And so much more… The Lonely Planet guide to Marrakesh says “Prepare for your senses to be slapped”, referring to the assault on the senses one can experience here. Even though you try your hardest not to, there is something about this Northern African city that transports you back to a realm of magic lanterns and flying carpets. We visited Morocco in early June when the temperatures hit 35 degrees Celsius and the city feels like a fire pit with a thousand people all trying to find the nearest spot of respite from the sweltering heat. However, once you get used to the heat and the chaos, there is something for everyone in this cultural magnet. Here are some of the things we loved in Marrakesh:

1. Stay in a riad buried deep inside the Medina – We stayed at the Riad Goloboy which was located amidst a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys in the heart of the Medina. It is a quirky version of a traditional riad with a Majorelle-blue courtyard, contemporary art, boudoir-style suites, and a rooftop terrace with great views of the Mamounia gardens and minarets. Breakfast is served every morning on the terrace comprising light and refreshing Moroccan Beghrir (spongy Semolina Honeycomb pancakes) served with butter and honey syrup, yogurt and fresh fruit.
2. Explore the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs – These are Marrakesh’s most famous symbols, where you will get to see and appreciate Moroccan architecture and the intricate and colourful tile-work. If you get tired of walking between these sites, you can always take a horse-drawn caleche ride which is a fun (but pricey) way of getting around.
3. Get lost in the souks – If you are not lost in Marrakesh’s souks, you are not doing it right! Spending hours navigating the bazaar maze is one of the most fun things for a visitor in Marrakesh. The souks look like treasure chests filled to the brim with shiny lanterns, colourful rugs, spices, raffia baskets and souvenirs. It is very easy to part with your dirhams here, but you can get good deals if your bargaining skills are on point. Souk Semarine, just off Jemaa El-Fna is a real treat to the senses, and you can spend hours taking it all in, and walking away with bags and bags of Moroccan goodies. The smells, colours and sights of the souk des épices (spice market) are something else!
4. Take a break from the shopping to enjoy some mint tea – Whilst exploring the souk, we stumbled upon the lovely Café Des Épices, where we enjoyed a glass of sweet mint tea in a rustic setting.
5. Bring out your camera at Jardin Majorelle – A colourful oasis gifted by designer Yves Saint Laurent to Marrakesh, Jardin Majorelle is a photographer’s dream. From the neon blue and yellow painted houses, to the exotic fish pond and cacti desert, this garden is very photogenic, and a tranquil spot amidst the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh.
6. Devour a tagine – Bringing together all the fragrance and flavours of Morocco in the pot, the tagine is ubiquitous in Marrakesh restaurants and cafes. The best ones we tried were at Al-Fassia in Gueliz (run entirely by a woman’s cooperative), and Le Jardin, a green oasis in the middle of the souk.
7. Enjoy the view from Nomad – This little gem, tucked away in a corner of the souk, boasts some of the best views in the city. From its rooftop terrace, you can enjoy modern Moroccan food with a view across the sea of dusty pink Medina rooftops.
8. Drink the freshest orange juice at Jemaa El-Fna – The street vendors in the square serve up the sweetest, freshest and tangiest orange juice which feels like heaven after a hot and sweaty day out in the sun, haggling with the merchants in the souk.
9. Indulge in a hammam/massage –  You will find tons of hammams and spas both in the Medina as well as the new town. Your aching limbs will thank you after an hour-long session of expert Morrocan treatment!
10. Watch belly dancers at Comptoir Darna – A restaurant/bar/longe/club, Comptoir is a great place to enjoy shisha, good food and a night of merry belly dancing (which you will inevitably be made to participate in). Full of character, Comptoir offers the quintessential Marrakesh experience you’re looking for.