Marrakech, day two

Marrakech, Morocco

Golden Hour - spice stall

The powder is dry and warm under my fingers, and the air smells sharp with turmeric and paprika. I run my hands across the spice mounds at this stall. The souks stretch out from the main square in separate guilds, where artisans carve fragrant cedarwood into spice boxes.

Golden Hour - Koutoubia Mosque plaza

Amber light sits warm on the stone of the plaza while I look up at the minaret. It stands against the sky, tall and pale gold. This twelfth-century mosque is the visual anchor of the city, and the minaret can be seen from miles away across the gardens and rooftops.

Golden Hour - Majorelle gardens

The air smells green and cool among blue walls and thick plants. I stroll through these gardens at an easy pace. December to February brings the most comfortable daytime temperatures for exploring on foot, though nights can be cold.

Golden Hour - riad entrance

Dust hangs in the warm air while I examine handcrafted pottery by the entrance. The clay feels dry and rough under my hands. Hidden riads lie inside the old medina, enclosed by the red sandstone walls that give Marrakech its Ochre City name.

Night - city square

Loud drumming and music carry through fragrant wood smoke across this vast public square. I listen to street musicians playing traditional instruments. Every evening Djemaa el-Fna fills with musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, and food stalls serving soup and grilled meats.

Night - night market

Charcoal smoke and the smell of warm bread surround me as I smile. I move deeper into the night market between the stalls. Grilled skewers of minced lamb or spiced beef come hot with fresh bread and spicy harissa paste.

Night - city overlook

Cold air touches my face under a sky full of stars above the city lights. I pause here and look out over the lights. A heavy wool djellaba gives winter warmth, which matters from December to February when nights can be cold.