52. Mystical Marrakech: A Journey Through the Red City
Exploring Morocco's Cultural Heartbeat!
My trip to Marrakech was just over five years ago, but I still remember it so vividly. If you haven't already, I invite you to subscribe to our weekly newsletter about health and travels — I’d love for you to be part of our growing community!
Marrakech, Morocco…
When we booked our flight to Marrakech, we were excited but also a little unsure about what to expect, as it was our first visit to Africa. I recall my physician friend discussing Marrakech and how stunning and timeless the city is, which made me eager to see it myself. I just had to experience it firsthand, especially since I remember my first flight with Moroccan Airlines. We had plans to fly to Italy, but on our way back, we had a stopover in Casablanca and decided to take a little detour to Marrakech to explore this captivating city.
After a quick immigration process, we were warmly welcomed by a French-speaking taxi driver. Though we didn't catch everything he was saying, his friendly hand gestures and broken English made sure we understood each other. The journey from Casablanca, which took about 2 1/2 hours, was comfortable and stress-free.
As we journeyed along the highway from Casablanca to Marrakech, we passed through stretches of desert-like terrain that were both rocky and rugged. When we reached the mountains near Marrakech, it felt like something straight out of the movie "Lions of the Arabia," with towering sand mountains on either side and us driving right through the middle. According to our driver, many of the homes we saw are built from sand—these are the homes of the Berbers, who have called this land home for nearly a thousand years or even more. It's a bit tricky to get exact dates because these are nomadic tribes that are constantly on the move. Finally, after leaving the mountain of sand behind, we reached some signs of civilization. The roads were surprisingly well-maintained, especially considering Morocco is still a developing nation.
Morocco has a travel-friendly approach to foreigners, showing a surprisingly liberal attitude towards the outside world. Among the Muslim countries I have visited, it stands out as one of the most open and welcoming, with Jordan possibly next. Like many large cities, it spreads out quite extensively. Marrakech, in particular, is renowned for its historic inner city, which is surrounded by protective walls constructed to defend against external threats. Thankfully, once peace was restored and the kingdom was established, UNESCO recognized Marrakech as a World Heritage site, celebrating its rich history and cultural significance.
When you step into these walls, the city instantly takes you back to its former glory. Everywhere, souks and shops bustle with life, and the stunning architecture of each building catches your eye. The alleyways are cozy and narrow, just as they were in the past, with charming mud walls. While the houses look similar from the outside, once you step inside, you'll find a modern, beautifully designed, and inviting space that surprises you.
The Marakkech is beautiful inside and out.
We booked an Airbnb house that featured a cozy little plunge pool. We weren't quite sure what to expect, but the owner really went out of their way to make us feel welcome by assigning a caring family of caretakers to help us settle in. Since the car couldn't drive all the way to the house, they kindly dropped us off at a nearby lane. With the help of a handy cart, the manager assisted us in hauling our luggage through the charming alleyways until we finally arrived at the house, feeling eager to start our stay.
Outside the charming mud-built house, which showed some signs of age with its uneven parts, the impressive large wooden door greeted us warmly. As we stepped inside, the manager's wife and children greeted us kindly and helped us feel at home in the House. It was a stunningly decorated house with an open courtyard, reminding me of the homes I grew up in India, where open courtyards are so common. Seeing trees inside a home is such a lovely touch, especially for those of us from a Western background. Every room was beautifully decorated with Moroccan styles and patterns, showcasing impressive craftsmanship. I used to underestimate what art could do as a child, but now I find myself marveling at the exquisite designs they used. In the center of the courtyard, there was a plunge pool, perfect for cooling off during hot days, although the nights could turn chilly in this desert climate. The house had multiple floors and levels that overlooked the central courtyard, adding to its charm. Truly, the beauty extends to the terraces as well. Growing up in India, I experienced this firsthand, where, due to the hot weather, families often slept on the terraces at night to stay cool and enjoy the breeze.
The next day, we joyfully headed to the city center to explore the vibrant shops and bustling souks. We had arranged for a friendly guide, a young student trying his luck with studies in the UK or France, who kindly showed us around the central square. That evening, many makeshift camps sprang up, creating a lively atmosphere. After a leisurely walk through the city, we celebrated with a delicious lunch at a well-known restaurant in the old town, savoring the flavorful Tajine of Marrakech. Later, we wandered at our own pace around the square, browsing shops filled with famous spices, as well as soothing massage and medicinal oils, some of which we couldn’t resist buying for their wonderful benefits. As the sun blazed overhead, we decided it was time to head back. Once home, we eagerly jumped into the plunge pool—the feeling was refreshing and impossible to describe!
Moroccan architecture is famous for its detailed geometric patterns and bold colors. Zellige tile mosaics, horseshoe arches, and elaborate wood carvings are common decorative features. Courtyards, water features, and lush gardens are essential parts of traditional Moroccan design.
In the evening, the manager kindly asked us to check out the market. Since it was Sunday night, we headed over. On our way, I came across a stunning piece of art in one of the shops; I couldn't take my eyes off it. It was truly beautiful. The painting of an African man beside an African bull with long horns really caught my attention. I took note of the details about the artwork—it's indeed gorgeous, but also quite pricey.
The square really comes alive at night, transforming into a lively hub filled with performers and shops selling all sorts of goods. Thousands of visitors gather here, drawn by this timeless meeting place that has been vibrant for centuries. It’s as if time slows down, blending the past with the present, making Marrakech truly come alive during this special time. We had a wonderful experience watching some incredible street art—absolutely breathtaking. The performances included dramas and even snake art, where artists would create circles and collect tips afterwards. It was such a joy to witness this lively part of the city. We also enjoyed a charming horse-drawn buggy ride around the city, soaking in its beauty and age-old traditions. Many Berbers travel from nearby areas to be part of this vibrant scene.
The next day, we had the chance to explore some beautiful places outside the city. We wandered through a charming local flower garden, where vibrant blooms in a myriad of colors greeted us. After capturing some quick photos, we returned to the house for a refreshing dip in the pool — it’s such a treat to enjoy that luxury again. Later that afternoon, we visited the tombs of some of Morocco's most renowned figures. While there was history to explore, the architecture was stunning. We also explored a gorgeous palace, marveling at the exquisite tiles and perfectly maintained buildings. Moroccan architecture and tiles truly mesmerize, offering breathtaking views that make you want to see more and more. We concluded the day with a delightful dinner prepared by the manager's wife, who served incredible dishes. We couldn’t get enough of her fantastic food!
The next evening, when it was time to pack up, I enjoyed an incredible hamam massage that genuinely helped me unwind. The manager was fantastic in helping us plan the itinerary. I missed out on the desert safari, but we managed to do most of the wonderful things in Marrakech. The people are some of the nicest you’ll ever meet. Like many other cultures and countries, the indigenous Berbers still face poverty, living below the poverty line. It’s encouraging to see the government trying to help, although resources still don't meet the needs.
Marrakech, much like a scene from a Bond film, features terraces that seem to leap from one building to another—an experience you won’t forget. Morocco is a wonderfully open and welcoming country for travelers. Some of its best-kept secrets are right there, waiting to be discovered. I promise, Morocco won’t let you down. Be sure to add it to your bucket list! Until next time, Ciao!
Suman Manchireddy MD
Just put it on my list. Thank you.