Marrakech: A Guide of what to see and do

August 24, 2022

Home to some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes, Morocco is one of the best places to go to indulge in a little escapism and Marrakech is certainly no exception – with its beautiful rooftop terraces, dazzling mosaic tiling and vibrant marketplaces.

So read on and get ready to experience the enchanting world of craftsmen, mosques and dusty deserts!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase through my link. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.*

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) – although most places accept Euros (€) too.

Language: Moroccan Arabic (although French and English are widely spoken too)

Transport: Trains, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks are available throughout the city although many of the tourist destinations are within walking distance from the Medina.

WHERE TO STAY IN MARRAKECH

Riad L’Atelier: $

A beautiful boutique riad in the oldest district of the Medina featuring an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and rooftop terrace
Highlight of the property has to be its beautiful entrance way and outdoor swimming pool complete with orange trees and tropical birds!
Beautiful interior featuring upcycled vintage items
At around £100 a night, it certainly classes itself as affordable luxury!
For a more extensive review of this property please click here

Riad BE Marrakech $$

Charming riad set in the heart of Marrakech’s historic Medina, right by Jemaa el Fna.
Highlight of the property has to be its open-air courtyard which serves as a wonderful oasis complete with botanical trees, beautiful gates and its emerald traditional outdoor pool.
Facilities include, spa (with hammam), yoga studio, rooftop and lounge areas.

Le Riad Yasmine $$

Its most iconic landmark has to be its traditional mosaic pool area.
With 8 rooms, it’s slightly larger than the other two riads and also caters for larger families with 3-bed rooms available (complete with heated plunge pool, sonos sound system, cinema projector and Netflix!)
Facilities include outdoor pool, restaurant and rooftop terrace
A wonderful safe haven from the bustle of the souks, it definitely serves as a peaceful retreat and holiday hub

Palais Namaskar $$$ (top pick!)

A truly grand affair, The 5* Palais Namaskar boasts a truly unforgettable stay with its palace-style architecture and Feng Shui inspired concepts.
Facilities: outdoor swimming pool with sun beds, 41 rooms, suites, villas and exclusive palaces all surrounded by private waterways, gardens and private pools. Fine dining available from their collection of seasonal menus, Spa services complete with Moroccan hammam, spa treatments, sauna and private wellness coaches. Fitness suites available for private workouts as well as yoga and meditation classes with their on-site yoga specialist.
Other facilities: mini golf, kids club and play areas, meeting rooms, banquet room, make up and manicure services, gift shop, currency exchange
Location: on the outskirts of Marrakech, between the desert and the Atlas Mountains (20 mins drive to the city centre)

La Momounia $$$

Another impressive 5* hotel, La Mamounia boasts a timeless oriental and luxurious space, fit with everything you could possibly need from: beautiful Moroccan gardens, their 2500sq m spa, 136 rooms, 71 suites and 3 riads, rooftop terraces, casinos, tennis court and fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, currency exchange, gift shop, ATM and even an Infirmary!
Location: located in the heart of the city, 5 mins walk from Jemaa El Fna square.
Highlight of the hotel has to be their beautiful spa pool with its ornate columns and oriental-inspired features.
Fun fact: this is actually where the Kardashians famously stayed when they visited Marrakech! (although don’t let that put you off!)

Royal Mansour Marrakech $$$

A beautiful complex located in the heart of the Ocher City, the Royal Mansour is a truly luxurious hotel complex with refined taste and beautifully traditional Moroccan style.
Drawn from an entirely new concept, the Royal Mansour doesn’t contain any suites or rooms; rather, upon arrival guests are escorted through their private gardens into their own traditional Riad. In fact, the Royal Mansour is the only hotel in the world with this structure.
Containing a total of 53 private riads, all with 1-4 rooms inside, each riad is uniquely decorated, all with their own private courtyards, fountains, plunge pools, dining rooms and hammams.
Facilities: Aside from the facilities in the riads there’s also outdoor pools a fitness centre (with fitness and yoga classes as well as personal trainers available), a children’s playground, bicycle rental, restaurant and bar, kids club, sauna and conference rooms.

Palais Mehdi $$$

Another picturesque, grand and hopelessly luxurious 5* hotel, Palais Mehdi, set across 7 acres of land, certainly lives up to its name with its extensive gardens, grand outdoor pool, spa retreat and bars & restaurants.
The hotel is rich with history and the owner, a real art lover, offers all its guests the opportunity to walk through the hotel’s very own art exhibition – filled with beautiful painted masterpieces and sculptures (often with Arab-Andalusian influence)
If the price tag puts you off, why not buy one of their day pool passes and visit the place without the pressure of an overnight visit

The Oberoi $$$

The Oberoi is one of Marrakech’s most expansive hotels set across an impressive 23 acres of Mediterranean orchards, framed by citrus trees and centuries old olive groves.
Facilities: beautiful landscaped gardens, water features, spa and wellness centre, indoor, outdoor and heated pools, fitness centre (with classes and personal trainer), restaurant and bar, tennis court, outdoor dining area, table tennis, children’s playground and kids club.
Highlight of the property has to be its beautiful water features and views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

WHAT TO DO IN MARRAKECH

Explore the Souks

A beautiful attack on the senses, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture and spirit of Marrakech is by exploring the Souks and taking in all the incredible talent of the local tradesmen. From plate shops and carpets to North African spices, the main market streets to visit are: Souq Semmarine and Souq El Kebir. And remember – be prepared to haggle – it’s all part of it!

Palais el Badi

A beautiful maze of old fortified walls, Palais el Badi is one of the best places to turn back the chapters and catch a glimpse of Marrakech in the Ages. The palace was built at the end of the 16^th Century, commissioned by the great sultan Ahmed al-Mansour to commemorate the victory of the Battle of the Three Kings. Entry into the palace is just €1, making it one of the most affordable tourist sites in Marrakech.

Le Jardin Secret

Set within one of the oldest parts of the Medina, the charming le Jardin Secret contains the great forgotten Riad that once belonged to the Chancellor of Sultan Abd al-Hāfiz. A beautiful complex dating more than 400 years back, it’s a wonderful chance to relax and drink in some of the best examples of Islamic art and architecture. Entry into the gardens is €6 and within walking distance of the hotels in the Medina.

Spa day at the Palais Namaskar

Marrakech is well known for its beautiful 5* hotels and one of the best ways to experience them without the price tag is to buy one of their day pool passes. At Palais Namaskar you can enjoy one of their pool passes for £62, including a 3-course lunch on their picturesque terrace. Sit back and relax!

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Home to one of the largest Islamic schools in Morocco, Ben Youssef Madrasa – complete with its 130 rooms – has quickly become one of the most popular tourist sites in Marrakech. Characterised by its gilded doors, beautiful mosaics and grand interiors, it truly is one of the most beautiful spots in Marrakech and the perfect chance to walk in the footsteps of over 900 students. So come to Ben Youssef Madrasa and embrace Morocco’s rich. Entry is just 50 MAD (around £4).

Bahia Palace

An extravagant complex packed with intricate marquetry, decorated stuccos and beautiful mosaic details, this mid-to-late 19^th century palace is one of the top highlights when visiting Marrakech. Commissioned by the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed ben Moussa, it took over 10 years to complete and is the perfect way to marvel at the refined beauty of Moroccan architecture. Entry to the palace is 10 MAD.

Go for an authentic hammam

A real must when visiting Marrakech, a traditional Moroccan Hammam is by far the best way to relax after a busy day exploring the Souks and immerse yourself in the relaxing techniques of traditional North African bathing rituals. In fact, Morocco has a long history performing Hammam massages which date back for centuries. For the best hammams, head to Royal Mansour, Amanjena, La Sultana or Les Bains D’Orient

Saadian tombs

One of the most popular tourist sites in Marrakech, the Saadian tombs were first discovered in 1917 and date back to the end of the 16^th century, decorated in beautiful coloured mosaics and surrounded by breath-taking gardens. It’s a great chance to glimpse the ancient traditions of the region and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. Entrance is 70 MAD and the tombs are a 10 minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Dar Si Said

The oldest museum in the city, Dar Si Said is one of the top cultural spots in Marrakech and a great chance to view some of the greatest historic and contemporary Moroccan works of art. But it’s not just the art inside which attracts attention – the building itself was a former house of Si Said (the brother of the grand vizier of Marrakech, Bou Ahmed) and is home to beautiful, picturesque colourful tiling and intricate floral painted ceilings, making it a great spot for a photo!

Jardin Majorelle

Probably the most well-known site in Marrakech, this two-acre botanical garden most well known for being purchased by famous French fashion designed Yves Saint Laurent, is another must when visiting Marrakech. An extremely stylish garden and museum complete with psychedelic desert mirage and striking cobalt blue building, it’s certainly a bold vision (supposedly inspired by the bright Moroccan skies) and a perfect example of Majorelle’s unique artistic style. Although previously a great place to relax, the garden now gets incredibly crowded, so I recommend visiting early in the morning for the best experience.

BEST RESTAURANTS & BARS IN MARRAKECH

Kasbah Café for lunch

Panoramic terrace located in the Kasbah quarter of the Medina – opposite the Saadian tombs.
Moroccan cuisine with beautiful views of the mosque and city.
Relaxed atmosphere away from the noise and bustle of the souks.

Cocktails at Terrasse des epices

An open-air rooftop restaurant – peaceful, relaxing and cosy atmosphere complete with live singers and straw hats/jellabas available for the diners.
A Moroccan and international dinner menu with some of the best tagine in the area as well as cake and patisserie.
One of the few places which serves alcohol

Dar Dar Marrakech Rooftop for dinner

Delicious tapas with arguably the best rooftop view of the city
An extensive cocktail menu to choose from
Slightly on the pricy side but well worth the price tag if you’re looking for a romantic setting
Top tip: come here for sunset for the best experience (just make sure you book ahead)

Bacha Café

A beautiful coffee house set within the narrow, winding streets of the Medina
Bacha Café has been around since 1910 and is known for having some of the best coffee in Morocco.
Beautiful, classy setting with striking wooden panelling ornate vases and botanical plants.

Afternoon tea at Royal Mansour Marrakech

An enchanting and intimate setting and the perfect excuse to visit one of Marrakech’s most beautiful 5* hotels.
Served every day Monday to Sunday from 3pm – 6pm complete with cake stands, savoury bites and delicate drinks – all created by the talented Jean Lachenal pastry chef.
Dishes include foie gras brioche, smoked salmon, crab rolls, cakes, chouquettes with vanilla cream, fruit pastries, cookies etc. as well as their extensive tea menu.
450 MAD per person.

Café Clock

One of the few places you can get coffee rather than tea!
A cross-cultural café in Kasbah with live music and traditional Moroccan storytelling
Authentic and vibrant rooftop bar with 360 views over the Marrakech rooftops
Very fun setting – where you can attend cooking classes or jam sessions as well as sitting down for a relaxing dinner.

DAY TRIP EXCURSIONS FROM MARRAKECH

Trip to Fez

Pack a bag and head off to Fez – one of the most ancient cities in Morocco. A region filled with rich culture, traditions and gastronomy; you’ll certainly not regret it. In fact it’s often seen as the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco! When visiting, make sure to see the ancient walled city of Fez el Bali, Al Attarine Madrasa, Ben Inasia Madrasa, Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Chouara Tannery and the Dar Batha.

Agafay Desert

One of the top bucket list experiences in Marrakech is to head out to Agafay Desert for a luxury glamping affair under the stars. Many of the glamping sites in the region offer vibrant live music, delicious restaurants, luxurious swimming pools and the chance to head off on a sunset camel ride or early morning hot air balloon ride. Although such trips can verge on the pricy side, it really is a once in the lifetime experience and well worth the price tag.

Visit Chefchaouen – the blue pearl

The blue pearl of Morocco, Chefchaouen has quickly become one of the most instagrammable spots in Morocco with its magical charm and whimsical appeal. The best way to immerse yourself in its surroundings is to stay for 2 days – wandering the blue streets, heading up a rooftop terrace for Sunrise, visit the Spanish Mosque and Kasbah Museum, head to the Plaza Uta El-Hammam and enjoy the nature around Chefchaouen (Ras El Maa Waterfall, Jeb A Kalaa mountain, Talassemtane National Park or Bridge of God and Akchour Waterfalls)

Trip to the Atlas Mountain

The High Atlas Mountains reach a height of 4,167 metres and offers some of the most dazzling views of the Moroccan countryside with its dramatic and diverse landscapes from snow-capped peaks to lush green valleys and magical desert plains. Why not couple a trip to the Atlas Mountains with a trip to the Ouzoud Falls and Three Valleys! If you’re hoping to spend the night up there, why not stay in the beautiful insta-famous Berber Family Lodge for an unrivalled view of the mountain range.

Overnight trail to the Sahara Desert

By far the most epic experience in Morocco, one of the best ways to experience the incredible scenery of Morocco is to head on one of the many Sahara desert excursions. There are plenty of private tours to choose from which includes private transfers and drivers and also offer the opportunity to stop off at the Atlas Mountains and Ourzazate Just be prepared you will need to stay overnight in a desert camp (although there are some rather glamorous tents available) and be aware it will require several hours in the car since it’s about a 6-10 hour drive from Marrakech depending if you’re planning to stay in Zagora or Merzouga.

Head up to Casablanca

Although often overlooked as being more of an industrial/commercial city, Casablanca is still well worth a visit when travelling to Morocco. Not just for its well sought-after beaches but also for its beautiful, historic architecture. A firm favourite of mine, Hasan II Mosque probably ranks highest on sites to see in Casablanca, followed quickly by the Mahkama du Pacha, Royal Palace and Sacred Heart Cathedral. Restaurants and bars are another big highlight when visiting Casablanca so make sure you visit the Sky 28 bar and Rick’s Café.

Ouarzazate

Explore Morocco’s incredible history and drink in its beautiful natural landscapes with an excursion to Ouarzazate. An incredible setting distinguished by its historic fortified walls it’s a great chance to get out and enjoy some unspoiled views away from the crowds of the city. Make sure to check out the historic site of Taourirt Kasbah, the Old Synagogue in front of the Kasbah of Taourirt, the Kasbah of Tifoultoute, Musée du Cinema and Ouarzazate Solar Power Station (for the best view of the city).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Marrakech safe?

For the most part, yes! Generally, Morocco is seen as low-risk country (just like most parts of Europe) and crime levels tend only to reach “moderate-low”.

That said, when visiting the red city, it’s sensible to exercise some caution. Since the pathways are all rather narrow and the squares quickly fill up with crowds of people, it can be a perfect spot for pickpocketers. There also tend to be slightly more recorded instances of con-artists and scams than most of the other European countries we’re used to visiting. For that reason, it’s wise to remain alert at all times and keep track of your belongings.

When you’re in Marrakech you’ll probably experience quite a lot of locals trying to guide you and show you directions to places. For the most part, they’re trying to be nice and help out lost tourists (in exchange for a tip) but every once in a while you may come across someone trying to scam you. For that reason, I’d recommend getting a SIM card when you arrive in the country (you can normally get these at the airport for as little as £5 or £10 so you can direct yourself around the city with your phone’s sat nav. Otherwise, I’d suggest you download a map of the city either on your phone’s maps app before you’ve arrived or online when you have wifi. That way, you’re not reliant on locals to find where to go.

But don’t let this put you off! You can stay sensible and still have the most amazing experience in Marrakech (bad experiences are still pretty rare)

What to do in Marrakech

Depending on how much time you have in Marrakech, I’d suggest making sure you visit Bahia palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa and the souks. If you have longer, why not check out Le Jardin Secret and Palais el Badi or book yourself in for a spa and hammam.

How far is Agadir from Marrakech?

There are various ways you can get to Agadir from Marrakech: either by plane which takes 1 hour 40 with prices from £60 – £150, by car which takes around 3 hours (around £30-£50) or by bus which takes around 3 ½ hours with prices from £6-£11. If you’re looking to take the bus, the two main companies are CTM (https://ctm.ma) and Supratours (https://www.oncf-voyages.ma) which run every 2 or 4 hours.

Where to stay in Marrakech

If you’re looking for an authentic experience in the heart of Marrakech, I’d definitely suggest staying in a Riad, somewhere in the Medina. This is close to all the souks and main attractions and a beautiful way to experience Morocco’s traditional culture and relaxing in a luxurious setting. For a full list of my hotel recommendations please read my section on hotels further up this page.

How long is the flight to Marrakech?

From London a direct flight to Marrakech takes around 3 hours 40 mins.

Is Marrakech expensive?

Marrakech isn’t a particularly expensive country at all and you can quite easily find hotels from as little as £20 a night or eat for just £15 a day but it does rather depend what type of holiday you’re after and how much you want to do when you’re there. For example if you’re looking to do lots of excursions or a trip to the desert this could hike up the price by quite a bit.

What to wear in Marrakech

Although there’s no strict dress code for visiting Marrakech, the main religion in Morocco is Islam and it’s generally a good idea to cover up a bit more than you would on a holiday around Europe. I found myself regularly wearing long floaty trousers, maxi dresses and skirts and if I was wearing a strappy top I’d bring a light-weight shawl or hijab that I could wear over my shoulders and neck where appropriate. We did see a few tourists wearing shorts and t-shirts so it’s not a hard rule but it’s just about finding something you feel comfortable wearing that’s appropriate for the setting.

If you are intending to go into any mosques you will be expected to be fully covered up and wear a head scarf, so just make sure you come prepared. And embrace the culture! It’s lovely to immerse yourself, remain respectful and wear something different.

Can you drink in Marrakech?

In a traditional Moroccan restaurant, alcohol is frowned upon and you might find it missing from a lot of menus but in Marrakech there are plenty of western restaurants and bars (for example Dar Dar which serves cocktails and beers) so there certainly are options if you’re keen to have a tipple. Just remember to be respectful and understanding of their religion and culture!

As a general rule, if it’s not on the menu I wouldn’t ask! But if it is, feel free to order it – they’re clearly catering for tourists! The same applies for riads.

What is a riad in Marrakech?

Riads are basically traditional Moroccan houses, normally two or more stories high and centred around an open-air courtyard and swimming pool. Quite often they’re planted with fruit trees like orange trees or lemon trees and very botanical in nature. The main difference between a riad and a Hotel, however, is the size. A Riad is really like a small boutique hotel with 10 rooms or less and each room is normally quite uniquely furnished.

Is it safe to travel to Marrakech alone?

Generally, I’d say Marrakech is a very safe and friendly place to visit whether you’re travelling with your other half, family or as a solo traveller. There are just a few tips I’d share if you’re planning to go it alone: try to avoid isolated areas – and to be honest, I’d suggest the same wherever in the world you go.

Also don’t be afraid to say no or that you don’t need someone’s help – Morocco is very much a tipping culture so if you look lost or are walking alone, you might find quite a lot of locals heading your way to give you directions – generally they aren’t doing this maliciously or to scam you (although you can never rule it out) but they will expect to be tipped afterwards and either way it can be a bit intimidating especially if you are travelling alone – so stay sure of yourself and stick to your guns!

Otherwise, you’re pretty much set to go – most tourist sights you can get to easily on foot and other than a couple of quiet streets, mountains or alleyways, most parts of Marrakech are bustling with people making it a perfect place to head around solo.