Within the madness of the medieval Medina, experience the exotic charm and traditional way of life that has nourished Marrakech for over a millennium.
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 – the combination of which provides a myriad of captivating things to do in Marrakech.
Marrakech is made special by the colourful mix of Arab and Berber cultures.
Experience the vigour of stall holders expertly singing their own praises while strolling the crammed souks in the medieval Medina. Wander the maze of narrow laneways as the call to prayer rises above the clamour of artisans crafting their wares.
Admire the beguiling architecture, stroll sprawling palaces, enjoy the tradition of mint tea and stay in the best riads in Marrakech.
But most importantly, get lost amongst the madness and discover the most interesting things to do in Marrakech.
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IN THIS GUIDE
THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
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 get educated in the splendour of Islamic design is at Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Founded in the 14th century, the madrasa was at one time the largest Qurʾānic school in North Africa.
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.
2 – GET LOST IN 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. Losing yourself strolling the souks is a unique lost-in-time experience, and one of the most invigorating things to do in Marrakech.
Many of the stallholders still use traditional methods to produce artisanal wares while others are more focused on the tourist trade. The souks are organised (roughly) by their respective crafts. See how to visit them all on our 3-day Marrakech itinerary.
Souk Haddadine – This is the metalwork section where pots, trinkets and jewellery are produced to the 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 makes for an interesting photo opportunity in Marrakech.
Souk des Teinturiers – Another colourful photo spot, 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
The tradition of mint tea in Morocco is a timeworn tradition of hospitality. Served upon arrival in a riad or at mealtimes, the tea is often prepared by the men of the house via a tradition that has been 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 and offers the perfect vantage point to watch life unfold in the medina.
The constant source of the hubbub, prime people watching, and delicious mint tea combine to create one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
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 more characteristics of an interesting local neighbourhood.
Don’t miss the Grand Bijouterie, an ornate jewellery arcade that still sells gold by the ounce. The palm-lined square of Place des Ferblantiers is a scenic meeting point with small souks selling spices, tin lamps and homewares.
Finally, Slat Al Azama synagogue with its courtyard decorated in a blaze of blue, and the Jewish Cemetery, are 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, said to be some of the finest Moorish and Andalusian architecture in Morocco.
Rooms are decorated with carved cedar ceilings, woven silk panels and stained-glass windows.
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 however is the huge Grand Courtyard with geometrical patterns stretching across an expansive marble floor surrounded by wooden galleries.
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 is not only an invigorating thing to do in Marrakech but 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 tourist-friendly venue has an English-speaking host with a menu of services to choose from. It’s clean and comfortable but housed in a traditional building that is also used by locals, so it has a nice local Moroccan feel.
A WESTERNISED HAMMAM
These hammams offer a pampering experience more like a western spa with massage treatments in an indulgent space.
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 urban hostel designed for travelling traders who needed somewhere for themselves, and their camels, to sleep while they plied 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. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most beautiful things to see in Marrakech.
Tickets // Save the queuing and book skip-the-line tickets for the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palaces.
9 – 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.
Here are 2 great local Marrakech neighbourhoods to explore.
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 featuring his house Villa Oasis, a museum to 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. It had such a mesmerising effect on him that shortly before his death he patented the colour which still carries his name.
Majorelle Blue continued to feature heavily after 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 we, the museum to Yves Saint Laurent’s design work was interesting and the video of his life compelling. The on-site restaurant is pretty good as well.
Important Tip // The queues for the Garden Majorelle can be long, but if you head to the museum first you can buy tickets for both without queuing.
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 19th century, the central courtyard was once an open riad with a garden of planted trees. Today however 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.
12 – FLEA MARKETS
If the tourist-focused wares of the centre souks don’t tickle your fancy, you might be more interested in 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 find 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, is 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. The entertainment all around is a thoroughly immersive experience in Marrakech.
Tours // If it all looks too much, join a half-day guided tour to get under the skin of the 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 and dining among minarets of mosques poking above the mud roofline of Marrakech 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
From traditional to hip, dreamy to functional, there’s an authentic riad in Marrakech for any taste. Behind the imposing studded doors and thick mud walls, a secluded oasis of calm is the perfect antidote to the hectic medina. Built around a central courtyard, generally 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. Here are some of our favourite riads in Marrakech.
RIAD JARDIN SECRET ($$)
Riad Jardin Secret is a charming guesthouse in an excellent location with a focus on making guests feel as welcome as possible. Listen to the call to prayer waft from the minarets while soaking up the views on the roof terrace.
tripadvisor
RIAD ADORE ($$)
Riad Adore is a more contemporary riad in Marrakech with chic design and plush accommodation. Recently re-decorated with sparkling style, this is the place to book for the traditional charm of a riad with the luxury and service of a quality hotel.
booking.com | hotels.com
LE RIAD BERBERE ($$)
With just 5 guest rooms and a lush private garden, Le Riad Berbere is a charming cosy place to stay. The shady whitewashed courtyard is a lovely place to sit and enjoy their excellent cooking. They also have a spa (at extra cost) where you can enjoy a traditional massage.
booking.com
RIAD DE TARABEL ($$$)
The candlelit terraces, hidden patios and peaceful pool add to the French-inspired charm of Riad de Tarabel. Beautifully appointed rooms and top-quality service make staying here an elegant experience. The traditional breakfast in the lush courtyard is wonderful.
tripadvisor
RIAD FARNATCHI ($$$$)
The recently added spa and private Hammam at Riad Farnatchi has turned this upmarket property into a sought-after destination. Relying more on the grandeur of yesterday than on modern style, it is more traditional than the others on our list.
booking.com | hotels.com
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.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
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.
Read Next // Our Morocco itinerary
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.
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 one of the many different day tours exploring the city.
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.
Also, there are lots of great day trips from Marrakech. Either heading into the Atlas Mountains or out to Atlantic Coast at Essaouira.
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I am planning a few days in Marrakesh with my husband and will definitely use some tips. I was there alone and I feel that I didn’t see enough.
I love your article thann you so much for sharing that with us.
Amazing article with useful information for any newcomers, thank you so much for sharing with us