marrakesh - highlights

Marrakesh has a lot more to offer than its world-famous souqs and Djemma el-Fna. It's an impressive imperial city that has a well developed tourism industry while holding onto traditional culture.  Here are my top 6 must-see tourists spots.

• Medersa Ben Youssef- medieval theological school with stunning stucco and woodwork. Famous for its courtyard with a reflecting pool and 2nd floor rooms overlooking it. The finely detailed craftsmanship on display is truly remarkable.
  
  
• Palais Bahia - 19th century palace. Distinct for  its elaborately carved then colorfully painted cedar ceilings and colorful stucco carvings. Also displays excellent Zellij tilework in intricate patterns and stucco carving in lace-like fine detailed designs. The magnificent artistry exhibited in every surface is a wonder to witness in person.
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• Palais Badii- current art exhibit space and open air ruin, that in its prime was considered without comparable. Interesting to explore all the nooks and crannies and be sure to notice the birds perched on top of the pillars.
  
  
  
• Jardins Majorelle- former residence of designer Yves Saint Laurent. Saturated color scheme of blue and yellow play off marvelously against the strong Moroccan sun and make for fantastic pictures. People watching is also fun in this in-town oasis. Located in Ville Nouvelle, it's a leisurely 30 minute walk from the medina.
  
• Koutoubia Mosque-renown for its tall and "perfect" 12th century minaret, it is located at the southwest corner of Djemma el-Fna. Non-muslims may not climb the minaret which affords the best 360 degree view of Marrakesh.
  
• Tombeaux Saadiens - a 16th century mausoleum for Saadi dynasty, renown for its beautiful cedar woodwork, stucco carvings and Carrara marble columns. And kitties- lots of stray kitties.
   

Personal thoughts: Due to it's larger size and better accessibility with major international direct flights, Marrakesh has significantly more tourists visiting than Fes. Whatever quaint charm Marrakesh may have lost to its developed tourism industry, however, the monuments and sites are grander than in Fes making it a must-visit stop on any trip to Morocco. These sites may be visited in one full day of self guided tour. There are plenty of landmarks and maps, making navigation relatively easy.