Every article you read describes Marrakech the same way. Busy. Crowded. Bustling. Winding medinas. When I started to write this post I wanted to find unique ways to describe one of my new favorite cities. But these words are (over)used for a reason. Because Marrakech is busy, crowded, and bustling. And the medinas are winding. But it’s also more than that. A lot more, it turns out.
Marrakech can be a bit overwhelming, in the best possible way. The heat, the crowds, sensory overload with all of the new sights and exotic smells. It call all be a bit much at first. It’s also mysterious and exciting, but at the same time frustrating. I would say that Marrakech is also one of the most photogenic cities I’ve ever visited. Around every corner was a new shot worth framing. I initially thought maybe my photo skills were improving. I quickly realized that it’s the city, it’s just that gorgeous.
And of course there’s the food. I didn’t know much about Moroccan food before I went other than a few tagine dishes I’d had at home. Fortunately one of the first things I did when I arrived was to take a walking food tour of the city. The tour was truly amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Marakech.
As much as I wanted to put together a comprehensive guide to the city, it’s just not how I spent my time there. Instead I spent most of my visit wandering the city on foot, haggling over prices, drinking mint tea, and chatting with locals. So instead I present some of my favorite photos from my tour of the city.
A clever use of space in the medina:
Marrakech has some of the most interesting doors I’ve ever seen. In fact, I had to label these photos as #doorporn on my Instagram.
One of the smallest bookstores I’ve ever seen. This shop was in a small nook I found while wandering the medina near my riad.
Butchers preparing fresh meat for sale outside a shop located off the main square:
The medina was full of these colorful shops selling handmade goods.
Every corner you turned was some gorgeous new postcard worthy scene.
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It looks so charming, I want to go to Marrakech so much! I would definitely take the food tour, best food there!
I love those doors! Such character. A Photo Show I entered last March had a category for doors. My photo from Tunisia won but any of these could have beat it!.
What a fascinating place. Your pictures are fabulous!
That bookstore looks amazing and I’m sure I could spend hours in it
What gorgeous pictures!
Your photos are A-MA-ZING!
Your photos are amazing and tell a tale without the necessity of a lengthy write up. Marrakech is a place that just seems overwhelming, yet still beckons room be experienced. #Doorporn…..love it…so nail on the head perfect.
WOW !!! Those doors and photos are stunning..!
Ahhhh the memories that your photos trigger. I went with my mom who is now suffering with dementia. I am going to show her this article.
Marrakech is definitely a top travel bucket list destination for me. Your pictures definitely stirred a hidden desire i had tucked away. The little bookstore was the cutest! Thanks for sharing your trip and even though it is always described the same way, it still sounds ultra exotic to me.
Fantastic pictures, I especially like the one taken at the bookstore!
Such a colorful and energetic city I see from your photos! Thanks for sharing your experience, I am even more excited to visit one day!
Your photos are beautiful – the colours pop and brings the experience to life!
Your photos are fabulous! I went to Marrakech in 2012 (seems so long ago now) and what stood out to me were all the smells! Those butcher pictures represent part of that well 🙂
I love the pictures of the different doors!
Great pictures. Marrakech is truly beautiful. The smallest bookstore and narrow street scenes are my favorite shots. I cannot wait to visit the region. This is coming up soon on our quest, but after looking at your pictures, I wish it was sooner 🙂
It really is a place right out of a fairy tale. I think that the city will be incredible when we visit and cannot wait.
I love all the colors in Marrakech! Its such a magical place!
Great job with the article! Really love how it turned out and it makes me miss Morocco 🙂
Thank you! I want to go back at some point and do a desert tour. That’s the biggest thing that I missed that I wanted to see.
You have an eye for photography. Beautiful photos. My favorite is the bookstore. It reminds me of visiting City Lights bookstore in San Francisco with our friend Mark.
Thank you! There’s a story there behind that pic, don’t let me forget to tell you. It’s not bad but not one I should probably put here!