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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Marrakesh

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Marrakesh is a city that effortlessly combines the ancient and the new. The city's name provided the root for the name of the country itself, spelling out this town's importance through the ages.

Within the high red walls of the medina, just soaking up the atmosphere is the main tourist attraction with snake charmers and smooth shop touts both competing for your attention amid a noisy, colorful bustle that encapsulates Morocco's vibrant soul.

For shoppers, Marrakesh's souqs are the best place to visit in Morocco, offering the full scope of the country's artisan work, while the medina's scatter of richly decorated heritage buildings are some of the country's most famous monuments.

Marrakesh is also the gateway into the High Atlas region, Morocco's major activity area, with hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and many other active things to do. Even on a short visit, you can experience a taste of Morocco's mountain life on one of the many Marrakesh day trips offered from the city.

Discover what the city has to offer with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Marrakesh.

1. Shop the Medina Souks

2. experience djemaa el fna after dark, 3. stay in a medina riad hotel, 4. admire the koutoubia mosque, 5. stroll around majorelle gardens, 6. visit the medersa ben youssef, 7. soak in a hammam, 8. be dazzled by bahia palace, 9. hot-air balloon ride over the marrakesh countryside, 10. cycle or horse ride in the palmeraie, 11. check out the saadian tombs, 12. visit dar si said, 13. admire the interiors of marrakesh museum, 14. explore the badi palace, 15. peek into the almoravid koubba, 16. picnic in manara gardens, 17. photograph the marrakesh tanneries, where to stay in marrakesh for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to marrakesh, map of attractions & things to do in marrakesh, history of marrakesh.

For many visitors, Marrakesh's labyrinthine medina (old city) district is the town's star attraction.

The narrow alleyways are a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds and are bound to be the sightseeing highlight of your trip.

As well as simply wandering (and getting lost) amid the bustling maze, there are myriad shopping opportunities where you can put your haggling hat on and barter to your heart's content.

The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.

Just off Place Ben Youssef, you'll find Fondouq Namas, an old trader caravanserai that is now home to plenty of carpet shops. Place Rahba Kedima itself is one of the main medina areas for buying spice and spice mixes.

Souq Haddadine is the metalworkers area, while just to the north is Souq Cherratine, where the leatherworkers have their workshops.

The narrow crisscross of lanes between the main thoroughfares of Souq el-Kebir and Souq Smata is full of traditional clothing stalls, while if you follow Souq Lebbadine west, you'll end up amid the skiny alleys of Souq Teinturiers (the Dyers souq).

This large square at the entry to the medina is the center of Marrakesh life.

The Djemaa El Fna (assembly place of the nobodies) is a vibrant hub of bric-a-brac stalls, musicians, storytellers, fortune-tellers, and snake charmers that springs into life from late afternoon daily with entertainment carrying on until midnight.

An evening spent here wandering between the acrobat troupes and local musical groups is a truly Moroccan experience.

At sunset, the northern section of the square fills with stalls serving cheap meals and snacks. It's also easy to escape the chaos of the square for a time-out at one of the many cafés that rim the square. Many of these cafés also offer the best panoramic views of all the Djemaa El Fna action from their rooftops.

Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakesh

Marrakesh's riad hotels are an experience in themselves, and for many travelers, a visit here is as much about the hotel as it is about the city.

A riad is a traditional medina mansion, centered around a courtyard. Over the past few decades, many have been restored, revamped, and opened as boutique hotels, usually in the luxury and mid-range category (though Marrakesh even has a backpacker hostel based in a restored riad).

Some are palatial in both historic ambience and their Moroccan artisan features, while others blend contemporary style with traditional design.

Modern comforts and amenities such as plunge pools and on-site hammams (Turkish baths) are common in the larger riads, and many also provide evening meals on request.

The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh's most famous landmark with its striking, 70-meter-tall minaret visible for miles in every direction.

Local Marrakesh legend tells that when first built, the muezzin (man who calls the faithful to pray) for this mosque had to be blind, as the minaret was so tall, it overlooked the ruler's harem.

The mosque was built in 1162 and is considered one of the great achievements of Almohad architecture.

The archaeological excavation area on the northwest side of the minaret displays the foundations of the earliest mosque built on this site. It was destroyed by the Almohads and replaced with the current mosque.

Non-Muslims are not allowed into the Koutoubia Mosque itself.

These lush tropical gardens full of cacti, palms, and ferns, are the work of painter Jacques Majorelle.

Originally from the town of Nancy in France, Majorelle came to Marrakesh for health reasons and became well known for his paintings of local Moroccan life.

His most famous work, though, was this garden and the vibrant blue (the color now known as Majorelle blue) painter's studio he lived in on the grounds.

After Majorelle's death in 1962, French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent bought the property, and upon his death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the gardens.

Within the grounds, Majorelle's old painting studio is now home to a fabulous museum dedicated to Berber artistry.

Just next door to the entrance into the gardens is a museum dedicated to the life and fashion legacy of Yves Saint Laurent, which also hosts a program of temporary exhibitions.

Address: Avenue Yacoub el Mansour, Marrakesh

The sumptuously decorated Medersa of Ben Youssef is one of the finest examples of Saadian era artistry in Morocco. This theological college (completed in 1565), directly opposite the Ali Ben Youssef Mosque, once homed 900 students and was the largest center for Quranic study in the country.

The warrens of rooms where students once slept are clustered around small internal courtyards in typical Islamic architecture style, but the main internal courtyard is the real highlight here.

The fine zellige tiling, stalactite ceilings, cedar-wood detailing, and Kufic inscriptions used as decoration across the courtyard's interior make this medersa one of Morocco's most beautiful buildings and a star medina attraction.

Navigating around the medina can be hot, dusty, and crowded work but luckily there's a traditional way to relax and rejuvenate after your sightseeing and shopping is done.

A hammam is a traditional communal bath (often called a Turkish bath) with a multiple domed interior dedicated to bathing. The process at its most basic consists of steaming, washing, and then exfoliating your skin, with a short massage as an additional service.

While public hammams are scattered throughout the medina and still serve the community, many historic and contemporary-built hammams provide hammam experiences directly aimed at visitors and are a great introduction to Moroccan hammam culture.

Some of the more luxurious hammams also provide modern spa add-ons with a host of beauty treatments and massages available.

This magnificent peacock of a palace was built in the late 19th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I.

The interior decoration is a dazzling display of Moroccan artisan work combining zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan's favor at that time.

The massive marble grand courtyard and opulent salons of the haram area are the two main attractions, while the lush internal courtyard of the grand riad, with its banana-leaf plants and citrus trees, is a tranquil respite from the city.

Address: Rue Riad Zitoun el Jedid, Medina, Marrakesh

Several companies run sunrise hot-air balloon ride tours in Marrakesh, which provide panoramic views across the city, the palm groves, and surrounding arid plateau and the spine of the Atlas Mountains in the distance beyond.

For photographers, the dramatic vistas are definitely worth the early-morning start.

Flights generally take off just after sunrise and usually include an hour of flight time with a picnic breakfast of traditional Berber dishes offered after the flight, and return transfers to the city center.

Higher priced tours often include a camel ride or quad bike tour after the hot-air balloon ride or offer private baskets rather than sharing the balloon basket with other passengers.

Marrakesh's Palmeraie (palm groves) area is just to the northwest of the city.

Containing around 50,000 date palm trees, the palmeraie is an alternative to staying in central Marrakesh, with plenty of villa-style luxury boutique hotels.

If you are not staying in the palmeraie, though, you can still enjoy a time-out from the city in this tranquil, shady haven as it's a popular destination for cycling, horse riding, and quad-bike tours, as well as camel rides.

Palmeraie half-day cycle tours are offered by a couple of local companies and thoroughly cover the area, while Palmeraie-based stables offers horse rides that explore both the palmeraie and some of the surrounding countryside.

This 16th-century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 and 1668.

The tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors, and their closest family members.

It's a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden.

In particular, the main mausoleum (where Moulay Yazid is buried) has a fine surviving mihrab (prayer niche).

The Saadian Tombs were walled up by their Alawite successors and were only rediscovered in the early 20th century.

The entrance to the Saadian Tombs is the small alleyway next to the southern wall of the Kasbah Mosque.

Address: Rue Kasbah, Medina, Marrakesh

This lovely old palace built by Vizier Si Said is home to a wonderful collection of Berber jewelry in finely worked silver, oil lamps from Taroudant, pottery artifacts, embroidered leather, and marble.

There is also a display of Moroccan carpets and an amazing collection of traditional Moroccan door and window frames, which highlight this country's local architecture styles.

For anyone interested in the evolution of North African art and crafts, it's a lovely place to potter about for a couple of hours.

Near the Dar Si Said, the Maison Tiskiwin has a rather wonderful collection of costumes, jewelry, arms, musical instruments, textiles, and furniture (focused on Saharan culture) put together by Dutch art historian Bert Flint. Another branch of the museum is in Agadir .

Location: Off Rue Riad Zitoun el Jedid, Medina, Marrakesh

The Marrakesh Museum (Musee de Marrakech) has an eclectic collection ranging from contemporary art to Qur'anic inscriptions, with local ceramic work, textiles, and coins thrown in for good measure.

For most visitors, the real highlight of a visit here, though, is the building itself.

The museum is housed in the Mnebhi Palace, which was originally the residence of Mehdi Mnebhi (a minister in Morocco's government) but was later home to Pasha Thami Glaoui, ruler of Marrakesh.

The architecture is a harmonious blend of local North African form with Portuguese elements, and features an extremely impressive central courtyard area complete with a lavish chandelier.

Address: Place Ben Youssef, Medina, Marrakesh

The ruins of Al-Mansour's once grand palace are one of the kasbah area's most atmospheric sights. The Saadian ruler built the opulent palace, with pavilions set amid a mammoth garden of reflective pools, during his triumphant reign, but it was plundered and destroyed soon after.

Now the sparse remnants of mosaic-tiled floors, ruined pavilions, and the high enclosing walls are all that remain. There are excellent views across the medina from the top of the walls, where storks have also built their nests.

After viewing the palace, head to the nearby Mellah , the old Jewish quarter of Marrakesh. It was established in the 16th century and is now populated mainly by Muslims.

The small synagogue here has been nicely restored and can be visited, as can the vast Jewish cemetery.

Also known as the Koubba Ba'adiyn, the Almoravid Koubba is Marrakesh's oldest monument still standing, built in the 12th century during Ali Ben Youssuf's reign.

Although its original use is unknown, some experts have suggested that it may have been the ablution house of a mosque that once sat next door.

Its simple exterior design (a squat, square building topped with a dome) belies an interesting interior, with a dome ceiling covered in Almoravid motifs.

The koubba was one of the few buildings to survive the damage inflicted by the Almohad conquerors, who destroyed much of the earlier Almoravid architectural legacy.

Address: Place Ben Youssef, Medina

This huge garden, once a royal retreat, is a bubble of serenity hidden right in the heart of Marrakesh. It's a favorite spot for locals who want to escape the hustle and enjoy some peace and quiet.

The majority of the area is taken up with olive groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to come here is the large reflective pool with its fine pavilion. Built in the late 19th century, the pool and pavilion are a favored spot for many local Marrakesh families, who come here to picnic and stroll.

There are excellent photo opportunities here of the pool with the Atlas Mountain Range reflected in its water, on a clear day.

Address: Avenue Menara, Marrakesh

Marrakesh's tanneries district is smaller than the one in Fes but just as atmospheric. This is where the leather hides, used for the colorful shoes, bags, and other products you'll find in the souks, get dyed in a myriad of shades.

Come here in the morning if you want to see the tanners working in the colored vats of dye.

For photographers, there are great views over the entire area from some of the leather workshops, which rim the tanneries. You need to pay the shop a tip to enter and head up to their balconies or rooftops, and do expect the staff to try to get you to linger and buy something.

Address: Rue Bab Debbagh, Marrakesh

If you're visiting Marrakesh for the first time, and want to be in the heart of the action, the best area to stay is in the medina, near the Djemaa El Fna, the large square at its entrance. Some of the best-value accommodation options here are riads, traditional Moroccan guesthouses with inner courtyards that are shielded from the hustle and bustle of the medina outside; breakfast is usually included in the price.

Luxury Hotels:

• Oranges and rose blossoms perfume the air at La Villa des Orangers , steps away from all the medina attractions and the Koutoubia Mosque. This is a Relais & Châteaux property, with three patios, a rooftop pool, and a spa with a hammam.
• In the medina, near the entrance to the old souk, Riad Dar Anika is a more affordable luxury option, with a lovely courtyard pool and warm Moroccan hospitality.
• If you prefer to stay away from the hubbub of the medina, the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is a taxi ride away. Facilities include palm-lined pools, a spa, fitness center, and kids' club.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the heart of the medina, the evocatively-named Riad Romance resides in a restored 17th-century building , with a lovely courtyard pool, cozy rooms, and a rooftop garden.
• Also in the medina, Dar Charkia , with a heated swimming pool, is in the Dar el Bacha antique dealers district. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and many come with a fireplace.
• Riad Karmela is a soothing oasis amid the medina, with a spa, restaurant, and personalized service. With its family apartments, it's a great choice for those traveling with kids.

Budget Hotels:

• In the medina and with a pool, Riad Sadaka has comfortable and cozy rooms and serves up tasty Moroccan cuisine, while Riad L'Orchidee has air-conditioned rooms, a plunge pool, and plenty of inviting nooks for relaxing and dining.

Taking an organized tour is a great way to see all the highlights of Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains and experience the traditional culture without the hassle of finding your way around. Along the way, you'll learn all about the area's history, as well as insider tips and stories. These tours also include convenient pickup and drop-off at select hotels.

• Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour : The Marrakesh Discovery Tour allows you to relax and enjoy the sights while a local guide takes you on a tour through the city's labyrinthine backstreets and bustling souks, as well as historical highlights such as Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque. This full-day tour includes lunch at a medina restaurant, entrance fees, and pickup and drop-off from select hotels.
• Half-Day City Sightseeing Tour: Alternatively, the Marrakesh Half-Day Private City Tour offers three to four highlights of the city with stops at Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs followed by a medina walking tour. Transport is included.
• Small-Group Atlas Mountains Day Trip : The Four Valleys Day Trip from Marrakech with Optional Visit to Takerkoust Lake and Kik Plateau is the perfect complement to a hectic city stay. This full-day tour gives you a great overview of the Atlas mountains, with a visit to three lush valleys, traditional Berber villages, Ourika Valley waterfalls, an optional lunch in a Berber home, and an optional upgrade to include the Takerkoust Lake and Kik Plateau. This is a small-group tour with more personalized service and a maximum of seven people.
• Toubkal National Park Day Trip : The Atlas Mountain Three Valleys Day Trip is a private full-day tour of the beautiful scenery in and around Toubkal National Park, with an included lunch and visit to a traditional Berber home. As well as all transport being included, with pickup and drop-off from Marrakesh hotels, the tour itinerary includes a short hike (or mule ride) from Imlil to the tiny mountain village of Ait Souka, a visit to an argan oil cooperative, and a camel ride.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride : The Atlas Mountains Hot Air Balloon Ride offers a different perspective on the desert and Atlas Mountain foothill scenery surrounding Marrakesh. On this morning adventure, you take a hot air balloon ride for bird's-eye views. Afterwards, descend to ground level for a delicious Berber breakfast and a camel ride in Marrakesh's Palmeraie. Also included is a flight certificate, as well as pickup and drop-off from select hotels.
• Camel Ride : The Sunset Camel Ride is a great way to explore the sandy trails of Marrakesh's Palmeraie area, shaded by date palms as you ride. The ride takes around one hour and ends at a traditional Berber house with included mint tea and snacks. Pickup and drop-off from Marrakesh hotels is included.

The Almoravides made Marrakesh the capital of an empire that covered most of the Maghreb (Northwest Africa) and extended well into Europe.

With the Almoravide conquest of southern Spain, Marrakesh was invested with the cosmopolitan culture of Andalusia and became a bastion of Islamic civilization and an intellectual center where the most famous scholars and philosophers of the age converged.

Lavish buildings were constructed and splendid gardens designed. The ancient ramparts and gates of the city are monuments to its medieval preeminence.

Almohade armies stormed the gates of Marrakesh on March 23, 1147, conquering the Almoravide capital.

The Almohades under Abdal Mou'min continued their conquest of North Africa, extending their empire through Algeria and Tunisia and moving across the Mediterranean to capture Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Under Abdal Mou'min, Marrakesh became an even greater Islamic capital.

Marrakesh went into a period of decline under the Merenids, who captured the city in 1269. The Merenid capital was already centered in Fes, and Marrakesh fell into neglect for two and a half centuries.

The fortunes of Marrakesh revived under the Saadian dynasty. The Saadians were tribesmen from the Souss region, who conquered the whole of southern Morocco in a war against the Portuguese colonialists in Agadir.

When the Saadians gained control of the whole of Morocco, their leader, Mohammed Al Mahdi, made Marrakesh his capital in 1551 and began to restore the city.

Although the new city district of Marrakesh was constructed in 1913 during the French occupation and reflects this European influence, the majority of the city (like Fes) is a genuinely Islamic city in both its genesis and traditions.

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After Marrakesh: You can explore some of the most beautiful valleys and gorges of the High Atlas area on day trips from the city but to really delve into this vast region of snowcapped peaks, palm tree oases, and mudbrick kasbahs, take a journey into the High Atlas itself.

Head to the Coast: Head west to the Atlantic coast to check out some other Moroccan cities. Casablanca is a bustling city and home to the Hassan II Mosque. The capital, Rabat, has a medina perched right on the coast, and Agadir is Morocco's top beach break city, with a swathe of white sand.

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Marrakech   Travel Guide

Courtesy of hadynyah | Getty Images

14 Best Things To Do in Marrakech

Updated February 11, 2021

The major attraction here is the city itself. Marrakech's vibrant colors, aromatic dishes, indecipherable sounds and inimitable feel will linger in your memory long after you leave its corridors. Plan to spend most of your time in or around the medin

• All Things To Do

Medina of Marrakesh Medina of Marrakesh free

The heart of Marrakech lies in its historic city center – a UNESCO World Heritage site . For centuries, the medina acted as a political and economic hub whose influence radiated throughout the Middle East. Royals resided here, international trade took place here and cultures developed here. As you stroll through this 11th-century labyrinth of alleyways, you'll see that Marrakech's history remains intact.

Past visitors said that the medina is a must-see, especially at night. Most of its popular food and merchandise stalls are situated in Jemaa El Fna , but for a less crowded atmosphere, explore the streets outside the medina's main square. It's easy to lose your bearings here, so some former travelers also suggest visiting with a guide. Companies that offer guided walks around the medina include Marrakech Guided Tours and Marrakech Tour Guide   – both recommended by recent travelers.

Jemaa El Fna Jemaa El Fna free

It's hard to miss Jemaa El Fna. Sitting at the center of the  medina , this open-air square stands as the city's main gathering spot. By day, Jemaa El Fna hosts dozens of entertainers, from snake charmers to fortune tellers to herbalists. By night, the area fills with the aromas of piping hot couscous, grilled meats and simmering vegetables from the food stalls. From the square, narrow alleyways lead intrepid shoppers through a maze of  souks  (markets), composed of spice vendors and carpet sellers who will stop at nothing to get you to buy something. Here's a tip: Never settle for the original price. Half the fun of shopping around Jemaa El Fna is practicing your bargaining skills. Most hawkers will negotiate with you, but walk away if you encounter a stubborn seller.

Recent visitors praised Jemaa El Fna's bustling marketplace but suggested visiting at night when there's more to see. Several also stressed the importance of saying "no" when you do not want an item or service and suggested keeping a close eye on your belongings since pickpockets are regularly spotted here.

Bahia Palace (Palais Bahia) Bahia Palace (Palais Bahia)

Within walking distance of must-see sights like  Jemaa El Fna , the Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs sits the intricate Bahia Palace. This 19th-century palace exemplifies the lavish lifestyle of the Moroccan elite. Before it was accessible to the public, this property housed various Moroccan royals. Although the palace was ransacked in the early 1900s, members of the royal family continue to occasionally stay here. Meanwhile, visitors can check out the public areas of the property, which feature rounded entryways that lead to colorful mosaics and intricate latticework, as well as cool, shady walkways that guide you to vast, sunny courtyards and gardens.

According to previous visitors, this beautiful palace is worth visiting, especially if you love history, art or architecture. However, several cautioned that the property can get crowded later in the day, so consider arriving before 10 a.m.

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Badi Palace (Palais Badi) Badi Palace (Palais Badi)

It's hard to imagine at first glance, but during the 16th century, the Badi Palace was once a playground for Saadian royalty. Today, all that remains of the Badi Palace are picturesque sandstone ruins, the skeleton of a once opulent home. But you can still envision the Badi's grandeur as you stroll past the four sunken gardens and empty reflecting pools, walk beneath the 50 chandeliers and eight Venetian sconces in the prayer hall, and admire the 300,000 alumnium tiles that adorn the roof. The former palace also houses several objects from  Koutoubia Mosque 's minbar (or pulpit) that are worth a look.

To fully comprehend the extent of the Badi Palace, several travelers suggest checking out the property's exhibits and paying extra to see the minbar. Others highly recommend taking in the city panoramas from the palace's rooftop terrace.

Koutoubia Mosque (Mosquée Koutoubia) Koutoubia Mosque (Mosquée Koutoubia) free

In the southwest corner of the medina , within walking distance of the bustling Jemaa El Fna , lies Marrakech's most recognizable landmark, Koutoubia Mosque. Featuring intricate tile work, salmon-hued walls, expansive archways and an impressive 253-foot-tall minaret (or tower), this 12th-century Moorish mosque has served as the model for several other notable religious sites, including the Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco, and La Giralda in Seville, Spain .

Recent travelers enjoyed visiting Koutoubia Mosque, adding that it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Many were also quick to praise the building's beautiful architecture. However, if you're set on seeing the inside of a mosque, consider heading elsewhere, since this one does not permit entry to non-Muslims.

Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle) Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle)

When it comes to beautiful green spaces in Marrakech, Majorelle Garden, situated northwest of the  medina , steals the show. The garden was crafted by French painter Jacques Majorelle (who lived in the Red City from 1923 to 1961). After his death in 1962, the property was bought by fellow Marrakech-lover and late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, and it was eventually opened to the public after Saint Laurent's death in 2008.

In this garden, you won't find the city's typical desert setting: Thick bamboo, palm and cactus groves shelter trickling streams, ponds filled with water lilies and a bright blue water fountain that matches the adjacent Berber Museum are just some of the property's features. An art gallery, a gift shop, a bookstore and a cafe are also located on-site.

Museum of Photography (Maison de la Photographie) Museum of Photography (Maison de la Photographie)

When you need a break from Marrakech's street hawkers and religious sites, consider checking out the Museum of Photography. Situated in the medina by the Medersa Ben Youssef, this photography museum features roughly 10,000 original prints from photographers like Jean Besancenot, Joseph Bouhsira and Pierre Boucher, many depicting various Moroccan scenes and landmarks. Collections with postcards, glass negatives and documentaries, plus a library with 19th- and 20th-century works are also available on-site.

Though some say this small museum is tricky to find, many rave about its photographs, adding that the facility does an excellent job of telling the city's history. Another highlight of this property is its rooftop terrace, which offers tasty Moroccan cuisine and breathtaking city and mountain views.

Hammams Hammams

When the hustle and bustle of the  Jemaa El Fna  takes its toll, seek refuge at one of the city's hammams  (public baths). A plethora of hammams are available in Marrakech, but some of its most well-known include Les Bains de Marrakech , Hammam Dar El Bacha and traveler favorites like HERITAGE SPA and Hammam Rosa Bonheur .

Hammams can intimidate first-timers. Those expecting a Western spa experience are often taken aback by the openness of the baths and the requirement to remove clothing. However, most past visitors said that their hammam attendants helped put them at ease, adding that the slight discomfort they initially felt was easy to overlook for such a "wonderful" experience.

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Marrakech Desert Tours Marrakech Desert Tours

Though you could easily spend the majority of your vacation wandering around Marrakech's medina or historic mosques, no visit to Morocco would be complete without exploring the country's desert. A variety of tour options are offered, including all-terrain drives, camel rides and hikes. The Ourika Valley, the Atlas Mountains, Ouzoud Falls and the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed group of clay dwellings that once served as a trading post) are just some of the locales you may see during a desert tour.

For half- or full-day excursions from Marrakech, visitors recommend local companies like M & A Tours , Dunes & Desert Exploration and Arib Voyages , citing their friendly guides and tasty lunches (which are served at a local restaurant or in a Berber home) as highlights. Multiday tours are also available from traveler-approved operators, such as RoughTours Company and Moroccan Active Adventures . These trips generally cover a few meals and accommodations (either a tent at a camp or a room at a hotel) for some or all nights of the itinerary.

Saadian Tombs (Tombeaux Saadiens) Saadian Tombs (Tombeaux Saadiens)

This cemetery, which sits just south of the medina , features more than 160 tombs filled with the remains of prominent Saadians (members of an Arab dynasty who are reportedly descendents of the prophet Muhammad) and their advisors and royal wives. First used in the early 14th century, the Saadian Tombs' intricate decor (think: cedar ceilings, colorful mosaics and Carrara marble headstones) was not added until the 16th century by Ahmed El Mansour. Unlike other ornate structures in the region, this property was not plundered by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the early 18th century, making it one of Marrakech's only surviving Saadian sites.

Although a few former travelers felt underwhelmed by the cemetery's grounds (especially after visiting the Alhambra in Granada ), others appreciated its quiet atmosphere and "amazing" architecture. To avoid waiting in a long line to enter and feeling rushed while exploring this small attraction, several visitors recommended arriving shortly after opening.

Cooking Classes Cooking Classes

Moroccan dishes combine local proteins (think: pigeon, chicken and sardines) with an array of aromatic spices. Many eateries throughout the city serve traditional fare, but one of the best ways for foodies to try this one-of-a-kind cuisine is to sign up for a cooking class. Items generally prepared during cooking classes include tajines (a stew-like dish baked in its namesake pot), mint tea and various salads and desserts.

Overall, recent visitors enjoyed sampling and learning about Moroccan cuisine, adding that this fun experience cannot be missed. Many also heaped praise on their friendly chefs and guides, and said that this activity is great to do with kids. Several tour companies, hotels and culinary schools offer cooking demonstrations, including traveler favorites like Faim d'Epices , La Maison Arabe , Atelier de Cuisine and Urban Adventures .

Oasiria Marrakech Oasiria Marrakech

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Marrakech By Air Tour Marrakech By Air Tour

Marrakech to Merzouga 3 days 2 nights Sahara Desert Tour

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Small group hot air balloon flight in Marrakech

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The Secret Garden (Le Jardin Secret) The Secret Garden (Le Jardin Secret)

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• Aqua Mirage Marrakech Hotel Club
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• Hammam Rosa Bonheur
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• Jemaa el-Fnaa
• Medina of Marrakesh
• Atlas Mountains and 3 Valleys & Waterfalls - Camel ride Marrakech
• 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Dunes & Camel Trek
• Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Desert 3-Days Morocco Sahara Tour
• Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech with Boat Ride
• Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech with Traditional Breakfast

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Home » Africa » Marrakech

10 BEST Places to Visit in Marrakech (2024)

The captivating city of Marrakech is the tourist centre of Morocco. Bustling souks, vibrant squares, ancient monuments, and delicious street food are just some of the things you can expect to add to your Marrakech itinerary. It’s an excellent place to be introduced to North African culture as there’s enough tourist infrastructure here to make travel relatively uncomplicated, while there’s still an authentic and real flavour to the city.

In this list, we’ll take a look at the best places to visit in Marrakech. With our extensive list, you’ll be able to make a plan for your holiday which means you won’t miss any of the best landmarks in Marrakech! First of all though, let’s take a quick look at the best places to stay in Marrakech.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Marrakech:

These are the best places to visit in marrakech, faq on the best places to visit in marrakech.

There is no better place to stay than the Medina if you are visiting the city for the first time. A series of winding alleys and narrow streets, the Medina is the heart and soul of historic Marrakech.

• See historic and contemporary works of art at the Musee Dar Si Said
• Enjoy a moment of peace as you visit Mosque Koutoubia, the largest mosque in Marrakech
• Take a seat on a rooftop patio and savour a glass of traditional Moroccan mint tea

Psst…if you were wondering where on earth to stay in Marrakech while exploring all its best bits and bobs, we’ve got the full low-down for you. Be sure to check out where to stay in Marrakech , find your favourite area and book yourself a dope stay to rest your feet at the end of the day!

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#1 – Jemaa el-Fnaa – A great place in Marrakech if you love to shop

• The beating heart of Marrakech
• A great place to try typical Moroccan street food
• Look out for snake charmers and henna tattooists!

Why it’s awesome: Where to even start with why Jemaa el-Fnaa is awesome? The central square of Marrakech’s Medina District is the heart of everything that happens in this buzzing city. No matter what time of year you go, it’ll be a vibrant feast for the senses. Listen to the flutes of snake charmers, smell the spices on the street food, and see all the twinkling lights. You’ll probably hear a lot too – mostly of people getting your attention to check out their stall! Jemaa El-Fna is not to be missed off any Marrakech itinerary !

What to do there: When it comes to food, you’ll find some of the best places to eat in Marrakech in this square. And they’re just little street food stands! Try orange juice, lamb kebabs, and perhaps buy a few spices to take home. This particular square also inspired UNESCO to create Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, so don’t miss hearing a poem or a tale from a storyteller! The souks off the square and in the Medina District are a great place to pick up souvenirs too.

#2 – Jardin Majorelle – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Marrakech

• Tropical gardens by the French painter Jacques Majorelle
• One of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech
• Don’t miss the stunning blue art deco house – the garden’s centrepiece!

Why it’s awesome: If you’ve found Jemaa el-Fna a little overwhelming and hectic, then make the next stop on your Marrakech itinerary the Jardin Majorelle. These botanical gardens are the exact opposite to the hectic souks, and you can relax to your heart’s content. Designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, these botanical gardens are packed with hundreds of different species of cacti! The highlight though is the art deco house in the centre. The blue tiled building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Marrakech and will bag you a few new Instagram followers!

What to do there: Get lost in the depths of the garden. Wander down the narrow paths, listen to the bubbling of the little streams, and stay in the shade out of the hot Moroccan sun! Once you feel you’ve spent enough time in the garden, you should definitely duck into the gorgeous blue house that was Majorelle’s painting studio. It’s now home to a museum dedicated to Berber artistry – a real Marrakech must see!

#3 – Koutoubia Mosque – One of the most important religious places to see in Marrakech

• A fantastic example of Almohad architecture
• Hear the call to prayer 5 times a day
• One of the most recognisable landmarks in Marrakech

Why it’s awesome: Mosques are an important part of Moroccan culture, and the Koutoubia Mosque might be the most important one of all. Non-Muslims are not allowed in the mosque itself, so you may think it a little strange that we’ve included it on a list of the best places to visit in Marrakech. That’s because there’s nothing stopping you from admiring the architecture from outside. The 12th-century minaret is visible from every direction, and it’s an intricate example of Almohad architecture, which you can see across North Africa and even in Spain.

What to do there: As we’ve already pointed out, it’s not possible to go into the mosque unless you’re Muslim. However, it’s a good place to admire the beautiful and intricate architecture. Also, you can listen out for the call to prayer which happens 5 times a day, adding another layer to the atmosphere here. There’s plenty of stuff to do around the mosque, so don’t be put off visiting if you’re not able to go inside. It is after all one of the most important landmarks in Marrakech!

#4 – Saadian Tombs

• See the final resting places of the Saadian dynasty
• These tombs remained undiscovered until the 20th century
• One of the most famous places in Marrakech

Why it’s awesome: This unusual tourist attraction is the final resting place of members of the Saadian Dynasty. Although they ruled in the 16th and 17th centuries, the 66 tombs of this burial ground remained undiscovered until the early 20th century! The ruler Al-Mansour rests here, as do his close family members. One of the most atmospheric attractions in Marrakech, the mausoleums of the Saadian Tombs are set in an overgrown garden in the Medina District.

What to do there: When visiting the Saadian tombs, make sure to keep an eye out for traditional Arabic calligraphy, colourful tiles, and intricate carvings. The tombs aren’t far from the city centre, but they’re peaceful and quiet, and a perfect antidote to the souks and Jemaa el-Fna square! They’ve been beautifully restored and preserved and it’s no wonder that there one of the most famous places in Marrakech!

#5 – Bahia Palace – A great place to see in Marrakech if you love architecture

• Ornate decoration on the walls, doors, floors, and ceilings
• Wander through the rooms and courtyards of this sprawling palace
• One of the most fascinating points of interest in Marrakech

Why it’s awesome: Bahia means brilliance, and that’s certainly applicable to this late 19th-century palace. It’s another place where you can easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city, swapping buzzing streets and vibrant souks for tranquil courtyards and wide-open airy rooms. You can really get an idea of the opulent lives that those who lived in the palace lived from the colourful tiled rooms and intricate iron features. Don’t miss the Grand Courtyard or the salons of the Haram area!

What to do there: You can easily spend half a day wandering through the Bahia Palace, and you’re bound to be astounded at every turn. If you have a chance to spend some time sitting and relaxing on your visit to the palace, why not do it in the courtyard of the Grand Riad? This lovely area is adorned with citrus trees and banana-leaf plants. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world in one of the most famous landmarks in Marrakech!

#6 – Madrassa Ben Youssef

• Visit the largest theological school in Morocco
• One of the most beautiful buildings in the city’s Medina District
• Another of the best places in Marrakech to appreciate architecture

Why it’s awesome: In case you still haven’t realised, Marrakech really is a fantastic place if you’re an architecture lover – even Marrakech’s best hostels are ornate! The Madrassa Ben Youssef dates back to 1565 and was built by the Saadians. Yes, they’re the same people that have the beautiful tombs – also on our list of the best places to visit in Marrakech! The Madrassa is the largest Islamic theology school in the whole of Morocco, but it’s the architecture that will really take your breath away. From students’ cells (the Madrassa can house 900 pupils) to intricate Islamic courtyards, you’ll find plenty of spots to marvel at.

What to do there: Although the small Islamic courtyards and corridors through the Madrassa are certainly worth a look, the main attraction here is the central courtyard. It’s decorated with Kufic inscriptions, zellige tiling, and stalactite ceilings, all coming together to result in a beautiful place to spend a few minutes or even hours! It may be more than 6 centuries old, but this medieval Madrassa is more popular than ever, and should have earned a spot on your Marrakech itinerary!

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#7 – ANIMA

• An oasis of art designed by André Heller
• The perfect escape from the busy centre of Marrakech
• 35 minute drive from the city centre

Why it’s awesome: ANIMA isn’t the easiest place to find, but it’s definitely worth the visit. Located around a 35 minute drive south-east of the city centre, this artist’s private garden can be reached by a free shuttle from the city’s Medina. So not only is it beautiful but is a great activity to do for cheap in Morocco . The garden is a stark contrast to the desert surrounding it, with cacti, roses, and lush greenery that form this unusual garden. This fantastical place was designed by artist André Heller but includes works by iconic artists like Picasso too!

What to do there: Spend a few hours here to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and immerse yourself into the worlds of nature and art. It’s almost like a treasure hunt spotting the artwork that dots the gardens, and even after a couple of laps, you’ll still be spotting paintings and sculptures that you didn’t catch the first time round! After you’ve spent enough time relaxing in the garden, you can head to the small on-site museum and café. After taking a look at the exhibits, enjoy a calming and comforting peppermint tea, the drink of choice here!

#8 – Marrakech Tanneries

• Watch workers hand-dying materials to be sold in the city’s souks
• Come here early in the morning to see one of the busiest hotspots in Marrakech
• Head up to the leather workshops to get panoramic photos of the whole tanneries

Why it’s awesome: The Marrakech Tanneries may not be as big as those in Fez, but they’re an excellent way to see how the products that end in the souks get their colour! You may not find the smell too agreeable, but it’s worth putting up with to see the plethora of coloured dyes that shoes, jackets, and all sorts of traditional products get their colours from. Guides will often try to entice you into the tanneries, and if you go with one, you’ll be expected to give a tip.

What to do there: First of all, we’d recommend going to the tanneries early in the morning. This is the busiest time for the workers, but it’s not yet jam-packed with tourists, so you might be able to get talking to someone about their work and learn a few interesting things. If you want to get some great photos of the tanneries, enter one of the leather workshops to get a bird’s eye view. In the same way, as you’d be expected if you choose a guide, you’ll have to pay a tip. It’ll be worth it for shots of one of the most famous landmarks in Marrakech though!

#9 – Cactus Thiemann – An unknown (but awesome) place to see in Marrakech

• The largest cactus farm in Africa
• More and more visitors come to Cactus Thiemann each year
• One of the more unusual things to do in Marrakech

Why it’s awesome: Located to the north of Marrakech, Cactus Thiemann doesn’t really do a lot of marketing. In fact, the only reason you’d know you were there is if you spot the sign on a fence that says “cacti”. However, it’s definitely worth a visit to this cool spot – it’s the largest cactus farm in Africa! Originally started by a German who had come over to buy plants from the Jardin Majorelle, Hans Thiemann returned to the city permanently in the 1960s. At the farm, there are over 150 different varieties of cacti, including a 26 foot tall elephant cactus!

What to do there: Take a walk through this cool attraction and spot as many of the 150+ varieties of cacti that you can. The garden is now a research facility but it’s also a great place to admire the lunar landscapes that surround Marrakech. Should you fancy adding a guided tour of Cactus Thiemann to your Marrakech itinerary, you can arrange that by email. There are plans to add a café to the farm in the near future too, so that will be a nice place to relax!

#10 – Toubkal National Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Marrakech

• Home to Djebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco and North Africa
• 57km South of Marrakech
• A really cool way to get out and see the Moroccan countryside

Why it’s awesome: Although it’s 57km south of the city, it’s definitely worth adding Toubkal National Park to your Marrakech itinerary as it’s the most popular national park in Morocco. It’s best to visit this stunning place during the summer, as snow can make a lot of activities impossible during the winter. This is one of the best places in Marrakech for outdoor enthusiasts!

What to do there: The real star of the national park is Djebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in not only Morocco but the whole of North Africa. You can go to the national park for the day, but if you’re really hardcore, why not consider a multi-day hike? There are several options, and if the altitude and height is a bit much for you, then the Aremd Circuit is a great alternative. You’ll still get some awesome views on this pretty route that takes in several country villages. If you do this on your own, you’re likely to be welcomed into the homes of local people for a plate of tagine and some peppermint tea!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Marrakech

What are the most unique things to do in Marrakech?

The Madrassa Ben Youssef is a highlight of numerous architectural marvels in the city. Dating back to 1565 it’s a must visit.

What are some luxury things to do in Marrakech?

Spend a day strolling the beautiful Jardin Majorelle and the incredible blue art deco house inside the gardens.

What are some of the best restaurants in Marrakech?

Head to Jemaa el-Fnaa and indulge in the best of Morrocan street food. It’s a real treat for all the senses!

What are some great things to do in Marrakech with family?

Get out of the city and head over to Toubkal National Park and enjoy Moroccos mountainous countryside with the family.

Final Thoughts

So, that concludes our list of the best places to visit in Marrakech. We hope you’ve found our extensive list useful and informative, and that you’ve got a clearer idea of how to see Marrakech!

There’s so much to see in Marrakech that you might think that a long weekend or a short break isn’t enough time! However, we’ve made sure to include enough places to visit in Marrakech in 3 days so that you won’t find yourself short of things to do.

We hope that our list has not only helped you to plan your trip, but also to get an idea of how to enjoy Marrakech like a local. The atmosphere may be a little intense and overwhelming at first, but with an open mind and thirst for travelling, you’re sure to have a great time when you travel to Marrakech!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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36 Hours in Marrakesh, Morocco

By Seth Sherwood Updated Feb. 8, 2024

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The scars are still scattered around the medina of Marrakesh, the nearly millennium-old walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site that forms the heart of Morocco’s onetime capital. Scaffolding surrounds the top of the minaret of the medieval Koutoubia Mosque and sections of the 16th-century El Badi Palace, while a collapsed building haunts Rue Riad Zitoun el Kdim, a popular shopping thoroughfare. All recall the catastrophic earthquake that struck the region last September, killing some 3,000 people, mainly in outlying villages and mountainous zones. By visiting Marrakesh right now, you’re not only experiencing a haven of Islamic architecture, dazzling traditional artisanship, cool contemporary design, and perhaps North Africa’s best restaurants and nightlife, but also lending moral and economic support to a region in recovery.

Recommendations

• Sahbi Sahbi is a stylish restaurant staffed by women whose giant oven turns out fresh breads, lamb and phyllo-wrapped pies called pastillas.
• Bacha Coffee combines impeccable 1920s throwback design with a long list of international coffees in the Dar el Bacha, a former palace.
• Medersa Ben Youssef , a centuries-old religious school, showcases expert traditional craftsmanship, including tilework and carving.
• The Mellah , or Jewish quarter, was established in the 1500s and still holds a Jewish cemetery as well as historical synagogues, including Slat Lazama , which has a museum.
• Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad is a street awash in art galleries, notably Galerie 38 , L’Blassa Art Space and Galerie Siniya28 .
• The Museum of Confluences exhibits Moroccan artisanship in an early-20th-century palace.
• Les Bains d’Orient , a modern hammam, offers the classic Moroccan steam-bath ritual along with massages and spa treatments.
• Baromètre , a bar decorated in steampunk style, serves cocktails that feature local flavors like saffron and cinnamon.
• Pétanque Social Club is an elegant new restaurant and bar with a vast garden.
• Maison Reine is a fashion boutique that has a sun-warmed rooftop cafe serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food.
• L’mida , an open-air, candlelit rooftop restaurant, serves updated traditional Moroccan dishes like a chicken tagine reinvented as tacos with mint yogurt.
• Kabana , another rooftop bar, offers Polynesian decorative touches, views of the medina, and abundant wine and spirits.
• Moul el Hanout by Nassah showcases the colorful, Pop-art-inspired clothing line, Andy Wahloo Apparel , from the designer and photographer Hassan Hajjaj.
• Laly sells shimmery, streamlined monochrome women’s wear by the designer Badra Bengeloune.
• Mim Design beckons with Malak Nafy’s kimono-caftan hybrids, wildly embroidered denim jackets and other creations.
• The souks are a gigantic maze in the medina of artisans’ workshops and stalls, from the leatherwork of the Souk Smata area to the carpets and spices in the Place des Épices.
• Jadali Hotel & Spa is a five-star, 52-room luxury hotel in Hivernage, a neighborhood of gated private residences and high-end hotels. Amenities include a roof terrace, a pool, a restaurant (alcohol-free) and a spa. Rooms in February start at around 2,000 dirhams, or about $200.
• Moro Boutique Hotel is next to the famous Majorelle Garden , a lush enclosure of exotic vegetation created by the painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924. Situated around a pool, the 10 suites feature magazine-worthy Moroccan-modern style. Rooms in February start at around 2,600 dirhams.
• Riad Al Nour , in the medina, is a casual five-room guesthouse in a Moroccan mansion with mosaic tilework, handmade carpets, a central courtyard garden and other traditional touches. Rooms start at 870 dirhams in February.
• For short-term rentals , the mazelike medina provides a full historical immersion and proximity to monuments and markets, though it is quiet at night. Full of ochre-hued apartment blocks, Gueliz is a busy commercial district with contemporary lodgings and scads of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. For luxury and discretion, the Palmeraie district contains modern private villas in a sprawling palm grove.
• The medina, Gueliz, Hivernage and Majorelle Garden districts are walkable and clustered together. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed anywhere, though drivers rarely use the meter for foreigners. Negotiate a price before getting in. For a trip between the above neighborhoods, try offering 10 (“ashra” in Arabic) dirhams. If refused, move up to 20 (“ashreen”). The most useful ride-hailing app is inDrive .

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16 Top Things to do in Marrakech Morocco – The Complete Guide to Morocco’s Red City

What are the top things to do in Marrakech? Find out in this article what are the top attractions in Morocco’s most iconic city. Here you’ll discover what to see in Marrakech and places you shouldn’t visit as well as the best restaurants in Marrakech and where to stay in Morocco’s red city.

Marrakech was the very first city I visited in Morocco , and well, let’s just say it wasn’t love at first sight. Marrakech was a shock to my system.

I arrived in Square Jemaa el Fna on a busy day. I was tired and stressed out after a long flight, didn’t speak a word of Moroccan Arabic, and got scammed by a taxi driver right out of the airport.

The square was full of snake charmers, women walking around selling henna tattoos, and men holding monkeys on leashes . The air was full of unknown smells and sounds.

Often time I would catch whiffs of incense in the little streets, at other moments it would be the smell of leather that would fill my nose.

The loud call to prayer kept resonating all over the city while street kids were running around me with their extended open hands, begging for a few dirhams.

The square was bustling with activity. Left and right I could hear the shouts of people trying to sell Moroccan lamps and fruit juices.

Street performers were bumping into each other trying to attract the attention of a busy crowd. I had never seen so much chaos in my life.

Like many other tourists, I had decided to land in Morocco in the most chaotic city there is in the country instead of taking a flight to slightly calmer cities such as Casablanca or Tangier .

A poor decision that lead to a dire situation. I was pickpocketed on my first day in Morocco and lost my wallet to some petty thieves.

Although my first impression of Marrakech wasn’t a good one, I eventually stayed there for a whole month and grew to love the hectic, busy jungle that is this Moroccan city.

I let myself get lost in the little back alleys every day and slowly learned to speak Arabic . I also decide to explore the rest of the country and eventually completely fell in love with Morocco .

Now, every time I think back about Marrakech, I feel flooded by an odd nostalgia. I feel a mix of love and longing for this huge, busy city.

I would absolutely recommend visiting Marrakech but I think it would be better to acclimatize yourself first in other calmer cities before if it’s your first time in Morocco.

Not everyone will love their time in this city, but nobody will be able to leave it without an unforgettable sensory experience.

If you like to know what are the top things to do in Marrakech, I’ll tell you all about them in this guide. I’ll also cover what you should avoid in Marrakech as well as where you should stay and the best restaurants in Marrakech.

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Morocco Travel essentials and resources

• Morocco Travel Guide: 19 things you should know before you go
• Where to go: The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco
• Plan your trip: 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco
• Is Morocco safe: 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco
• Tours and experiences: Book a customized tour
• Where to stay : Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp
• Travel Insurance: Find the best travel insurance for Morocco
• Getting around : Rent a car in Morocco or travel by bus or train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Things you need to know before you visit Marrakech

Where is marrakech.

Marrakech is located almost right in the center of Morocco. The majority of the touristic destinations in the country are within easy reach of this city.

Reading Tip: The 8 best day trips from Marrakech

The snow-covered mountains of the High Atlas and the beautiful dunes of the Sahara desert are relatively close to Marrakech so it’s generally the first city tourists will visit in Morocco.

Marrakech was at one point the capital of Morocco. It is 240 km south of Casablanca , 320 km southwest of the Moroccan capital Rabat and 574 km southwest of Tangier .

Merzouga , the famous desert village of the Sahara is just 9 hours away from Marrakesh so the city is often the starting point of expeditions to the desert.

Reading Tip: How to p l a n a t r i p to Merzouga in the Sahara desert of Morocco

A bit of history about Marrakech

The history of this beautiful city easily stretches back in the past a thousand years. Morocco is even named after Marrakech.

Marrakech, also written Marrakesh in English, was founded in 1070 by the dynasty of the Almoravids and became the capital of their empire.

Marrakech also went on to be captured by various other caliphates and dynasties such as the Almohad Caliphate and the Marinids who captured the city in 1269.

Marrakesh was later captured by the Saadians who greatly embellished the city.

Over the course of Moroccan history, Marrakech has always maintained a rivalry with Fez to become the leading city in the country. The country was often fragmented into two with Marrakech as the southern capital and Fez as the northern one.

Eventually, Rabat was chosen as the capital of the country. This was seen as a compromise that afforded neither city supremacy over the other.

Reading Tip: Top Things to do in Rabat, Morocco’s capital city

A few tips before visiting Marrakech

Before visiting Marrakech, I would suggest learning a few words of Moroccan Arabic .

Shop owners in the markets of Marrakech are very good at picking foreign languages but the vast majority of the people only speak Arabic.

Learning a few words of Moroccan Arabic will help make everything easier and will go a long way!

Reading Tip: Tips and tricks to quickly learn Moroccan Arabic

I also highly recommend getting your hands on the Lo nely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook .

It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.

I would also recommend getting a map software on your phone that works offline.

Google maps has helped us navigate the narrow streets of Marrakech and many other Moroccan cities.

One of the cool features of Google Maps is that it can be used both online and offline.

Connect to the wifi at your hostel and download a map of the part of Marrakech you wish to explore. This map works with the GPS chip in your phone so it will continue working, even when you’re offline.

And finally, I highly recommend getting a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . Although the tap water in Marrakech is not dangerous, it may contain many new bacteria that your body just isn’t used to.

If you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites get trapped in its filter, while the clean water passes through.

Reading Tip: The Complete Morocco Travel Guide – Everything you should know before you go

Arriving at Marrakech Menara airport

Menara airport is the airport in which you’ll land if you take a flight to Marrakech.

It’s located only 6 km from Jemaa el Fena, the main square of the city and getting there from the airport by taxi takes about 15 minutes.

Should you exchange money at Marrakech Menara airport?

Airport exchange offices are not the best place to change money. Exchange just a small amount of cash into dirham (MAD) at the Marrakech airport to pay for your taxi to the city center.

Once you’re in Marrakech city, you’ll find plenty of currency exchange offices.

If you’re wondering where to exchange money in Marrakech, here is a link to Google maps with all the major exchange offices in the city. They usually offer a much better rate than what you get at the airport.

How much is a taxi from Marrakech airport to the city center?

There are a lot of scammer taxi drivers that park at the airport waiting for unwary tourists arriving in the country for the first time.

They know that these new arrivals are very often unaware of prices in Morocco . They have no qualms in tripling or even quadrupling the price of a taxi ride to the city center!

Unless the official taxi prices are somewhere near the exit of the airport on the wall (more and more airports in Morocco adopt this practice to avoid taxi scams), you shouldn’t pay more than 100 MAD for a ride to the city center.

Depending on your haggling and negotiation skills, fares to Jemaa el Fenaa should range from 50 MAD to 100 MAD.

Is Marrakech safe?

Marrakech is a relatively safe city. There are no violent crimes in this city, however, it’s a place that is quite notorious for theft, scams and con artists.

Traveling there requires you to be alert all the time as your attention will be solicited in all directions and the streets can be extremely crowded.

The best solution to avoid being pick-pocketed is to stay aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times.

You should leave all your important items at your hotel and walk around only with what you absolutely need.

I suggest always keeping your wallet in your front pocket or carrying a money belt . Another great option is to travel with a slash-resistant and lockable anti-theft bag . I would also recommend getting good travel insurance that covers theft .

Reading Tip: The 3 best and budget-friendly travel insurance companies for backpackers

At times I found Marrakech to be quite tiring but ultimately it was worth it and if you take the time to really discover and get to know the city, you’ll surely grow to like it.

One thing you need to remember is that Marrakech is not all floaty dresses, ornate riad walls and water fountains like some social media influencers would like you to believe.

Reading Tip: Is Marrake c h safe? 13 useful things to know before you go!

16 Top things to do in Marrakech Morocco

1. go for an evening visit to jemaa el fna or stop there during the day.

If you want to truly understand and feel what Marrakesh is about, you should visit its main square Jemaa el Fna.

It’s a place unlike any other. It’s where you’ll find the best and worst of the city.

You’ll find the freshest and cheapest fruit juice served all day in the square, the smell of grilled meat, snake charmers, monkeys who have been captured from the wild to perform for tourists, and ladies jumping on your hands to convince you to get a henna tattoo.

There are horse carriages parked on one corner of the square that will take you around the city. You’ll have the time to relax while seeing the best attractions of Marrakech.

You’ll be able to reach areas that are far from each other rather quickly and you’ll see things that would not be accessible by car.

When it starts getting dark the square becomes alive with street performers, musicians, snake charmers, and mouth-watering food stalls.

There are thousands of people filling up the square and an endless amount of captivating street performances and shows.

I would recommend not bringing more money than you need to this square as it’s a hub for pickpockets but if you just carry the minimum in a money belt , you’ll be able to fully enjoy the square and its busy atmosphere.

2. Take some cooking classes in Marrakech

I don’t think there is a better way to discover a city or a country than by learning about the local cuisine.

There are plenty of great chefs in Marrakech offering cooking lessons. We highly recommend booking one of these cooking classes .

You’ll learn to cook some authentic Moroccan tagines, shop for ingredients at a souk and learn about the uses of different spices and herbs.

This cooking class is really fun and once the tagine is ready, you get to eat the fruit of your labor on top of a roof terrace near the city center.

3. Visit the leather tanneries in Marrakech

Marrakech has, just like Fez , some pretty big leather tanneries. The two cities are known for their production of world-class leather.

The 11th-century tanneries in Fez are much bigger than the ones in Marrakech. However, if you aren’t heading to Fez, the Marrakech tannery still makes an interesting visit.

In Marrakech, it’s better to ask your hotel where the tanneries are located or have a good map of the city. On the way there, many scammers might offer to guide you but they will charge an exorbitant price.

You should walk to the tanneries by yourself and avoid the help of ”friendly” strangers offering to show you the way there (this is a common scam in Morocco ).

The best way to visit the tanneries in Marrakech is to hire a local guide for 2 to 6 hours for as little as $30 USD to show you the local side of Marrakech including the medina and the tannery.

Reading Tip: Visiting the leather tanneries in Fez, a photo-essay

4. Go for a hot air balloon flight over Marrakech during sunrise

Float above Morocco’s countryside and watch the sunrise over Marrakech and the surrounding Atlas Mountains on a hot air balloon flight !

This is absolutely one of the unique things to do in Marrakech and an experience you’ll remember forever!

5. Visit Jardin Majorelle, a stunning botanical garden

This is probably Morocco’s most gorgeous botanical garden. Although Marrakech can be quite hectic, this garden is the best place to escape from the noise and chaos of the city.

This peaceful place stands out so much from the busyness of the streets that surround it that it can truly be called an oasis in the desert.

It was designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. He incidentally became more famous because of his botanical garden than because of his paintings.

The garden is home to more cacti and desert plants than any other garden in the world. This beautiful atmosphere is completed by the indigo blue walls of the house snuck between the plants.

This place is a prized location for Instagrammers who line up in front of the blue walls in the afternoon. I would suggest going there as early as possible to avoid crowds of photo bombers pulling up duck faces.

You can also visit this oasis of art and landscaping at Majorelle Gardens and then learn to ride a camel at the La Palmeraie on a half-day urban escape in Marrakech .

6. Get lost in the souks and the back alleys of Marrakech and buy souvenirs for friends

Marrakech and its tiny back alleys are often compared to a big open-air maze where one can get lost for hours. As much as some people can dread the feeling, I tend to enjoy it. I think getting lost in the streets is always a great way to discover a new city.

As you walk through these back alleys and small markets, you’ll find handmade pottery and ceramic, leather products, bags and shoes, and beautiful wood crafts.

Shopping in Marrakesh is almost like a sport. It’s a really fun experience but you have to follow a few simple guidelines if you want to avoid paying too much.

If you plan to buy something in the markets of Marrakesh, be prepared to haggle and negotiate prices.

Prices generally start really high but don’t be scared to haggle and make an offer much lower than the starting price. Moroccans love to haggle and will generally expect you to do the same.

You can generally offer a bit more than half of what the seller was asking and take the negotiations from there. Whatever you do, keep the negotiations friendly and you’ll be bringing your friends a beautiful new rug for their living room or a Moroccan lamp for their kitchen.

7. Visit the Saadian tombs

In the modern world, we don’t often think of death and beauty as compatible. One look at the gorgeous Saadian tombs will convince you of the contrary.

These tombs are one of the only remains of the Saadian dynasty that reigned over Marrakech between 1524 to 1659. It’s a stunning place with great mosaic work.

You don’t always know whose tomb you are looking at but it’s hard not to be impressed by all the intricate carving and tilework of this stunning place.

The tombs are extremely well-kept. If you want to see the most famous hall there – the Chamber of the Twelve Columns- you may have to wait in a queue but it will be well worth the wait.

8. Get a good scrub in a traditional hammam

One of the best and most traditional experiences you can have in Morocco is to visit a traditional hammam. The hammams in Marrakesh come in all different styles. Some are almost like spas and expensive while others are a bit cheaper and used mostly by locals.

The ones visited by locals are the establishments I would recommend. Popular local hammams are a great part of the Moroccan culture.

Before you go, you’ll need to get some natural Argan soap and a scrubbing cloth. Once you arrive at the hammam, you’ll be handed a bucket and you’ll undress before going to a closed room. There you’ll be in the midst of locals scrubbing each other’s back and talking about daily life.

All you need to do is fill your bucket with hot water and scrub yourself in the sauna-like room. These hammams are very cheap and cost around $3USD. they’re an important part of Moroccan culture and will make you feel like a local.

Spending time in a hammam is one of the most relaxing activities in Marrakech…

9. Visit the Koutoubia mosque

The stunning Koutoubia mosque is a must-see in Marrakesh. It’s the highest mosque and its minaret can be seen from almost everywhere in the city center.

The mosque is just 200 meters from Jemaa el Fnaa square. Non-Muslims can’t enter this mosque but it’s possible to admire it from the outside.

The mosque becomes particularly gorgeous at night when it’s illuminated and covered in a golden light.

Koutoubia is not only an important spiritual center but also an admirable piece of architecture. It has stunning arches and beautiful proportions.

If your hostel or riad is not too far from the city center, you’ll hear the call to prayer coming from the top of Koutoubia’s minaret throughout the day and see people congregate together towards the building.

10. Stay in a traditional riad in Marrakech

Morocco is a country that is rich in its stunning mix of architecture. In Marrakech, there is a special type of building that combines both architecture and history. They are called riads.

They are typical Moroccan buildings that started appearing during the Idrisid dynasty.

They usually have indoor courtyards with gardens and fountains. Their walls are covered in colorful tiles and some even have indoor pools.

These beautiful establishments can take you from the bustling streets of the city to a calm oasis of peace.

No stay in Marrakesh would be complete without at least one night in a riad. Further in this article, I’ll tell you what are some of the best riads in Marrakech .

11. Visit Ben Youssef Madrasah

Madrasas are ancient Quranic schools. They can be found all over Morocco and in other Islamic countries such as Uzbekistan . They usually have beautiful intricate tile patterns and they are masterpieces of architecture.

Ben Youssef Madrasah used to be the biggest Quranic school in North Africa. It has a gorgeous inner courtyard and ornate tiles.

Make sure you go upstairs to look into tiny rooms that were once home to around 900 students.

If you go there early enough during the day, the inner courtyard will be absolutely quiet and peaceful.

Here is the location of the Madrasa:

12. Walk around the ramparts of Marrakech

Marrakech has some ancient fortified walls that stretch 19 km around the city center. These defensive walls were built in the 12th century and much of the original construction still remains.

They were originally built to provide protection for the inhabitants of the city and there are nineteen gates that provide entrance into the heart of the Medina through these walls.

Bab Aganou is perhaps the most unique of Marrakech’s nineteen gates. It used to be a royal entrance to the city and it’s decorated with floral patterns and inscriptions from the Quran.

This is where you’ll find this beautiful gate:

Bab al Khamis (Khamis means Thursday) marks the entrance to the flea market held around the gate each Thursday morning. If you love flea markets, this one is totally worth it!! In this weekly street bazaar, you’ll find old treasures, ancient wooden doors, and beautiful antiques.

This is where you’ll find this street market every Thursday:

The fortification around the Medina has a reddish color and that’s where the name of the city itself comes from. The city of Marrakech got its epithet the “Ochre City” from the color of the reddish-pink clay used to build its ramparts.

The best way to see the walls is to take a long walk around the city. It’s easier to see the walls from outside the perimeter of the old medina than from the inside. Don’t forget to bring a good paper map or install Google maps on your phone.

Another way to visit the walls is to hire a horse carriage at one corner of the Jemaa el Fenaa square (see above). Visiting the walls by calèche takes around 40 minutes and the price can be negotiated.

13. Visit a traditional Berber carpet museum

Marrakech has a few carpet museums that were opened to promote the rich heritage of the Moroccan and Berber carpet and weaving collections.

One of the best carpet museums to visit in Marrakech is the Dar Si Said Museum of Weaving and Carpets .

The collection of carpets on display is not very different from the other ones you would find in Marrakech but the beauty of the building itself is what makes this museum worth a visit.

The museum is located inside a beautiful old palace, with small yards and gardens filled with flowers and shrubs.

Each room of the museum is decorated with intricate wooden ceilings and multicolored tiles. If you want to see the most beautiful halls, you’ll have to go to the second floor.

Here is where you’ll find Dar Si Said Museum of Weaving and Carpets:

14. Visit the Bahia palace

This palace is probably the highlight of the tourist attractions in Marrakech.

It was built in the 19th century and intended to be the greatest palace of its time. Its name Bahia means “brilliance” in Arabic. It’s a beautiful building that captures the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan styles.

It’s one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture, one of the major monuments of the country’s cultural heritage, and one of the main places of tourism in Morocco.

It’s absolutely worth a visit but because the courtyards are exposed to the sun, I would go there on a cloudy day.

Here is the location of Bahia Palace:

15. Enjoy a traditional mint tea in one of the many small cafes of Marrakech

The traditional mint tea that Moroccans are so fond of is absolutely delicious and it’s a drink you should try during your visit to Marrakech.

If my time in Morocco could resume itself in one flavor it would be the flavor of mint tea. I’ve never drunk more tea in my whole life than when I was in Morocco.

Moroccans are so fond of this sweet drink that they call it the “Moroccan Whiskey”. It is served with almost every meal and tastes absolutely delicious.

I liked the Moroccan tea so much that it became one of the 13 things that made me fall in love with Morocco .

There are many small cafes and restaurants in Marrakech where you can enjoy this traditional drink. One of the best cafes in Marrakech to have mint tea is Zwin Zwin Cafe. The cafe has a beautiful rooftop terrace from which you can enjoy panoramic views and the sight of the Atlas mountains.

Reading Tip: The 17 best places to visit in Morocco in p i c t u r e s

Here is the location of Zwin Zwin cafe:

16. Visit Marrakech with a guide

If you like to learn more about this historically and culturally rich city, you can visit Marrakech on a guided tour.

There are many different tours to choose from: from guided walking tours and historical tours to visiting hidden sites in Marrakech.

Here are 3 tours we highly recommend:

Things I don’t recommend doing and places I don’t recommend visiting in Marrakech

Here are a few places and activities I deem worth skipping in Marrakech. Now bear in mind that this is only my opinion but the following activities really didn’t appeal to me and I’ll tell you why.

1. Don’t Visit the Yves Saint Laurent museum

Yves Saint Laurent spent a good deal of time and money in Marrakech and he built this small but beautiful modern museum to showcase himself, his work, and his models and friends.

Unless you’re a fan of Paris high-fashion designer clothing, this museum risks being quite boring. The entrance is 7 euros per person and that’s a very high cost for such few exhibits.

There’s nothing in the museum related to Morocco or Marrakech. Even if you are into fashion, all you will see are rooms full of dresses.

2. Don’t Take a picture with snakes or monkeys

In the large squares of very touristic cities such as in Jemna El-Fna in Marrakesh, you might encounter people walking around with animals such as snakes or monkeys.

When you walk by, these scammers place the animal on you and invite you to take a picture. They may even snatch your camera out of your hand to take a picture of you with the animal.

They then try to convince you into paying them a super large sum of money for the picture you took with their critters.

If you give less than what they’re expecting (which is usually something around 100 MAD or 10 euros), they’ll throw the money back at you and start shouting while asking you to pay more.

The first way to not fall into this trap is to avoid people insisting on you taking a picture with their animals. If you do like a photo, however, pay them only what you consider to be a fair price and then walk away.

Reading Tip: 12 common scams you might encounter in Morocco

3. Don’t go to the Marrakech museum

There is not much to see in this museum apart from the exterior of the building itself.

The building is nice but the displays are not so interesting. Also, you have to be able to read French or Arabic if you want to learn anything about what you’re looking at.

Reading Tip: Visit the best places in Morocco with these 3 travel itineraries

What are the best day trips from Marrakech?

Marrakech is a fantastic city where you can see tons of beautiful sights but at times it can become a bit overwhelming.

Because it’s so close to many interesting destinations, it’s easy to take a small break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You can leave Marrakesh in the morning, visit cool waterfalls and mountain villages during the day and come back in the evening.

To help you make the best of your time in Morocco, I wrote a complete guide to the best day trips around Marrakech .

In this guide , I explain how to reach each destination by public transport and with your own car from Marrakech and what you can do there.

Where to eat: the best restaurants in Marrakech

Marrakech has a wide selection of restaurants that can satisfy travelers with different budgets.

Whether you want a fancy restaurant where you can try some Moroccan wine or a local eatery, you’ll find some savory options in the city.

Here are some of the best restaurants in the city:

• Le Trou au Mur

If you want some authentic Moroccan food, this is the place to visit. They have a delicious mechoui and mixed salads that you can savor from a rooftop terrace with a view over Marrakesh.

This restaurant has some beautifully stunning decorations and the staff is super friendly and helpful.

When we called the restaurant to confirm our reservation, the owner offered to send one of his employees to meet us so we could easily get to the restaurant without getting lost. They even had someone walk us back to our hostel.

This is where you’ll find Le Trou au Mur:

This restaurant is a bit outside the city center but it’s well worth the 45-minute walk or the 5-minute taxi ride to get there. It’s the perfect place if you love salads and fresh vegetables.

I had a fantastic grilled eggplant with honey and almonds, a cauliflower fritter, and sweet pumpkin puree.

Here is where you’ll find Libzar in Marrakech:

This place is slightly expensive but so worth the price. It was probably our most expensive meal in Marrakech but compared to restaurant prices in Europe it wasn’t too pricey.

They serve generous portions and have delicious vegetarian options. If you eat meat, I absolutely recommend the lamb tajine or the chicken tajine with lemon.

If you have a sweet tooth, the chocolate and orange pastila will be the perfect dessert.

There seems to be live music in this restaurant every evening. There were some Sitar players while we were there and a belly dancer.

Here is where Dar Zalij is located in Marrakech:

Where to stay in Marrakech?

Marrakech is a city that is worth taking the time to discover, so you will want to stay there for at least a night or two.

It’s a city rich in traditional architecture. One of the best experiences you can have in Morocco is staying in a riad, a typical rich Moroccan house with indoor courtyards and fountains, designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).

Marrakech also offers a wide choice of hostels for budget travelers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening.

What are the best hostels in Marrakech?

• Kasbah Red Castel Hostel

This hostel has some of the friendliest staff in Marrakesh and it felt like they were old friends we hadn’t seen for a while. They were very helpful and diligent.

This gorgeous hostel has a great rooftop terrace where there are plenty of long chairs to lounge.

For digital nomads who work from their laptops creating online content, this hostel will be the ideal location. The hostel has a lot of power sockets in the dorms as well as in the shared areas.

Jemaa el Fnaa, the main square of Marrakech is just 15 minutes away from this establishment so the location of the place is ideal to see all the main sights of the city.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Kasbah Red Castel Hostel”

• Mosaic hostel

This hostel is located right in the heart of the medina. Although it’s located right in the center of the city, it’s still an oasis of peace and tranquility.

There is a great breakfast served in the hostel every morning composed of delicious pancakes, omelets, and fruits.

The staff of the mosaic hostel was super friendly. They recommended some awesome things to do around the city and made us feel at home.

They also had an awesome music playlist that played every morning and it was the perfect way to start the day.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Mosaic hostel”

This is the cleanest and most beautiful hostel in Marrakech, hands down. The rooms, bathrooms, and shared areas are impeccably clean.

The hostel is also covered in beautiful decorations. Although this is a hostel, you’ll find the same level of comfort here than you would in a fancy riad.

The place is managed by a young Moroccan entrepreneur who is really keen on providing his guests with the very best experience possible.

He speaks English very well and can help you with anything you would need during your visit to Marrakech.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Be Nomad”

What are the best riads in Marrakech?

Marrakech has so many beautiful riads that we couldn’t possibly put them all here. They are becoming more and more affordable and give you the impression of being part of a Moroccan royal family without breaking your piggy bank.

These are the ones we recommend in Marrakech:

• Riad les 2 Portes

This riad is smaller than other establishments so it has a cozier and more private atmosphere than what you would get in other places.

The rooms are very comfortable and they are painted in very light shades of colors as you can see in these pictures .

Riad les 2 Portes is in a perfect location in the heart of the Medina. It was ideal for our quick visit to Marrakech and was very enjoyable.

The staff was excellent, they were always available to answer all of our questions and the breakfast was really varied.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad les 2 Portes”

• Riad Jomana

Luxurious is the best way to describe this lavish palace. Riad Jomana seems to come straight from the Arabian night’s novel.

It has a very traditional look with colorful tiles and a water fountain. This riad is famous for its super huge rooms with humongous beds.

If you want to feel like a royal without spending too much money, this is the place where you should stay.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Jomana”

• Riad Dar Tamlil

This riad is full of lovely trees, shrubs, and flowers. It feels very quiet and peaceful even though it’s very close to the city center.

Riad Dar Tamlilhas a washing machine and getting some clothes washed while you’re there is not a problem.

This riad is quite small with only 4 rooms but the rooms are really spacious.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Dar Tamlil”

How to get to Marrakech?

How to get from casablanca to marrakech by train.

Marrakech can be reached from Casablanca by taxi, by bus, and by train. However, the cheapest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by train so that’s the option I will cover here.

Traveling around Morocco by train is a great choice because they’re cheap and they are a great way to see the stunning Moroccan landscapes.

It’s very easy to buy your train tickets directly at the train station. Ticket prices and time schedules can be found on the ONCF website .

Once you know which train you will take, you can head over to the train station to buy your ticket. Bring cash to buy your ticket as it’s not always possible to pay by debit or credit card.

There are eight trains per day between Casablanca and Marrakech departing every couple of hours. Travel time between the two cities is around 2 hours and a half.

Here is where you can hop on the train in Casablanca:

How to get from Casablanca to Marrakech with your own car?

If you have your own car or if you’re renting one , reaching Marrakech from Casablanca becomes very easy. To reach Marrakesh from Casablanca, just follow the highway N11 towards the south until you reach highway A7. Follow highway A7 and you’ll arrive in Marrakech.

The distance between the two cities is 244 km and getting there will take around 3 hours.

Reading Tip: Top things to do in Casablanc a – C a s a b l a n c a C i t y G u i d e

How to get from Essaouira to Marrakech by bus?

One of our favorite cities in Morocco is Essaouira and if you travel along the coast you’ll probably end up visiting it as well.

Marrakech and Essaouira are both very traditional cities and it’s a great idea to visit both if you want to understand the Moroccan culture in greater depth.

To reach Marrakech from Essaouira you’ll have to reach one of the bus stations in the city first.

There are two bus terminals in Essaouira, one is used only by CTM and the other one is used by Supratour and the various other bus companies that operate there.

The Supratour terminal is much closer to the old city while the CTM one is located a bit farther. The Supratours bus stop can be found just southwest of the square known as Bab Marrakech.

Here is the location of the two bus terminals in Essaouira where you can get a bus for Marrakech:

You can find the bus schedules on the CTM and the Supratour websites.

How to get from Essaouira to Marrakech with your own car?

If you have your own car, it doesn’t take a lot of time to reach Marrakech from Essaouira. There is only 191 km between the two cities and it takes a bit more than an hour and a half to get to Marrakech from Essaouira.

Reading Tip: Top things to do in Essaouira – Essaouira City Guide

How to get from Fez to Marrakech by bus?

Fez has a bus station with buses departing to Marrakech every single day. Buses in Morocco usually tend to be old, rusty and without lights but the main company that connects Fez and Marrakech, CTM, has really modern and comfortable vehicles.

They offer European-quality service, for double the price by Moroccan standards, but they usually include the 5 to10 dirham required for transporting luggage (malletas), and they’re not overcrowded.

People go to the station in the morning to book their ticket for the afternoon or the day after, and collect stickers for luggage, so beware of showing up at the last minute and not finding a place.

Here is the location of the CTM bus station in Fez:

How to get from Fez to Marrakesh in your own car?

If you have your own car and you want to drive to Marrakech, it’s easier to get there using the coastal highway.

The highway that follows the coast is almost brand new and by using it you won’t have to drive through the treacherous windy mountain highways in the center of the country.

Reach the coast by driving to Rabat first and then drive south from there to Casablanca and then to Marrakech.

More MOROCCO TRAVEL Resources:

• What you need to know before you go: 23 Travel Tips for Morocco
• Is Morocco Safe? Safety Guide to Morocco
• How to avoid the 12 most common scams in Morocco
• See the best of Morocco by following these 3 great travel itineraries
• Visit these beautiful 17 places in Morocco
• Tips for traveling to Morocco during Ramadan
• Morocco City Guides: Fez , Tangier , Essaouira , Chefchaouen , Rabat , Meknes , Marrakech , Casablanca , Agadir
• The best daytrips from Marrakech
• Fun things to do in the Sahara: how to plan a desert trip to Merzouga
• The Complete Guide to Imlil and Hiking Mount Toubkal
• Everything you need to know about visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Rock climbing and other fun things to do in the Todra Gorges and Tinerhir
• How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen
• A guide to visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Surfing in Morocco – The best surfing spots in Morocco
• How to visit Paradise Valley in Agadir
• What to wear in Morocco: Complete packing list for Morocco
• Morocco photography tips: How to take portraits of people in Morocco
• Extend your stay in Morocco using one of these 3 ways to renew your Morocco visa
• Useful tips on how to take the ferry from Tangier to Spain
• Books about Morocco: 10 Great Novels set in Morocco

I hope this guide was useful and that you’ll have a great time in Marrakech. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write them in the contact below or contact us directly .

Related Posts:

What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? Casablanca City Guide

12 Best things to do in Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco

10 Best Things to Do in Agadir Morocco – The Complete Guide to Morocco’s Surf city

20 Top Things to Do in Tangier Morocco – The Complete City Guide

The Fes tannery In Photos: The best way to Visit the Leather Tanneries of Fes

11 Best Things to do in Rabat Morocco – The Complete Guide to Morocco’s Capital City

6 thoughts on “16 top things to do in marrakech morocco – the complete guide to morocco’s red city”.

By far this is the best and most comprehensive guide in one blog. Kudos! Planning to visit in January 2023.

Thanks so much Arfah!

Love this blog! do you have recommendations of riads in marrakech with pools? asking for my 8 year old 🙂

Hi Jimena, there are quite some Riads with pools in Marrakech. Here are some suggestions: Riad Africa Riad Ayadina Riad Sidi Mimoune

Amazing Blog Thank you for sahring with us your experience

Thank you! 🙂

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The 17 best things to do in Marrakech

From museums and souks to fabulous restaurants, here are the things in Marrakech you should not miss

Within minutes of arriving in Marrakech you’ll learn a new word: ‘ Balek !’ Roughly translated as, ‘move it, donkey coming through!’ It’s a good word to know as Marrakech is a creative cauldron and is currently making an exciting dash to the future. 

Having earned the prestige of being Africa’s first Capital of Culture, the city is now on a mission to introduce you to the best Moroccan food, fashion, design, art and hospitality. The Medina has recently benefited from careful architectural restoration; new museums have opened showcasing jewellery, desert gardens and ethnographic collections; the city’s souks sell almost anything you can dream up; and, the food scene is booming. So, join the throng and try out these must-do recommendations.

RECOMMENDED: 🥘  The best restaurants in Marrakech 🇲🇦 Your ultimate guide to Morocco

This guide is by Paula Hardy , a writer based in Marrakech . At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

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What to do in Marrakech

1.  Medersa Ben Youssef

• Things to do

An architectural marvel and Marrakech’s most important monument, this 14th-century religious school has recently undergone a painstaking five-year renovation during which the rich zellij tiling, ancient cedarwood ceilings and vine-covered stuccowork have been brought back to stunning life. Up in the dormitories of   Medersa Ben Youssef you’ll find absorbing videos about the restoration.  

Why go?  To get an appreciation of the extraordinary technical skill and imaginative power of Morocco’s master craftsmen, who still ply their trade in the city’s souks.  

2.  Souk Semmarine

Souk Semmarine is the Bond St of Marrakech’s central souks, lined with carpets, cut brass lanterns, leatherwork and babouche. Dive in and get lost in the tangle of alleys which lead off into  Rahba Kedima (the  spice market) and  souk Haddadine ( blacksmiths alley).

Why go?  Did you even go to Morocco if you didn’t come back with something to remember it by? Haggle with the traders for that beautiful rug you spotted   – you won’t regret it. 

3.  Musée Yves Saint Laurent

The French designer loved spending time in Marrakech so much   he bought the famous   Jardin Majorelle in 1980 and   made it home. Now, the   Musée Yves Saint Laurent, located next door,   is dedicated to Yves’s couture legacy and has a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career.

Why go?  The YSL collection is an amazing body of work that even non-fashionistas can appreciate. It’s housed in one of the city’s most striking   contemporary buildings, and includes a beautiful café, bookshop, archive library and auditorium.

4.  Jardin Majorelle

Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is home to more types of cacti than you can shake a terrarium at and has a stunning indigo blue art deco house as its centrepiece.

Why go?  Phone cameras at the ready – Jardin Majorelle with its sculptural cacti and indigo blue villa is pure Instagram gold. Majorelle’s studio also houses the Berber Museum, showcasing a rich collection of traditional Moroccan jewellery and fashion.  

5.  Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace (which roughly translates to ‘beautiful palace’) was built in the late 19th century, and now forms the epicentre of the city’s culture.  You won’t believe the decor until you see it, with high, gilded ceilings, rooms filled with paintings, mosaics and stuccos, and a huge, open garden to wander.

Why go?  To find a spot in the shade and sit for hours to take it all in. 

6.  Maison de la Photographie

What is it?  A three-storey riad-turned-gallery housing the vintage Moroccan photography collection of Patrick Menac’h and Marrakshi Hamid Mergani. The images document the lifestyle and landscapes of Morocco between 1870 and 1950 – more than a century later, many things remain exactly the same.

Why go?   To immerse yourself in the visual history of Morocco. Maison de la Photographie 's rooftop café is also one of the highest in the medina and is a great spot for lunch .

7.  Indulge in a restorative hammam

The  hammam  – public bathhouse – is a Moroccan institution and you’ll find one in every neighbourhood in Marrakech as well as hotels like La Mamounia , Riad Tarabel and Es Saadi . It’s where Moroccans go for their weekly, relaxing  gommage  (scrub), but also to reconnect with themselves and with friends and family.

Why go?   Because it’s an authentic Moroccan experience and is incredibly restorative. Alongside a full body scrub, most hammams offer masques and massages as well. 

8.  Contemporary Art Crawl in Gueliz

Ten minutes west of the walled medina, you’ll find the neighbourhood of Gueliz, the so-called 1930s ‘New Town’. Alongside its cafes and shopping malls, it harbours some exciting modern and contemporary art galleries like Galerie Siniya 28 , Galerie 127 and Comptoir des Mines . 

Why go?  Gueliz is the modern face of Marrakech and these galleries offer an insight into the vibrant, multidisciplinary art scene that Morocco fosters.  

9.  Jemaa el-Fna

The vast open square at the heart of the medina is one of Marrakech’s biggest attractions and is a Unesco world heritage site. Expect snake charmers, street entertainers and over-enthusiastic henna artists at every turn.  Locals and tourists descend on the Jemaa every night, drawn by the ceaseless hoopla and  halqa  (street theatre). 

Why go?  Grab some food from one of the barbecue stalls, listen to some music, head up to a rooftop bar and marvel at the sunset.

10.  Musée des Confluences

The former governor’s palace and home to the notorious Thami El Glaoui, Lord of the Atlas. Now the Musée des Confluences , it houses the archaeological collection of American Patty Birch and puts on shows exploring the intersection of eastern and western cultures.

Why go?  This is one of the most beautiful palaces in the medina, vast in ambition and covered in intricate detail: coffered cedar ceilings, geometric tiling, stucco worked into elaborate floral motifs. Don’t miss Marrakech’s best cafe , Bacha Coffee House , which serves more than 40 brews in a jewel-like space .

11.  Marrakech Insiders

Hop aboard a vintage sidecar motorbike for Marrakech Insiders ' tailormade tour of the Red City. The essential tour nips down alleys and through grand royal gates to give you a behind-the-scenes peak of local neighbourhoods, while other tours take you out to Art Deco Gueliz and beyond to the Palmeraie and desert. 

Why go? Because it’s fun and revealing and will give you a fabulous insight into Marrakech that will be hard to access on your own. It’s also a tremendously adventurous way for families to tour the city.  

12.  Musée de Mouassine

A jewel of 16th-century Saadian architecture, this  douiria  (guest apartment) was built by a  chorfa  (noble) family and retains all its exquisite original decoration that acts as a backdrop to thoughtful exhibitions and musical events.

Why go?  Every Monday and Friday from October to May, Musée de Mouassine hosts concerts of classical Moroccan music. Set in such beautiful surroundings, the events are super-atmospheric and accompanied by tea and pastries.

13.  Sahbi Sahbi

Sahbi Sahbi is an atmospheric modern Moroccan restaurant in the New Town, Gueliz, designed by renown architectural practice Studio KO. Presided over by an all-female team, Sahbi Sahbi serves up some of the best traditional Moroccan dishes in a stylish interior with an open, central kitchen where you can see the magic happen. 

Why go?  To sample traditional Moroccan cooking at its finest, including unctuous beef tangia with white beans and cinnamon-dusted pigeon pastilla. Reserve a seat at the counter to see the chefs in action.  

14.  El Badi Palace

What is it?  The epic ruins of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour's once-magnificent palace, within which are set sunken gardens of orange trees surrounded by epic ramparts whose decrepit towers offer panoramic views over the medina.

Why go? El B adi  may be a ruin, but it offers a fascinating insight into the power and wealth of past Moroccan dynasties. Within the ruins, you’ll also find the jewel that is the Koutoubia’s  minbar  (prayer pulpit), crafted by 12th-century Cordoban artisans. 

15.  The Mellah

The Mellah is the ancient Jewish quarter of Marrakech, which has undergone an extensive renovation programme reinstating Jewish street names and repairing unique architectural. Make sure to visit the Al Azama synagogue, founded in the 16 th -century, and the extraordinary Miaara cemetery, the largest Jewish cemetery in Morocco.

Why go?  Tours give an insight into a fascinating part of Marrakech’s (and Morocco’s) history. The Mellah is also an area of the city is less well explored by tourists and still has a very authentic neighbourhood atmosphere.

16.  Souk Cuisine

Souk Cuisine  puts on cookery classes with a twist. Starting with a tour of the souks, you shop for ingredients before heading to a riad where you’re taught how to cook by a group of local women.

Why go?  Food is a huge part of Moroccan culture, and the course is a fab way to learn more about the country and its traditions. You’ll also make some of the tastiest tagines in town.

17.  Café Clock

Café Clock is a hybrid restaurant-café-cultural centre where you can consider the merits of date milkshakes and camel burgers and sign up for storytelling workshops, calligraphy classes, oud lessons and Gnaoua jam sessions.

Why go?  To dive deep into Moroccan culture and give some things a go yourself. Also, 10 dirhams from every camel burger Café Clock sells goes to charity.

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Marrakesh Travel Guide

TripSavvy / Chris VR 

Situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakesh is large, noisy, polluted and smelly. But Marrakesh is also fascinating, full of history, the cultural center of Morocco and beautiful. If you enjoy a daily assault on all your senses then you'll have a lot of fun. When the most popular sights include numerous references to "tranquility" and "peace" like the Majorelle gardens or the gardens around the Saadian Tombs you know you're in for an interesting experience. If you find it a little overwhelming then get an official guide to take you around.

There are so many things to see, you should spend at least 3 days in Marrakesh. If you can afford it, treat yourself to a stay in a Riad so when you return from a hectic day amidst carpet salesman, fire jugglers and noisy souqs, you can relax and have a cup of mint tea in a nice quiet courtyard.

This guide to Marrakesh will help you figure out the best time to go; the best sights to see; how to get to Marrakesh and how to get around; and where to stay.

When to Go to Marrakesh

It is best to try and avoid the summer heat and crowds and visit Marrakesh in the cooler months between September and May. But, some annual events take place in summer which you may not want to miss.

• Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival in July. This annual festival attracts folk singers, dancers, fortune-tellers, acting troupes, snake charmers, fire-swallowers and more, from all over Morocco. Since 2000 the festival has also attracted many artists and entertainers from Europe and Asia. The main events take place in the ruins of the 16 century Badi Palace and the Djemma el Fna (main town square - see below).
• Fantasia is a horse-riding spectacle that includes hundreds of charging horsemen (and women) wearing traditional clothing. It's part of the Popular Arts Festival so it takes place at the same time in July. You can experience the Fantasia in the evenings outside the city walls near the Bab Jdid. If you don't get to see it in July, there's a restaurant that offers the Fantasia as entertainment while you dine, the Chez Ali . Up-market and touristy but I'm sure you won't forget the experience in a hurry.
• Imilchil Marriage Feast is a Berber marriage festival where up to forty couples tie the knot. It takes place in Imilchil in the Middle-High Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh. The festival is a great way to experience Berber culture including music and dance. The event takes place after harvest every year so the dates vary, it's usually held late August or early September.

Winter in Marrakech From mid-January to mid-February there is usually enough snowfall in the Atlas mountains to accommodate skiers . The Oukaimden ski resort is less than 50 miles away from Marrakech. There are several ski lifts and if they don't work you can always take a donkey up the slopes. If there's not enough snow the views are always spectacular and it's still worth the trip.

What to See in Marrakech

Djemma el Fna The Djemma el Fna is really the heart of Marrakech. It is a large central square in the old city (Medina) and during the day it's a perfect place to grab a freshly-squeezed orange juice and a handful of dates. At the end of the afternoon, the Djemma el Fna transforms into an entertainers paradise -- if you're into snake charming, juggling, music and that sort of thing. Snack stalls are replaced with stalls offering more substantial fare and the square comes alive with entertainment that hasn't changed much since medieval times.

The Djemma el Fna is surrounded by cafe's overlooking the square so you can just relax and watch the world go by if you're tired of jostling the crowds below. Be prepared to be asked for money when you take photos of the performers and stop to watch the entertainment.

Souqs The souqs are basically undercover markets that sell everything from chickens to high-quality crafts. The souqs of Marrakech are considered to be among the best in Morocco, so if you like  shopping and bargaining  you'll enjoy yourself tremendously. Even if you don't like shopping, the souqs are a cultural experience you wouldn't want to miss. Souqs are divided into small areas that specialize in a certain good or trade. The metal workers all have their little shops clustered together, as do the tailors, butchers, jewelers, wool dyers, spice merchants, carpet salesmen and so on.

The souqs are situated north of the Djemma el Fna and finding your way around the narrow alleyways can be a bit tricky. Guides are plentiful in Marrakech, so you can always use those services, but getting lost in the chaos is also part of the fun. It's often more interesting to peek into souqs where local wares are being produced than to be taken to yet another carpet shop by your guide. If you get lost, just ask for directions back to the Djemma el Fna.

Majorelle Gardens and the Museum of Islamic Art In the 1920's, French artists Jacques and Louis Majorelle created a stunning garden in the middle of Marrakech's new town. The Majorelle gardens are filled with color, plants of all shapes and sizes, flowers, fish ponds and perhaps the most pleasing aspect, tranquility. The designer Yves Saint Laurent now owns the gardens and has also built himself a house on the property. The building that gets most of the attention, however, is the bright blue and yellow building the Marjorelles used as their studio and which now houses the  Museum of Islamic Art . This small museum includes some good examples of Moroccan tribal art, carpets, jeweler, and pottery. The gardens and museum are  open daily  with a 2-hour lunch break from 12-2pm.

Saadian Tombs The Saadian dynasty ruled much of southern Morocco during the 16th and 17th centuries. Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour created these tombs for himself and his family in the late 16th century, 66 of them are buried here. The tombs were sealed up rather than destroyed in the 17th century and were only re-discovered in 1917. Consequently, they are beautifully preserved and the intricate mosaic is stunning. Despite being situated in the heart of the somewhat hectic old town (medina) the tombs are surrounded by a nice peaceful garden. The tombs are open daily except for Tuesday. It's advisable to get there early and avoid the tour groups.

The Ramparts of Marrakech The walls of the Medina have been standing since the 13th century and make for a wonderful early morning stroll. Each gate is a work of art in themselves and the walls run for twelve miles. The Bab ed-Debbagh gate is the entry point for the  tanneries  and provides an excellent photo opportunity full of vivid colors from the dyes used. It is a little smelly though.

Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts) A palace and museum in one and well worth a visit. The palace is opulent and beautiful in itself with a lovely courtyard where you can relax and take some pictures. The museum's displays are well laid out and include jewelry, costumes, ceramics, daggers and other artifacts. The museum is open daily with a couple of hours break for lunch.

Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Mosque The Medersa was built in the 16th century by the Saadians and could house up to 900 religious students. The architecture is beautifully preserved and you can explore the tiny rooms where the students used to live. The mosque is adjacent to the Medersa.

El Bahia Palace This palace is a wonderful example of the best of Moroccan architecture. There's lots of detail, arches, light, engravings and what's more, it was built as a harem's residence, which makes it even more interesting. The palace is open daily with a break for lunch although it is closed when the royal family visits.

Getting to Marrakech

By Air Marrakech has an international airport with direct scheduled flights coming in from London and Paris and many charter flights arriving from all over Europe. If you are flying from the US, Canada, Asia or elsewhere, you'll have to change planes in  Casablanca . The airport is only about 4 miles (15 minutes) from the city and buses, as well as taxis, operate throughout the day. You should set the taxi fare before you get in. The major car rental companies are represented at the airport.

By Train Trains  run regularly between Marrakech and Casablanca . The trip takes about 3 hours. If you want to go to Fez, Tangier or Meknes then you can take the train through Rabat (4 hours from Marrakech). There is also an  overnight train  between Tangier and Marrakech. It's best to take a taxi to the train station in Marrakech since it's quite far from the old town (if that's where you're staying).

By Bus There are three national bus companies that operate between Marrakech and most major towns and cities in Morocco. They are Supratours, CTM and SATAS. According to recent traveller accounts on VirtualTourist.com SATAS doesn't have a very good reputation. Long-distance buses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned. You can buy your tickets at the bus depot. Supratours buses are handy if you are travelling onward by train since they stop at the Marrakech train station. The other bus companies arrive and depart from the long distance bus station near Bab Doukkala, a 20-minute walk from Jema el-Fna.

Getting Around Marrakech

The best way to see Marrakech is on foot especially in the Medina. But it's a sizable town and you'll probably want to make use of some of the following options:

• Taxis  are readily available throughout town and probably the most efficient way of getting to the main sites.  Grand taxis  are old Mercedes cars that carry up to six people for a fixed fare. They usually keep to specific routes and you'll find them at the bus station, Djemaa el Fna and the main Post Office in Gueliz (new town).  Petit taxis  are a little more expensive but you get it to yourself and they'll take you anywhere you want to go. The meters aren't always used so either ask the driver to switch it on or bargain for your fare before you hop in. Ask your hotel staff what a reasonable fare is if you know where you're going. Petit taxis in Marrakech are usually beige and you can just flag them down.
• Caleche  is a horse-drawn carriage and a popular way to get around Marrakech. There are set prices for the more common routes, around the ramparts for example, but for other routes, you'll have to bargain with the driver. Set the price before you hop in. You can catch a Caleche in the garden square between the Koutoubia Mosque and Djemaa el Fna, El Badi Palace and the more expensive hotels.
• Buses  within the town are frequent and cheap but can get crowded. The central bus station, Place El Mouarabitene is just outside Bab Doukkala on the northwestern edge of the old city. You can pay the bus driver directly. The no 8 will take you to the train station; the no 10 to the central bus station and the no 1 travels between the Medina and Gueliz (new town). Most buses will stop at the Djemaa-el-Fna
• Moped or Bicycle  is also a popular way to get around Marrakech and you can cycle within the medina which is handy. Check out  Maroc deux Roues  to get an idea about rates.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Riads One of the most sought-after accommodations in Marrakech is a  Riad , a traditional Moroccan house situated in the Medina (old town). All riads have a central courtyard that will often have a fountain, restaurant or a pool. Some riads also have rooftop terraces where you can eat breakfast and look out over the city. A comprehensive list of riads in Marrakech including photos and prices can be found on the Riad Marrakech website . Riads are not all expensive, check out the  Maison Mnabha ,  Dar Mouassine  and the  Hotel Sherazade  where you can stay in style but pay less.

There are two Riads in Marrakech of note:

• La Maison Arabe ; a luxury riad in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. Famous for its restaurant it also offers 13 rooms overlooking two courtyards and a beautiful hammam (traditional Moroccan sauna). You can catch hourly shuttles to the hotel's cooking school (20 minutes away) with swimming pool and gardens. Check rates and reviews.
• Riad Kniza ; situated in the heart of Marrakech's Medina just a few minutes walk from the Djemma el Fna (the main square). This small, romantic, beautifully furnished traditional Riad has 7 rooms, two lounges, a courtyard and several patios. The owner is an antique dealer and extremely knowledgeable about Marrakech. The Riad Kniza comes very highly recommended with glowing  reviews  from all who stay here.

Hotels Marrakech has lots of  luxury hotels  available including the famous La Mamounia, featured in the  Sex and the City 2  movie and which Winston Churchill described as "the most beautiful place in the world". There are also several popular chain hotels like the  Le Meridien , and  Sofitel . These hotels are often housed in historic buildings and retain the Moroccan character and style. 

Budget hotels  are also plentiful and Bootsnall has a decent listing of affordable options. Since many of the smaller budget hotels won't have websites or online booking facilities you should get a good guidebook, like the Lonely Planet and follow their recommendations. Most budget accommodation is situated south of the Djemaa el Fna.

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Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

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• Description

Founded in 1070–72 by the Almoravids, Marrakesh remained a political, economic and cultural centre for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. It has several impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors, gardens, etc. Later architectural jewels include the Bandiâ Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa , the Saadian Tombs, several great residences and Place Jamaâ El Fna, a veritable open-air theatre.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Médina de Marrakech

Fondée en 1070-1072 par les Almoravides (1056-1147), Marrakech fut longtemps un centre politique, économique et culturel majeur de l'Occident musulman, régnant sur l'Afrique du Nord et l'Andalousie. Des monuments grandioses remontent à cette période : la mosquée de la Koutoubiya, la Casbah, les remparts, les portes monumentales, les jardins, etc. Plus tard, la ville accueillera d'autres merveilles, tels le palais Bandiâ, la medersa Ben Youssef, les tombeaux saâdiens, de grandes demeures, etc. La place Jamaâ El Fna, véritable théâtre en plein air, émerveille toujours les visiteurs.

مدينة مراكش

أنشأها المُرابطون(1056–1147) بين 1070 و1072 وبقيت مراكش لفترةٍ طويلةٍ المركز السياسي والاقتصادي والثقافي الأهم في بلدان الغرب الاسلاميّة المُسيْطرة على أفريقيا الشّماليّة والأندلس وتعود النصب العظيمة إلى تلك الحقبة: مسجد الكتُبية والقصبة والأسوار والبوّابات الأثريّة والحدائق. ثم استضافت هذه المدينة فيما بعد روائعَ أخرى كقصر الباهية ومدرسة بن يوسف وضريح السعديين والبيوت الكبيرة. كما أن ساحة جامع الفنا التي تشكل مسرحًا رائعًا في الهواء الطلق تدهش دائمًا زائريه، بحيث أدرجت على قائمة التراث غير المادي للإنسانية.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

马拉柯什的阿拉伯人聚居区

马拉柯什城是穆拉比兑人于公元1071年至1072年建立的，在很长的一段时期内，马拉柯什一直是摩洛哥的政治中心、经济中心和文化中心。该城的影响力遍及整个西部穆斯林世界，从非洲北部一直到安大路西亚。马拉柯什城中还保留着几个从那个时代遗留下来的遗迹，包括库图比亚清真寺、居民居住区、城墙、巨大城门、花园等等。此外，城中还有一些后期建造的伟大建筑，如邦迪阿宫、本·尤素福穆斯林大学、 萨阿迪墓、数处宏伟的宫殿和民居以及真正的室外剧场——雅马埃尔法那广场。

Medina de Marrakech

Fundada en 1070-1072 por los almorávides (1056-1147), Marrakech fue durante mucho tiempo un importante centro político, económico y cultural del Occidente musulmán, con una gran influencia en todo el norte de África y Andalucía. De ese periodo datan varias edificaciones impresionantes como la mezquita de Kutubiya, la casba, las murallas almenadas y las puertas monumentales, así como los jardines. Posteriormente, la ciudad se engalanaría con otras joyas arquitectónicas como el palacio Bandia, la madraza de Ben Yussef, las tumbas saadianas, numerosas mansiones señoriales y la plaza de Jamaa El Fna, verdadero teatro al aire libre.

source: NFUAJ

Medina van Marrakesh

Marrakesh werd gesticht in 1070-1072 door de Almoraviden. De stad bleef een tijd lang het politiek, economisch en cultureel centrum en haar invloed werd in de hele westerse islamitische wereld gevoeld, van Noord-Afrika tot Andalusië. Marrakesh heeft een aantal indrukwekkende monumenten zoals de Koutoubiya moskee, de Kasbah, de kantelen, monumentale deuren en tuinen. De Koutoubia moskee – met een minaret van 77 meter – is het symbool van de stad. Later kwamen daar architectonische schatten bij waaronder het Bandiâ paleis, de Ben Youssef madrassa, de Saadian graven, een aantal grote woningen en het openluchttheater Djemaâ El Fna.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis.

Founded in 1070-1072 by the Almoravids (1056-1147), capital of the Almohads (1147-1269), Marrakesh was, for a long time, a major political, economic and cultural centre of the western Muslim world, reigning in North Africa and Andalusia. Vast monuments dating back to that period: Koutoubia Mosque, with the matchless minaret of 77 metres, an essential monument of Muslim architecture, is one of the important landmarks of the urban landscape and the symbol of the City, the Kasbah, ramparts, monumental gates and gardens. Later, the town welcomed other marvels, such as the Badiâ Palace, the Ben Youssef merdersa, les Saâdians tombs,  Bahia Palace and large residences. Jamaâ El Fna Square, inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a true open-air theatre that always amazes visitors. Due to its still protected, original and well conserved conception, its construction materials and decoration in constant use, and its natural environment (notably the Gardens of Aguedal, Ménara and the Palm Grove (Palmeraie) the plantation of which is attributed to the Almoravids), the Medina of Marrakesh possesses all its initial components both cultural and natural that illustrate its Outstanding Universal Value. 

Criterion (i): Marrakesh contains an impressive number of masterpieces of architecture and art (ramparts and monumental gates, Koutoubia Mosque, Saâdians tombs, ruins of the Badiâ Palace, Bahia Palace, Ménara water feature and pavilion) each one of which could justify, alone, a recognition of Outstanding Universal Value.

Criterion (ii): The capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads has played a decisive role in medieval urban development.  Capital of the Merinids, Fès Jedid (the New town), integral part of the Medina of Fez, inscribed in 1981 on the World Heritage List, is an adaptation of the earlier urban model of Marrakesh.

Criterion (iv): Marrakesh, which gave its name to the Moroccan empire, is a completed example of a major Islamic capital of the western Mediterranean.

Criterion (v): In the 700 hectares of the Medina, the ancient habitat, rendered vulnerable due to demographic change, represents an outstanding example of a living historic town with its tangle of lanes, its houses, souks, fondouks, artisanal activities and traditional trades.

Integrity (2009)

The boundary of the property inscribed on the World Heritage List is correctly defined by the original ramparts that enclose all the requisite architectural and urban attributes for recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value.  A revision of these boundaries is envisaged for increased protection of the surroundings of the property.

Nevertheless, the integrity of the property is vulnerable due to pressure from urban development, uncontrolled alterations to upper floors and construction materials of the houses, the abandonment of the Khettaras (underground drainage galleries) and exploitation of the palm groves.

Authenticity (2009)

The ramparts, the Koutoubia Mosque, the kasbah, the Saâdians tombs, the ruins of Badiâ Palace, Menara water feature and pavilion, are examples of many monuments that clearly reflect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. The authenticity of the inner urban structure and of the monuments remains intact.  It is ensured by qualified workmanship carrying out restorations in accordance with standards in force. Reconstruction and redevelopment work carried out in the heart of the historic centre generally respects the original volume and style. The use of traditional materials in these restoration operations has tremendously revived the artisanal trades linked to construction (Zellige, lime plaster (tadallakt), painted and sculpted wood, plastering, wrought ironwork, cabinetmaking, etc.) in addition to trades linked to furnishing and decoration.

Protection and management requirements (2009)

Protection measures are essentially related to different laws for the listing of historic monuments and sites, in particular Law 22-80 concerning heritage. In addition to this legislation, each of the more important monuments of the Medina of Marrakesh is protected by specific regulatory texts. Over and above the local services that are involved with the protection of the Medina, the Regional Inspection for Historic Monuments and Sites (attached to the Ministry for Culture) is specifically responsible for the management, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the historic monuments on the one hand, and on the other, the examination of requests for building and development permits and the control of building sites in the Medina, thus constituting a guarantee for a sustainable protection of the site.

The Architectural Charter of the Medina of Marrakesh, developed by the Urban Agency of Marrakesh in cooperation with the Regional Inspection for Historic Monuments and Sites, comprises a management toolfor the safeguarding of the architectural, urban and landscape heritage of the Medina. It will be applied through the establishment of a specific advisory structure. A convention for the implementation of this Charter was signed on 11 November 2008 between the concerned partners.

• Ministry of Communication's website

Protections by other conservation instruments

1 protection / 3 elements

• Arts, skills and practices associated with engraving on metals (gold, silver and copper)
• Cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna Square
• Malhun, a popular poetic and musical art

Read more about synergies

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations
• Africa & Middle East

The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide

Published: October 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Sella Benge

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting city of Marrakech, an exotic destination that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy. Nestled in the heart of Morocco, Marrakech offers travelers a rich cultural experience, with its bustling markets, stunning architecture, and tantalizing cuisine.

Known as the “Red City” due to the distinctive hue of its ancient walls, Marrakech is a treat for the senses. From the vibrant colors of the souks to the aromatic spices that waft through the air, every corner of this city has a story to tell.

Stepping into Marrakech is like entering a time portal where the traditions of the past intertwine effortlessly with the contemporary spirit of the present. The city’s history dates back to the 11th century, and it has since become a hub for artists, musicians, and travelers from around the world.

As you explore the labyrinthine streets of the medina, you’ll be captivated by the intricate architecture, adorned with stunning tilework, carved wood, and ornate stucco. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a myriad of hidden gems, including historic palaces, tranquil gardens, and ancient mosques.

But Marrakech is not all about history and culture. The city also offers a vibrant and modern side, with trendy cafes, stylish boutiques, and a thriving nightlife scene. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Marrakech will leave you spellbound.

This ultimate travel guide to Marrakech will take you on a journey through all the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips to make the most of your visit. From navigating the bustling souks to savoring traditional Moroccan dishes, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to create unforgettable memories in this captivating city.

So, grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready to immerse yourself in the colorful tapestry of Marrakech. Let the magic unfold as you embark on an adventure of a lifetime in this vibrant Moroccan city.

Getting to Marrakech

Getting to Marrakech is convenient as it is well connected to major cities around the world. The city is served by Marrakech Menara Airport, which offers regular flights from international destinations. Many airlines, including low-cost carriers, operate flights to Marrakech, making it accessible for travelers from different parts of the globe.

If you are coming from Europe, there are direct flights from major cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, and Rome, among others. The flight duration from these cities is relatively short, making Marrakech a popular weekend getaway destination.

For travelers from other continents, there are connecting flights available from major hubs like Dubai, Istanbul, New York, and Casablanca. Marrakech Menara Airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center, and you can easily reach your accommodation by taxi or shuttle service.

Another option to reach Marrakech is by train. Morocco has an extensive rail network, and there are trains connecting major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes to Marrakech. The train journey offers scenic views of the countryside and is a comfortable way to travel within the country.

If you prefer a road trip, you can consider renting a car and driving to Marrakech. The roads in Morocco are well-maintained, and there are major highways connecting Marrakech to other cities. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations before embarking on a road trip.

Once you arrive in Marrakech, getting around the city is relatively easy. The most common mode of transportation within the city is by taxi. You can easily find taxis on the streets, or you can opt for the more convenient option of ordering a ride through a mobile app.

For a unique experience, you can also explore the city on foot. Marrakech is compact, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking through the narrow alleys of the medina allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.

Now that you know how to get to Marrakech, it’s time to start planning your trip to this mesmerizing city. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or embark on a road trip, get ready to immerse yourself in the colors, sounds, and flavors of this vibrant Moroccan destination.

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

Marrakech enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, but it’s important to consider the season and weather when planning your visit. The best time to visit Marrakech is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and mild.

During the spring, Marrakech is in full bloom, with colorful flowers adorning the city and the temperatures averaging between 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F). This is a great time to explore the outdoor attractions like the Majorelle Garden and wander around the medina without the scorching heat of the summer months.

In autumn, the weather starts to cool down, making it another ideal time to visit Marrakech. Temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), and the city experiences fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. You can enjoy comfortable outdoor activities and explore the bustling souks without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.

However, if you’re a sun-seeking traveler and don’t mind the heat, you can plan your visit during the summer months (June to August). Marrakech experiences high temperatures during this time, with averages ranging from 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F). This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan your activities during the cooler parts of the day.

Winter (December to February) is also a viable time to visit Marrakech, especially if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer tourists. While the days are relatively sunny with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), the evenings can get chilly, dropping to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). It’s advisable to pack layers and a light jacket for the cooler evenings.

It’s worth noting that Marrakech hosts several festivals throughout the year, which can add a unique experience to your visit. The Marrakech Popular Arts Festival takes place in July and is a celebration of Moroccan music, dance, and traditional arts. The International Film Festival in December attracts renowned filmmakers from around the world.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Marrakech depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. Whether you choose to visit during the spring, autumn, summer, or winter, Marrakech will captivate you with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Marrakech offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you prefer a luxurious riad in the heart of the medina or a modern hotel in the newer parts of the city, Marrakech has something for everyone.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the old-world charm of Marrakech, staying in a traditional riad is a must. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses turned into boutique hotels, featuring stunning architecture, peaceful courtyards, and rooftop terraces. Many riads are located within the medina, offering easy access to the bustling souks and historical attractions. Some popular riads include Riad Yasmine, Riad BE Marrakech, and Riad Dar Anika.

For a more modern and luxurious stay, there are numerous four and five-star hotels scattered throughout the city. These hotels often offer spacious rooms, swimming pools, spa facilities, and on-site restaurants. Some top-rated hotels in Marrakech include La Mamounia, Royal Mansour Marrakech, and Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech.

If you prefer a lively and energetic atmosphere, the Gueliz neighborhood is a great option. Here, you’ll find a range of mid-range and budget hotels, as well as trendy cafes, shopping centers, and art galleries. It’s a more modern part of the city, providing a different perspective on Marrakech without compromising its charm.

The Palmeraie district, located on the outskirts of Marrakech, offers a tranquil and luxurious escape from the bustling city center. This area is home to several high-end resorts and luxury villas, surrounded by palm groves and offering a serene retreat.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling on a budget or prefer a more social experience, you can consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse. Marrakech has a variety of affordable accommodations that cater to backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. Hostels often offer dormitory-style rooms and communal spaces where you can meet fellow travelers and exchange stories. Some popular hostels in Marrakech include Equity Point Marrakech and Riad Lola & Demeures.

When choosing your accommodation, it’s important to consider factors such as location, amenities, and your personal preferences. Whether you’re seeking a traditional riad experience, a luxurious hotel stay, or a budget-friendly option, Marrakech has a wide array of options to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, Marrakech will captivate you with its rich culture, vibrant atmosphere, and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions in Marrakech

Marrakech is a city that is brimming with history, culture, and stunning sights to explore. From ancient palaces to bustling markets, here are some of the top attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Marrakech:

• The Medina: The heart and soul of Marrakech, the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit attraction. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets filled with colorful shops, handicrafts, and local vendors. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, which stands tall as a symbol of the city.
• Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: Located at the entrance of the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa is a vibrant and bustling square that comes alive with performers, musicians, henna artists, and food stalls as the sun sets. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, taste delicious Moroccan street food, and witness traditional storytellers and snake charmers.
• Majorelle Garden: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a stroll through the peaceful Majorelle Garden. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden features a beautiful collection of exotic plants, vibrant blue buildings, and a small museum dedicated to Berber culture.
• Bahia Palace: Step into the opulent world of the Bahia Palace, a stunning 19th-century palace that showcases the grandeur and beauty of Moroccan architecture. Meander through the intricately decorated courtyards, visit the luxurious rooms, and admire the exquisite mosaic work.
• Saadian Tombs: Discover the hidden treasure of Marrakech at the Saadian Tombs. Dating back to the 16th century, these tombs were rediscovered in 1917 and showcase exquisite craftsmanship and intricate tilework. Marvel at the beautifully decorated mausoleums and the tranquil garden surrounding them.
• El Badi Palace: Explore the ruins of the once grand El Badi Palace, which now stands as a reminder of the city’s rich history. Climb to the top of the ancient walls to enjoy panoramic views of Marrakech, and imagine the grandeur that once filled this palatial complex.
• Koranic School of Ben Youssef: Step into the past at the Koranic School of Ben Youssef, one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa. Admire the stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and the peaceful atmosphere of this historical site.
• Atlas Mountains: Escape the city and embark on a day trip to the magnificent Atlas Mountains. Just a short drive from Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, traditional Berber villages, and opportunities for hiking, trekking, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Morocco.
• Menara Gardens: Enjoy a moment of tranquility at the Menara Gardens, located just outside the city center. Stroll around the expansive garden, centered around a large reflecting pool, and marvel at the views of the Atlas Mountains.
• Souks: Dive into the sensory overload of the Marrakech souks. These bustling markets are a shopper’s paradise, filled with a variety of goods, including textiles, spices, ceramics, leather goods, and traditional Moroccan handicrafts. Practice your negotiation skills to get the best deals and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

These are just a few of the many incredible attractions that Marrakech has to offer. Whether you’re exploring the historical sites, indulging in mouth-watering Moroccan cuisine, or getting lost in the narrow alleys of the medina, Marrakech will capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Exploring the Medina

The medina of Marrakech is a captivating maze of narrow alleys, vibrant markets, and ancient architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. Exploring the medina is like stepping back in time, where the traditions of the past blend harmoniously with the modern influences of today.

As you wander through the labyrinthine streets, prepare to be enchanted by the sights, sounds, and aromas that fill the air. Admire the intricate tilework, carved wooden doors, and ornate stucco decorations that adorn the buildings, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans.

One of the highlights of the medina is the bustling souks, where you can find a myriad of treasures waiting to be discovered. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow alleyways, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you browse through a wide range of goods, including traditional textiles, leather goods, spices, ceramics, and jewelry. Don’t forget to hone your bargaining skills as haggling is a common practice in the souks.

Among the souks, you’ll find the famous spice market, where piles of vibrant spices, dried fruits, and aromatic teas dazzle the senses. Let the enticing scents guide you through the market and consider purchasing some traditional Moroccan spices to take home with you.

Another must-see in the medina is the Koutoubia Mosque. With its towering minaret, the Koutoubia Mosque is an iconic landmark of Marrakech and serves as a reminder of the city’s strong Islamic heritage. Although non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque, you can appreciate its beauty from the outside and listen to the melodic calls to prayer echoing through the medina.

As you explore the medina, you’ll stumble upon hidden gems, such as the Mouassine Mosque and its beautiful courtyard, the peaceful Dar Si Said Museum, and the Maison de la Photographie, where you can discover a fascinating collection of historical photographs depicting life in Morocco over the years.

To escape the bustling streets, take a moment to relax in one of the traditional riads scattered throughout the medina. These peaceful oases offer a serene retreat from the busy city, where you can unwind in tranquil courtyards and enjoy a cup of refreshing mint tea.

Exploring the medina of Marrakech is a sensory adventure that will transport you to another time and place. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, interact with the friendly locals, and embrace the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visiting the Majorelle Garden

Step into a world of botanical beauty and tranquility at the Majorelle Garden, an enchanting oasis nestled within the bustling city of Marrakech. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical garden is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

The Majorelle Garden is a haven of lush greenery, vibrant blue buildings, and serene pools that create a serene and captivating atmosphere. As you enter through the iconic blue gate, you’ll be greeted by a landscape of exotic plants from all corners of the world, including cacti, bamboo, palm trees, and colorful flowers.

Wander along the meandering paths, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, and discover hidden corners of tranquility. The garden provides plenty of shaded nooks where you can sit and relax, immersing yourself in the peaceful ambiance away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the highlights of the Majorelle Garden is the striking Villa Oasis, which houses the Berber Museum. Explore the museum to learn about the indigenous Berber people and their rich cultural heritage through a collection of artifacts, textiles, jewelry, and traditional crafts.

The vibrant blue building that serves as the focal point of the garden is known as the “Majorelle Blue.” This particular shade of blue is synonymous with the garden and has become an iconic symbol of Marrakech. The bold blue color creates a striking contrast against the greenery, making it a perfect backdrop for photos and a visual feast for the eyes.

Another highlight of the Majorelle Garden is the small but captivating Islamic Art Museum. Housed within a charming pavilion, the museum showcases a collection of ceramics, textiles, and artwork representing various periods and regions of Islamic art. The intricate designs and stunning craftsmanship on display provide insight into the cultural heritage of Morocco and the Islamic world.

To complete your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the boutique located within the garden. Here, you can find a range of high-quality products inspired by Moroccan and Berber design, including clothing, accessories, and decorative objects. It’s a perfect place to find unique souvenirs or to simply indulge in some retail therapy.

Visiting the Majorelle Garden is a serene and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring the diverse plant life, admiring the iconic blue architecture, or delving into the rich cultural history within the museum, this botanical oasis will transport you to a world of beauty and tranquility.

Experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

No visit to Marrakech is complete without immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the beating heart of the city. This bustling square, located at the entrance of the medina, is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors that will leave you captivated.

Jemaa el-Fnaa comes alive as the sun sets, transforming into a lively open-air theater where local performers, musicians, and storytellers gather to entertain the crowds. As you stroll through the square, you’ll encounter acrobats, snake charmers, henna artists, and traditional musicians, each showcasing their unique talents.

The square is a hub of activity and an excellent vantage point for people-watching and soaking up the vibrant street life of Marrakech. You’ll witness the buzz of locals and tourists mingling, food vendors sizzling up traditional Moroccan delicacies, and the constant rhythm of life in the city.

One of the highlights of Jemaa el-Fnaa is the mouthwatering street food. Tantalize your taste buds with an array of Moroccan culinary delights, from savory tagines and grilled meats to flavorful couscous and freshly squeezed fruit juices. Indulge in local specialties like Moroccan pastries, barbecued skewers, and the famous orange and avocado juice available from the numerous stalls.

For a truly immersive experience, venture into one of the many rooftop restaurants surrounding the square. From these elevated vantage points, you can savor delicious traditional dishes while marveling at the energetic scene below, with the distant sound of music and the aroma of food wafting through the air.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa, you’ll find an array of market stalls offering an assortment of goods. From colorful textiles and leather bags to intricate metalwork and authentic Moroccan crafts, the market is a shopper’s paradise. Practice your negotiation skills and haggle for the best prices, but be prepared for the lively banter and friendly salesmanship that is synonymous with Moroccan markets.

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is also a gateway to the enchanting maze of the medina. From here, you can venture into the narrow alleyways, exploring the souks and discovering hidden gems along the way. Take a leisurely stroll through the medina, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and get lost in the myriad of sights and sounds that make Marrakech truly unique.

Visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is an experience that will ignite your senses and stay with you long after you leave Marrakech. Embrace the energy, embrace the diversity, and embrace the magic that can only be found in this captivating square.

Discovering the Bahia Palace

Step into the opulent world of the Bahia Palace and immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of Moroccan architecture. Located in the heart of Marrakech, this magnificent 19th-century palace is a must-visit attraction that showcases the splendor of Moroccan craftsmanship and design.

As you enter the palace, you’ll be greeted by lush gardens, tranquil courtyards, and intricately carved wooden doors that lead to beautifully decorated rooms. The name “Bahia” translates to “brilliance,” and the palace lives up to its name with its stunning combination of Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles.

Originally built for Si Moussa, a former slave who rose to become the vizier of the sultan, the Bahia Palace was later expanded upon by his son Ba Ahmed, who added more extensive sections to the palace complex. The result is a sprawling masterpiece that is spread across a vast area.

As you wander through the palace, marvel at the elaborate stucco work, hand-painted ceilings, and the intricate zellige tilework that adorns the walls and floors. Each room tells a story of the luxury and opulence enjoyed by the families who once lived within its walls.

Some of the must-see areas within the Bahia Palace include the Grand Courtyard with its central fountain, surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful flower beds. The harem quarters, with their private gardens, offer a glimpse into the secluded world of the palace’s women.

Another highlight is the Council Chamber, an exquisitely decorated room adorned with ornate chandeliers and stunning stained glass windows. This chamber is a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who worked on the palace.

As you explore the palace, take a moment to pause in the peaceful courtyards, where you can admire the intricate details, listen to the soothing sounds of the water features, and appreciate the tranquility away from the bustling streets of Marrakech.

Visiting the Bahia Palace is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the extravagant lives of Morocco’s elite. The palace allows you to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of the country.

Make sure to allocate plenty of time for your visit to fully explore the palace and soak up its beauty. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Bahia Palace will leave you awe-struck and inspired by its timeless elegance.

Enjoying Traditional Moroccan Cuisine

Indulging in the flavors of traditional Moroccan cuisine is an essential part of any visit to Marrakech. The country’s culinary traditions are a delightful blend of aromatic spices, succulent meats, and vibrant fruits, creating a rich tapestry of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

One of the signature dishes of Morocco is the tagine, a slow-cooked stew that derives its name from the conical clay pot in which it’s cooked. Tagines are made with a variety of ingredients, such as tender meats, aromatic vegetables, and an array of spices, resulting in a delectable and fragrant dish. Try the traditional lamb tagine or the vegetarian-friendly options like vegetable tagine or the popular tagine with preserved lemons and olives.

Couscous is another staple in Moroccan cuisine and is often considered the national dish. Made from finely ground semolina, couscous is usually served with a flavorful broth and a selection of vegetables and meats. The couscous is steamed to perfection, creating light and fluffy grains that soak up the delicious flavors of the accompanying ingredients.

Moroccan cuisine also showcases a variety of savory pastries and street food. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the famous Moroccan street food snack, the delicious and satisfying “b’stilla”. This pastry is filled with layers of flaky pastry, spiced meat (usually chicken, pigeon, or fish), and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, creating a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.

For those with a sweet tooth, Moroccan desserts will not disappoint. Treat yourself to traditional pastries such as “m’hanncha” (a coiled almond pastry) or “chebakia” (a fried sesame-coated cookie). Finish your meal with a cup of refreshing mint tea, a staple in Moroccan culture and a symbol of hospitality.

As you wander through the bustling streets of Marrakech, you’ll come across numerous food stalls and restaurants offering an array of Moroccan delicacies. Visit the food stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can sample an assortment of authentic street food, including grilled meats, aromatic spices, and freshly squeezed fruit juices.

For a more refined dining experience, visit one of Marrakech’s many restaurants that offer traditional Moroccan cuisine. These establishments often provide a cozy and elegant atmosphere, complete with richly adorned interiors and attentive service. Don’t be shy to try unfamiliar dishes and ask for recommendations from the friendly staff.

During your culinary journey in Marrakech, be prepared to indulge in the hearty flavors of Moroccan cuisine and embrace the warmth of Moroccan hospitality. From the aromatic spices to the rich and satisfying dishes, traditional Moroccan cuisine is truly a feast for the senses.

Shopping in Marrakech

Shopping in Marrakech is a vibrant and immersive experience that will delight any avid shopper or curious traveler. The city is renowned for its bustling souks, where you can find a treasure trove of traditional Moroccan goods and immerse yourself in the local culture.

One of the most iconic shopping destinations in Marrakech is the Medina, particularly the labyrinthine streets of the souks. Here, you’ll find a myriad of stalls and shops offering an array of goods, including textiles, leather goods, spices, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional Moroccan handicrafts.

The souks are a sensory overload of colors, scents, and sounds. Navigate your way through the bustling alleys, bargaining with friendly shopkeepers, and discovering unique items along the way. Take your time to explore the different sections of the souks, each dedicated to a specific craft, such as the leather souk, the carpet souk, or the spice souk.

When shopping in the souks, it’s important to embrace the art of negotiation. Haggling is a common practice in Moroccan markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate for the best prices. Remember to approach the process with a friendly and respectful attitude, and be prepared to meet in the middle to reach a fair deal.

If you’re looking for a more modern shopping experience, Marrakech also offers several shopping malls and boutiques. The Gueliz neighborhood is a popular area for modern shopping, with its trendy boutiques, designer stores, and stylish galleries. Here, you can find a mix of international and local brands, as well as contemporary fashion, homeware, and accessories.

For those interested in traditional Moroccan crafts, a visit to the Ensemble Artisanal is a must. This government-run artisan complex offers a selection of high-quality crafts, including handwoven textiles, intricate woodwork, ceramics, and metalwork. You can directly support local artisans here and have the opportunity to watch them work on their crafts.

When shopping in Marrakech, keep in mind a few useful tips. Be prepared to bring cash as many small shops in the medina may not accept card payments. It’s also a good idea to carry a bag or backpack to store your purchases, and be aware of your belongings in crowded areas.

Lastly, shopping in Marrakech is not just about acquiring souvenirs or material items, but also about immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture and supporting the talented artisans who keep traditional crafts alive.

Whether you’re hunting for unique treasures in the bustling souks or exploring the modern boutiques in Gueliz, shopping in Marrakech is an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and one-of-a-kind souvenirs of your Moroccan journey.

Day Trips from Marrakech

While Marrakech offers an abundance of captivating sights and experiences, venturing beyond the city on a day trip allows you to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures that Morocco has to offer. From stunning natural wonders to historical landmarks, here are some of the top day trips you can embark on from Marrakech.

Atlas Mountains: Escape the bustling city and venture into the magnificent Atlas Mountains. Just a short drive from Marrakech, this mountain range offers breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages, and opportunities for hiking or trekking. Explore the Ourika Valley, Imlil, or the Ouzoud Waterfalls for an unforgettable experience amidst stunning landscapes.

Essaouira: A visit to the charming coastal town of Essaouira is a popular day trip option. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful sandy beaches, and vibrant blue and white medina, Essaouira offers a refreshing change of pace. Stroll along the historic ramparts, enjoy fresh seafood at the port, and soak in the artistic vibes that have attracted musicians and artists to this charming seaside town.

Ouarzazate: Embark on a journey to the “Gateway to the Sahara” – Ouarzazate. Located at the edge of the desert, this city is home to the exquisite Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a backdrop to many famous films and television shows. Explore the labyrinth of narrow alleys, admire the stunning architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this ancient fortified village.

High Atlas Berber Villages: Discover the unique Berber culture by visiting the traditional villages nestled in the High Atlas Mountains. Take a journey to remote settlements such as Imlil, Aroumd, or Amizmiz, and experience the hospitality of the locals. Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch, hike through scenic landscapes, and learn about the ancient customs and traditions of the Berber people.

Agafay Desert: Experience the desert landscape without venturing too far from Marrakech by visiting the Agafay Desert, also known as the “Desert of Marrakech”. Explore the vast expanse of golden sand dunes, enjoy camel rides, and savor a traditional Berber tea in a desert camp. This is a perfect option for those looking to have a taste of the desert experience within a short distance from the city.

These are just a few examples of the incredible day trip options available from Marrakech. Whether you choose to explore the majestic Atlas Mountains, stroll along the captivating Essaouira coastline, or delve into the rich history of Ouarzazate, each day trip will offer you a new perspective on the beauty and diversity of Morocco.

With so many diverse and fascinating destinations within reach, day trips from Marrakech are a fantastic way to complement your city adventure and create lasting memories of your journey through this enchanting country.

Safety Tips for Travelers in Marrakech

Marrakech is generally a safe city for travelers, but it’s always essential to take precautions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. Here are some safety tips to consider when visiting Marrakech:

• Be cautious of your belongings: Like in any city, be mindful of your belongings and keep them secure. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so it’s advisable to use anti-theft bags or keep your valuables close to you. Avoid displaying expensive items, and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Dress modestly: Morocco has a conservative culture, and it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and public places. Avoid overly revealing clothing and respect the local customs and traditions.
• Negotiate prices: Haggling is part of the Moroccan culture, particularly in the souks. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices for goods and services. However, be fair and respectful during the process.
• Use reputable taxis: When taking taxis, choose official taxis with the meter running or agree on a price in advance. Avoid unmarked or unofficial taxis, as they may overcharge or take longer routes.
• Drink bottled water: As tap water may not be safe to drink, it’s best to stick to bottled water and avoid consuming drinks with ice from unknown sources. Stay hydrated, especially during hot days, and carry a bottle of water with you.
• Plan ahead and use official guides: If you’re interested in taking tours or hiring guides, opt for licensed and reputable operators. Research and plan your activities in advance to ensure you choose trusted providers.
• Stay alert in busy areas: Places like Jemaa el-Fnaa Square can get crowded, so stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings. Be cautious of individuals trying to sell or offer services aggressively, as they may become persistent if declined.
• Follow local customs and traditions: Respect the local culture by observing customs and traditions. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases can go a long way in establishing goodwill with locals.
• Know emergency numbers and embassy information: Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers, including those for the police and medical services. Also, make note of your embassy’s contact information in case of any emergency or assistance needed.
• Trust your instincts: Trust your instincts and use common sense throughout your trip. If a situation or place feels uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s best to remove yourself from it.

By practicing these safety tips, you can enjoy your time in Marrakech with peace of mind and make the most of your experience in this captivating Moroccan city.

Marrakech is a city that captivates visitors with its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. From the bustling markets of the medina to the tranquil gardens and historic palaces, Marrakech offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

Throughout this ultimate travel guide, we have explored the best time to visit Marrakech, where to stay, top attractions, and must-try experiences. We’ve provided insight into the enchanting medina, the magnificent Majorelle Garden, the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the opulent Bahia Palace, and the tantalizing world of traditional Moroccan cuisine.

We have also discussed opportunities for day trips, allowing you to venture beyond the city and discover the stunning Atlas Mountains, charming Essaouira, historical Ouarzazate, thriving Berber villages, and the nearby Agafay Desert.

While exploring Marrakech, it’s important to prioritize your safety by being mindful of your belongings, respecting local customs, and staying alert in busy areas. By following the provided safety tips and planning ahead, you can navigate the city with confidence and peace of mind.

Marrakech is a city that stimulates all the senses, from the vibrant colors and aromatic spices to the sounds of laughter and music that fill the air. It’s a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with the modern world, offering a unique and immersive experience for travelers.

So, whether you’re strolling through the labyrinthine souks, sipping mint tea in a traditional riad, or marveling at the intricate architecture, Marrakech will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Pack your bags, open your mind, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure in the enchanting city of Marrakech. Allow yourself to be swept away by the magic, warmth, and timeless beauty of Morocco.

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Things To Do in Marrakech, Morocco: A 3-Day Guide

Marrakech is more than just an ancient city in Morocco . It’s a sensory experience of vibrant colors, flavors, smells, sounds, and unique sights. It’s world-famous for its markets and shopping in the Medina (old city), but there is so much more to do in Marrakech. Once you’ve witnessed the fascinating mix of European, Middle Eastern, and African cultures, head out of the city for unparalleled mountain and desert scenery.

Day 1: Medinas and Markets

Everything in Marrakech goes on within the hustle and bustle of the Medina, the walled, most ancient part of the city. Spend a day soaking up the sounds, smells, and sights of this remarkable area, experiencing the souks and squares.

1. Wander Around the Medina

The most beautiful part of the Medina is its maze of narrow streets that transport you back in time. Throw your map in the garbage and lose yourself in the excitement while dodging donkeys and carts.

Here are all your hotel options in Marrakech.

Admire the colors of the walls and buildings, the smells of the food and spices, and speak to friendly locals. It’s also possible to book a street food tour by night to discover a variety of flavors and local delicacies while exploring the markets.

Most unique of all is the sound of the call to prayer echoing among the narrow streets coming from the many mosques situated close by. To experience this high up, head to one of the many rooftop cafes to experience panoramic sounds and views.

2. Jamaa El Fnaa

At the heart of the Medina lies the world-famous Jamaa el Fnaa square. Walking through this square is an experience like no other! Feel the heat beating off the stone floor as you worm your way through snake charmers, entertainers, and street food stalls selling fresh juices.

By night, the square comes to life with music, with flute players, dancers, and artists all showing their talents under the twinkling lights of the stalls. This amazing demonstration of Moroccan culture is not to be missed!

Tip: Pickpockets happen in this area so always be wary and keep an eye on your belongings. 

Book a guided tour exploring the medina and more

3. Explore the Souks

If the square is the heart, then the souks are the true soul of Marrakech. Wander just off the main square to discover an extraordinary labyrinth of markets. It’s easy to lose yourself in the covered markets and the network of tiny streets that all seem to look the same.

Don’t worry about this, and enjoy the fantastic colors of the textiles, the magical smells of the vibrant mountains of spices, the high-quality leatherwork, and the glittering lights bouncing off the lanterns and colored glassware. Make sure to visit the main souk: ‘Souk Semmarine’, located just off Jamaa el Fnaa. A little further away is the ‘Souk Place des Epices’, which is the traditional spice souk. 

Tip: Get ready to bargain! This is a key part of the culture, so shop owners will always bargain on the price. Be aware that shop owners can hassle tourists to buy products in the souks. Be firm and politely say no before moving on quickly.  If you’re worried about getting lost in the souks, it’s a good idea to hire a reputable guide.

4. Find the Best Places to Eat and Drink

Marrakech has a great selection of traditional and fusion restaurants that serve up delicious tagine and couscous. Our personal favorite was Cafe Atay. There is also Cafe Clock, which is more of a fusion one but also very good!

In Morrocan architecture, all buildings have flat roofs, which are perfect for rooftop bars. Head to a rooftop cafe overlooking Jemaa el Fnaa for a delicious mint tea, or visit the museum Maison de la Fotagraphie, which has the highest rooftop bar in the medina for incredible views!

Note: Marrakech is an Islamic city, which means alcohol is forbidden outside of bars. Many bars and restaurants won’t serve alcohol at all, so search beforehand for places that do, or enjoy a dry trip!

Day 2: Incredible Architecture

Enjoy day 2 by jumping between beautiful buildings. See the traditional Moroccan architecture and designs of arches and blue tiles, but also the more innovative designs of artistic buildings and museums. 

5. Stay in a Traditional Riad

Staying in a traditional riad (guesthouse) is the best way to see the stunning details of Moroccan architecture. On the outside, they are normally a sandy color with basic architecture. However, once you open the door, there is a whole different world. This is the link to the riad below in the photograph.

A world of wonderful colored tiles, detailed patterns, and plants that are normally centered around a dreamy-looking swimming pool. Staying in a riad is definitely a peaceful experience that provides a tranquil oasis away from the noises of Marrakech.

6. Jardin Majorelle

This incredible, vibrant blue house is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Marrakech and an absolute must-see! The beautiful house and gardens were originally created by Jaques Majorelle, who was the inventor of this deep blue shade, named ‘Majorelle blue’.

Later the house was bought by Yves St Laurent, who restored the house and botanical gardens to their former glory. This truly feels like a tropical oasis, with green plants from all over the world that look beautiful against the blues and yellows of the house.

Entrance Fee: A ticket is 70 Dhs to the garden (around 7 USD). The museum entrance fee is 30 Dhs (around 3 USD). The house and gardens are open from 8AM – 5.30PM every day and 8AM – 6PM in the summer months. Go as early as possible to avoid the crowds, and get the best photos possible. You can also book your entry ticket or tour in advance.

7. Ben Youssef Madrassa

Explore a world of stunning symmetry, and intricately patterned mosaics, in this former Islamic school. Located near the medina, Ben Youssef Madrassa used to be the largest Islamic college in Morocco. Spend an hour or so here, admiring the beautiful Moroccan architecture, especially the remarkable interior terrace that’s centered around a tranquil pool. 

Entrance Fee: Tickets are approximately 5 USD.

8. Bahia Palace

This extraordinary palace, with 150 rooms, was built in the 19th century by the grand vizier of the sultan, who hoped for it to be the greatest palace of all time. Discover the traditional Moroccan architecture of the courtyards, filled with orange trees and fountains, and the beautiful stained glass windows and tilework.

Book a tour exploring all historic landmarks of Marrakech

Most impressive of all is the huge, luxurious marble courtyard at the center of the palace complex. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the grand vizier, his family, and his many wives. 

Note: Only a portion of the palace is available to see, but it’s definitely worth it, especially as it’s located just a 20-minute walk from Jamaa el Fnaa square. Entrance is 70 Dhs (7 USD), and it’s open Monday to Sunday from 8 AM – 5 PM.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Morocco trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Day 3: Outside of Marrakech

The stunning nature of Morocco is just a stone’s throw away from the city. Once you’ve soaked up all the culture of dynamic Marrakech, take one of these day trips to experience country life, majestic mountains, or the heat of the Sahara.

9. A Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains

Take a day trip to the jaw-droppingly beautiful atlas mountains, situated just an hour or two drive away from Marrakech. Book a tour that offers a return journey to Marrakech and that takes you through beautiful valleys and traditional Berber villages. This is a perfect way to see some of the amazing nature in Morocco and get up to the cooler climates of the mountains.

Must read: The ultimate 10-day Morocco itinerary!

Tip: Visiting in the winter? Take advantage of the fact you can go skiing in the Atlas mountains! If you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget that the mountains get a lot cooler as it approaches the evening, so make sure to take an extra layer.

10. Aït Benhaddou

Situated on the Atlas mountains south of Marrakech lies the movie-like scenery of Aït Benhaddou. Earthen, sandy buildings that make up this ancient village date back hundreds of years. The UNESCO site is exceptionally well preserved and allows travelers a glimpse into a simpler way of life.

Spend some time here, wandering through the village admiring the surrounding mountains, and enjoy a mint tea as the sun sets over the red clay. Experience Aït Benhaddou and explore the nearby Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate as part of a day tour ( book your tickets here ).

11. Sahara Desert Tour

No trip to Morocco is complete without seeing the epic scenery of the Sahara Desert. Adventure by jeep or foot amongst the rippling sand dunes by day. By night, experience some of the most incredible stargazing in the world by a roaring campfire. Most drives to the Sahara take about 8 hours, stopping at villages and natural sights along the way. Because of this, it’s recommended to book a 2-3 day tour of the Sahara.

Read more: Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco!

Tip: Looking for a desert day trip? Head for the nearby Agafay Desert instead! It might not be as impressive as the Sahara, but you’ll still find just as much adventure!

How to Get to Marrakech

Marrakech is easy to reach by train, plane, or bus. It has an international airport and the roads in Morocco are perfect. You can easily reach other cities in Morocco, such as Fes , by train.

Getting Around

Once you’re in Marrakech, all the sights are within walking distance of each other. Walking is the perfect way to see the city! However, if you plan to see more of Morocco, it’s worth it to rent a car to get around.

We recommend to rent a car in Morocco through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Take the opportunity to stay in one of the beautiful riads! Whether you’re looking to splash a bit more cash or something a bit more budget-friendly, there is amazing accommodation for every kind of traveler in Marrakech.

Hotels in Marrakech 😴

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

The best time to visit Marrakech is in the shoulder seasons of March-May or September-November. In these months it will be beautifully warm and sunny but not too hot. The winter months can still be lovely and sunny and are a great time to visit if you want to ski in the Atlas Mountains.

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Sahara Morocco: Visit the Merzouga Desert on a 3-Day Tour

9 best things to do in chefchaouen, morocco, 11 things to do in fes, morocco (complete guide).

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We are traveling out to Marrakech in November and your travel guide has been such a help, thank you.

You’re welcome Ann! Have the best time there.

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Marrakech travel guide

Marrakech tourism | marrakech guide, you're going to love marrakech.

Ancient, cosmopolitan Marrakech is a city that bursts with life as a religious, business, and cultural center of the region, and is renowned for its open and welcoming spirit.

Medina is the old city that lies inside the sandstone walls that gave Morocco the nickname "Ochre City," and is a place of narrow, winding streets and street markets that operate at a hectic pace. Modern suburbs surround the ancient hub, extending in all directions and putting a contemporary face on the city.

Marrakech is set in the dramatic shadow of the Atlas Mountains. The chaos of the markets gives way to the delightful serenity of the city's many spas and green spaces. There are numerous lush gardens dating from the Imperial era, including Majorelle Gardens and Menara Gardens.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Marrakech

1. the golden age.

Marrakech is one of the four imperial cities of the ancient Berber empire of Morocco, and has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period. There are many monuments to its glorious past, from the red walls constructed in 1122 to the glittering El Badi Palace, built in 1578, Koutoubia Mosque completed in 1199, the largest mosque in the city, and much more.

2. Shopping, Souk Style

Souk Semmarine and rue Mouassine lead you to the magical world of souks - traditional open markets - in Medina. North of the Jemaa el-Fnaa, you'll find a network of souks that offer everything from rugs to textiles to jewelry on offer - with haggling a must. The Ets Bouchaib Complexe D'Artisanat on the Rue de la Kasbah is a unique department store where you'll find elegant antiques and other wares unique to the region.

3. Fabulous Cuisine

At the crossroads of Arabic, Andalusian, Mediterranean, and Berber culture, the cuisine of Marrakech is rich and flavorful. Couscous is a staple, along with olive oil, and the fragrant spices that grow in the region, like mint, cinnamon, ginger, and many more. Traditional dishes include the tagine, or a kind of spicy hot pot stew, and pastilla, a spicy meat pie in flaky pastry.

4. The Spa Experience

The spa or hammam is an ancient tradition in Marrakech, where you can try out ancient beauty rituals. Spas are everywhere, including most of the city's popular hotels and riyad. Along with luxury private spas, there are public spas and baths like the Hammam Dar el-Bacha, the city's largest, and where you may just find staff from the royal palace.

5. Natural Wow

Marrakech is located just north of the Atlas Mountain range, where you can ski on the slopes or hike in the foothills. To the south, you'll find the Ourika River valley, where you can hike in the shadow of snow-covered peaks.

What to do in Marrakech

1. jamaa el fna: the spectacle of life.

Your journey through Marakkesh starts at the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square, pulsing with the excitement of social life. Vendors left and right offer enticing street food and refreshing orange juice, while less conventional businesses are run by snake charmers, fortune tellers, and henna artists. With the minaret of Koutoubia Mosque standing tall in the background, dancers and musicians flow back and forth in a constant celebration of Berber and Moroccan culture.

2. Medina: Mystical Maze

Endless alleyways and ancient streets make up the alluring center of Marrakesh. Within thick walls and behind the gorgeous gates of the riads, a frenzy of city life plays out as it has for centuries. The Souks, the largest ensemble of markets in Morocco, are dedicated to every product imaginable, from carpets to ceramics to fabric. Tanneries prepare perfectly dyed leather with traditional techniques, and the archaic Ben Youssef Madrasa school exhibits the pinnacle of Islamic art and architecture.

3. Majorelle Garden: Oasis in Blue

Garden and Museum at once, the Jardin Majorelle is divine. Twelve acres of local flora are landscaped against cobalt blue walls. Also home to a variety of fascinating birds, the gardens are a colorful treat for all living things. The Islamic Art Museum of Marrakesh also beckons visitors to appreciate the history that influenced the garden's pristine design. For those seeking peace and space over crowds the Menara Gardens offer a glorious alternative.

4. Bahia Palace: Place of All Intrigues

Islamic architecture reaches impressive levels of refinement in the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Let the beautiful symmetry of engravings and mosaics wash over you, and explore the vast and luscious harem once home to Grand Viziers and their countless wives. For a history lesson going even further back, visit the timeworn El Badi Palace, quiet and magical.

5. Toubkal National Park: Climb the Atlas

Berber communities have lived in the steep valleys of the Atlas Mountains for centuries, and hiking excursions from the city of Imlil take you in their footsteps, through old-age villages suspended in time. For ambitious mountaineers, the peak of Djebel Toubkal presents an exciting climb up the tallest point in North Africa.

Activities & attractions in Marrakech

Other activities

Where to Eat in Marrakech

From multi-course meals served in palatial grandeur to delicious street food at bargain prices, Marrakech offers a full range of culinary options. Al Fassia is run entirely by women, and serves up traditional Moroccan favorites. Tagines start at DH140. Gastro MK, located in an ornate building in Medina, offers a menu of European-style cuisine, with a 5-course tasting menu that begins at DH650 per person. Cafes are everywhere, like the Bakchich, offering salads, sandwiches, and beghrir (like pancakes,) starting from DH15.

When to visit Marrakech

Marrakech enjoys a hot, semi-arid climate that sees dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Average daytime temperatures in July and August rise to just under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a slower season for tourism. Spring and fall, with temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit on average, see more tourists.

How to Get to Marrakech

Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK) is located just over six miles from the Medina or old city center. Direct flights are available from many European capitals, while North American travelers typically have to transfer in Casablanca. Taxis are a good option to get to the city, and drivers will approach you as you exit the airport, competing for your business. Bartering is a must, and the one-way ride should run you no more than DH50-100. The number 19 airport bus is an inexpensive alternative at DH30 for a one-way ticket.

The Marrakech railway station (Gare de Marrakech) is the last stop on the southern leg of the national railway line, connecting the city to Casablanca, Tangier, and Fes. Transfers are also available to destinations in Algier. It is located in the city center near the Royal Theatre.

Marrakech is connected to the rest of Morocco via major highways and routes. Highway N8 (National Route 8) intersects with Marrakech from east to west, while N9 travels north to south. The A7 express route skirts the city to the west, leading from Casablanca to Agadir.

CTM, Pullman du sud, and Supratours are the major tourist bus companies operating in and out of Marrakech through the gare routière, or bus station, which is located outside the old city walls at Bab Doukkala. Connections are available to many cities and towns in Morocco, including Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, Rabat, and Tangier.

Airports near Marrakech

Airlines serving marrakech, where to stay in marrakech.

There is a wealth of accommodation options in Marrakech, from sleek, modern suites to the gracious riyad (or riad) - traditional mansions built around a central courtyard - of the Medina. The Hotel La Maison Arabe is a luxury boutique hotel in a beautifully preserved riyad, incorporating a jazz bar and outdoor pool. For full-service luxury, stay at the Hotel Pullman Marrakech Palmeraie Resort and Spa, a 5-star property. At the very high end, you'll find stunning modern hotels like the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech.

Popular Neighborhoods in Marrakech

Medina - the oldest part and the true heart of Marrakech, this neighborhood is a must-see. This designated UNESCO World Heritage site is an intricate place of narrow streets full of historic tombs, monuments, mosques, cafes, and shopping in the oldest and largest souk in North Africa. It also incorporates Mellah, the ancient walled Jewish quarter of the city.

Gueliz - this is the modern face of Marrakech. It is the home of the Royal Theatre and the new train station, along with the iconic Majorelle Gardens, a 12-acre botanical oasis that incorporates the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.

Hivernage - this modern neighborhood in the Ville Nouvelle district is home to stylish night clubs and lounges, and a thriving restaurant scene. Many of the city's newer luxury hotels and resorts are located here.

Where to stay in popular areas of Marrakech

Most booked hotels in marrakech, how to get around marrakech, public transportation.

The city's public transportation network is called Alsa, with a central hub in Bab Doukkala. Bus service covers most of the city and beyond. Single-ride tickets within the city cost DH4. Tourist passes are available for DH145 for 24 hours, with a better bargain at DH165 for 48 hours.

Taxi fares are negotiable by a bartering system. You may find several drivers arguing for your business, and you will be able to get a deal by persevering. A trip of about three miles should cost no more than DH40.

Car rentals from Sixt and Medloc Maroc are available at the airport and in locations in the city, and start at about DH190 for a compact vehicle. Moroccan roads can be chaotic and unruly. Add to that the fact that many of the side streets are one way and driving becomes an option many tourists find they can do without. If you do drive, you'll find cheap parking in public lots at DH25 for a full 24-hour period, but parking in the city is at a premium most of the time.

Best car rental deals in Marrakech

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The Cost of Living in Marrakech

Shopping streets.

Along with the lively souks of the Medina, you'll find many modern shopping opportunities along Avenue Mohammed V in the Gueliz area of the city, including the large Carré Eden Shopping Center and Menara Mall. Al Mazar, near the Agdal Gardens, is a modern shopping mall with movie theaters and a kids' play area. High-end designer shops are to be found in Sidi Ghanem, an industrial area of the city.

Groceries and Other

Supermarket chains in Marrakech include Metro, Marjane, Aswak Assalam, and Carrefour, offering the usual range of goods at reasonable prices. A gallon of milk should run about DH27, and a dozen eggs about DH14 on average. Corner shops are very common and sell staples like oil, tea, sugar, eggs, flour, and more.

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Prepare for your senses to be slapped - Marrakesh's heady sights and sounds will dazzle, frazzle and enchant. Put on your babouches (leather slippers) and dive right in.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Marrakesh. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Jardin Majorelle

Gueliz & Ville Nouvelle

French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980 to preserve the vision of its original owner,…

Djemaa El Fna

Roll up, roll up for the greatest show on earth. Everywhere you look in Djemaa El Fna, Marrakesh’s main square (pronounced "jema" – the "d" is silent),…

Musée Yves Saint Laurent

This captivating museum, opened in 2017, showcases finely selected collections of haute couture clothing and accessories that span 40 years of creative…

Bahia Palace

La Bahia (The Beautiful) is an 8000-sq-metre, floor-to-ceiling extravagance of intricate marquetry, plasterwork and zouak (painted wood), and certainly…

Koutoubia Mosque

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Travel and food, with a dash of adventure

25 Tips for your First Trip to Marrakech, Morocco

By Brianna | January 27, 2020

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Few cities capture the imagination quite like Marrakech. A blend of Berber, Arabic and French influences give this UNESCO World Heritage site a timeless appeal. With the beautiful frenzy of the Medina, ornate Arabic architecture and one of the world’s greatest cuisines it’s no surprise that more people are traveling to Marrakech now more than ever. Whether you spell it Marrakech or Marrakesh (both are acceptable), a visit to Morocco’s Red City is surely an experience you will  never forget. Marrakech can be overwhelming to say the least, with a dizzying array of sights, smells and tastes providing a sensory overload; but armed with these tips you can find the best things to do in Marrakech and make your first trip one to remember.

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1.Airport/Transportation in Marrakech

Flights to Marrakech arrive at Menara Airport (RAK). A valid passport is required for entry into Morocco, currently for Americans visas are not required for visits less than 90 days ( check the State Department website for the latest requirements ).

Taxis are available but best to arrange transportation with your hotel. If you are staying in the Medina be aware that cars can’t make it through the narrow streets to drop you off directly at your accommodation. Your riad or hotel can arrange for staff to meet you at a drop off point and walk with you to your destination.

2.Money in Morocco

Cash is king in Marrakech as only resorts, riads, some restaurants and a handful of shops accept credit cards. ATMs can be hard to find in the Medina (much easier in the new city) so your best bet is to exchange money at the airport (this can be done for no fee). Some riads and resorts will also exchange money for you. The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham(MAD) and currently the exchange rate is approximately 9 MAD/1USD. Of note, it is also illegal to take dirham out of Morocco so make sure you spend or exchange your dirham before leaving the country.

3. Tipping in Morocco

Morocco has a big tipping culture and it is expected that you tip anyone you assists you (whether that help was wanted or not). Be sure to carry plenty of coins and small bills.

4. Dress for Women

I did not once feel unsafe as a woman travelling in Marrakech and while many women visit and have a great experience it is not uncommon to hear from women who have received unwanted attention or catcalls. Marrakech tends to be more accepting of Western attire but as Morocco is a Muslim country women are advised to dress conservatively. So what should you wear in Morocco ? This means making sure your knees and shoulders are covered ( save the halter top for Ibiza ladies ). I wore loose t shirts and lightweight pants or long skirts most days, with a wrap or scarf to cover up if I got chilly at night. Close toed shoes are also a good idea as donkeys and other animals (and what they leave behind) are a common sight in the Medina.

5. Stay in an Authentic Riad in Marrakech

For a more authentic Marrakech experience a stay in a riad is your best bet. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes centered around a courtyard located within the Medina, most are 10 rooms or less and offer up a more intimate experience. Most riads are decorated with handmade items from the local souks and many feature beautiful courtyard pools and gardens as well as rooftop terraces. There are beautiful riads throughout Marrakech for every budget, for less than $100 per night you can enjoy the boutique hospitality of Riad Al Loune  or if you’re looking to splash out  check in at the luxurious  El Fenn . I loved my stay at Riad Farnatchi , a beautifully restored guesthouse in the heart of the Medina (read my review of Riad Farnatchi here ).

Riads in Marrakech

Budget riads.

Riad Haraka

Mid-Range Riads

Riad Sapphire

Riad Annyssates

Luxury Riads

6. Luxury Resorts in Marrakech

Marrakech’s modern and fashionable Ville Nouvelle (new city) is home to some some of the world’s most glamorous resorts. For five star luxury with a decidedly Moroccan flair check out the Royal Mansour   and La Mamounia .

7.Weather in Marrakech

Marrakech is a popular destination with nearly year round sunshine. Summers (June-September) can get quite hot with temperature near 100 degrees F while the winter months can get chilly with night time temps dipping into the 30 degree F range. March-May and September-October are generally pleasant with highs in the 70s and 80s.

8.Shop the Souks in Marrakech

I’m typically not a big shopper when I travel but Marrakech is one of the few places where I wish I had shopped more. Morocco has a rich heritage of crafts and instead of the typical “made in China” souvenirs I found the souks filled with leather goods ( I got a pair of handmade leather shoes for $18 ), beautiful metal work, colorful ceramics and handmade rugs.

9.Buying Moroccan Rugs in Marrakech

I had zero intention of buying a rug went I visited Marrakech.

I now own a Moroccan rug.

Our tour guide brought us into the cooperative and I fully expected to enjoy the demonstration while sipping my mint tea and go on my way. I’m not sure if it was the intricate Berber patterns, or the softness of the camel wool but I soon found myself the proud owner of a Moroccan rug and I absolutely love it. The quality of this handmade Berber rug far surpasses any commercial rug I’ve owned before. You will find rugs of varying size and quality throughout the souks, be prepared to haggle or buy your rug from a cooperative that ensures a fair wage for the craftswomen.

10. Language in Morocco

The official languages in Morocco are Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) and additionally many Moroccans speak French. While most people I interacted with spoke English it’s always a good idea to learn a few words of the local language wherever you travel, here are a few common words in Arabic:

Hello -Al Salam Alaikum,

Thank You – Shukran,

Yes – naäam,

No – Laa

11. Scams in Marrakech

Scams are an unfortunate part of life in the Medina, often in the form of unsolicited help with directions, telling tourists that the street they are on is closed or “tannery tours” , all of which will then demand a payment for their services. My friend Amanda of Marocmama has excellent advice on various scams in Marrakech.

12.Consider Hiring a Guide in Marrakech

The winding streets of the Medina can be overwhelming for a first time visitor, I recommend hiring a guide for your first afternoon or morning out to get a feel for the city as well learn about the history and culture of Marrakech. Have your hotel or riad arrange a guide for you or if you hire one on your own make sure they are licensed( licensed guides will have a badge).

13. You Will Get Lost

With the narrow winding streets of the Medina and little signage the chances of you getting lost at some point is fairly high. Paper maps provided by your hotel immediately mark you as a tourist, a better option is to download an offline map via Google maps. Beware of unsolicited advice for directions ( see Scams above ), if you must ask for directions your best bet is asking a shopkeeper or restaurant staff.

14. Food in Marrakech

Food in Marrakech is a feast for all the senses. The souks are lined with rows of sweet oranges, plump dates and countless varieties of olives while the air is heavy with the scent of intensely fragrant spices from the spice market.  Gently spiced shakshuka (eggs cooked in a gently spiced tomato sauce) and spongy Moroccan pancakes are a must for breakfast. You can’t leave Marrakech without  having a tagine; a stew, usually with chicken, lamb, beef or vegetables cooked and served in a clay pot of the same name. Eating is one of the best ways to experience Marrakech and a few of my personal favorites were sfenj ( a fried doughnut drizzled with intensely floral honey), msemen (fried bread either served plain or stuffed with spices, meat or cheese),  and tanjia (succulent lamb slow roasted in clay pots for hours in underground ovens). To see where the locals eat join one of several tours offered by Marrakech Food Tours or take a Moroccan cooking class .

15. Mint Tea in Morocco

Whether served as a sign of welcome, sipped during a business transaction or enjoyed as a way to unwind in the afternoon mint tea is central to life in Marrakech. A blend of green tea and fresh mint it is traditionally served very sweet.

16. Alcohol in Marrakech

Being a Muslim country alcohol is not prevelant though you can increasingly find wine, beer and cocktails in restaurants and hotels catering to tourists (often at exhorbitant prices). Surprisingly there are even a handful of Moroccan vineyards producing Spanish style wines. Drinking to the point of intoxication (especially in public) is highly frowned upon.

17.Religion

Islam is the official state religion of Morocco, you will hear the call to prayer ring throughout the city 5 times per days and in general non-Muslims are not allowed inside mosques. Friday is the Muslim day of prayer and you may find some businesses and restaurants closed.

18. Jamma el fna

When night falls Marrakech’s main square comes alive in what’s some call the greatest show on Earth. One of North Africa’s oldest and busiest market squares it is home to a dizzying array of dancers, magicians and storytellers vying for your attention (and dirham) as well as food vendors hawking a variety of Moroccan specialties. Of note, the animals you see with the snake charmers and dancing monkey acts are usually poorly treated and it’s best not to patronize these acts.

19.Be Prepared to Bargain

Haggling is an essential part of the shopping experience in Morocco. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the vendor does not agree to a final price you are comfortable with.

20. Argan Oil and Traditional Medicine in Morocco

Argan oil is arguably one of Morocco’s best known exports, usually used for hair and skin care in the US. Many shops in the souks sell pure argan oil both for cosmetic and culinary uses. Morocco has a long tradition of using herbs as traditional medicine and I recommend a stop at an herbalist for everything from natural remedies to fragrant cooking spices.

21. Bottled Water

To avoid any tummy issues it is advised that you use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

22.Toilet Paper

Toilet paper in public restrooms is not a given in Marrakech so it’s best to carry your own. In places where there is a restroom attendant make sure you leave a small tip.

23. Going to a Hammam in Marrakech

A visit to a hammam, a traditional Moroccan bathhouse, is a must for any visit to Marrakech. A typical hammam experience starts with a steam room, a thorough scrubbing with a traditional kessa mitt and an olive based black soap and several rinses alternately with warm and cool water. For a traditional experience you can visit one of Marrakech’s community hammams ( be aware that community hammams are separated by gender, either with separate spaces or differing times for men and women) or treat yourself to an elevated hammam experience at one of Marrakech’s luxury spas. Whatever hammam experience you choose know you will be naked (or nearly naked) in front of others.

24. Top Marrakech Attractions

Ben youssef madersa.

One of the most popular sites in Marrakech, the Ben Youssef Madersa previously served as a center for Islamic learning for over 400 years.  Today visitors marvel at the intricately carved Moorish walls and stunning tile mosaics.

Majorelle Gardens

Once a private retreat for famed French designer Yves Saint Laurent the Majorelle Gardens are a beautiful mix of Berber and French cultures and provide a calming respite from the hustle of Marrakech.

Le Jardin Secret

An oasis from the chaos of the Medina, this beautifully restored courtyard features stunning tile work and lush gardens.

Bahia Palace

Considered one of the most lavish palaces in Marrakech, Bahia Palace features expansive courtyards, lush gardens and ornate architecture.

There are also many great day trips you can take from Marrakech , from the golden sands of the Sahara to the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains . You can also visit the blue city of Chefchaouen .

25. Photography in Marrakech

The sights and colors of Marrakech can be irresistible to photographers but before you start snapping away nonstop be aware that many people in Marrakech are not open to having their picture, or pictures of their products, taken. In fact, I saw several signs in the souks requesting no photography. The main thing is to ask permission to take pictures and be respectful if the answer is no.

More Marrakech Inspiration

Review of the Selman Hotel, a luxury hotel in Marrakech  

Make sure to include Marrakech when you’re traveling through Morocco with kids .

Planning a trip to Marrakech, Morocco? Pin this post for later!

About the Author

Freelance travel writer and blogger who seeks out laid back luxury. Focus on culinary, adventure and nature travel. [READ ALL ARTICLES]

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February 9, 2018 at 1:24 pm

This is sooo helpful as we’re likely taking our first trip to Marrakech this spring after two years of living close by in Spain! Especially BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper) – eek!

Absolutely beautiful photos too, now you’ve got me even more excited to visit!

Brianna says

March 2, 2018 at 10:31 pm

Thank you so much! Marrakech is an amazing destination.

Rhonda Albom says

February 10, 2018 at 6:02 am

The medinas in Moroccan cities were fascinating. I always stayed in riads whenever I could. The staff in the riads provided great tips on everything from where to eat down to which stalls in the souk to buy particular items from. Don’t forget, Friday is couscous day although my favourite dishes were chicken tajines with preserved lemon and olives or chicken with prunes.

March 2, 2018 at 10:32 pm

The couscous dishes were some of my favorites!

February 10, 2018 at 9:17 am

What beautiful photos you have of Marrakech!

Hannah says

February 10, 2018 at 10:24 am

This is a great list! I was nervous about visiting Marrakech because I’ve read so many negative things but your list makes it sound incredible and has totally changed my mind about going! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

March 2, 2018 at 10:33 pm

Marrakech can be overwhelming at first but is an amazing destination!

Marissa says

February 10, 2018 at 11:21 am

I just got back from Morocco last week, so I 100% agree with all of these! I found the souks in Marrakech had the best options compared to other cities I visited. It’s also important that you mentioned you will get lost because it’s true, but it’s fine. I tried to embrace it and “purposely” get lost during the day to explore more.

March 2, 2018 at 10:34 pm

The streets can be crazy to navigate for sure!

Rocio Novarino says

February 10, 2018 at 11:41 am

Nice pictures!! I am a photographer, so I take a particular look at the pictures always!! Stunning ones!

March 2, 2018 at 10:35 pm

Brianne Miers says

February 10, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Thanks for such a thorough and helpful post, Brianna! Marrakech is very high on my list, so this will be a great resource for me. Jamma el fna sounds like an incredible sight to see! And very interesting about the sensitivities surrounding photography.

Carmelatte says

February 10, 2018 at 12:12 pm

I am totally in love with your pictures <3

http://carmelatte.co/dubai-tour-guide-firsttimers/

Esther says

February 10, 2018 at 2:57 pm

I totally agree on this. Husband and I travelled through Morocco and loved staying in Riads. Guides were worth our money, since we really didn’t like the scams. Also, after visiting Morroco twice, we now know that it can take quite a while to get into the country as queues for customs can be looong. In Casablanca I nearly finished my book waiting kn line for almost 2 hours!! #weekendwanderlust

March 2, 2018 at 10:36 pm

Hiring a guide in Marrakech was a life saver for us!

February 10, 2018 at 10:22 pm

Thanks for all the tips.. They will come handy when I plan for Morocco.. Would you recommend going solo in that country?

March 2, 2018 at 10:39 pm

I had several friends travel solo in Morocco. Like anywhere be sure to take your usual safety precautions and be aware.

February 11, 2018 at 5:21 am

Souks of Marrakech look so colorful. I am not sure if I will pick up a carpet as they are heavy to carry, but I know I will end up picking something or the other. Are there herbalists available to explain those herbs? Due to lack of explanation, I always find it difficult to buy herbs.

March 2, 2018 at 10:40 pm

The merchant was able to ship my rug to me. There was an herbalist and she was very helpful.

Claire says

February 11, 2018 at 7:03 am

Great tips! Especially for the closed shoes – I wouldn’t want to step in something unpleasant! The food sounds amazing, I love shakshuka and tagine, although the European versions of them – I’ve never had them in Morocco. I think I’d need to take a food tour to sample all the delicious dishes I can!

Carolina Colborn says

February 11, 2018 at 12:05 pm

Great tips. I remember our trip to Tangier and it is the same: getting lost in narrow alleys and poorly treated animals for show. But the colors and food are truly amazing. Lots of good photographs and meals!

Yvette Benhamou says

February 11, 2018 at 2:45 pm

My dad is from Casablanca and a Morocco has long been on my list of places I’d like to visit. Great tips and your photos are stunning.

Indrani says

February 12, 2018 at 4:29 am

You had an excellent tour there! I am relieved to know it isn’t so unsafe for women there as it sounds. Thanks for the tips on dressing. Lucky you got a rug from there, hope to have one myself. This no photography sign I saw in Sharjah, UAE too.

February 12, 2018 at 5:56 am

Great tips! Morocco is high on my list of places to visit. Actually hope to make it there around April after traveling through Asia. It just seems like a place full of life, color and more. Saving this one so I can start planning my trip there. #weekendwanderlust

February 13, 2018 at 8:14 am

Morocco seems to be a popular spot right now. It was not on my radar so you comprehensive set of tips are something I have pinned in case we travel there. It would be a toss up for me whether I stay in a traditional Riad or what looks to be great luxury accommodations. Maybe splitting my time would work. We did a hammam in Cordoba and it was so relaxing. I would definitely look for one here. I must admit I laughed when I heard you bought a rug. I too usually avoid places like this – maybe because I am afraid I too would go home with a rug!

Sandy N Vyjay says

February 13, 2018 at 12:21 pm

This is an exhaustive dossier on Marrakech. Indeed a ready reckoner for first time visitors to Marrakech. Marrakech and Morocco have been on our bucket list and we hope to get there some day. When we do this post and the tips therein are going to stand us in good stead. Who knows, we may end up being the proud owners of a Moroccan rug.

alison abbott says

February 13, 2018 at 10:14 pm

I hear you! I had no intention of purchasing a carpet either. It’s one of my most favorite purchases ever and takes me back to the medina each day I walk on it. Great tips-they are all spot on.

JeffNourse says

February 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

What a useful tips you shared with us. It is really interesting and informative post. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Kristin L. says

February 15, 2018 at 10:03 am

I remember going to Marrakech for the first time in 2005 and I was SO stressed about what to wear, so I made sure I had plenty of things that covered my knees and my shoulders. Then, to my surprise, I arrived and found all the young local women wearing the shortest mini-skirts and tank tops! I’ve been back to Morocco twice since then and don’t worry about my clothing, except if I’m going in a mosque.

Lauren Monitz says

February 15, 2018 at 1:58 pm

Morocco is just so hot right now! While I don’t like going to super trendy places, I keep seeing these amazing photos and feel like I must!

Mike from TravelAndDestinations says

February 17, 2018 at 1:34 pm

Definitely the best post I have read on Marrakech. Me and my gf are thinking of visiting this year so it’s super helpful and also good to know about the scams. I will also check out your friends post that you recommended. The city looks amazing and I can’t wait to visit!!

February 17, 2018 at 9:45 pm

Very useful tips! I’m looking at going to Morocco so this is very timely. thanks!

February 19, 2018 at 11:01 am

OMG I’ve been dying to go to Morocco all year. Your pictures made my wanderlust worse, I went back in 2008 but as a backpacker so I couldn’t bring any big souvenirs back, I want to go back with an empty suitcase and hit the souks hard!

Charlotte says

February 19, 2018 at 11:57 am

I loved this post, so many great tips! Marocco is high on my travel wish list. And I have every intention of buying one of those incredible rugs 😀 Can’t wait!

Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says

February 20, 2018 at 9:32 pm

What a great post! We are ashamed to say that we have not been to Morocco, and we even have friends to visit there! Shame Shame Shame on us. When we do go, though… we’ll be reading through your posts again! Meanwhile, your beautiful pictures are fueling our Moroccan day dreams. 🙂

March 2, 2018 at 8:15 am

Lovely post and great tips to get me ready for my trip to Morocco! Cheers!

Cory Lee says

March 2, 2018 at 9:33 am

This is such a great post! I’ll be going to Morocco next month and while I’ll be touring a lot of the country, I’m most excited for Marrakech. Awesome tips here!

Jossus Travelpics says

March 2, 2018 at 10:11 pm

I loved Marrakech and the Bahia Palace.

Bernie Watt says

April 25, 2018 at 12:27 pm

Great advice. We are so, so keen to get to Morocco and this is quite the inspiration.

Sebastian Vaz says

August 10, 2018 at 2:42 am

I haven’t been to Morocco. But I have heard lots of good things about the country. Must visit soon. Your guide will help me plan. Thanks 🙂

Violet Tellez says

August 30, 2018 at 1:29 pm

Thank you for the insightful info. I’m currently planning a trip for next spring and originally thought about joining a tour group but since I’d rather have a more relaxed schedule, an individual tour guide might be best to help me get around. Can you recommend a good company that does this, please?

We3Travel says

September 21, 2018 at 5:00 pm

Great tips and I’m glad I read them before our trip!

Marilyn Jacob says

June 21, 2019 at 1:14 am

We are travelling.to Morocco in December,so it’s our very first time.Looking forward to our.holiday.Good tips and advice made sense to.me,so I.am aware ,I will make the best and enjoy Morocco.

August 2, 2019 at 7:09 pm

the amount of times i got lost in Medina, sometimes it was fun – like in Essaouira, sometimes a bit scarry like in Marrakesh, but still at least i have stories to tell.

Katie Diederichs says

February 1, 2020 at 12:02 pm

This is SO helpful! We’ve been itching to get to Morocco, so I’m definitely saving this for later.

February 1, 2020 at 1:14 pm

The food and the night market look amazing! I always feel like Morocco is a mysterious place.

Linnea says

February 1, 2020 at 1:36 pm

Great guide! I appreciated the tip about cash. How much was your rug if you don’t mind me asking? Did you ship it home?

Kariss Ainsworth says

February 1, 2020 at 3:49 pm

I’ve been looking at going here, it is so colourful!

Diana Sahara says

October 24, 2020 at 3:08 am

yeah it s amazing. Colors and smells…

February 1, 2020 at 9:36 pm

This guide was so so helpful thank you so much and loved the recommendations and the pictures. Looking forward to go to Le Jardin Secret it makes me curious.

October 24, 2020 at 3:06 am

Very useful tips! There is also a bus to go to the medina for those traveling on budget and yeah! For sure everyone gets lost in the medina. I think it s important to point that someone will try to help you when you get lost (expecting some tip) so better to let him know you will not tip him in advance…

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Marrakech Travel Tips: What to Know so You Won’t Be Disappointed

Marrakesh is a place that travelers either love or hate. But it’s also one of these places where you need to adjust your expectations accordingly and be prepared that it’s a place like no other . I love Marrakesh.

In fact, I’ve been back to Marrakesh twice already since my first visit and I still feel like I need to come back to experience even more of it.

Read my tips and things to do before heading to Marrakesh to avoid disappointments. I hope you’ll fall in love with the city as much as I did. Even if you’re just traveling to Marrakech for a weekend .

Marrakesh Travel Tips: What to Know Not to Get Disappointed

1. don’t trust any weather forecasts.

Be prepared for both extremely hot and quite cold weather conditions.

Before coming to Marrakesh I triple-checked the weather forecast and it indicated 18-25 degrees all the time. I’m glad I took a coat before leaving home because it turned out it was freezing in Marrakesh.

Funnily enough, my phone still indicated 20 degrees. I swear it was no more than 7 Celsius (44 F).

2. Prepare to Get Lost No Matter What

In Marrakesh, you have to forget about maps. They simply don’t work there, especially in the Medina when the streets reminded me a lot of Italian ones, however way busier and more complicated.

Even Google Maps gets lost all the time, so try to remember your walk back to your riad or hotel.

My tip:  If you want to stay inside the Medina you might want to book a riad close to one of the gates. That way, if you get lost, you can easily ask someone about the name of the gate. Plus, you won’t need to carry your luggage very far from the taxi, since no cars are allowed inside the Medina.

3. Marrakesh is Safe for Female Travelers if You Take Precautions

I read a lot of female blogs that described how they were harassed by locals. I didn’t experienced such treatment on either my first or second visit.

In fact, I find Mexico more annoying and since  I’ve lived in Mexico  one can assume that it isn’t so bad.

Locals in Morocco were all really friendly to me. Sure, one or two people were annoying vendors, but I quickly replied to them in French that they should behave and I’m not buying anything, and they stopped. The same things keep happening in cities like New York, London, anywhere really…

4. Remember that a Word Means a Lot in Marrakech

Speaking of locals and their friendliness, there is one thing that changes a lot in Marrakesh – the meaning of the word “ promise “.

On the main square – Djemaa El Fna, there are plenty of different stalls selling food, dried fruits, and nuts, souvenirs, etc. When I went to get some of the dates and almonds with a girl from a hostel, the guy lowered the price for us after we promised we’d come back the next day.

At first, I didn’t honestly believe that, but I went back there the next day. I literally got four times more dates and nuts for about 20% of the original price. The guy told me that many tourists lie in order to get a good price, but if he sees good in people who are honest he doesn’t mind giving them as much as he can.

I must say that for every nice person in Marrakesh you can find one scam artist trying to fool tourists . If someone on the street is trying to talk to you in English and tells you out of the blue that some street is closed and drags you somewhere to buy something at their shop. 

5. Prepare to Argue With Taxi Drivers

Unfortunately, there are many taxi scams in Marrakesh . One of the most common places people are scammed is at the airport where it should cost you around 50-70 dirhams to get to the medina, but drivers won’t take you for less than 350.

I’m honestly not surprised they do that as I’ve seen many tourists agreeing to that price.

Unless you argue, you won’t be able to pay a normal price . One time arguing didn’t work for me, another I lowered the price to 100 dirhams which was still too much, but at least I didn’t get totally scammed.

That said, you might want to pre-book your taxi from the airport if you don’t feel like haggling after a long journey. This one is a reliable and affordable option.

6. You Can Book Luxurious Accommodation for Cheap

There are plenty of hostels & luxurious riads in Marrakesh and they’re all very cheap. There’s no need to spend a fortune on trendy spots like  La Mamounia  (unless you really want to stay there, but remember you can book their spa regardless). In fact, I think Royal Mansour is better quality 😉

During my first visit, I stayed at Riad Dar Anika which turned out to be way more than I could have asked for this price. I also visited Riad Be which was gorgeous, so I can vouch for it as well.

On my second visit with my husband, I stayed in a gorgeous riad for just $100 per night –  Riad Palais Sebban . This place was definitely one of a kind – just take a look at this pool below. 

7. Be Prepared for Craziness at Jamaa el Fna Square

Jamaa el Fna is the main square in Marrakesh and it’s absolutely crazy. People are going to try to make you buy things and make you pay for taking photos of them .

They might put snakes, monkeys, and everything else they can find, on your shoulders. Yes, they do abuse these animals.

But don’t let this discourage you from enjoying the square. I absolutely loved the food stalls there and would surely recommend them to any visitor. Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s not a tourist trap. 

8. There Are Two Different Sahara Trips – Don’t Be Fooled by Vendors

During my first visit to Morocco, I got totally screwed by a local tour operator. There was not much written about Morocco online back then, but these days you’re lucky that the research has been done for you.

You might be told that you can pick a 2 or 3-day trip to the desert from Marrakesh and they’re the same, just one is longer. They’re NOT THE SAME trips and lead to different places !

You can read about my first-hand experience with Zagora and Merzouga in a separate post . If you’re not a fan of organized tours you can also simply  rent a car  (that is totally safe and easy in Morocco!) and drive yourself to the desert at your own pace. You’ll just need to book a spot at the desert camp, last time I stayed at Merzouga Activities Camp . 

9. If You Don’t Have Enough Time for a Desert Trip – Do a Balloon Tour 

If you don’t have enough time to enjoy a full multi-day desert experience and cross the Atlas Mountain, you can get a taste of the mountains from the hot air balloon.

Actually, even if you do have time you should do a balloon tour as it gives you a completely different experience.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh?

Recommended places to stay:.

[su_row class=””] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Luxury:” style=”default” box_color=”#333333″ title_color=”#FFFFFF” radius=”3″ class=””] Riad Palais Sebban [/su_box] [/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Budget:” style=”default” box_color=”#333333″ title_color=”#FFFFFF” radius=”3″ class=””] Kasbah Red Castel Hostel [/su_box] [/su_column] [/su_row]

Suggested Travel Insurance for Morocco:

• Safety Wing – It’s good and affordable insurance for travelers and expats. They’re easy to make claims with. 

Extra Tips for Marrakech:

• Lonely Planet Pocket Marrakesh
• Trick for saving on water:  If you want to save money on water get this water bottle . It’s a water bottle with a special filter that will allow you to drink tap water (or even some from the pond, puddle or waterfall) everywhere!

Any questions about Marrakesh or traveling to Morocco in general? Don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below!

Likes this post and got some useful Marrakesh travel tips from it? Find out more about visiting Morocco in my other articles below!

READ MORE ABOUT MOROCCO:

What to Do in Chefchaouen

What to Wear in Morocco

The Best Desert Tour in Morocco

How to Spend a Weekend in Marrakech

Renting a Car in Morocco

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Tuesday 28th of November 2023

These are some great tips! We were in Marrakech a few years ago and I definitely agree that getting lost is part of the adventure. There's so much to see and take in

Jennifer M. Bell

Sunday 5th of February 2023

Marrakech is a popular tourist destination and can get very crowded, especially in the main square and markets.

mehdi berrada

Tuesday 22nd of March 2022

This is a wonderful article which helped me find this amazing hotel

Michelle Walton

Thursday 23rd of September 2021

Great info and blog. I am going to Marrakech to celebrate my 50th birthday; I fly out on 4th October and will arrive on 5th October (b-day is the 6th). We have booked a hot air balloon ride for the morning of my b-day, and wondered if you might have a recommendation for a great birthday dinner?

I found a restaurant Dar Moha, and I do like fine dining, but being a foodie, having enjoyed a few Michelin starred restaurants, I am more interested in the best gastronomy available. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Salut, Michelle

Anna Karsten

La Grande Table Marocaine at Royal Mansour won't disappoint for sure :)

Monday 20th of April 2020

Thank you so much for sharing your article Anna about Morocco. Keep doing a good job! Mohamed

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Spring Break travel offers students a new perspective

March 25, 2024

This Spring Break, international travel gave two Coastal Environmental Science students a glimpse of what life is like in very different parts of the world. Sierra Moran, a senior, traveled to Ghana as a part of the inaugural class of LSU Global Ambassadors, and Betsy Cook, a junior, journeyed to Panama as part of the LSU Global Water Brigades.

Sierra Moran

Sierra Moran, on the far left, and her fellow Global Ambassadors learned about life in Ghana from a variety of perspectives.

– Photo credit: Sierra Moran

The Global Ambassadors spent eight days traveling around Ghana, including spending time in Accra, the capitol city.

Sierra Moran made it through a rigorous nomination and interview process to become the CC&E representative to LSU Global Ambassadors . “I was honored to be nominated and [I] accepted immediately,” she said. While she had traveled on the North American continent, she said, “I have never have been overseas. This seemed like an amazing opportunity to be introduced to international travel.”

During the eight day trip, Sierra and her fellow travelers learned about Ghanaian life from a wide variety of perspectives. They spent a day with a local family, visited a center for unhoused youth, heard from experts on the country’s economy and political system and even met with representatives from the US Embassy. 

They also delved into the country’s past, including its history with the trans-Atlantic slave trade. “We spent a day touring the slave dungeons in Cape Coast, which was very heavy and sad. We learned about the long-lasting impact slavery had on Ghana and many West African countries,” Sierra said.

The Global Ambassadors’ itinerary was designed to give them a better perspective on pressing global issues. For Sierra, the meeting with the Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at the University of Ghana was especially impactful. “He educated us on the environmental injustices happening in Ghana, particularly the exploitation of natives and their land for mining of gold and uranium by USA and China.”

Sierra said the trip was eye-opening. “Our time in Ghana was one full of new experiences, cultural immersion, and education on the social, political, and environmental challenges Ghanaians are facing. I have returned home with a much wider perspective and motivation to continue traveling and learning about the environment in other countries.” 

Betsy Cook joined CC&E Interim Dean Clint Willson and six other students on a trip to Panama.

– Photo credit: Betsy Cook

In addition to helping improve village water infrastructure, Betsy and her fellow volunteers made connections with local residents.

Betsy Cook put service at the center of her spring break when she joined the LSU Global Water Brigades on a trip to Panama. “When I heard they were going to Panama, I knew I wanted to come.” Not only did the trip provide an opportunity to speak the Spanish she’d learned, she said, “I liked that it was a service trip.”

The LSU Global Water Brigades takes students on trips abroad, to work with communities around the world to develop clean water infrastructure. On this trip, Betsy joined CC&E Interim Dean Clint Willson and 6 other students as they journeyed to Panama, to Sinaí, a small village about 6 hours outside of Panama City.   

The village, like many in the area, struggled with access to clean water, an issue that can impact all areas of village life. The group's goal was to help improve the village’s infrastructure.

 “They had a chlorine filtration system, and so the water was relatively safe to drink,” Betsy said, “but their main problem was that they didn’t have running water anywhere. Everyone had to go to one place, and [bring] buckets and bottles just to get the water they need for the day.”

Such a labor intensive system means residents, particularly women, have to make compromises in order to survive. “What they end up doing is compromising on water safety,” Betsy noted.

Betsy said the LSU volunteers spent the bulk of their time trying to improve the way water was distributed in the village. “In terms of physical work, the main thing we were doing was building trenches, putting pipes down,” she said

The group had laid about 250 meters of pipe by the time the project was completed at the end of the week.

Betsy said the most meaningful part of her trip were the connections she made with local villagers, especially women. “They inspired me, how hardworking they were, and how passionate about their communities. In the United States, we can be more individualistic,” she said. “They inspired me to be a better steward of my community.” 

Bobbi Parry

College of the Coast & Environment (225) 578 - 6534

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