This is the most popular destination in Morocco and a must-see. The setting is stunning, with ocher stucco buildings on a dry, rocky plain and the snow-peaked Atlas Mountains as a backdrop (they're not always visible). Much of the medina is surrounded by beautifully restored pinkish-red ramparts, and lovely palm gardens are interspersed among the impressive buildings, including an ever-growing number of nicely renovated courtyard mansions (
riads) that now serve as boutique hotels. The modern town has gracious, wide avenues and large, resort-style hotels.
The vast square called Djemaa el-Fna is the main show in town. It's a market scene straight out of the movies, with snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and storytellers. At night, the plaza is filled with gaslit restaurant stalls and people enjoying the food and spectacle. If you'd rather not be in the thick of things, you can enjoy the atmosphere from one of the rooftop terrace restaurants overlooking the plaza. If you're longing for nightlife of the usual sort, don't despair: Marrakesh has some very trendy clubs, such as Jad Mahal and Pacha.
