budget-friendly autumn getaway” (deemed by Time Out), had to offer.
Marrakech‘s wealth of art galleries, museums, and cultural landmarks, along with a steady, sunny 25C weather, make the North African city an excellent escape for when the end of summer finally sets in Europe.
I would be lying, however, if I said it wasn’t the ‘cost-effective’ appeal of the holiday that nudged me towards Marrakech in the first place.
My direct flights to and from London came out to an even £70 despite it being considered ‘peak season’, with round trips as low as £40 available on budget airlines for the next few months.
Accommodations in the city include traditional Moroccan riads with sprawling courtyards and stunning interiors, apart from the typical swarm of hostels and hotels – all ridiculously affordable – and the hosts, even more so warm and hospitable.
It is at Jemaa el-Fnaa that I spent my first evening in the city. In the main square, with just as many tourists as there were locals, converge the many sounds of Marrakech.
The incredible area sees vendors selling fruit juices, kebabs, and hand-painted crockery and is filled with the sound of street performers, dancers, and mini congregations of traditional ‘Gnawa’ musicians. At the very end of the square, you can find a more quiet corner under the moon and the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Come morning, it becomes increasingly evident why Marrakech is known as the ‘red city.’ The deep pinks and oranges of beaten clay that make up the walls and buildings of the Medina – the old town – glow against the sun, painting the city in red.
For revellers of art, an endless bucket list awaits. My personal favourite was the House of Photography, a photography museum that traces the history of Morocco through an exceptionally curated visual archive. With a cosy rooftop cafe tucked away on the terrace that offers panoramic views of the red city, this little gem shouldn’t be missed.
Another essential activity in Morocco, and more so in Marrakech, would be to lose yourself in the intricate geometric patterns distinct to the architecture in the region. Called ‘zellige’, one can spot panels, walls and entire rooms of this tilework in Medresa Ben Youssef.
Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle is popular among tourists for its striking blue walls, selection of cacti and other flowering plants, and typically for its ‘social media appeal’. I found that the intimate Le Jardin Secret had more value for money, or the expansive Menara Gardens which was free of charge and crowds.
There is much to do in Marrakech, and seemingly very little time if you’re only here for two days. I’d recommend a whole evening just to get lost in the ‘souks’ or markets. Aimlessly roam the alleyways, yearn for the handcrafted jewellery, handwoven textiles, and eye-watering spices, before finally giving in, haggling – an important step – and picking up a few many keepsakes for friends and family.
