Top Six Places to Visit in Marrakech and Casablanca

A visit to Morocco is incomplete without a stay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carre Eden and Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center. To ensure you experience the best of these enchanting locations, we've narrowed down the endless list of places to visit to the top six in each. Marrakech The one piece of advice that those who have visited Marrakech will give any first-time visitor? Be prepared to get lost – it's all part of the adventure of seeing the city on foot. Bahia Palace: this Palace is one of the most grandiose attractions of Morocco. While 150 rooms are open to the public, it's the luscious courtyards where you will be likely to spend most of your time. Saadian Tombs: This site is for those who are fascinated by architecture… The Saadian Tombs houses the most important Sultans of the Saadian empire. The Italian marble, gold-lined arches, oak-carved passageways and opulent tiling will leave you mesmerized. Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa: Here you can experience the splendor of Islamic design firsthand. Unlike many local mosques that are closed to non-Muslims, this Madrassah is open to all. Think Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, magnificent mosaic-tiled walls, and breath-taking floors. Djemaa El Fna Souk: An open-air market made up of a labyrinth of laneways filled with a myriad of stalls. Here you will be able to source trinkets, jewelry, leather goods, and Berber carpets Mellah: this Old Jewish Quarter of Marrakesh dates back to 1558 and is made up of a maze of little lanes with glorious architecture. It's also a little quieter, so if you're keen to get away from the crowds, come get lost here. Yves Saint Laurent's former Home: Villa Oasis, the home to the late French Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, has been turned into a museum of his life's work. A visit to the glorious Majorelle Garden is a must. Casablanca A city that truly lives up to the name of Art-Deco – Casablanca is where you will get your fix of art, design and architecture. Hassan II Mosque: the second largest mosque in Africa, and one of the only few open to Non-Muslims. Its location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean has also given the Hassan II Mosque a bit of an iconic status. Abderrahman Slaoui Museum: here you can find the impressive collection of Moroccan art of the collector Abderrahman Slaoui. From travel posters and Berber jewelry to furniture and perfume flasks. New exhibitions featuring contemporary Moroccan artists are also held regularly. Place Mohammed V: experience the work of famed architect Henri Prost built during the height of the Art-deco period of 1912 to 1925. Look out for the grand fountain where – if you're lucky – you can catch a music-accompanied water show. Parc de la Lique Arabe: dating back to 1918, this park is the perfect spot to take a stroll while gawking at the palm-tree-lined avenue or enjoy a cup of tea at one of the small cafes. Don't miss the Cathédrale de Sacré Coeur, a neglected church reminiscent of a bygone era. Kings Palace: while the palace is not quite accessible to the public, it's worth walking past – if only to take in the glorious front square and grand exterior. Rick's Café: a visit to Casablanca won't be complete without a visit to Rick's. While the piano bar only opened in 2004, it pays homage to the Casablanca movie with palm trees, brass chandeliers, table lamps and a baby grand piano. Here's to you kid!

Have you ever visited Morocco? Add it to your bucket list and get inspired by our blog for your next trip!