Marrakech is one of the Arabic world’s most evocative names. Twice a former capital, it is one of the country’s imperial cities, and contains some of its most celebrated architectural features. Located at the foothills of the Atlas mountains, the “Pearl of the South” as it has been frequently entitled, is particularly revered for its medina (ancient quarter) which is classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Beyond its characteristic labyrinthine streets lies the Djemaa El Fna Square; said to be the busiest square in Africa, this lively centrepiece of the medina fills with performers of many kinds. An ever-changing flow of acrobats, dancers, drummers, snake charmers, magicians, witch doctors and storytellers entice visitors’ attention. By dusk, there is a particular intensity to this feast for the senses. Meanwhile, food stalls abound, with mint tea and traditional sweets on offer, and a range of meat dishes, with the accompanying aromas of spices filling the air. There are terraced cafes and restaurants overlooking the vibrant scene below: one that remains in many ways, wonderfully traditional.

From here, you can enter into the huge souks, or market area, in which Marrakesh offers a vast range of goods, many of which are produced using traditional artisan techniques. Different souk districts specialise in different products; from leathers, fabrics, weaving, and babouches (Moroccan slippers), to tapestries and carpets, copperware and ironworks.

Amidst the excitement of the medina lie the riads which make up the majority of little hotel experiences in Marrakesh. Converted townhouses and palaces, the design of the riads provides a tranquil haven and opportunity for respite from the frenzied delights of the city beyond their walls. They are often found down seemingly innocuous alleys, and frequently surprise with their lavish and lovingly-presented interiors. In the last ten or so years, the popularity of riads amongst visitors to the country has risen massively, due to the opportunity they provide to stay within the heart of the city, and to receive a fine Moroccan hospitality.

Elsewhere in the medina, there is the Koutoubia mosque, with its 77 metre-high square minaret. Built in the late 12th century, the minaret is said to have been used as a model for the Giralda of Seville, and also influenced the design of many subsequent buildings the world over.

The Koubba Ba’adi is the last remaining Almoravid building in Marrakesh, made of marble and cedar wood, and bearing what is supposedly the oldest surviving inscription in cursive Maghrebi script in North Africa. Nearby, one can take in the grandeur of Mederssa Ben Youssef, the 16th century Islamic school.

A visit can also be paid to the tombs of the 16th and 17th century-ruling Saadian dynasty. These tombs were sealed up in the 17th century and only re-discovered in 1917. The El Badi palace, constructed by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad I al-Mansur, is also close by.

Marrakech also has an abundance of museums, which include Berber, Muslim and Jewish artifacts, and span jewellery, ceramics, historic documents and calligraphy.

Away from the medina, one can explore the districts of Gueliz, La Palmeraie and Hivernage. There are many beautiful gardens including Jardin Majorelle with plants from five continents, Jardins de l’Agdal, 20 hectares large with its olive, orange and pomegranate trees, and the Menara, where a green-tiled pavilion looks out at a 200m-long pool, with the Atlas mountains as backdrop.

Click this link to go to a listing of little hotels in Marrakech.