our guide to finding awe in marrakech: 5 spots that will take your breath away.

the feeling of being awestruck is one that all adventurers seek. it’s the emotion that makes you take in a deeper breath, makes your eyes widen and for goosebumps to arise on your body. the feeling of awe triggers these bodily responses but can also have a neural effect on you. a study carried out in 2022 suggests that the feeling of awe “awakens self-transcendence” and aids the “pursuit of the authentic self”. people who desire to transform their perception and uncover a deeper layer of themself can do so by igniting this emotion. so, seeking places and experiences that will give you that awestruck feeling can have many positive and transformative effects on both your physical and mental wellbeing. this is why we’ve compiled a list of five places in marrakech that will take your breath away.

marrakech is well known for its local artisans that produce beautiful handmade treasures. it is impossible to leave marrakech without purchasing at least one of its traditional items from a local seller. travellers are often enticed by the intricately painted ceramics, handwoven textiles or illuminated lanterns that are a staple in morocco’s marketplace. this is why number one on our list of places that will give you that awestruck feeling is a visit to yahya creation. located in the gueliz neighbourhood, yahya creation is the perfect place to find intricate designed lanterns. the lanterns on show in this boutique gallery are more than lighting pieces, they are works of art. designed by artist yahya, these pieces unite traditional moroccan lantern design with a contemporary twist. the metalwork is intersected with elaborate twisting patterns that paint the space around it with light and shadow. even if you’re not in the market for a new lamp, the experience of this gallery transcends any typical shopping experience.

the second location on our list is the bahia palace. located in the heart of the marrakech medina, the bahia palace features 150 rooms as well as sweeping courtyards and gardens, all intricately decorated with vibrant patterns and designs. well-known for its beauty, the name of the palace translates to ‘brilliance’ in arabic, a fitting name for this architectural wonder. if you want to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of morocco, there is no better place to do so than in the bahia palace as it encapsulates the pinnacle of moroccan stylistic design. walking from room to room is a sensory experience. stained glass windows add an ethereal glow to the space. carved in cedarwood and stucco, the rooms are washed with colour and adorned with beautiful decorative features. the court of honour is not one to be missed. decorated with tiles in all shades of blue that glisten in the light as the sea would on a sunny day, this courtyard is the perfect photo opportunity to add a pop of colour to your Instagram feed. 

after you have feasted your eyes on the beauty of bahia palace, why not feast on some flavourful food from our third recommendation, café des épices? this restaurant is found in the heart of the medina and just above the souks of marrakech. set across three floors, the real awe-inspiring spot is on the top floor rooftop terrace. here you have a great view of the rahba kedima spice square down below, where you can get a real feeling of the hustle-and-bustle of marrakech while enjoying a chilled-out meal up above. the food is fresh and with a simplistic perfection. it has an array of fresh and healthy fruit juices on the menu as well as tasty non-alcoholic cocktails. and if you really want the full experience, we recommend getting a table on the rooftop in the evening so you can catch the golden sunset as it illuminates this already vibrant city.

number four on our list is jajjah, a collaborative space created by artist hassan hajjaj. this collaborative space is located in the industrial quarter of sidi ghanem, the area that is now considered to be the creative hub of marrakech. hajjaj is well-known for his photography that captures vibrant colours and geometric backdrops. the space inside the boutique is a manifestation of his photographs in the flesh. jajjah is a creative space where you can listen to live music, grab a bite to eat, drink tea, and take in (or even purchase) the artwork of local artists that adorns the walls. this is a space of inspiration, discovery and creative collaboration and it shouldn’t be missed on any itinerary.

the final destination that we know will take your breath away is the majorelle gardens. venture into these grounds to find a little pocket of peace in this buzzing city. the majorelle gardens were originally designed by artist jaques majorelle in 1924, but after his tragic death became neglected. however, after yves saint laurent purchased the grounds in 1980, they were restored to their former glory. home to approximately three-thousand different species of plants, this exotic oasis is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. the gardens are enough of a reason to visit but the space also features multiple electric-blue art deco studio houses that are home to around six-hundred artefacts such as metalwork, textiles, woodwork and traditional costumes.