Like most Moroccan cities, Marrakesh is a town of two halves: the walled Medina, or old city, and the colonial Ville Nouvelle, or new town.

The city’s main artery, Avenue Mohammed V, links them together. Most things you’ll want to see are in the Medina.

The Medina

We've divided the Medina into four areas:

• The Central Medina, around the Jemaa el Fna and the Koutoubia‎.
• The main souks (market areas), Immediately to the north of the Jemaa el Fna. This is the most full-on part of the Medina, with the main concentration of artisans and craft shops.
• The Northern Medina, where some of Marrakesh's most important attractions are to be found. It includes the area around Place Ben Youssef, whose two main attractions – the Ben Youssef Medersa and the Almoravid Koubba – are both currently closed for renovation work.
• The Southern Medina, which is quieter, but also has its share of interesting sights, notably the huge, ruined El Badi Palace, and the nineteenth-century Bahia Palace. The southern Medina also includes the The Mellah (former Jewish quarter) and the Kasbah (citadel).