Being one of the closest and most accessible destinations for European visitors in search of a truly exotic experience, Morocco appeals through the allure of such places as Casablanca, Fes and Tangiers and the vastness of wilderness areas like the Rif and Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert. However, the country's star turn is, arguably, Marrakech, the country's southerly tourism capital, at the foot of the Atlas mountains. This is for good reason as there is no shortage of things to see and do in Marrakech and the surrounding area. Here are some examples: Jemaa el Fna, the huge central square, is the pulsating heart of the city, its bursting energy epitomised by street entertainers and al fresco eateries. The excitement of the place is infectious as the constant pounding of drums and tuneless dirges of snake charmers' pipes compete with the cries of street vendors and storytellers all enveloped by the aroma of an amazing variety of sizzling street food. This has to be on everyone's list of 'what to see in Marrakech'.
After the main square head for the Souks. With miles of narrow lanes offering every kind of local craft and product one is sure to find a bargain among the apparently endless stalls of jewellery, pottery, leather goods, fabrics, spices, carpets, wrought ironware and so much more.