Marrakesh

Marrakesh, considered the gateway of the High Atlas region, sits at the confluence of the contemporary and the ancient. For those seeking a traditional experience, the medina is a labyrinth with high red walls that are filled with souks (marketplaces) selling a variety of goods and is considered the perfect place to wander around while soaking up the atmosphere. At the entrance to the medina is the Djemaa El Fna, a square that is considered the heart of the city, with musicians, snake charmers, fortune tellers, acrobats, and more. The Koutoubia Mosque dates back to 1168 and features a 70-meter-tall minaret visible for miles. Some newer attractions include the Bahia Palace, with its massive marble courtyard and abundant Morrocan artistry, and the Majorelle Gardens, which were created by French painter Jaques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent (whose ashes were scattered in the garden when he passed).