My very first time in Marrakech was back in 2009, it was a mid-point stop during a carefree summer road trip with my French-Moroccan friends. The Red City wow-ed me from the start, from eating kebabs late into the night at Jamaa el Fna Square to posing in front lotus ponds at Jardin Majorelle. Marrakech and spirited snake charmers left a deep imprint in my mind as a vibrant city fuming mystical air of hospitable ease.

Since then, the more I’ve found myself plunging further into Parisian culture, I’ve also returned to Marrakech several times as most Parisians do. The colorful escape has now expanded into tranquil stays at riads, snuggling upon Moroccan tribal textiles while beleaguered by antidotal handmade Zellige tiles. Like good skincare, I’ve compiled a Marrakech routine and it’s a simple one: buy a few kaftans, henna inked on my tanned skin from the brazen North African sun, consume tagine in all its salivating variations paired with golden coucous, followed by soothing glasses of sweet mint tea.

Morocco will always remain in a special place in my heart, but Marrakech glimmers right on top. Arabic glamor, rooftop fun until dawn. If you do it right, the city is a shiny reminder that living is one thing. To live well, though, is to have indulged in the middle of medina, with both friends and strangers alike.

One of the most photographed places in Marrakech is the stunning Jardin Majorelle. Gifted to the city by French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, the piercing blue art deco building contrasts against the green cactus garden which has been cultivated since 1924. The botanical garden was originally created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and features plants and flowers from different countries around the world.

In the 1950s, due to Majorelle’s ugly divorce, he was forced to sell the land which led to the garden in neglect until the 1980s, when Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé rediscovered the estate and decided to renovate and save it. In 2008, when Saint Laurent died, his ashes were scattered throughout the garden.

Popular among tourists and locals, the Jamaa El-Fna market in the Medina quarter of Marrakech is a shopper’s paradise. With gorgeous glowing Moroccan lamps, beautiful traditional dresses, silver bohemian jewelry, incredible pieces of art, great leather goods, and a plethora of food options, you can easily fill up an entire suitcase with fantastic local products. But such a labyrinthine market can be overwhelming if you are not well-prepared for both the chaos and the customs of Jamaa El-Fna. Click hear to read more about “5 Things To Watch Out For When Walking Through Jamaa El-Fna.“

Built in the 19th century by Sultan Si Moussa, Palais Bahia was meant to be the greatest palace of its time. The name itself signifies “brilliance” and is also the name of one of his wives while there are several rooms for concubines. The beautiful palace showcases the best of Islamic and Moroccan designs.

There are plenty of palaces in Marrakech, another renowned one is El Badi Palace, which was funded by a ransom paid by the Portuguese after Battle of the Three Kings. Today, this is home to many festivals, travelers can also visit a museum as well as various exhibitions. 

The House of Photography of Marrakesh or Maison de la Photographie is conveniently situated in the middle of Marrakech’s busy medina. Opened in April 2009, the museum takes place in a modernized funduq – a former inn. Founded by Patrick Manac’h and Hamid Mergani, the establishment was meant to share vintage photographs of Marrakech with the world, hence its collections span from 1870 to the 1950s. 10,000 photographs depict unique perspectives of Morocco, including the Berber culture, archeological destination Volubilis and beautiful casbahs, or North African citadels.

The symbol of Marrakech is the Koutoubia Mosque, it’s also the largest one in the city. You can snap the perfect photo from its gardens.

Henna tattoos are traditional designs that Moroccan women receive on their hands and feet to beautify themselves for special occasions, including: weddings and anniversaries. Every part of the country may vary in style, but they’re mostly red or brown dye derived from henna shrub’s dried leaves.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a cabaret theatrical performance by Kabaret Cheikhats, then you’re in for a treat! The troupe based in Casablanca is a group of male actors playing the roles of famous women in folk music, as a tribute to popular female entertainers. It started out as a small workshop in Casablanca, now the performance has garnered international attention in France, Belgium and the UK. It makes an incredibly fun night in Marrakech, unlike any other!

Moroccan mint tea is aromatic, sweet and completely addictive. Usually served by a male in the family, the tea is also the center of a social gathering with a ceremony to pouring the tea which is made from strong green tea, lots of mint leaves and sugar. Poured by holding the pot high above the glass.

For as many times as I’ve been to Morocco, I’ve loved every indulgence of its charred, smokey and savory street foods. From kebabs, sausages to sandwiches; you’re in for a mouthwatering treat. The best way to find a good street vendor is to ask a taxi driver or a hotel concierge, they’ll provide their personal favorites.