15 Best Things To Do In Marrakech (+ Map & Tips)

Within the madness of the medieval Medina, experience the exotic charm and traditional way of life that has nourished Marrakech for over a millennium. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Marrakech.

Separated from the Sahara Desert by the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech was built in 1070 as the capital of the Almoravid Empire. Formed from the earth, red mud buildings have given it the nickname The Red City.

But 500 years after its inception, wealthy Sultans added to the architecture with sumptuous palaces and ornate tombs.

These exotic additions provide a myriad of captivating things to do in Marrakech; a city made unique by the colourful mix of Arab and Berber cultures.

Mark and I have visited Marrakech several times, often using it as a base to explore deeper into the country. (Read our Morocco Itinerary here)

Although it has its craziness, the beguiling architecture, sprawling palaces, and traditions of the city make it one of our favourite places to visit.

This guide covers the highlights of Marrakech with tips for getting the most out of your trip.

1. ALI BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA (MEDERSA BEN YOUSSEF)

The local mosques in Marrakech are said to contain some of the city’s most impressive artistry. But as they are closed to non-Muslims, the best way to experience the splendour of Islamic design is at Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa.

The madrasa, which was at one time the largest Qurʾānic school in North Africa, is an unmissable attraction in Marrakech.

Following Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, the large central courtyard is breathtaking. A large shallow reflecting pool cut into the beautifully tiled floor is surrounded by ornate walls covered in zellij (mosaic tilework) and calligraphic friezes.

At one end, a prayer niche is elaborately decorated in stucco (fine plaster) with carved latticed balconies above.

The student rooms surrounding the courtyard are completely devoid of decoration adding contrast and a mystical allure to Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Tickets – This private half-day walking tour includes access to the medersa, however you can also buy tickets at the entrance.

2. THE CENTRAL SOUKS

The central souks of Marrakech are open-air markets tucked into a labyrinth of laneways. Packed with a myriad of stalls they give the medieval medina its distinctive energy.

Getting lost in the souks is a unique experience and one of the best things to do in Marrakech.

While some of the stalls are very tourist-focused and can hassle you a little, there are many more that use traditional methods to produce artisanal wares. We suggest seeking those out for a better experience.

The souks are organised (roughly) by their crafts. We have put a mini-walking tour through the best of them on our 3-day Marrakech itinerary. Here are the best ones to visit:

• Souk Haddadine – The metalwork section where pots, trinkets and jewellery are produced to the rhythmic sound of beating tin.
• Souk Cherratine – The leather goods souk where you can stroll the packed arcades with the aroma of leather wafting in the air.
• Souk des Babouche – Row upon row of colourful slippers (interesting photo opportunity).
• Souk des Teinturiers – The wool-dying souk with curtains of brightly coloured wood hanging over the walls.
• La Criée Berbère – The proud home of beautiful Berber carpets.

3. RAHBA KEDIMA SQUARE

Served upon arrival in a riad or at mealtimes, mint tea is often prepared by the men of the house via a tradition passed down through the centuries.

Watching the long pour from an ornate teapot held high above a tiny glass is one of our fondest memories of travelling in Morocco.

One of the best places to soak up this tradition in Marrakech is at Café des Épices.

Perched on the edge of buzzing Rahba Kedima Square, this lively café is surrounded by stalls. It’s the perfect vantage point to watch life unfold in the medina.

4. THE MELLAH

The Mellah is the old Jewish Quarter of Marrakech. It was created by Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib of the Saadian dynasty in 1558. The purpose was to provide protection to Jews fleeing persecution in the Iberian Peninsula, as required by Sharia law at the time.

Restored several times over the years, the maze of tight laneways has less of the craziness of the medina and feels more like an interesting local neighbourhood.

Here are some of the highlights:

• The Grand Bijouterie is an ornate jewellery arcade that still sells gold by the ounce.
• Place des Ferblantiers is a scenic meeting point with small souks selling spices, tin lamps and homewares.
• Slat Al Azama is a synagogue with a beautiful blue courtyard.
• The Jewish Cemetery is a poignant reminder of how many Jews once called Marrakech home.

5. BAHIA PALACE

With a symmetrically pleasing courtyard, intricate woodwork and Italian marble, the Bahia Palace is one of the most lavish attractions in Marrakech.

It was originally built in the 1860s then expanded and renovated with more flair and extravagance over the early 1900s.

Although only a few of the 150 rooms are open to the public, it’s enough to get a feel for the magnificent decorations. Bahia Palace contains some of the finest Moorish and Andalusian architecture in Morocco. (Read our guide on Seville for more exquisite Moorish architecture.)

The grandeur of the palace is best demonstrated in the courtyards. Lush plants fill white-washed gardens with central fountains typical of Moorish design.

The showpiece is the huge Grand Courtyard with geometrical patterns stretching across an expansive marble floor surrounded by wooden galleries.

Bahia Palace Tickets – Book a combined skip-the-line ticket for Bahia Palace and El Badii Palace with a local guide.

6. VISIT A HAMMAM

Most Moroccans attend a hammam (public steam bath) every week to cleanse the skin and purify the mind before prayer.

As one of the 5 traditional elements in every neighbourhood alongside the mosque, school, bakery and fountain, the hammam is central to cultural and religious life in Morocco.

Visiting a hammam is a great way to dip into Moroccan culture.

Experiences can differ greatly depending on the type of hammam you visit.

A LOCAL MARRAKECH HAMMAM

A local hammam is very cheap and can be a great way to really immerse yourself in the culture.

However, they are not specifically set up for tourists, so you’ll need to purchase soap, a mitt and a bucket. Language can also be a challenge.

Hammam Mouassine – This a great tourist-friendly yet local hammam. It’s clean and comfortable but housed in a traditional building that is also used by locals. An English-speaking host will explain the services on offer to you.

A WESTERNISED HAMMAM

These hammams offer more of a pampering experience similar to a western spa.

Hammam de la Rose – A great range of services in a calm, relaxing space with a focus on health and wellbeing. Prices are pretty good for a high-end experience.

La Mamounia – For total indulgence, this gloriously decorated spa is one of the most luxurious hammams in Marrakech. Booking ahead is essential.

7. EXPLORE THE FONDOUKS

A fondouk is a medieval hotel that was used by travelling traders (and their camels) as they worked the prosperous caravan route from the Sahara.

Ground floor stables were set around a small courtyard with lockable chambers on the first floor for storage and sleeping.

In their time, fondouks were richly decorated, each one designed to attract specific merchants based on their cultural heritage.

After falling into disuse, many of them were converted into workshops for artisans to operate from. Some, however, have been sympathetically restored while others have been converted into charming restaurants such as the very popular Le Fondouk.

Most of the foundouks in Marrakech are spread around the El Baroudiyine area on Route Sidi Abdelaziz where the traders had easy access to the souks north of Jemaa el-Fna.

Pop your head into a few and enjoy the more serendipitous nature of visiting Marrakech.

8. SAADIAN TOMBS

The Chamber of the Twelve Columns in the Saadian Tombs is considered the pinnacle of Moroccan architecture.

The intricately designed space houses the tombs of three of the most important Sultans of the Saadian dynasty.

Their elaborate final resting places – a series of beautiful burial rooms decorated with Italian marble, arches lined with gold, richly carved oak and extensive tiling – signify their importance to society.

The extravagance continues in the mausoleum for Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour’s mother, but his wives and advisers were not granted such luxurious final resting places. You can find their tombs outside in the garden.

Altogether there are about 170 tombs in the complex set around a beautiful garden.

Queues can be long, so come early if possible or join a tour.

Saadian Tomb Tickets – Avoid the queue and book skip-the-line tickets for the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palaces.

9. VISIT THE LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOODS OF MARRAKECH

As a compact city, it’s easy to explore beyond the very popular tourist areas in the medina.

While getting lost in the labyrinth is one of the unmissable experiences in Marrakech, just outside the centre, real Moroccan life unfolds through a very traditional way of life.

There are two local neighbourhoods that Mark and I particularly liked visiting which feel far removed from the rest of the city.

RUE ERRACHIDIA

Just south of the Saadian Tombs, Rue Errachidia is our favourite part of Marrakech.

In the early morning, the meat and vegetable stalls are a hive of activity as locals gather their ingredients for the day. Even though it’s metres from one of the must-do sights in Marrakech, you’ll probably be the only tourist around.

BAB DOUKKALA

The other area to explore is Bab Doukkala, to the west of the Medina.

Still inside the medieval walls, this traditional quarter is perfect in the late afternoon as stallholders start to unwind. The smoke from shisha hangs in the air and the smell of tagine wafts from kitchens.

10. YVES SAINT LAURENT’S HOUSE

The former home of Yves Saint Laurent is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakech.

The complex includes his house, Villa Oasis, a museum of his life’s work, a Berber Museum, and the beautiful Majorelle Garden.

The garden was originally designed by Jacques Majorelle, a French artist, who fell in love with the rich blue used in Berber houses and made it a feature in his own home and garden.

The property was purchased and restored by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s.

It’s a wonderful complex to stroll around. Even for non-fashionistas such as me and Mark, the museum to his design work was interesting and the video of his life compelling. The on-site restaurant is pretty good as well.

Our tip for visiting Yves Saint Laurent House – The queues for the Garden Majorelle can be very long, but if you start at the museum first you can buy tickets for both without queuing. If you buy tickets in advance, the official YSL website is cheaper than other online ticket vendors.

11. MUSÉE DE MARRAKECH

The Marrakech Museum is housed in the Dar Mnebhi Palace and contains an assorted collection of weapons, carpets and pottery from different regions of Morocco.

The main reason to pop your head in, however, is to see the impressive central courtyard.

Typical of Moroccan architecture from the 19^th century, the central courtyard was once an open riad with a garden of planted trees.

Today, the garden has been paved over and embellished with several fountains decorated in colourful tiles and topped off with cedarwood panels.

The ostentatious chandelier hanging in the courtyard is a great focal point in this excellent photo spot in Marrakech.

Marrakech Museum Tickets – You can buy tickets online and check opening times from the Marrakech Museum website. There is not often a queue so you can buy tickets at the door to keep your day flexible.

12. FLEA MARKETS

Another great way to get off the main tourist trail in Marrakech is by strolling around the flea markets on the outskirts of the medina.

With regular day-to-day items on sale and few tourists to be seen, it’s a much more Moroccan shopping experience.

You’ll also be left alone to browse at your leisure without the constant haggling from vendors – a common experience in the souks.

The best local market is around Souk el-Khemis in the northwest of the medina. It would be hard to think of any day-to-day items that you couldn’t pick up here as they sell everything from dishcloths to donkeys.

Nearby, on the edge of Jardin De Bab el-Khemis, you’ll find a more traditional flea market selling bric-a-brac, vintage old mobile phones and well-worn clothes.

13. JEMAA-EL FNA

Jemaa el-Fna is the central square of Marrakech and, along with the central souks, it’s the life and soul of the city.

It’s at its best at sunset when the light fades, the food stalls swing into action and an exotic magic descends on the square.

The best way to experience the drama is to grab a spot on the terrace at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glace. Three floors up on the edge of the square, the balcony is perfectly positioned to witness the sunset on Koutoubia Mosque as the full scale of activity on Jemaa el-Fna gets underway.

Having a meal at one of the stalls in Jemaa el-Fna is an unmissable thing to do in Marrakech. Not because the food is great, but because the vendors will charm even the most jaded of travellers with their witty banter.

Visiting Jemaa-el-Fna – Read more in our guide to visiting Jemaa-el-Fna.

14. ROOFTOP RESTAURANTS

Most people who come to Marrakech dream of posh cocktail bars on roof terraces perched above magnificent views of the medieval medina.

That exists, but you’ll also find yourself sitting beside a collection of satellite dishes or ducking under laundry to get to your table.

Nonetheless, rising above the madness of the medina is a wonderful experience. Here are some of our recommendations.

Nomad // The menu at Nomad consists of beautifully prepared dishes inspired by local produce. There’s a great selection for vegetarians and the setting spread across two levels of terraces is just perfect.

Un Déjeuner à Marrakech // The French-inspired menu and non-alcoholic cocktails really hit the spot. Their selection of innovative salads make it a great choice for lunch.

Le Fondouk // For a swish-ish night out, Le Fondouk is possibly our favourite restaurant in Morocco. The menu leans heavily on traditional Moroccan dishes with an international flavour and they sell alcohol. Try to book a table on the roof terrace.

15. STAY IN A TRADITIONAL RIAD

Built around a central courtyard, with lush gardens and water features surrounded by opulent tilework, staying in a riad in Marrakech is a wonderful experience.

The best riads provide a feel for genuine Moroccan culture often missing in hotels. You can find everything from super traditional to Instagram-dreamy.

Here are some of our favourite riads in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH MOROCCO MAP

We’ve put all our must-visit Marracheck attractions in a map to help you plan your trip. For suggestions on how to put it all together, read our Marrakech itinerary.

MORE GREAT MARRAKECH ATTRACTIONS

Above are our top 15 highlights in Marrakech that you should not miss. But if you have extra time then here are some other things to do in Marrakech to keep in mind.

EL BADII PALACE

El Badii Palace is an atmospheric collection of ruins. It was constructed to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese and today and takes some imagination to get the most out of it. For what it’s worth, we think it’s best viewed from the roof terrace at Kosybar with a beer in hand.

TANNERIES

The Tanneries of Marrakech are a smelly mess where hassling tourists is an art form. Stories abound online about scams running in the area. But it is nevertheless an interesting experience.

Your best bet is to head up to one of the leather shops on Avenue Bab El Debbagh and ask to see the tanneries from their upstairs windows, which you’ll need to pay for. Alternatively, the tanneries in Fez are a much saner experience.    

DAR SI SAID MUSEUM

Dar Si Said is like a miniature version of the Bahia Palace but with much fewer visitors. Its magnificent, pooled courtyards and tiled walls are home to the Museum of Moroccan Arts. Packed with carpets, jewellery, textiles and musical instruments, the highlight is the stunning marble basin donated from the caliphate of Córdoba.

MAISON TISKIWIN

Maison Tiskiwin houses the collection of Bert Flint, a Dutch eccentric who was fascinated with Andalusian and Berber influences in Morocco. The museum includes a selection of memorabilia focused on the Saharan trade routes from Marrakech to Timbuktu. It’s an idiosyncratic set of objects for the culturally curious.

MAISON DE LA PHOTOGRAPHY

The House of Photography is an exhibition space that winds its way up the internal staircases of a small riad. It’s packed with hundreds of photographs of 19th and 20th-century Marrakech life. Most of the works are for sale in the gift shop.

SECRET GARDEN

Just south of Rue Dar el-Bach, the Secret Garden is an oasis of calm amongst the clamour of the medina. Sit on a bench, take a deep breath and let one of the few relaxing green spaces in the city steady you for the next assault on the senses.

HOW TO GET AROUND MARRAKECH

The best way to get around Marrakech is to walk. Most of the main attractions or experiences on our list are in the central medina, which is car-free.

The lanes are tiny, many are unmarked, and the labyrinth of streets can get very confusing, so it is very easy to get lost – all part of the fun of visiting Marrakech.

Our Marrakech itinerary has more information on getting around Marrakech, including a detailed map listing all the main attractions.

SAFETY IN MARRAKECH

As you walk around the medina you will occasionally be hassled by locals telling you that a certain street or attraction is closed and that for a fee they can show you the way.

No doubt there are any number of scams they are trying to execute but we never had any trouble. If you are unsure though, read our guide to safety in Marrakech.

Another option is to let someone else take the strain and join a guided tour. This well-rated walking tour of Marrakech includes many of the highlights in the madina.

BEST TIME TO GO TO MARRAKECH

The best time to visit Marrakech is from March to May and late September to November.

Over this period, conditions are dry and warm with daily high temperatures in the 23 to 30 degree Celsius range.

In summer, temperatures in the tightly packed medina can reach up to 40 degrees, making exploring the streets a very sweaty affair.

In winter, the temperature can drop to near freezing at night – not so good for those evenings sitting on a roof terrace star gazing over the medina.  

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN MARRAKECH?

We recommend spending 3 days in Marrakech to see all the main attractions and enjoy some local experiences.

However, it is a great city for simply strolling around so if you are the kind of traveller who likes to take your time, you could easily spend longer.

Our detailed 3-day itinerary for Marrakech covers all the best sights, our favourite places to eat and some local experiences.

Also, there are lots of great day trips from Marrakech. Either heading into the Atlas Mountains or out to the Atlantic Coast at Essaouira.  

MORE MOROCCO GUIDES

• Experience Jemaa El Fna on your next trip to Marrakech.
• Here are the 20 most interesting places to visit in Morocco.
• Explore the best things to do around Ouarzazate.
• Go off the tourist trail in the Valley of the Roses.
• Read about all the best things to do in Marrakech.
• Take a great road trip with our Morocco Itinerary.
• All you need to know about driving in Morocco.
• Try this beautiful hike around the Todra Gorge.
• Enjoy the most beautiful valley in Morocco, the remote Ouirgane Valley.