Gueliz — The New Town

The Jardin Majorelle is Marrakech's most famous attraction after the Djemaa el-Fna — and its exact opposite: Silence instead of chaos, blue instead of red, order instead of labyrinth. The garden was created in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and was purchased, restored, and saved from demolition by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980.

What makes the garden special?

• Bleu Majorelle: The intense cobalt blue that Majorelle used for his villa and architectural elements is so unique that it has its own name. It shines between cacti, bougainvillea, and bamboo like a painting.
• Botanical Garden: Over 300 plant species from five continents — gigantic cacti, palms, bamboo, water lilies, and flowering climbing plants. An oasis of tranquility.
• Musée Yves Saint Laurent: Right next to the garden (separate admission): the museum showcases the designer's haute couture creations, who made Marrakech his chosen home. The building itself — a masterpiece of modern architecture — is worth the visit.
• Berber Museum: In the blue villa: a collection of Berber art, textiles, jewelry, and everyday objects — small but finely curated.

Gueliz (Ville Nouvelle) was established during the French Protectorate period (1912–1956) as a European new town — a contrast to the Medina: wide boulevards, Art Deco buildings, sidewalk cafés, and boutiques. Here, Marrakech almost feels European — and that is sometimes welcome after the chaos of the souks.

What to do in Gueliz?

• Avenue Mohammed V: The main axis of Gueliz — banks, shops, cafés, and the most beautiful Art Deco facades in the city. Perfect for an afternoon stroll.
• Café Culture: In Gueliz, coffee is enjoyed on European-style terraces — Café du Livre (with bookstore), Grand Café de la Poste (colonial flair), and Pâtisserie Al Jawda (the best Moroccan sweets in the city).
• Galleries & Art: MACMA (Musée d'Art et de Culture de Marrakech), Galerie 127 (photography), David Bloch Gallery — Marrakech's art scene is growing and Gueliz is its center.
• Shopping (with fixed prices!): For those tired of haggling: Gueliz offers boutiques and concept stores with fixed prices. 33 Rue Majorelle, Lalla (fashion), and Atelier Moro (ceramics) offer high-quality Moroccan design.

Menara Gardens

The Menara Gardens are located 2 km west of the Medina — a vast olive grove (100 hectares!) with a water basin and a pavilion from the 16th century. On clear days, the snow-capped Atlas is reflected in the water — the postcard motif of Marrakech. Admission is free (Pavilion: 10 MAD). Most beautiful at sunset.

Agdal Gardens

South of the Royal Palace: a historic garden (12th century) with orange, olive, and apricot trees and a large water basin. Less visited than Menara, but just as peaceful. Open only on Fridays and Sundays (when the King is not in Marrakech). Free entry.