Visitors to Marrakech are likely to have been tempted by the city's lively, energetic beat, which is experienced at its best at Jemaa el Fna square, where colour and chaos collide to bring you a true taste of Morocco. Snake charmers mingle with persistent street sellers, while acrobats and a choice of local delicacies vie for your attention.

Shopping is an interesting pastime in Morocco, with the souks of Marrakech providing a treasure trove of trinkets and souvenirs, with much of the fun coming from haggling over prices with the jovial sellers.
Heading further into the city, a zigzag of quaint lanes through the Kasbah leads abruptly to the once magnificent Badii palace, which is now a ruin. Painstakingly built over 25 years, the palace was ornate and spectacular, surviving for a century before being plundered by a sultan who transported its riches elsewhere.

Speaking of grand sights, no trip would be complete without a visit to one of the imposing but glorious mosques; the Sis Ben Salah Mosque and the Koutoubia Mosque are undoubtedly two of the best. Built in fine architectural styles and steeped in history, both examples are quintessentially Moroccan.

To appreciate some of the unique history found here, The Saadian tombs offer a great insight, dating to the 1500s and discovered in 1917. Ornate and lavish, the tombs house members of the Saudi Dynasty, with the garden holding graves of soldiers and servants.

Those looking for an altogether different city break will be hard pressed to find somewhere that beats Marrakech, particularly as it is only three-and-a-half hours away from the UK by plane. Visitors should be respectful when visiting during Ramadan and they ought to understand that business hours may be dramatically reduced, with some shops and restaurants closing for the period.

Morocco comes into its own in spring and March to May is a particularly delightful period. Another good time to visit is the autumn months from September to November, when temperatures are cool and pleasant. The summer heat can be intense, almost unbearable in fact, so a visit during this time is not recommended for those not used to high temperatures.

As a city that is bursting with life, there is always something going on in Marrakech, from religious festivals to those celebrating the arts.

A good event signalling the end of winter is Tafraoute, which takes place in February and features plenty of upbeat music and dancing.

Independence Day is another well-known celebration in Marrakech. Taking place in June, the event celebrates Morocco's independence from France in 1956. A series of parties are hosted during this time.

The renowned Marrakech Film Festival is a major local event that has seen many celebrities grace its red carpet over the years and brought much positive attention to the city.

If you are planning a trip to Morocco this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.


Best of Marrakech city breaks for...

• Shopping:  Getting lost is part of the fun in Marrakech's souks. Dodge donkeys, slurp mint tea and haggle like a pro for carpets, babouche slippers, miracle potions and anything else that takes your fancy.
• Relaxing: The hammam is the Berber secret to looking 10 years younger. You'll feel reborn after a steam, a vigorous rubdown with eucalyptus-scented soap and a soothing argan oil massage.
• Romance: Rose petals, lanterns and trickling fountains set the scene for a romantic dinner à deux in Medina riads. Enjoy a diffa (Moroccan feast) of tagines, saffron-infused couscous and almond-rich sweets.