Marrakech for The Solo Traveller: a Friday-to-Monday weekend
Rose walls, spice smoke and a square that never sits still.
The weekend that is entirely yours. Counters instead of tables, a morning hike before anyone is up, a gallery at opening, and the freedom to change the plan at noon.
Friday: Photographs and the square
- Maison de la Photographie
Old photographs of Morocco, and a rooftop view of the medina. It closes at seven, so go first.
- Jemaa el Fna
Take a seat in a rooftop café and watch. Go down at dusk, once you know the layout.
- Café des Épices
A café on the spice square with a counter of salads, soup and tea. Easy to eat alone, and the staff are friendly.
Saturday: Blue garden and couture
- Jardin Majorelle
Go at opening for the quietest hour. The cobalt blue is best with nobody in the frame.
- Musée Yves Saint Laurent
A compact museum of couture and sketches. An hour is enough, and it is a calm place to be alone.
- Kechmara
Counter seating and a long brunch menu. A relaxed Guéliz lunch.
- Café Clock
A friendly communal table, storytelling nights and a camel burger. A good place to meet other travellers.
Sunday: Palaces at opening
- Bahia Palace
Go at opening and walk the courtyards before the groups arrive. An hour is enough.
- Marrakech Museum
A nineteenth-century palace with a chandelier and a museum of Moroccan art. It is quiet by late morning.
- Dar Cherifa
A literary café in a restored riad. A good place to eat alone with a book.
- Menara Gardens
An easy walk at golden hour, with the Atlas peaks behind the pavilion. Take a taxi back.
Monday: A last garden
- Le Jardin Secret
A quiet garden and a tower with a view over the medina. A calm last stop.
- Bacha Coffee
A coffee house in a palace. Have a single-origin pot and a pastry before you go.