Que Sera Sera
Marrakech comprises of the old city, Medina, and the modern city which surrounds it. To properly experience Marrakech, it is strongly recommended that one stays in a Riyadh in the Medina. In 2015, we sampled two, both excellent. Do not be put off by the mud-brick lined alleyways, Maroc is one of the safest countries in the World to visit.
The Old City in Jerusalem has long been my reference point for the quality of a Medina, I know it well. The Kasbah in Tangier (1995) was pathetic in comparison. Sousse and Monastir in Tunisia (2013) certainly impressed. For the record, we have arrived in Marrakech days after the slaughter of tourists in Sousse / Port El Kantaoui.
Le Grand Place impressed instantly. Having walked though some of the narow streets from our accommodation, there was some appreciation of how big this Medina is. The Big Square is – Big – I recognised it immediately but had to wait for the Wi-fi to verify. This is where James Stewart and Doris Day filmed – The Man who knew too much, a lesser Hitchcock Classic.After sunset, the bustling square becomes even busier, families flock here in their hundreds to take in the evening atmosphere and watch the street entertainers.
The Souk to the north of the Medina is one of the largest ever encountered, on a scale matching Istanbul.
One can choose to dine in the rooftop restaurants overlooking Le Grand Place.
Else, one can dine, in the thick of it, for a modest price in the middle of the square.
Here is the opperchancity to sample everything.
Our final night in Marrakech was in a pukka upstairs restaurant, the works.
Museum visited:
Tombeux de Saadiens – Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakech 40000
Day trips from Marrakech:
Ourika ValleyMarrakech Restaurants visited:
Le Marrakchi – Place jeema el-fna, 52 Rue des Banques, Marrakech 40000
Chez Aïcha – Le Grand Place, Marrakech – Jardins De La Koutoubia, 26 Rue De La Koutoubia, Medina, Marrakech 40000
Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier – Place Jamaa el Fana, Marrakech 40000
La Perle du Sud – J2F6+G8P, Pass. Prince Moulay Rachid, Marrakech 40000 (closed)