Morocco's most coveted city, Marrakech captivates with its cultural and historical encounters, hypnotic architecture, and mountains as a stunning backdrop. Nicknamed the "Pearl of the South," it underwent a remarkable transformation ahead of COP 22, the international climate conference, in 2016.

Here is a list of places you absolutely must visit during your stay in Marrakech.

Spend an Evening at Jemaa El Fna Square

This is the must do during your stay in Marrakech: if there were only one thing to see in Marrakech, it would be Jemaa El Fna square in the heart of the city. It's a true window into Moroccan culture, with snake charmers, storytellers, dancers, and monkeys… all offering instant immersion into the country's soul and history through mesmerizing performances. The square has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2008 for this permanent cultural richness.

You can also take advantage of your time here to explore the souk and find souvenirs, clothing, and more traditional offerings such as henna tattooing, medicinal plants, or fortune telling. It's a place where multiple peoples of Maroc meet through music and art. A true open-air museum, the square comes alive even more in the early evening.

Jemaa El Fna square has been at the heart of Marrakech since the 11th century: originally known as a place of justice where executions took place, it later became a marketplace before transforming into the great cultural hub we know today.

Explore the Red City and Its Historic Buildings

Marrakech is also known as the "Red City," a nod to its numerous ochre-colored historic buildings, which glow even more brilliantly under the Maghreb sun. A visit to Marrakech requires exploring its grand Medina, the old town. You'll find the renowned Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century. Its minaret, standing 77 meters tall, has become Marrakech's symbol. Entry is reserved for worshippers, but you can admire its architecture from outside the mosque. The Medina is also home to numerous palaces, riads, and other historic monuments like the Ben Youssef Medersa, a renowned Quranic school built in 1570. Don't hesitate to walk around the Medina's fortified walls and discover its various gates, particularly Bab Agnaou to the south, which once served as a royal entrance.

Stroll Through Marrakech's Gardens

If you're seeking a moment of tranquility during your stay in this vibrant city, there's nothing better than enjoying its gardens, each more enchanting than the last. Majorelle Garden is surely Marrakech's most famous. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1922 and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, it's today an unmissable attraction in Marrakech. The garden features a labyrinth of pathways alternating between modern blue decorations and exotic plants from across the globe. When Yves Saint Laurent discovered this place, which he actually saved from destruction, he said Majorelle Garden was an "inexhaustible source of inspiration." While strolling through the garden, you can also visit the Berber Museum and discover the creativity of this remarkable people.

Another beautiful Marrakech garden, La Palmerie offers an unforgettable moment of calm and relaxation. This garden, which today counts over 100,000 palm trees, was founded in the 11th century as an oasis in the Moroccan desert, irrigated by underground canals. You can explore this exotic place on foot, by carriage, on camelback, or by quad: it's your choice!

Finally, don't hesitate to venture outside the city to hike in the Atlas Mountains, visit the stunning Ouzod waterfalls, or traverse the desert on camelback.