Once an important stop for caravans in route to Timbuktu, the city of Marrakesh is now famous amongst tourists visiting Morocco.

Though most commonly noted for its trading posts and hotels, Marrakesh is home to several incredible Moroccan historic and architectural sites, museums, and religious grounds. Check out our seven favorite attractions in Marrakesh.

7. Ali Ben Youssef Medersa

Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is considered to be an extraordinary Koranic school and hundreds of Muslim students from around the world once traveled here to study. They were housed in small cells in the upper level of the building around the courtyard.

The 14^th century architecture within this building is astounding, showcasing intricate stucco plasterwork, complicated mosaics, and delicately carved cedar designs. The medersa contains a small mosque as well as a prayer hall decorated with beautiful rare palm motifs.

6. Pacha

Marrakesh isn’t without an astounding nightlife, and the nightclub known as Pacha has blazed a trail of its own. It’s more than a simple club - it’s an evening oasis.

Pacha is more like a collection of entertainment venues than a simple dance club. It’s here that you’ll find two restaurants, a pool, live music, a dance floor, and even a small boutique. The club can hold up to 4,000 people at a time, making it a hot destination for people from all over Morocco, including some of the world’s most popular DJ’s.

5. El Badi Palace

The grounds of the once thriving El Badi Palace are breathtaking and well worth the time spent on tour. The palace was built in the 16^th century and served as the home to many Saadian princes and their guests.

The palace is now in ruins, but what remains provides visitors with a glimpse into the royal life. The center of the palace grounds contained a huge swimming pool surrounded by four smaller ones. There were also several orange orchards on the grounds and if you explore the southern section you’ll find a series of underground dungeons! Visit during May or June and you might be lucky enough to see the palace lit up for the Moroccan folklore festival.

4. Dar Marjana

You’ll be hungry after touring the city and if you’re anything like we are, you’ll appreciate trying some authentic Moroccan cuisine. The best place to do so is to visit the traditional raid restaurant known as Dar Marjana.

Your meal will start in the courtyard where you’ll have cocktails while sitting at small tables. Afterward, you’ll move to the main salon where you’ll hopefully be seated at a large minzah where you’ll recline as you enjoy course after course of Moroccan foods, drinks, desserts, and music.

3. Chez Lamias Hadj

You might be surprised if you were to pass the Chez Lamias Hadj restaurant while merely walking on the street, but you won’t be alone. Most people are a bit taken aback when they see the row of severed lamb’s heads along the side of this famous Marrakesh dining establishment.

Don’t let the odd décor deter you, though. Inside you’ll have some of the most decadent meat you’ve ever tasted in you life, all of which is cooked over hot wood ashes. Your meat is cut in front of you, and can be served with bread if you so desire. Make sure you add some of the salt and cumin spice combination you find on your table for added taste.

2. Khalid Art Gallery

The Khalid Art Gallery is more of an antiques and collectibles market than it is a museum style gallery. Owned by Khalid, the gallery is the best place in Marrakesh to find authentic Moroccan antiques.

The art gallery is popular amongst jet setters visiting from other countries, especially those who are in the area specifically seeking antiques to add to their collection. If you have a question about Moroccan art, Khalid is the man to see.

1. Djemaa el Fna

No trip to Marrakesh would be complete without a stop at Djemaa el Fna, the most popular market in the city, if not the entire world. It is here that farmers and tradesmen used to meet centuries ago to discuss business and make trades.

Today Djemaa el Fna is packed full of cafes, bazaars, and mosques. Everywhere you turn you’ll be met with tradesmen selling their wares, snake charmers, and even apothecaries selling medicines and spices. Check out the individual stalls for a sweet treat and be sure to take advantage of the roving water sellers as you shop.

Marrakesh is a magically refined city proudly marking historic crossroads of Morocco that have been used for thousands of years. No trip to Morocco is complete without a stop in what can easily be called its most colorful and cultural city!

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