Highlights of Marrakech: Private Half-Day City Tour

Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace — the "Incomparable Palace" — was once hailed as a marvel of its era. Initially featuring 360 rooms, an expansive courtyard, and a 90-metre-long pool, the palace was a monument to the Sultan's affluence and influence. Adorned with a lavish selection of materials sourced globally — from Italian marble to Malian gold — the palace was envisioned as an opulent space for grand receptions and ceremonies. However, following al-Mansur's death in 1603, the palace was abandoned and gradually succumbed to decay, especially during the waning years of the Saadian rule. Many of its precious elements, particularly its marble, were harvested and repurposed in various Moroccan structures. Nowadays, El Badi stands as a significant point of interest in Marrakesh, housing various exhibitions and even showcasing the Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque. Though largely in ruins, the palace still whispers stories of a bygone era of wealth and grandeur.

When the chaos of the city becomes too much for you to handle, the one-hectare botanical Majorelle Garden is a perfect refuge. Stroll in the shade of the palms and watch beautiful plants, fountains and birds and when you're tired you can sit down at the garden café. The iconic Villa Oasis — the private residence of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge — is a must-see. Its vividly blue walls are a perfect match with the verdant greenery of the garden.

A trip to a hammam is an essential Marrakesh experience for rejuvenating both body and spirit. Berbers have honed their skincare rituals for centuries to keep their skin radiant in the harsh desert climate. Relish the bliss of a cleansing session with black olive soap, hair care, and thorough scrubbing with exfoliating mitts. For a top-tier experience, the Royal Mansour hosts Marrakesh's premier hammam. Here, luxury meets tradition: you'll recline on heated marble while water from intricately designed silver buckets is poured over you. They use premium Moroccan ingredients in their signature rhassoul scrub, featuring a blend of rose, basil, and other natural elements. Diverse treatments are available, and advance booking is a must.

Witnessing the age-old craft of leather treatment at the Bab Debbagh tanneries is a fascinating experience. Situated near a river for water supply, these tanneries have been operating for centuries. The distinctive odour, resulting from ammonia used in the leather-softening process, will let you know you've arrived. Unlike some other Moroccan tanneries, the focus here is on treating leather in its natural state; the dyeing happens elsewhere. Visiting the site can be a bit tricky due to the presence of unofficial 'guides' demanding payment. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider hiring a certified guide as part of a medina tour. Otherwise, prepare to navigate past these unofficial attendants by offering a small tip and insisting on entering without their assistance.

Step into the sensory whirlwind that is Marrakech's sprawling labyrinth of souks. Known as Morocco's largest and among the world's most exotic marketplaces, they offer a feast for the senses — vibrant colours, intoxicating aromas, and the ceaseless hum of haggling. While the thrill of the hunt and the art of bargaining are all part of the experience, first-time visitors may find the maze-like alleys a bit disorienting. The narrow, often-covered passageways, brimming with goods, can seem indistinguishable one from another. To help you navigate this complex web and truly appreciate what's on offer, consider taking a guided tour to get your bearings and avoid getting lost.

This museum, located in the heart of the city, shows the history of Morocco through 3,500 photographs taken between 1870 and 1950. From the rooftop, one of the highest in the area, you can enjoy the beautiful view while eating a light lunch.

Inaugurated in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is an architectural marvel featuring a captivating blend of curves, straight lines, and intricate patterns, all rendered in brick. Located conveniently near Majorelle Garden, the museum houses exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a library. Showcasing the pivotal works of the iconic French designer, the museum also hosts rotating exhibitions. It's an ideal spot for aficionados of fashion and design to spend an enriching afternoon.

At 17 acres and over 150 varieties of cacti, Thiemann is the biggest cactus farm in the whole of Africa. The farm was founded by a German agricultural engineer who wanted to expand beyond growing cacti in grow house conditions and thus came to Morocco in the 60s. Today, you can admire his life's work of lined-up rows of cacti, in what amounts to a massive pool of different types and shapes.