A first walk in the Medina of Marrakech

The Medina, the old walled city, is the beating heart of Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A first walk can feel intense; here is a gentle route.

Start at Jemaa el-Fna

The great square is easy to find and a good landmark. From there, the lanes of the souks open to the north.

Through the souks

Each lane has its trade: spices, leather, metal lanterns, carpets, babouches. Look for the small spice square, lined with baskets of colour.

Two quiet places

• The Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Koranic school with magnificent carved cedar, stucco and zellige
• Le Jardin Secret, a restored riad garden, perfect for a calm break

Tips

• Go in the morning, when it is cooler and quieter.
• Use a map on your phone, but enjoy getting a little lost.
• Politely decline unsolicited guides if you prefer to explore alone.

Then back to calm

Dar Amna is 25 minutes from the Medina: the energy of the city by day, the silence of the olive groves by night.