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Bustling Jamaa El Fna square is the beating heart of Marrakech. This is where you'll find storytellers, Chleuh dancing boys, snake charmers, traditional music and all the colourful chaos for which Marrakech is famed. And if all the hecticness makes you hungry, visit to one of the square's numerous food stalls to sample some of the city's culinary treats.
Located in central Marrakech, this beautiful 12-acre botanical garden is a world away from the bustle of the city. Sheltered peacefully within high earthenware walls you'll find a haven of exotic plants and tranquil pools, as well as the bright blue buildings which gave the name to the colour 'Majorelle Blue'.
Though it requires no technical mountaineering experience, reaching Toubkal's 4167m summit is a challenging two-day trek. Happily for those of us who prefer our sightseeing to be more sedate, you don't have to scale North Africa's highest peak to appreciate the stunning beauty of the High Atlas range.
This traditional festival to celebrate the almond harvest takes place each year in February, when the almond trees are in full bloom. Set amidst ancient Roman ruins in the town of Tafraoute, it features local music, dance and storytelling performances in an incredible setting.
For more information on the Almond Blossom Festival, click here.
Officially presented to the USA in 1821 by Sultan Moulay Suliman, this beautiful building is home to the Tangier American Legation Museum and houses a collection of art ranging from 17th century to the present day. Don't miss the panoramic views of Tangier from its rooftop vantage point.
For more information on the Tangier American Legation Museum, click here.
Marrakech
Located in a lavish palace in Marrakech's old town, this two-floored museum features a collection of everything from decorative clothing to ancient weaponry and traditional Berber jewelry. But it's the magnificent building itself that is the real star of the show.
For more information on the Dar Si Said Museum, click here.
Marrakech Museum is housed in the 19th century Dar Menebhi Palace, and features a collection of modern and traditional Moroccan art alongside various cultural artifacts. The classical Andalusian architecture of the palace is worth the price of admission alone.
For more information on the Marrakech Museum, click here
Marrakech
This popular Marrakech museum is housed in a former inn for merchants and travellers, and features a collection of vintage Moroccan photography. Over 4500 photos and 2000 glass negatives dating from 1870 to 1950 await your perusal, offering a unique insight into vanished Moroccan and Berber culture.
For more information on the Maison de la Photographie, click here.
Marrakech
Sited in an old aristocratic villa in Marrakech, the Matisse Art Gallery exhibits work by contemporary Moroccan artists, with solo exhibitions from newcomers and more established names. Best of all, admission is free.
For more information on the Matisse Art Gallery, click here.
The Moroccan tajine (a funnel shaped earthenware pot) is famed around the world, and gave its name to the succulent stews for which the country is best known. Beef, lamb and chicken are the usual suspects, served with couscous, a Moroccan staple.
Best eaten at
Souk Kafé, 11 Derb Souk Jedid
This thick and hearty soup contains tomatoes, onions, lentils, chickpeas and a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, with a bit of lamb or beef thrown in for good measure. Settle into the medina’s Dar Rif Kebdani restaurant and consume Harira in their ornate wooden setting.
Best eaten at
Dar Rif Kebdani Restaurant, Rue Dar Baroud, Medina
Moroccans love a good salad, and few are prized as highly as zaalouk. This delicious cold starter consists of smoky cooked aubergine with raw tomato, seasoned with a little garlic, cumin, paprika and chili.
Best eaten at
Bazaar Cafe, Rue Sidi El Yamani 24, Derb Rokni 14
These little deep-fried potato balls are a classic Moroccan street food item. Eat them on their own or as part of a sandwich, but don't forget the harissa (garlicky chili sauce)!
Best eaten at
Souk Kafé, 11 Derb Souk Jedid, Marrakech
This traditional Moroccan pie combines sweet and savoury flavours within a crispy multi-layered filo pastry shell. The filling? Deliciously succulent slow-cooked and shredded pigeon, though nowadays chicken is a more likely candidate.
Best eaten at
Restaurant Le Foundouk, 55 Souk Hal Fassi Kaat Bennahïd, Médina
Wet wipes - Because few visitors come away from a trip to Morocco without at least one challenging bathroom encounter.
Earplugs - You're never far from a mosque in Morocco, so you'll need these if you don't want to get woken by the pre-dawn call to prayer.
Sandals - Essential for pottering around in the Moroccan heat.
Sunglasses - To save your peepers from the intense glare of the North African sun!
An adapter plug - Morocco uses the European standard 2-pin plug. You'll need a transformer to use appliances that run on USA voltage.
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