Known as the 'Red City' Marrakesh is the capital of the south. The atmosphere is distinctly more African than that of the other Imperial cities, Fez, Rabat and Meknes. The setting of the city is stunning with ochre stucco buildings surrounded by the snow-peaked Atlas mountains. If you have the...

Known as the 'Red City' Marrakesh is the capital of the south. The atmosphere is distinctly more African than that of the other Imperial cities, Fez, Rabat and Meknes. The setting of the city is stunning with ochre stucco buildings surrounded by the snow-peaked Atlas mountains. If you have the time, Marrakesh is definitely worth a stay of several days.

The Jma-l-Fna is an unbelievable experience. It is a market scene straight out of the movies with snake charmers, musicians, dancing bears, acrobats and storytellers. Around the square there are numbered stalls that sell very cheap freshly-squeezed orange juice in the morning and afternoon. At night there are tables set up that you can eat at for a very reasonable price. Other sights include the impressive Koutoubia minaret and the Ben Youssef Medersa and the Saadian Dynasty tombs, the ruined 16th-century El Badi Palace the Dar Si Said Museum.

Adjacent to Jma-l-Fna square, is the Le Souk, or the famous market with winding streets that offers an amazing collection of traditional handicrafts, leather crafted goods,  carpets, clothes, spices, marinated olives and many other items native to the city.  To roam in these streets is to discover what makes Marrakesh special.  In contrast to the Medina (the old town) in Fez, which seems to be connected seemlessly to the past, Le Souk in Marrakesh transitions to the modernity, while still remaining true to its rich tradition and history.  Do not hesitate to haggle with the merchants here, as it is more or less expected.

The artistic colors of the museum and beautiful gardens donated by Yves St. Laurent are a refreshing break from the heat of the city. Spring is a good time to visit.

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