The vast open air markets, or souks, in Marrakech are one of the city's most interesting features. Souks offer local foods, produce, textiles, artwork, jewelry, scarves, shoes and clothing. Bring dirham, the local currency, and begin on the north edge of the Jemaa El Fna section of the city, where the commercial markets start, and walk down through the alleyways of souks. The two main routes to the center of the souk market channel are rue Semarine and rue Mouassine. Shops along the rue Semarine are more bazaar-type while the souks through rue Mouassine offer a more boutique-style shopping experience.
Take in the traditional Almohad style of architecture at the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the most well-known attractions in Marrakech. Though the building itself is only 252 feet high, it is visible from most of the city because of the flat topography of the area. Non-Muslim visitors may not enter this place of worship, however they are welcome to view the exterior. While all visitors can explore the exterior and grounds of the building to learn about the history of the mosque and the Muslim faith, practicing Muslims are welcome to join in on worship services.
Discover local Moorish history by visiting one of Marrakech's many museums or taking a tour of the Koubba El-Badiyin, an underground structure that is believed by local historians to have once been a place of worship. The Koubba El-Badiyin is the only surviving structure from the Almoravid era, dating back to the reign of Ali ben Youssef in the 12th century. It is believed that this structure was once a part of the ablutions complex of the Ali ben Youssef Mosque, which is no longer in existence. Visitors are welcome to take a walking tour of the structure, located several meters below the current street level of Marrakech. Visitors are encouraged to tour the building and surrounding area, delving into a section of Moorish history.
The Badii Palace was constructed as a home for Sultan Ahmed El-Mansour at the end of the 16th century. He died less than one year after it was finished. When it was constructed, the palace contained gold encrusted ceilings and walls from Timbuktu, with an inner court that featured a central pool and island surrounded by sunken gardens. The palace took 25 years to complete and remained intact for less than a century before the Merenid sultan, Moulay Ismail, ordered it stripped and the riches moved north for his capital at Meknes. Today, visitors can go on a self-guided walking tour of the remaining palace structure and grounds.
