Marrakech Named Among World’s Top 20 Cultural Cities, Outranking New York and Tokyo

Marrakech ranks 13th in the top 20 most cultural cities in the world, compiled by the famous British magazine Time Out, a specialist in alternative tourism, ahead of New York, Tokyo or even Abu Dhabi. The ochre city owes its place to the arts which "are a common thread that runs through the fabric of life. That’s why Yves Saint-Laurent was so inspired here, his fabulous designs now on display in his eponymous museum. The city continues to inspire contemporary designers like LRNCE, who has just opened a very artistic riad," comments Time Out, also praising the excellence of the master craftsmen of the city "splendidly highlighted at the Medersa Ben Youssef or just have tea in the courtyard of the Royal House". Mexico tops the ranking. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, where there is an open-air museum, and Cape Town (South Africa) known for its extravagantly diverse cultural offering complete the top 3.

"How would you rate your city’s cultural scene?" This is one of the questions Time Out asked more than 21,000 city dwellers around the world before establishing its first ranking of the most cultural cities in the world. The other questions focused on the best cultural places and experiences in their city, the cultural offering of their city in terms of quality, cost and affordability. "What is considered affordable by the inhabitants of a city may not be so for those of another. But whether it’s thanks to reduced museum admission for residents or free outdoor festivals, these are destinations where art and culture won’t ruin you," adds Time Out. The ranking was compiled after a meticulous selection process.