18 Best Things To Do In Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco is that kind of destination: colorful, chaotic, charming. Marrakech hits differently. The moment you step into the Medina’s maze of alleys, you’re pulled into a world where ancient traditions meet modern luxury, where chaos and charm dance together in perfect harmony. I’ve returned twice to this captivating Moroccan city, and each visit revealed new layers of magic. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning like me, these 18 best things to do in Marrakech will help you experience the city’s soul—from centuries-old palaces to desert sunsets.

Marrakech wasn’t just another stop on my travel list, it was a place that left an imprint and I had to return. Right now, Marrakech is having a moment as it rises in popularity. This guide covers cultural gems, food, wellness, and local experiences for both first-timers and repeat visitors. You’ll want to add these top Marrakech experiences to your Marrakech itinerary.

Marrakech Overview

Marrakech is Morocco’s beating heart. It is a city where snake charmers and luxury spas coexist, where thousand-year-old medinas sit beneath the Atlas Mountains, and where every corner offers a feast for the senses. This UNESCO World Heritage city blends ancient Moroccan tradition with contemporary sophistication, creating an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. From the chaotic energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa to the peaceful refuge of hidden gardens, Marrakech is a city of beautiful contradictions that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

Marrakech is Morocco’s 4th largest city with a population of just over a million people.

Facts About Marrakech

• Marrakech is nicknamed the ‘Red City’ as almost  every building is painted in a particular colour from natural clay. 
• Marrakech inspired the color ‘Marrakech red’ 
• The Jemaa el-Fnaa square is over 1,000 years old
• YSL considered Marrakech his second home
• It was once the capital of Morocco
• Marrakech is at the intersection of luxury and tradition

When To Visit Marrakech

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are often the best times to visit Marrakech due to the weather. 

I would avoid June to August (summer, which is too hot), Ramadan (a spiritual time), 

Top Cultural & Historical Attractions In Marrakech

1. Stay in & Wander the Medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Lose yourself in the maze of alleys of the Medina. Explore the medina, which is the old town of Marrakech. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with an impressive number of architectural pieces and art. From the central square, to Koutobia mosque, to the souks, to Bahia palace and Saadian tomb, there’s much to discover, and see in Marrakech. Don’t just explore the medina, stay in a riad within the medina.

Tip for exploring Marrakech’s Medina: 

• Book a guided tour at the beginning of your visit, this will help with initial orientation
• Use landmarks to your advantage
• Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
• Embrace the adventure – the medina is chaotic and that is part of the charm

2. Bahia Palace

Step into a 19th-century vision of paradise at Bahia Palace, one of Marrakech’s most breathtaking architectural masterpieces. Built over seven years for a powerful grand vizier, this sprawling palace complex lives up to its name—”Bahia” means “brilliance” or “beautiful” in Arabic.

Every inch of this palace was designed to dazzle, from the hand-painted cedar ceilings to the intricate zellige tilework that adorns nearly every surface. As you wander through the succession of sun-drenched courtyards, fragrant gardens, and ornate receiving rooms, you’ll understand why this remains one of the most photographed sites in Marrakech. I’m so glad I captured professional photos here during my birthday trip as the palace provides an absolutely stunning backdrop.

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Cost: 110 Dirhams
Location: Medina – Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid

Tips For Visiting Bahia Palace:

• Prepare for crowds
• Buy tickets online (thankfully, there were no lines when we went)

3. Ben Youssef Medrasa

We visited Ben Youssef Medrasa on my very first trip to Marrakech. I definitely wanted to return for my second time but we ran out of time with our group of ten during our private walking tour of Marrakech. This stunning piece of Moroccan architecture has existed for more than 5 centuries. I loved visiting for the first time, and without a doubt it is by far my favourite piece of Moroccan architecture, art, and history.  It is in the top 10 historical monuments in all of Morocco and should be high on every list of things to do in Marrakech.

Location: Medina – Assouel Street, Marrakech 40000

Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00pm (6pm during Ramadan)

Price: 50 Moroccan Dirhams for foreigners. As of November 2025, tickets could only be purchased at the entrance

Time Needed: Plan for at least an hour

Tips For Visiting Ben Youssef Medrasa

• Go right when it opens or late afternoon to avoid crowds and for best lighting
• Dress modestly as it was a historic islamic college
• Take time to really explore the details; from the tiles, to carved cedar wood, to the stucco decoration. 
• Check out the student rooms which offer cool courtyard views
• Take photos here!

4. Koutoubia Mosque

Built in the 12th century, Koutoubia mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh. It has a massive minaret that stands out in Marrakech’s skyline. While non-muslims cannot enter the mosque, I have admired the architecture from the outside on both trips to Marrakech. It is included on every walking tour of the Medina!

5. See The Saadian Tombs

If you enjoy architecture, history, and/or art then a visit to the Saadian tombs should be on your Marrakech itinerary. The Saadian tombs are the final resting place of over 60 members of the Saadian royal family. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this spectacle was hidden for over two centuries and only discovered in 1917. This is a site many visitors don’t even have on their radar. 

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost (Foreigners): Adults 100 MAD Children 30 MAD

Location: 400 Rue de la Kasbah, Marrakech

Tip for visiting Saadian Tombs

• Go early in the day to avoid crowds
• It is best to go with a guide as there are no signs

Essential Marrakech Experiences – Food & Markets 

While Marrakech’s historical monuments tell stories of dynasties past, the city’s true heartbeat pulses through its vibrant markets and legendary food scene. 

6. Visit Jema El-Fnaa

The square of Marrakech was established in the 11th century as a meeting point for traders, and locals alike. At this square, goods were exchanged. Today, in the daytime the square buzzes with activities from fruit/juice stands, to henna artists, to snake charmers. When the sun sets, the square truly comes alive, buzzing with food stalls, musicians, acrobats, storytellers, snake charmers and the likes. It is an assault of the senses, and a sight to behold!

Tips For Visiting Jemaa El-Fnaa

• Visit both in the day time and night time (between 7pm and 10pm)
• Be mindful of animals, and be cautious around the snake charmers
• Explore the square and surround area of the Medina
• Try the street food from the foodstalls, or better yet book a food tour to explore with a guide. This is what I did on my first visit to Morocco
• Dine or have a drink  at a restaurant with a view of the Square from above. Absolutely worth it!
• Be prepared for the atmosphere, bring noise cancelling earbuds if you or someone in your group might need it
• Go with an open mind, open to the chaotic energy of the heart of Marrakech
• Go more than once!

7. Shop The Souks

Shopping the souks is a quintessential Marrakech experience. Souks are traditional marketplaces and in Marrakech, they are a maze of narrow alleys organized by craft. The colours, the scents, the sounds of the merchants calling to you! Marrakech’s souks are a maze of treasures. They are chaotic, charming, and full of surprises! Whether you enjoy shopping or not, visiting the souks is a must to appreciate the heritage, craftsmanship, and culture of the city. 

I personally believe that visits to markets of any kind are a key element of getting right to the heart and soul of a destination. From Kigali, to Thailand, to Qatar, to Japan, to Kenya,to Bolivia. I have visited markets around the world and Marrakech’s markets is right in my top 3 markets worldwide. I visited the souks multiple times on my visits to Marrakech. 

Souk Semmarine – the main souk with a little bit of everything

Sourk Chouari – carpenters and woodworkers

Souk el Attarine – for perfumes, spices, and copper

Souk Smata – best place to buy babouches – Moroccan leather slippers

Souk Haddadine – for Blacksmiths and metal work – think lamps, chandeliers and the likes (I want one desperately!)

Visiting the souks in Marrakech is not just about any purchase (no matter how great it is), it is about the experience. When you are in a souk in Marrakech, know that you are both exploring a shopping mecca, and a living museum at the same time. Embrace it!

Tips for visiting Marrakech’s Souks

• Go early or late to avoid crowds
• Dress modestly
• Bring some cash as some stalls dont take cards
• Don’t rush – half the fun is getting lost
• Ask before taking photos to respect artisan’s privacy and craftsmanship
• Bargain (never pay first or even second price), but do so respectfully
• Take a break if you need to – Le Jardin, Cafe des Epices, or Nomad for rooftop views (my group went to the latter two)
• For your first trip to the souk, consider hiring a guide
• Don’t feel pressure to buy the first time, plan multiple visit but get a potential merchants information so they can guide you on your return

8. Take A Cooking Class

While I didn’t have the time to do this on both occasions, taking a cooking class is high on my list of activities on my next trip to Marrakech. What I love about cooking classes is that you get to connect with a local, learn about the culture and traditions around meals, cook and enjoy a great meal.  Food is a wonderful way to get into the soul of a place. With a cooking class, you also get to take the place back home with you and by remaking the dishes, you get to honour and maybe even relive your trip. 

Tips for taking a cooking class in Marrakech:

• Consider booking through your riad as many riads offer this option
• Book a class that involves going shopping at the market, so you know what to bring back home

9. Visit Jardin Marjorelle

If you’ve looked up a visit to Marrakech online, you have likely come upon photos of Jardin Majorelle cobalt blue buildings and gardens. This blue is aptly referred to as Majorelle blue! Jardin Majorelle was created by a french painter and then saved from demolition and rebuilt by world known designer Yves Saint Laurent (YSL). YSL fell in love with, and considered Marrakech his second home, so much so that his ashes are scattered there. 

The garden is a botanical wonderland as it is home to over 300 species from 5 continents. The buildings contrast beautifully with the lush gardens. Combine your visit to Jardin Majorelle with a visit to the YSL museum, dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent’s work.

Hours: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm with last entry at 5:30pm

Cost: Combo ticket 330 Dirhams/170 Garden only

Location: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco

Tips for visiting Jardin MArjorelle

• Book your Jardin Marjorelle tickets online in advance
• Arrive on time for your booked slot or you may forfeit
• Plan 2 hours for the full experience (Garden, museum)

10. Enjoy Moroccan Cuisine

Marrakech has a rich food culture, so when in town, please try local meals and street food. It is one of the best things to do in Marrakech and the different meals were certainly a highlight for our group. 

Here are some Moroccan meals to try

• Tagine – The most iconic moroccan dish A slow cooked stew named after the conical pot it is cooked in (there are several variations – vegan, lamb, chicken, beef)
• Couscous – the national dish of Morocco traditional served on Fridays after prayers (with lamb, beef, or chicken) try at Dar Yacout or Al Fassia
• Pastilla – a flaky pastry pie filled with spiced pigeon or chicken, almonds, cinnamon. Sweet and savory. 
• Harira – a tomato-based soup with lentils, chickpeas, and noodles
• Msemen & Beghrir – Msemen is a layered and buttery like crepe which we LOVED, and Beghrir is a spongy pancake often served with honey and mint tea for breakfast or snack time
• Babbouche – a late-night snack- snail soup. It is herbal and spicy to be tried at Jemaa-el-Fnaa at night
• Moroccan Mint Tea – a symbol of Moroccan hospitality
• Fresh Juices  – get the refreshing juices from the square
• Moroccan Sandwiches – local break stuffed with kefta, sausages, or grilled chicken. Try at street stalls in the medina. I tried it and it was delicious and filling!

11. Jardin Secret

Another place that I didn’t get to visit, but remains high on my list is a visit to Le Jardin Secret. Jardin Secret is an oasis in the medina. I would have loved to relax in the garden and enjoy a leisurely lunch while enjoying the refuge that the garden provides. My friends visited while I was getting a massage.

There are two cafes and Le Jardin Secret, learn more about them here before your visit

Address: Rue Mouassine 121, Marrakech medina

Hours – Feb and October : 9:30 am to 6:30 am / March to September 9:30am to 7:30pm /November to January: 9:30am to 6:00 pm

Tickets: 100 MAD for adults amd 80 for those aged 12-24, and free for those under 12

What To Do In Marrakech – Wellness & Luxury

12. Hammam

The first thing I did on arrival in Marrakech after 20 hours of travel was to get a traditional bath (Hammam), and a massage afterwards. A hammam is a public bathhouse segregated by gender. At a hammam, you get a vigorous scrub down either by a friend, or by an attendant. Now, I did not go to a public bathhouse, as several hotels/riads over private experiences. 

I signed up for a 90 minute treatment, and I was scrubbed to softness and then massaged back to life! Many luxury riads offer onsite services. However, some of the top recommendations in the medina include: Heritage spa, Les Bains d’Orient Marrakech, and Royal Mansour Spa.

Tips For a Hammam in Marrakech

• Yes, you are expected to be stark naked
• Stay hydrated by drinking water before and after
• Exfoliation can feel a little rough as the kessa glove removes dead skin

13. Rooftop Dining in Marrakech – Amazing Sunset Vibes

What better than having delicious Moroccan dishes? Doing so at a rooftop restaurant with great views.and ambiance. I researched several restaurants for our visit to Marrakech and unfortunately didn’t get to try all of then (there’s quite a list), here are some restaurants to add to your list

• DarDar rooftop (serves alcohol)
• L’Mida (no alcohol)
• Kabana (serves alcohol)
• El Fenn (serves alcohol)
• Nomad (no alcohol)
• Terasse des epices (serves alcohol)

Tips For Dining in Marrakech:

1. Alcohol is not served everywhere as special licenses are required. Check in advance to avoid disappointment if this is important to you 
2. Make reservations in advance

14. Book a Photo Shoot in Marrakech

Marrakech is a photographer’s playground, and the perfect backdrop to freeze moments in time. From the vibrant souks, to riad courtyards, to the unforgettable architecture, I had not just one, but two photoshoots in Marrakech. First, I hired a photographer to take group and candid photos of my friends and I during our walking tour of the medina. Second, I booked a personal photoshoot to mark my 40th birthday both in our riad and within the souks. Needless to say, I love those photos as they will always transport me to the magic of Morocco (unfortunately, no carpets are involved). I believe that a photoshoot is a great idea!

Best location for photoshoot in Marrakech: Ben Youssef Medrasa, Your riad courtyard, spice soup, any lantern shop, Jardin Marjorelle, and Bahia Palace

Best Photographer for Marrakech Photoshoot: Omar of Marrakech photoshoots 

Best Things To Do in Marrakech – Nature & Adventure

15. Quad Biking & Camel Riding In the Palmerie

In the mood for a bit of adventure and are ready to explore outside of the Medina, sign up for a quad bike and/or camel ride in the Palmeraie. The Palmeraie lies north of the city and features over 100,000 palm trees. The area is home to luxury villas, golf courses, and adventure activities such as quad biking and camel riding. 

Our group booked a tour that included both. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of dust!! However, my friend saw one of the camels had an injury and I was personally convicted and no longer plan to ride camels in the future. However, it is up to you!

Tips for Quad Biking and Camel Riding in Marrakech Palmeraie

• Go early or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the mid-day heat (we should have done this)
• Pack a scarf to wrap around your nose as it will get VERY dusty
• Plan to get dirty!

16. Day Trip to The Atlas Mountains

Another activity for anyone keen to get out of the city is a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. The Atlas mountains are a series of mountain ranges that stretch across Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Let’s be clear, It is not the Sahara desert, and unless you have more time in Morocco, making it to the Sahara is tough to fit in just a couple of days. So, Atlas Mountains is an alternative in the circumstances. Daytrips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountain typically include the following:

• Ourika Valley (for hikes and waterfalls)
• Berber village visit
• Imlil – for viewpoint
• A visit to an argan/women’s cooperative
• Riverside lunch (I don’t know the name of the restaurant but lunch was sooo delicious and affordable!)

There are several tour companies that offer group trips. Since we had a big group, our group combined the Palmeraie quad biking/camel riding with the day trip to the Atlas mountains. 

17. An Evening in Agafay Desert

The Agafay desert is a rocky desert about 30 miles south of Marrakech. In this desert, the Atlas mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. There are a number of camps in the Agafay desert that offer dinner and entertainment shows, as well as a glimpse of berber culture. The camps often offer packages that include pick up from Marrakech, and a few of those also offer a pool pass. 

During our second evening in Marrakech, we headed out to Agafay desert for an evening by the pool and then for dinner and entertainment. We went to Be Agafay camp/resort and enjoyed the sunset and pool time. One thing I didn’t love about Be Agafay was that the cost of transport was incremental and separate. In addition, drinks were not included in the dinner plan. They were at an additional cost. 

After relaxing by the pool at Be Agafay, we showered, got dolled up, and changed for dinner in our desert glam looks. 

There were singers, performers, and a fire show as well. I love a good fire show and this one was spectacular! 

If you have the time, consider staying overnight in one of these camps as while it isn’t the Sahara, some of the camps look pretty cool. We didn’t stay overnight as we had a short 4-night stay in Morocco. However, our group enjoyed the relaxing evening away from the city.

18. Hot Air Balloon Ride

One popular activity is hot air ballooning over Marrakech and the Atlas mountains. While I’ve personally experienced hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey, this is a great sunrise experience in Marrakech. The Balloon flight lasts an hour, but the full experience lasts about 4 hours. Pick up time starts around 5:00 am, but I reckon it is worth it!

Tips For Visiting Marrakech

• Morocco is a muslim country, plan to dress modestly out of respect
• The currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• When you plan to shop, please have some cash on you
• Be cautious of scams by ignoring unsolicited help/guides
• Book airport transfer in advance, preferably through your riad
• Get an eSim, while I have an international plan on my phone, it did not work in Marrakech

Best Time To Visit Marrakech

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are often the best times to visit Marrakech due to the weather. 

I would avoid June to August (summer, which is too hot), Ramadan (a spiritual time), 

Where To Stay In Marrakech

I have very clear opinions on this as I am biased toward staying in a riad in Marrakech. Here’s my checklist to help you find the best riad for you!

FAQs on Things To Do In Marrakech

What Should I Buy From Marrakech’s Souks?

Goodness, so much! Brass lanterns, ceramics, tea sets, argan oil, rose water, leather slippers and nags, kaftan, spices, saffron, mint tea, berber rugs, pillow cases are just some of the items that immediately come to mind! I already know I need to return to Marrakech for a shopping trip

How Many Days Do I Need in Marrakech?

3 days is the minimum amount of days I’d recommend to get a feel for the city and to experience the highlights of what it has to offer. Anything less than 3 days would be too short! 

How Many Days Do I Need In Marrakech IF I Want To Go To The Sahara Desert?

At a minimum, have an additional 3 days, for a total of 6-7 days for a trip inclusive of a visit to the Sahara desert

Happy travels,

Dee