Koutoubia Mosque,Marrakech
Towering over the labyrinthine streets and markets of Marrakech is the city's principal landmark, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, known as the 'mosque of the booksellers' because of the bazaar of the book traders that used to be nearby. The red stone mosque was first built in 1147, but demolished and rebuilt in 1199 because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque, basically a massive prayer hall, has 17 aisles and 112 columns, and room for thousands to pray within it. The ornately carved minbar (pulpit) is believed to have been a gift from the Almoravid Sultan Ali ben Youssef. The landmark minaret is 221ft (69m) high and consists of six chambers one atop the other, ascended by a ramp through which the muezzin ascends to the top balcony. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims, but the area around is a favourite place for an evening stroll.

Admission:
Free (gardens)

Djemaa el-Fna,Marrakech
What it lacks in beauty, the large town square of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna (Square of the Dead) makes up for in pulsating liveliness that belies its name. Every day the square is a colourful circus of performing artists where snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers vie with each other to be noticed by the milling crowds; every evening food stalls take over and the competition is fierce among them for the passing trade, offering anything from boiled snails and sheep's heads to thick vegetable soup, kebabs or fresh salads. Freshly squeezed orange juice stalls stand side by side encircling the market and offer a refreshing drink both day and night. The square is a fascinating place to sit awhile at one of the surrounding cafes, watching the swirling parade. The square is also the gateway to the souks (bazaars) of Marrakech, tucked away in the surrounding labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. It is easy to lose your way, but well worth exploring the plethora of craftsmen offering their wares. Bargain for anything from water mugs and dates to exotic Moroccan carpets. The souks are also well shaded from the searing Moroccan sun and therefore provide a respite from the heat.

Dar Si Saïd Museum,Marrakech
The Museum, housed in a palace on the Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid, depicts the arts, crafts and culture of the Berber people, including displays of some Moorish cedarwood furniture, and artefacts from every day life in the Sahara desert. There is also a collection of door and window frames, elaborately carved and ornamented, in the museum courtyard.

Admission:
10 dirhams

Opening time:
Daily 8.30am to 11.45am; and 2.30pm to 5.45pm; closed Tuesdays

Saadian Tombs,Marrakech
The beautiful necropolis was built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the late 16th century as a final resting place for himself and his successors. There are 66 indoor tombs, lavishly decorated with colourful, intricate mosaics. The central mausoleum, the Hall of the Twelve Columns, is exceptionally ornate with a high vaulted roof, furnished with stunning carved cedar panels and columns of grey Italian marble.

Admission:
10 dirhams

Opening time:
Wednesday to Monday, 8am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6pm

Oukaimeden,Marrakech
A ski resort in the desert! Indeed, thick snow envelops the Jebal Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter months (usually January and February), just a 46-mile (74km) drive from Marrakech. The town of Oukaimeden, which can be reached by taxi or self-drive car, is well equipped for the skiers that seek restaurants, ski equipment to rent, and comfortable hotels, set in lush greenery backed by blue mountains. Skiers can ascend the mountain by donkey or camel, but there are also modern ski lifts.

Ouirgane,Marrakech
The village of Ouirgane, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains about 90 minutes drive from Marrakech, stands at the centre of a popular resort area, where summers are cooler and winters less harsh than those experienced in the city. The surrounding Berber countryside offers picturesque villages and hamlets to explore, set in forests full of wildlife and groves of fruit trees, alongside streams cascading down from the High Atlas Mountains and fields of wild flowers. The area is also known for its extraordinarily beautiful rose gardens.

Ben Youssef Madrassa,Marrakech
The Ben Youssef Madrassa was an Islamic college in Marrakech named after Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106 to 1142), who expanded the city considerably. This madrassa was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students. After being closed down in 1960, this Historical Site was refurbished and reopened in 1982, an interesting attraction for the value of its past and educational influence.

The Museum of Marrakech,Marrakech
The Museum of Marrakech is located in the Dar Menebhi Palace, built at the end of the 19th century by legendary Mehdi Menebhi, in the old centre of Marrakech. The palace was restored by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation and converted into a museum in 1997. The house itself is representative of classical Andalusian architecture, with fountains in the central courtyard, carvings and beautiful tiles. The museum holds exhibits of both modern and traditional Moroccan art, as well as historical books, coins and pottery.

Admission:
30 Dirham

Opening time:
9am to 6.30pm daily.

Bab Agnaou,Marrakech
Bab Agnaou is one of the 19 gates of Marrakech and was built in the 12th century, in the time of the Almohad dynasty. The function of the gate may have been nationally symbolic; the corner-pieces are decorated with floral decorations, framed by three panels with inscriptions from the Quran. Bab Agnaou forms the entrance to the royal kasbah in southern Marrakech. The kasbah, built by the Almohad sultan Yaqub al-Mansour, is home to the El Mansouria mosque, the El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs.

Majorelle Garden,Marrakech
The Majorelle Garden is a botanical garden designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924, during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France. Previous owners have included Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent (whose ashes were scattered there when he died in 2008). The garden is also home to the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, whose collection includes North African textiles from Saint-Laurent's personal collection and paintings by Majorelle. The garden has more than 15 bird species endemic to North Africa.

Shrob ou shouf,Marrakech
The Shrob ou shouf (Chrob ou chouf) fountain is not far from the Ben Youssef Medrassa, built during Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur's reign (1578-1603). Its wooden crown is carved to look like honeycomb and a green tiled roof shelters the structure. One of the fountain's inscriptions invites passers-by to drink and look (shrob ou shouf). In 1985, UNESCO recognised this Saadian fountain as a cultural heritage site.

Souks,Marrakech
Marrakech is home to a labyrinth of bustling souks (workshops and markets) offering the city's most fascinating wares. Whether shopping or exploring, they are a must for any visitor. At the northern end of the souks, best accessed from the Ben Youssef Mosque, has blacksmiths making wrought-iron goods and the distinct odour of leather workshops. The stalls emerge further south and are met by the Rahba Kedima, a market famous for its bizarre offerings of animals and eccentric potions for spells.

El Badi Palace,Marrakech
El Badi Palace (the incomparable palace) consists of the remnants of a glorious palace built by the Saadian king Ahmad al-Mansur in 1578. The original building is thought to have had 360 rooms, a courtyard and a pool, decorated with Italian marbles and large amounts of Sudanese gold. It also has a small, underground jail where the king kept his prisoners. Unfortunately, the original palace was torn apart by the Alaouite Sultan Mawlay Ismail. The design of the palace is influenced by Granada's Alhambra.

Admission:
10 Dirham

Opening time:
08.30am to 11.45am, 14.45pm to 17.45pm.

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival,Marrakech
There is never a dull moment in this teeming city designed to inflict sensory overload, but during the summer Popular Arts Festival, Marrakech is more frenzied and alive than ever, the already-packed streets even more crowded with an abundance of tourists and Moroccans avid for fun. Artists, craftsmen, vendors, musicians, acrobats, fire-swallowers and dancers hold performances in every corner of the city, with the centre of the action at the ruined 16th-century Badi Palace, once the heart of the powerful Saadian Dynasty. One of the most popular features is the 'fantasia', a choreographed trick horse-riding spectacle held each evening in a field near the Bab Jdid just outside the city walls. For more information contact the Morocco Tourist Office on +212 (0)37 681 531/532/533 or admin@tourism-in-morocco.com

Date: July 2009 TBA
Venue: Various, but mainly Badi Palace and Djemma el Fna

Marathon des Sables,Marrakech
The week-long Sand Marathon takes place in the gruelling conditions of Moroccan desert with sandstorms and brain-frying heat as the major obstacles to achieving such an intense feat. The race is over 150 miles (241km) of craggy, sandswept terrain and competitors from around the world partake in the charity-driven event that benefits the infrastructure of the region. Only the fittest and most prepared are advised to partake.

Date: 27 March to 6 April 2009
Venue: Ouarzazate

Dakka Marrakchia,Marrakech
Dakka Marrakchia is a type of music made up of choral chants and polyrhythmic percussion, celebrated in Marrakech with this extraordinary festival. Local shopkeepers and craftsmen give rhythmic performances as a tribute to the city's seven spiritual patrons, the Sabaatou Rijal.

Date: February 2009

Friendship Festival,Marrakech
This fantastic event is structured to bring different cultures together and encourage brotherhood. Marrakech's annual Friendship Festival features a variety of local and international talent, with performances ranging from traditional Moroccan music to American gospel rock.

Date: May 2009

Imilchil Marriage Festival,Marrakech
Inspired by Morocco's very own Romeo and Juliet story, this tribal marriage festival marries up to 40 couples while Berber tribesmen dance and give spontaneous musical performances. The event enables different tribes to meet and find partners, widening the gene pool. A number of festivities take place, making this mass blind date well worth attending. The dates of this festival depend on the harvest; consult the local tourist office for details.

Date: August 2009
Venue: Imilchil

Montreux Jazz Festival Morocco,Marrakech
Celebrated in the stunning setting of La Ménara and the Bahia Palace in Marrakech, the Moroccan version of the Montreux Jazz Festival combines all the memorable elements of this classic event. Workshops, acoustic concerts and the Montreux Jazz Club are all prepared to entertain casual visitors and jazz lovers alike.

Date: July 2009 TBA
Venue: Bahia Palace

Cantanzaro,Marrakech
One of Marrakech's most popular eateries, this simply furnished Italian restaurant and pizzeria has a wood-burning oven in an open kitchen, filling the air with delicious Italian aromas. Order a Royal pizza, topped with mince, prawns, mushrooms and ham, or pasta in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce, and feel truly 'royal' as a bow-tied waiter caters to every wish. Save room for the tempting tiramisu, or perhaps the home-style apple crumble? Mmm& Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.

Location: 42 Tarik Ibn Ziyad

Narwama,Marrakech
Narwama is an undeniably trendy restaurant, offering a mix of world lounge music in a former UNESCO World Heritage building with a huge central courtyard. This warm and inviting restaurant's name translates to "fire and water" in Arabic, and it serves sumptuous Thai, Moroccan, and Mediterranean dishes. The extensive menu includes nearly 100 dishes. While it's not cheap, there is something for everyone, and the servings are substantial without being too much. Open daily 7pm to 11pm. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.

Location: 30 Koutoubia

Café du Livre,Marrakech
This bookstore-cum-restaurant has chocolate velvet chairs and comfy lounges; a few strategically placed armchairs entice reader to sit down with coffee and cake, accompanied by free Wi-Fi for laptop users. An open kitchen serves salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers, or mushroom risotto and freshly baked cakes. Indulge in brunch-style breakfasts or an afternoon high tea with complimentary brownies. The tapas plates of hummus, tapenade, aubergine d'caviar and pâté are also good. Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 9pm. Alcohol served.

Location: 44 Tarik ben Ziad

Adamo,Marrakech
Even with strong competition, this is without a doubt the best patisserie in Marrakech. Although it's only one street back from avenue Mohammed V, only locals seem to know about this little slice of heaven. From freshly baked cookies in glass jars to delicious croissants and tarts, not to mention the bright, colourful and especially creamy gâteaux, this patisserie is too tempting to pass by. With seating both indoors and out, Adamo also offers a choice of coffees, teas, fresh juices, and milkshakes, as well as a tasty selection of ice creams. Open daily from 7.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm. Closed for 3 weeks mid-July to early August.

Location: 44 Tarik ben Ziad

Dar Moha,Marrakech
For one of the city's most distinguished dining experiences, visit this restored riad, the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The back garden is the best place to eat, its walls decorated in Majorelle Garden blue and encircling a central swimming pool. Candle-lit tables and rose petals accompany a set menu of nouvelle Marocain; familiar meals with a fresh twist. Try the beef tagine with figs and walnuts, cooked with cinnamon and argan oil. Live yet subtle Gnaoua and Andalusian music completes the ambient scene. Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 3pm, 7.30pm 11pm. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.

Location: 81 Dar el Bacha

Tatchibana,Marrakech
There's a slice of Japan in a quiet corner of the medina's kasbah; peace and tranquillity envelope diners at Tatchibana (citrus flower), set down from street level with a curtained entrance. The cuisine is authentic with a pinch of nouvelle. The set lunch and dinner menus aren't cheap but all four courses are generous and delicious. Try sushi nigiri, tempura and teriyaki or, better still, slivers of duck in green-tea ravioli. The menu changes seasonally and vegetarians are catered for on request. Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesdays (dinner only). Closed mid-September to mid-October. Reservations recommended, alcohol served.

Location: 38 Derb Bab Ksiba

Café des Épices,Marrakech
Café des Épices is great for 'people-watching' and Youness el Ghoul, the owner, obligingly dishes out tasty sandwiches, salads, pastries and information. Spiced teas and coffees round it all off tastefully from the rooftop terrace at sunset. The first-floor chill-out lounge has become a popular spot for local youngsters; the atmosphere is new world, with music to match. Open daily, 8am to 8pm.

Location: Place Rahba Qedima, Medina

Puerto Banus,Marrakech
This charming little hacienda is a little off the tourist track but has been popular with locals and visitors alike for many years. There are two dining areas; a tiled patio with wrought-iron chairs, and an indoor area with dark-wood furniture and a warm, homely fireplace. The menu includes the freshest seafood tapas and pastilla, Oualidia oysters and fried fruits de la mer& the list goes on. The reasonably priced lunch menu du jour offers a salad buffet, entrée and dessert. Open daily 12pm to 3pm, 7.30pm to 11pm. Alcohol served.

Location: Rue Ibn Hanbal, Ville Nouvelle

Bistro La Saveur,Marrakech
As far as hotel restaurants go, Bistro La Saveur is a cut above the rest. The menu lists a fantastic selection of French, Italian, and Thai cuisine and the service is outstanding. Meat, pasta and seafood are classically predominant in the French and Italian dishes, and the pizzas are made in the restaurant's wood oven. The duck terrine, with pistachios in mustard sauce, is superb. The Thai menu includes all the quintessential favourites from yellow, red and green curries to noodle or rice stir-fries. The three dining areas are modern and welcoming. Open daily for lunch and dinner, alcohol served.

Location: 12 Loubnane, Ville Nouvelle