Planning a trip to Morocco? Marrakech, nicknamed the Red City, will fascinate you with its lively souks, sumptuous palaces, numerous museums and lush gardens. We loved the vibrant atmosphere of this imperial city, where age-old traditions blend with modernity.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Marrakech, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go. Bonus: useful tips and activities.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Stroll through Marrakech’s Medina
Why visit?
Marrakech’s Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the historic heart of the city. We wandered through its narrow streets lined with traditional riads and colorful boutiques, where Arabo-Andalusian architecture reveals all its splendor. The ochre walls are home to architectural treasures such as carved fountains, finely crafted cedar wood doors and courtyards adorned with zellij. You’ll be transported to a world where craftsmen perpetuate age-old skills, from tanners to coppersmiths, to weavers who create magnificent fabrics on their traditional looms.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 3 to 4 hours for an in-depth exploration
- Opening hours: accessible 24 hours a day, but stores generally open from 9am to 8pm.
- Difficulties and PRM access: narrow, cobbled streets, difficult access for people with reduced mobility.
- Rates: free access
- Access: several entrances from Place Jemaa el-Fna, Bab Doukkala, Bab Agnaou
- Book your guided tour of the Medina now!
WHERE TO STAY IN Marrakech
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the Medina
Riad Kbour & Chou – See prices, photos and availability
In the Kasbah, an ancient fortified quarter
Riad Jonan & Spa – See prices, photos and availability
Luxury Hotel
Royal Mansour Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
2. Discover Jemaa El-Fna Square
Why visit?
Place Jemaa El-Fna, a veritable open-air theater, has embodied the soul of Marrakech since the 11th century. We were captivated by this mythical square, which transforms itself throughout the day: in the morning, it welcomes orange juice vendors and snake tamers, while in the evening, it becomes a huge open-air food court with stalls selling local cuisine. Traditional storytellers perpetuate the age-old art of the halqa, a circle of spectators around the narrator, while Gnaoua musicians sound their metal crotales. You can sample local specialities at the numbered stalls, while admiring the acrobats and snake charmers who enliven this unique site, listed as part of humanity’s oral and intangible heritage. You can also visit the Musée du Patrimoine Immatériel de la Place Jemaa El Fna, which reveals all the secrets of the square and its customs. Don’t miss it, it’s one of our favorite museums in the city!
Practical advice
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on the time of day
- Opening hours: open 24 hours a day, maximum entertainment from 5 p.m. to midnight
- Difficulties and access for disabled people: flat, accessible square
- Rates: free access
- Access: in the heart of the Medina, easily accessible on foot or by horse-drawn carriage
- Book your guided gastronomic tour of Jemaa El-Fna Square now!
3. Visit the Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Why visit?
The Jardin Majorelle, created by painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, offers a cool oasis in the heart of the Guéliz district. We were won over by the intense cobalt blue that adorns the buildings, now known worldwide as “Majorelle blue”. The garden is home to plant species from 5 continents, including giant bamboos, palms and bougainvillea. You’ll also discover the Berber Arts Museum, with its remarkable collection of traditional objects. One of the city’s most interesting museums. We found the scenography superb. We really recommend a visit if you want to understand Berber culture. Last but not least, visit the nearby Musée Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to the famous couturier who saved this garden from destruction in 1980.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 2 to 3 hours for the garden and the 2 museums
- Schedules:
- Jardin Majorelle: daily, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Musée Pierre Bergé des Arts Berber: daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Musée Yves Saint Laurent: daily except Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- More info on the official website: here.
- Access for wheelchair users: the garden and museums are accessible for wheelchair users.
- Prices: 170DH for the garden, 230DH for the garden + Berber Arts Museum and 140DH for the YSL Museum. Combination tickets are available.
- Access: Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Guéliz district
- Book now your combined ticket: Jardin Majorelle + Musée Yves Saint Laurent + Musée des Arts Berbères
4. See the Koutoubia Mosque
Why visit?
The Koutoubia Mosque, a jewel of 12th-century Almohad architecture, dominates Marrakech from its 69m-high minaret. Did you know? It’s the city’s largest mosque! We admired this architectural masterpiece whose name means “booksellers’ mosque”, in reference to the manuscript souk that once surrounded it. The minaret, decorated with green earthenware and geometric motifs, served as a model for the Giralda in Sevilla and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. You can contemplate the gardens surrounding the mosque, planted with orange and palm trees, offering a haven of peace just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Jemaa el-Fna Square. The call to prayer, which resounds five times a day from this emblematic minaret, sets the pace for life in the ochre city.
Practical advice
- Important: As with the rest of the city’s mosques, entry is forbidden to non-Muslims. You’ll have to be content with observing it from the outside.
- Tour duration: about 30min
- Opening hours: gardens open all day
- Handicapped Access: accessible gardens, level ground
- Access: Avenue Mohammed V, 5min walk from Place Jemaa El-Fna
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
5. Explore the Bahia Palace
Why visit?
The Palais Bahia, built at the end of the 19th century for the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed, bears witness to the splendor of traditional Moroccan architecture. We wandered through its richly decorated rooms, admiring the painted cedar wood ceilings, walls adorned with colorful zelliges and courtyards planted with orange trees. The name “Bahia” means “the brilliant” in Arabic, in homage to the vizier’s favorite wife. You’ll marvel at the 1500m² courtyard of honor, paved with Carrara marble and surrounded by galleries of finely sculpted columns. The private apartments reveal the refinement of palatial life, with their delicate moucharabiehs and murmuring fountains in every patio. We strongly advise you to take a guided tour to fully understand the place. The site itself does not offer guided tours, but many external partners do, allowing you to enter without queuing!
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily
- Handicap access: partially accessible, some rooms with steps
- Price: 100 DH
- Access: Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, in the Mellah district
- Book now your guided tour and guided ticket
6. Discover Marrakech’s museums
Why visit?
Marrakech’s museums offer a fascinating insight into Moroccan history and culture. We particularly enjoyed the Musée de la Musique de Marrakech, housed in a former riad, which boasts a rich collection of traditional instruments. The Dar El Bacha Museum displays masterpieces of Moroccan craftsmanship, including carpets, weapons and carved wooden furniture. You’ll also discover the Musée de la Photographie, which traces the history of Marrakech through period photographs, and the magnificent Musée du Monde des Arts de la Parure, dedicated to traditional finery. Each museum reveals a different facet of Moroccan heritage in exceptional architectural settings.
Not sure which to choose? Discover our selection of the best museums in Marrakech! (coming soon)
Practical advice
- Length of visit: allow at least 1 hour for each museum.
- Opening hours: generally 9am-6pm, some closed on Tuesdays
- Book now your combined ticket for the best museums in Marrakech!
7. Gleaning treasures in the souk
Why visit?
The souks of Marrakech form a fascinating labyrinth where each artisan guild has occupied its own quarter for centuries. We explored these traditional markets organized by trade: the dyers’ souk, where skeins of wool dry in the sun, the babouches souk, with its thousands of colorful shoes, and the spices souk, with its heady scents of saffron and ras el-hanout. Here, craftsmen perpetuate ancestral techniques, from copper hammering to natural leather dyeing. You can haggle over hand-woven Berber carpets, wrought-iron lanterns, Fez pottery or chased silver jewelry. The art of negotiation is an integral part of the experience, turning every purchase into an authentic cultural exchange.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 2 to 4 hours, depending on your shopping preferences
- Opening hours: 9am-8pm, closed on Friday mornings
- Difficulties and access for disabled people: narrow, crowded streets, difficult with baby carriage or wheelchair
- Admission: free, please bring cash for purchases
- Access: several entrances from Place Jemaa el-Fna
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
8. Taste Moroccan cuisine
Why visit?
Moroccan gastronomy, rich in a thousand flavors, is an unmissable experience in Marrakech. We enjoyed tajines simmered in their earthenware conical dishes, combining tender meats, melting vegetables and dried fruits in unique sweet-savory combinations. Friday couscous, an age-old family tradition, comes in royal versions garnished with seven vegetables. Enjoy pastillas, crispy puff pastries with alternating layers of spicy poultry and sweet almonds sprinkled with cinnamon. Traditional restaurants also offer slow-roasted lamb mechouis and tangia, candied meat dishes cooked in the ashes of hammams. Of course, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes too. Don’t forget to finish off with a mint tea served with ceremony and almond and honey pastries such as gazelle horns.
To discover the authentic flavors of Morocco, check out our selection of the best restaurants in Marrakech! (coming soon)
Let yourself be tempted by a Moroccan cooking class
or opt for a guided food tour
9. Explore the El Badi Palace
Why visit?
The Palais El Badi, built in the 16th century by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, was nicknamed “l’Incomparable” for its legendary magnificence. We strolled through the imposing ruins of this palace, which boasted 360 rooms adorned with Italian marble, onyx and porphyry columns. Although stripped of its riches by the Alawite sultan Moulay Ismaïl in the 17th century, the site still impresses with its colossal dimensions and monumental basins. You can climb the ramparts to admire the panoramic view of the Medina and the storks nesting on the walls. Today, the underground passages house the minbar of the Koutoubia, a masterpiece of 12th-century cabinet-making, while the central courtyard hosts the Marrakech Film Festival, bringing these grandiose remains back to life.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily
- Difficulties and PRM access: uneven terrain, difficult access
- Prices: from 100 DH.
- Access: Place des Ferblantiers, Mellah district
10. Visit the Saadian Tombs
Why visit?
The Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in 1917 after being walled up for centuries, are a hidden gem of Moroccan funerary architecture. We were dazzled by the decorative richness of these 16th-century mausoleums, where some sixty members of the Saadian dynasty are buried. The Hall of the Twelve Columns, a true architectural masterpiece, houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour beneath a carved cedar dome supported by Carrara marble columns. Admire the extraordinarily fine chiselled stuccowork, the intricate geometric zellij and the gilded kufic inscriptions on the walls. We also enjoyed the flower-filled garden where other tombs are scattered. It offers a haven of peace, contrasting with the opulence of the interior rooms, which bear witness to the past grandeur of this dynasty. We strongly recommend a guided tour to fully understand the site. The site itself does not offer guided tours, but many external partners do, allowing you to enter without queuing!
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 30min to 45min
- Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily
- Difficulties and access for PRM: access via a narrow passage, difficult for PRM
- Prices: from 100 DH.
- Access: Rue de la Kasbah, near the Moulay El Yazid mosque
- Book now your guided tour and guided ticket
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11. Explore the Ben Youssef Medersa
Why visit?
The Médersa Ben Youssef, founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 16th, represents the pinnacle of Moroccan religious architecture. We explored this former Koranic school, which welcomed up to 900 students from all over the Maghreb to study theology, law and science. The central patio, surrounded by finely sculpted arcades, houses a rectangular white marble pool reflecting the façades adorned with delicate stucco and elaborate cedar woodwork. You’ll discover 130 student cells spread over 2 floors, austere in contrast to the decorative richness of the common areas. The prayer room impresses with its carved marble mihrab. Every architectural detail testifies to the skill of Moroccan craftsmen and the importance of education in Arab-Andalusian civilization. We strongly advise you to take a guided tour to fully understand the site, or opt for the audio guides.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 45min to 1h
- Opening hours: 9am-7pm daily except during Ramadan: closes at 6pm.
- Difficulties and PRM access: stairs to access floors
- Audioguide in several languages
- Price: 50 DH. More info on the official website, here.
- Access: Rue Assouel, in the Medina
- Book your guided tour and queue-cutting ticket now
12. Walk in the Menara Gardens
Why visit?
The Menara Gardens, nestled against the Atlas Mountains, were created in the 12th century by the Almohads. They were once a place of pleasure for the sultans, who came to refresh themselves and contemplate the view of the Atlas Mountains. They offer an escape route to the west of Marrakech. We too enjoyed the panorama. The 12th-century Saadian pavilion is reflected in the vast rectangular pool, creating one of Marrakech’s most emblematic images, with the snow-capped mountains in the background when the sky is clear. It is, however, the main thing to see. The site can be visited quickly. Don’t forget to bring a hat or cap, as it’s very hot here and there’s little shade.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 30min
- Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Difficulties and access for disabled people: flat, accessible terrain but steps to reach the pool
- Admission: free
- Access: Avenue de la Ménara, about 4km from the center of the Medina
- Parking: large free parking lot
- Catering: street vendors
13. Enjoy rooftops and panoramic views
Why visit?
Marrakech is also known for its rooftops, veritable belvederes overlooking the rooftops of the medina. We fell in love with Café Clock, an inclusive venue that promotes local culture with traditional music concerts, storytelling evenings and a beautiful terrace overlooking the city’s ochre rooftops. You’ll find a warm atmosphere, far from the overly touristy addresses. As for the Café Arabe, it’s ideal for a drink while admiring the view of the surrounding area, although it should be noted that its cuisine is not its strong point. We also liked the rooftop terrace of the Maison de la Photographie, and the restaurants Tanjia, Pergola and Naranj!
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 1h to 3h depending on the activity
- Times: all day, sunset recommended
- Difficulties and access for disabled people: rarely accessible, as stairs lead up to roofs.
- Access: in the medina
14. Excursion to the Agafay Desert
Why visit?
The Agafay Desert, just 30km from Marrakech, offers a desert experience without having to travel hundreds of kilometers to the Sahara. Less impressive than the Sahara, the desert is mostly arid, stony hills. We loved the panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. Activities range from sunset strolls and hikes through dry wadis to quad biking through rocky tracks. You can also experience bivouacs in luxurious Berber camps, dine in caïdal tents and savor a traditional méchoui accompanied by Gnaoua music. These getaways are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech for a day.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: half or full day
- Difficulties and access for disabled people: uneven terrain, not suitable for disabled people.
- Important: There are many camel rides on offer. We therefore recommend that you be vigilant and consider what your visit to the Agafay Desert represents. It’s important to consider the impacts of wildlife tourism, and to ensure that such a visit is in line with your values. For this reason, we have decided not to include any links to this type of activity on our site.
- Sleep in a camp under the stars on an overnight excursion to the Agafay desert, with traditional meals and entertainment.
- Looking for adrenaline? Opt for a quad tour with dinner and show
15. Wonder in the Atlas Mountains
Why visit?
The Atlas Mountains, a majestic range peaking at over 4000m, offer a refreshing escape just 1 hour’s drive from Marrakech. We took winding roads through Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides, where the traditional way of life has endured for centuries. The Ourika valley, dotted with waterfalls and terraced gardens, reveals lush vegetation contrasting with the aridity of the plain. You’ll discover colorful weekly markets where Berber women sell saffron and hand-woven carpets, as well as argan oil cooperatives. Hikes lead to breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, including Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. The villages of Imlil and Asni serve as bases for trekking tours suitable for all levels, allowing you to meet the Amazigh people in their unspoilt environment. Or push on to Ouarzazate and discover the superb village of Aït Ben Haddou!
Practical advice
- Recommended duration of visit: full day
- Difficulties and PRM access: hikes of all levels, but very limited PRM access.
- Access: at least 1 hour’s drive from Marrakech
- Book your excursion to the Ourika Valley and Atlas Mountains now!
- Head for Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou and the Studio Atlas.
Things to do in Marrakech: other ideas
Discover Marrakech’s many museums
Beyond the main museums, Marrakech is home to other fascinating cultural spaces. The Maison de la Photographie presents a unique collection of old photographs of Morocco. We also enjoyed the Musée du Monde des Arts de la Parure, dedicated to traditional finery, and the Musée du Parfum, which traces the history of oriental scents. You can also explore the Musée de l’élégance marocaine, dedicated to Moroccan clothing, or the MACMA (Musée d’Art Contemporain Africain Al Maaden), which highlights contemporary African art.
Book special admission tickets for the city’s best museums!
Not sure which to choose? Discover our selection of the best museums in Marrakech! (coming soon)
Lounging in a traditional hammam
Pampering yourself in a hammam is an age-old Moroccan ritual of well-being. We tested several establishments, from popular hammams frequented by locals to luxurious riad spas. The traditional ritual comprises several stages: passage through progressively heated rooms, scrubbing with black soap and kessa glove, then rinsing with lukewarm water. You’ll appreciate the argan oil massage that usually concludes the session, leaving the skin soft and revitalized. Historic hammams like the one in Quartier Mouassine retain their traditional architecture, with vaulted ceilings pierced by oculi allowing light to filter through.
Don’t wait to book a special time at one of Marrakech’s many traditional spas and hammams!
Excursions around Marrakech
Discover Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Desert”, lies 200km from Marrakech on the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka road. We crossed the changing landscapes of the High Atlas before reaching this town at the gateway to the Sahara. The Atlas Film Studios, where Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator were filmed, offer an insight into the world of the 7th art. You’ll visit the Taourirt Kasbah, former residence of the Glaoui, with its richly decorated rooms. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Kasbah d’Aït Benhaddou is the perfect place to discover this earthen citadel that seems to emerge from the desert.
Book your day trip to Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou now!
Explore the verdant Imlil Valley
The Imlil Valley, nestled at the foot of Mount Toubkal, offers a haven of coolness at 1740m altitude. We followed the mule trails through Berber villages with their stone and adobe houses. The terraced fields bear witness to the ingenuity of the local population in cultivating walnut, apple and vegetable trees on the steep slopes. You can hike to the Irhoulidene waterfalls or simply enjoy a mint tea in front of the mountain panorama. Local guides are happy to share their knowledge of alpine flora and fauna, as well as the Amazigh traditions preserved in this remote valley.
Plan your getaway in the Moroccan mountains!
Escape to the picturesque fishing port of Essaouira
Essaouira, the ancient Mogador, is a 2h30 drive from Marrakech on the Atlantic coast. We strolled through this white and blue medina, a World Heritage site, lulled by the constant trade winds. The 18th-century ramparts, designed by French architect Théodore Cornut, offer ocean-view promenades. Enjoy grilled fish and seafood right in the harbor, where colorful trawlers return every morning. The town, a haven for artists and musicians, hosts the Gnaoua Festival, which transforms its squares into giant musical stages. The immense beaches are ideal for water sports, especially kitesurfing, which is popular because of the steady winds.
Choose a day trip to Essaouira, with pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
Experience unforgettable moments on a quad or in a hot-air balloon
The area around Marrakech lends itself perfectly to adventure activities offering unique perspectives on the landscape. Let yourself be tempted by the magical experience of a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Palmeraie and Berber villages, with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Quad excursions take you through palm groves, dry wadis and desert plateaus, offering thrills and spills in a variety of settings. You can also opt for buggy rides in the Agafay desert or horseback rides at sunset. These activities allow you to explore areas inaccessible to conventional vehicles, while enjoying adrenalin-filled moments in grandiose landscapes.
- Experience a sunrise from a hot-air balloon overlooking the landscape
- Looking for adrenaline? Explore the desert on a quad!
Useful tips for visiting Marrakech
Where is Marrakech?
- In the center of Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains
- Marrakech to Casablanca = 3h drive
- Marrakech to Essaouira = 3h drive
- From Marrakech to Ouarzazate = 3h30 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Marrakech?
Marrakech-Ménara airport handles direct flights from major European cities. Low-cost airlines offer attractive fares all year round. From the airport, shuttles, cabs and private transfers take you to the city center in 15 minutes. The train links Marrakech to Casablanca in 3 hours, with connections to Rabat and Tangiers. CTM and Supratours buses serve all major Moroccan cities from the bus station.
Parking in Marrakech
Parking in the Medina remains limited to guarded parking lots near the main gates: Bab Doukkala, Bab Agnaou and Place Jemaa el-Fna. Daily rates vary from 20 to 50 DH. In the modern Guéliz district, on-street parking is paid for by ticket-issuing wardens. We recommend you leave your car in the parking lot of your accommodation and explore the city on foot or by cab, which is more convenient for navigating the narrow streets.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Getting around Marrakech
The medina is not easily accessible by car. Many alleyways are inaccessible to vehicles. The best way to get around is on foot. You can, however, get around by tuk-tuk. Outside the medina, cabs are the most practical way of getting around Marrakech, from Guéliz to l’Hivernage, for example. We advise you to insist on using the meter or negotiate the price before departure. Traditional horse-drawn carriages offer a romantic alternative for tourist trips. City buses serve the outlying districts, but remain impractical for visitors. For excursions, large cabs or organized tours make it easy to get around.
Where to eat in Marrakech
Marrakech offers a rich culinary scene ranging from street food stalls to gourmet restaurants. We particularly enjoyed Restaurant Farmers for its modern Moroccan cuisine, Restaurant Al Fassia for its setting and traditional cuisine, and Bistro Arabe for its concert atmosphere and inventive cuisine in the heart of the souk. The stalls on Place Jemaa el-Fna offer a unique yet touristy experience. For fine dining, the Royal Mansour is home to a restaurant whose menu is created by Michelin-starred French chef Hélène Darroze. See our selection of the city’s best restaurants (coming soon)!
Visiting Marrakech in winter
Winter is an ideal time to discover Marrakech, with mild temperatures ranging from 8°C at night to 20°C during the day. We enjoyed the absence of crowds and the crystal-clear light that sublimated the monuments. Cool evenings invite you to warm up over a steaming tagine or by the braziers in the cafés. Bring warm clothing for evenings and excursions in the Atlas mountains, where snow covers the peaks. Heated riads offer cozy comfort after days of exploring.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
