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16 July 2012 by Luke McCormick
Wexas Channel Editor, Luke McCormick, gets under the skin of Morocco's Red City.
Marrakech is, for many, Morocco's most exciting city. This hectic melting pot of colours, flavours, sights and smells has been a central trading post for centuries. Still today, it's the best place to do some serious shopping, and a choice of luxurious Moroccan riads dotted around the old medina will keep you well rested in between trips to the souk.
Stay
Angsana Riads Collection
This collection of six classy riads offers a touch of Asia just steps from Jemaa el Fna Square and the thick of the Medina. These chic luxury retreats have been architectural beauties that have been lovingly restored and embellished with traditional artwork.
Medina
La Mamounia
The legendary Mamounia is Morocco's most famous heritage hotel, an imposing bastion of luxury located by the city walls that features an on-site casino popular with visitors.
Avenue Bab Jdid
Eat
Le Tanjia
Le Tanjia serves an authentic Moroccan menu of tagines and couscous dishes from a charming terrace and large double story indoor area. Dancers and entertainment enhance the great atmosphere.
14 Derb J'did, Hay Essalam, Mellah, Medina; www.le-tanjia.com
Café Arabe
This café serving the best of Moroccan and Italian gourmet food alongside a selection of prestigious wines has one of the most romantic terraces in the city on one of the medina's main thoroughfares near ‘La Place'.
184, rue Mouassine, Médina; www.cafearabe.com
Drink
Orange juice sellers
Don't miss the numerous orange juice sellers on Jemaa el Fna Square selling the freshest juice you've ever tasted.
Kosybar
Overlooking Place des Ferblantiers, this lounge restaurant is housed inside a riad and is one of the more pleasant places in this part of town, with some of the most reasonably priced cocktails inside the city walls.
Place des Ferblantiers, Medina
Play
Casino de Marrakech
When it opened in 1952, The Casino de Marrakech as Africa's first. Part of the Es Saadi Hotel, it's an intimate affair with tables and roulette wheels dating from its 50s heyday.
Avenue El Quadissia, Hivernage
Explore
Marjorelle Gardens
These gardens dedicated to late owner Yves Saint Laurent are a welcome respite from the heat and hussle of the city. Designed by French artist Jacques Marjorelle in the 1920s the gardens are awash with vibrant colours and foliage and feature a Berber museum.
Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech; www.jardinmajorelle.com
Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens are a refreshing oasis of calm just outside Marrakech, popular with tourists and locals alike. Originally built in the 12th century to irrigate nearby crops, today a large lake and pavilion overlook a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Ave de la Menara, Nouvelle Ville
Katoubia Mosque
Katoubia Mosque's towering minaret dominates the city's skyline. As with all mosques in Morocco, with the exception of Casablanca's Hassan II mosque, non-Muslims are restricted from entering, but anyone can appreciate the fine exterior.
Ave Mohammed V, Marrakech
