If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Marrakech in Morocco, then you’re at the right address! I just spent 3 days in the heart of this vibrant city and figured out all of the best places to visit, the best restaurants, fantastic places to stay and the most beautiful stores to find the best souvenirs to take home with you.
Marrakech is one of the most famous cities in Morocco and is well known for its vibrant city life, sensory overload and sandstone colored buildings. Some of the most famous things to do in Marrakech are wandering through the Medina and visiting the world famous Jamaa el Fna Square. But there’s so much more to do in Marrakech! And this Marrakech travel guide will cover it all.
13 Very Best Things To Do In Marrakech, Morocco
How to visit Marrakech
There’s an international airport right outside of Marrakech so once you arrive you can easily reach the city centre with a taxi from the airport.
If you’re staying inside of the Medina in Marrakech then all of the sights are within walking distance and you can easily explore everything on foot.
If you’re staying in one of the hotels more outside of the Medina you can ask if they have a shuttle service that takes you to the medina or you can rent a car. This last option is especially a good idea if you also want to take a couple of day trips from Marrakech.
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Top things to do in Marrakech
1. Wander through the Medina of Marrakech
The most beautiful places in Marrakech can be found in between the walls of the Medina. And the best part is that within these walls, everything is in walking distance.
💡 TIP – All of the small streets within the medina can get a bit confusing! Make sure not to get lost by downloading the map of Marrakech on maps.me before you leave.
2. Go shopping in the souk of Marrakech
One of the best things to do in Marrakech is to literally get lost in the maze that is its souk. There are a ton of small shops here, all of them with local street vendors that will do their best to sell you one of their items.
Both times that I visited Marrakech the souks were one of the most crowded places. There’s a ton of people trying to navigate the streets and at the same time locals will try to pass you by on their bicycles and motorbikes.
So yes, the sensory overload can be a lot to handle but you can also find some stunning souvenirs if you look good!
3. Visit the Spice Market in Marrakech
The Spice Market is located within the souk of Marrakech and is the best place to find some of the more lesser known spices. Local street vendors will let you smell a ton of them and then of course will do their very best to sell them to you. Just make sure you take your currency converter into account. One of these guys tried to sell me 10g of eucalyptus salt for €30…
💡 TIP – Grab lunch at the upper terrace of Nomad for a stunning view over the souk.
4. Visit the Koutobia Mosque and gardens
Non-Muslims can’t go inside the Koutoubia Mosque or minaret but are most likely to get a glimpse inside on a Friday when the doors are open for prayers. The Koutoubia mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and five times a day one voice rises above the din of Djemaa El Fna as the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer.
Stretching out behind the Koutoubia Mosque, the palm-tree-dotted green swath of Koutoubia Gardens is a favorite spot for strolling, relaxing on park benches and generally taking a quiet break. If you need some downtime after dodging motorbikes amid the medina’s skinny alleyways, take the locals’ lead and head here for a peaceful meander.
5. Visit Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret opened its doors for the first time in public history! Nestled in the heart of the Medina this beautiful garden is a tropical oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle that happens right outside the door.
Le Jardin Secret is part of the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. As a result visitors can discover its gardens and buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.
Opening hours – 9.30am until 6.30pm (7.30pm from March to September)
Entrance – 80MAD
6. Visit the Dar El Bacha Museum
Dar El Bacha, also known as Museum of Confluence, is an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakech, Morocco. It is a beautiful palace that has been standing since the 18th century and is a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.
The architecture of Dar El Bacha Marrakech is truly unique. The palace is made up of several buildings that are connected by a series of courtyards and gardens. The walls are decorated with intricate mosaics and colorful tiles, which give the palace a vibrant and eye-catching look.
Here you can also find one of the best tea houses in Marrakech. But you better arrive at opening time cause the waiting time can add up to 2 hours.
Opening hours – 10am to 6pm (closed on Monday)
Entrance – 60MAD
7. Marvel at the Ben Youssef Madrasa, one of the best places to visit in Marrakech
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is an Islamic college in Marrakech that has been recently reopened after years of renovations going on. I never saw it in its original glory but its intricate details are absolutely spectacular.
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is the largest Islamic college in Morocco and is also the most important. It was founded during the fourteenth century and re-constructed in 1565, commissioned by Abdallah al-Ghalib. It has over 130 rooms and has housed over 900 students.
Opening hours – Everyday from 9am until 6pm
Entrance – 10MAD
8. Visit Le Jardin Majorelle
Le Jardin Majorelle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakech. literally every tourist will at one point pay it a visit. My biggest tip? Visit during the earliest time slot possible for the best experience.
You can only buy your tickets online and you will have to select a time slot. We went at the firt time slot and pretty much had the garden all to ourselves for a while. And when we went back outside people were already lining up in the street.
Opening hours – From 8am to 6pm
Entrance – 150MAD
💡 TIP – You can combine your visit to Le Jardin Majorelle with a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
9. Watch the locals at Jamaa el Fna Square
The Jamaa el Fna Square is probably one of the most famous squares in all of Morocco and it really comes alive in the late afternoon, early evening. here you’ll find all sorts of vendors but also local entertainers that are hypnotizing cobra’s.
If you’re not a fan of snakes make sure not to come too close. Also if they see that you’re taking a photo or video or that you’re standing closer to watch they will ask money from you.
💡 TIP – Pickpockets do roam this area so make sure to be aware of your belongings at all times.
10. Visit El Badi Palace
Visiting El Badi Palace was one of the highlights in Marrakech for me. Especially since we arrived right after opening time and there were almost no other people around.
It is said that “The Incomparable” (El Badii) was a palace with over 300 rooms decorated in gold, turquoise and crystal.
If you enjoyed visiting the Roman Forum in Rome or dream of going to the Acropolis in Athens, you’ll enjoy El Badi Palace. Its enormous ruined courtyard will give you an idea of the building’s splendour. If you decide to visit El Badi, don’t forget to climb the walls to have one of the best views of Marrakech.
Opening hours – From 9am until 5pm
Entrance -70MAD
11. Wander through the Kasbah, one my favorite places in Marrakech
The Kasbah of Marrakesh is a large walled district in the southern part of the medina of Marrakesh, Morocco, which historically served as the citadel and royal palace complex of the city.
Two of the most important structures still standing these days are the beautiful Kasbah mosque and the Bab Agnaou gate. The rest of the district consists of various neighbourhoods and monuments.
The most famous places to visit within the Kasbah of Marrakech are El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs.
12. Visit Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is a 19th century building, consisting of rooms decorated with stunning stuccos, paintings and mosaics palace and a set of gardens located in Marrakech, Morocco. The Bahia Palace was intended to be the greatest palace of its time.
It’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakech so make sure that you’re there at opening time for a nice experience. We arrived around 11am and I couldn’t take a single decent photo cause every little corner was swarmed with people.
Opening hours – From 9am until 5pm
Entrance – 70MAD
13. Grab a look at the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech
Just like the entire Medina, the Saadian Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic tomb complex consists of two magnificent mausoleums and is now one of the most popular sights in Marrakech.
The complex houses the tombs of seven sultans in total and 62 family members of the Saadian dynasty.
Opening hours – From 9am until 5pm
Entrance – 70MAD
💡 TIP – The site is busy with tour groups from about 9:30am to 1pm, and a long line can form to view Al Mansour’s chamber. Either get here right at opening time to admire the tombs in peace or come later in the day.
Where to eat in Marrakech
Marrakech has a great selection of more tradition and more modern fusion restaurants. I tried as many restaurants as possible within those 3 days and below you can find my favorites!
- Le Jardin – Perfect for an afternoon lunch or evening dinner. The best place to sit is their inner courtyard, which is absolutely stunning. I tried their avocado toast and chicken tajine which were both delicious.
- Le Jardin de Lotus – This has to be my favorite restaurant in Marrakech and it’s perfect for lunch. Their inner courtyard is spectacular and their truffle pasta is to die for.
- Nomad – An incredible popular restaurant in the heart of the souk of Marrakech, overlooking the spice market.
- M Rooftop by Medina Heritage – Perfect for an afternoon drink with a view over the Koutoubia Mosque
- Dardar – An incredible rooftop restaurant to watch the sunset in Marrakech.
💡 TIP – Morocco is an Islamic country which means that a lot of bars don’t serve alcohol. It’s best to check their menu from before to avoid begin disappointed.
The best concept stores in Marrakech
While you can do all of your shopping in Marrakech within the souk, this is not where you’ll find the most beautiful items. Instead take a look at these concept stores in Marrakech.
- Galerie Dar El Bacha – The best store in entire Marrakech if you’re looking for unique items to decorate your home.
- 33 Rue Majorelle – A fabulous concept store with affordable clothing with a small Moroccan touch. They also have super cute baby items!
- El Fenn store – Part of the El Fenn hotel and definitely worth a peek inside if you’re in Marrakech.
Where to stay in Marrakech
If you’re visiting Marrakech as a citytrip I highly recommend staying within the medina in one of the many riads so all of the top attractions are within walking distance.
My favorite riads in the medina of Marrakech
- Riad Ksar Kasbah
- Riad BE Marrakech – Best to book 6 months in advance
- La Sultana Marrakech
The best Spa’s in Marrakech
One of the best things to do in Marrakech is to go to one of the local spa’s and book a hammam and traditional massage. Trust me, after a day surrounded by all of the traffic and the craziness of the Medina you’ll need some pampering.
It’s always a good idea to book your spa package a day or two from before.
Below you can find my personal favorite spa’s in Marrakech:
- Les Bains du Lotus
- Les Bains D’Orient
- Riad Bindoo & Spa
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