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Marrakech has long been Morocco's top destination, attracting visitors who come to soak up its vibrant culture and be dazzled by its rich history and bustling atmosphere. Stroll through the labyrinthine medina and shop for traditional wares, sample local food at the Jemaa el-Fna square and marvel at the imposing Koutoubia Mosque and the ornate Bahia Palace, you won't be disappointed. The exotic Jardin Majorelle is also worth the visit, and Marrakech makes an excellent base for expeditions to the Sahara Desert and the nearby Atlas mountains.

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The name Marrakech originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words mur (n) wakush, which means "Land of God". It is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat, and lies near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and a few hours away from the foot of the Sahara Desert. Its location and contrasting landscape has made it an enviable destination in Morocco.

The city is divided into two parts: the Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character; it also contains the large square Djemaa El-Fna, where many hotels are located and tourists, locals and vendors congregate. In contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores.

Marrakech is the main tourist destination in Morocco and thus it is also a place where many Moroccans try to become rich fast by ripping off tourists. This mentality is so widespread that even Moroccans are now ripped off whenever possible so that they call the city "Marrakech, Arnakech" - which rhymes in Arabic and translates to "Marrakech, Mafia". See the Scam section for more information.

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Morocco's coastal capital is an attractive city filled with history, culture and charm, offering visitors a much more easygoing atmosphere compared to the country's other major destinations. The bustling medina is the perfect place to shop for local wares, and there are a number of excellent museums and galleries to explore as well as a lovely beach. A must-see is the incredible Hassan Tower, and the ancient Kasbah, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the scenic Andalusian Gardens are well worth the stop too.

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Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, Rabat's bedroom community. Together with Temara the cities account for a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million. It is an easy-going city by Moroccan standards. The city of Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Fez is one of Morocco’s best known and most beloved cities, charming visitors with its vibrant culture, rich history and bustling atmosphere. The walled medina is the city’s beating heart, a maze of colourful streets where you can sample incredible street food, shop for artisan spices, leather and pottery and marvel at ancient mosques, beautiful squares and intricate doorways. Be sure to stop at the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a historic religious school from the 14th century, to admire its ornate tilework and stunning courtyard.

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Fez is the medieval capital of Morocco, and a great city of high Islamic civilization. Fez has the best-preserved old city in the Arab world, the sprawling, labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali, which is incidentally also the world's largest car-free urban zone. Transports of goods is provided by donkeys, carriages, and motorbikes.

The city has just over a million inhabitants.

Orientation

The main street is the Talaa Kbira, which runs from Bab Boujeloud to the Kairouine mosque in the heart of the medina. The Talaa Sghira also begins at Bab Boujeloud and eventually merges back into the Talaa Kbira. Once you get into the narrow, windy heart of the medina, you can also find your way out again by constantly heading downhill, which will eventually lead to the Place R'cif, a dropoff for buses and taxis, where you can get a petit taxi out of the medina.

For more detailed tours and directions, look for the book Fez from Bab to Bab (Hammad Berrada). It has a complete map of the medina and several well-described walking tours. It can be found in most bookshops, both on the Talaa Sghira or at the large bookstore on the Avenue Hassan II in the ville nouvelle. However, be discreet taking out your map or you will have many offers from false guides.

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