For those wanting a city break with a little more spice Marrakech is perfect. It is a vibrant, tantalizing blend of North African, Middle Eastern and European cultures which arouses all the senses. Stroll through the souqs to find craftsmen making traditional silver jewellery, ornate leather slippers and wooden toys. Then for the brave (and carnivorous) tourist, a visit to the traditional street tanneries to see animal skins drying in the scorching sun is a must (if you can stand the smell!).
To escape the heat of the day, I suggest a visit to the cool splendour of the Palais de la Bahia which boasts impressive Muslim architecture and serene gardens (parts of Hideous Kinky were filmed here). At dusk, you should definitely wander through the enchanting Djemma el Fna, the city's main square, among snake charmers, acrobats, storytellers and musicians - an awesome and unique spectacle which attracts as many locals as tourists. Delicious Moroccan cuisine can be found at any of the numerous food stalls (sheeps' head is optional!). However, if you find that it all becomes too much, retreat to one of the many surrounding cafes to sip mint tea and take in the atmosphere.
It's only 3 hours from Manchester, so there's no excuse not to visit Marrakech - there really is no other city like it.
Rough Guides do both a guide to Morocco, which is definitely a comprehensive source of valuable practical information, and a detailed street plan of Marrakech. However if you're searching for an alternative approach to eating and nightlife, try The Hedonist's Guide to Marrakech.
Author: Anne Dowland
Date: 1 September 2005
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