Things to Do in Marrakech

Introduction to Marrakech

Marrakech, Morocco’s captivating “Red City,” pulses with an energy unlike anywhere else in the world. Founded in 1062, this imperial city has served as a cultural and commercial crossroads for nearly a millennium, where Berber, Arab, and African influences blend into something extraordinary. The terracotta-hued buildings that give Marrakech its famous nickname glow amber in the sunrise and burn crimson at sunset, creating an ever-changing canvas against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance.

As one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Marrakech holds immense historical and cultural significance. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient medinas wind through centuries-old neighborhoods, where the call to prayer echoes from towering minarets, and where skilled artisans still practice crafts passed down through generations. Today, Marrakech seamlessly balances its rich heritage with modern sophistication, offering world-class hotels, innovative restaurants, and contemporary art galleries alongside its traditional souks and historic palaces.

Why visit Marrakech? This city offers an intoxicating sensory experience that stays with you long after you leave. The air fills with the scent of orange blossoms, grilled meats, and aromatic spices. Street performers, snake charmers, and storytellers create a theatrical atmosphere in the main square. Exquisite riads hide behind unassuming doors, revealing peaceful courtyards adorned with intricate tilework and splashing fountains. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, cuisine, or simply a destination that awakens all your senses, Marrakech delivers in spectacular fashion.

Top 10 Things to Do in Marrakech

1. Lose Yourself in the Vibrant Souks

The souks of Marrakech rank among the largest and most atmospheric markets in Morocco, forming a labyrinthine network of narrow alleyways where skilled craftspeople create and sell their wares. Each souk specializes in different goods: the Souk Semmarine features textiles and leather goods, Souk El Attarin overflows with spices and perfumes, and Souk Haddadine rings with the hammering of metalworkers crafting lanterns and decorative pieces.

Navigating these covered markets becomes an adventure in itself. Shafts of sunlight pierce through woven reed roofs, illuminating piles of colorful slippers, hand-woven carpets, ceramic tagines, and gleaming brass teapots. The air thick with mint, saffron, and leather, while merchants call out greetings and invite you to admire their collections. Bargaining is expected and part of the cultural experience, so come prepared to negotiate with humor and respect. Start by offering about half the initial asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.

Allow at least half a day to explore the souks properly. Getting lost is part of the charm, but hiring a local guide for your first visit can help you understand the layout, find the best artisans, and learn the stories behind the crafts. Morning visits tend to be less crowded, though the evening atmosphere as lanterns illuminate the stalls creates pure magic.

2. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque stands as Marrakech’s most iconic landmark and the largest mosque in the city. Its 77-meter minaret, completed in 1199, dominates the skyline and serves as a navigational beacon visible from almost anywhere in the medina. The tower’s elegant proportions and intricate decorative patterns influenced Islamic architecture across Morocco and Spain, with Seville’s Giralda and Rabat’s Hassan Tower following its design.

While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, the surrounding gardens and exterior provide plenty to appreciate. The minaret’s four facades each display slightly different geometric patterns in rose-colored stone, with bands of ceramic tiles and carved arches creating a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. Legend says the mosque’s name derives from “koutoubiyyin,” or booksellers, who once set up stalls around the building selling manuscripts.

Visit during the late afternoon when the warm light enhances the minaret’s rosy glow, or return after dark when strategic lighting transforms it into a dramatic focal point against the night sky. The gardens surrounding the mosque offer peaceful spots for photos and reflection, with manicured hedges, rose bushes, and palms providing welcome shade. The nearby plaza becomes particularly lively around sunset when locals gather to socialize and enjoy the cooler evening temperatures.

3. Discover the Majorelle Garden

The Majorelle Garden represents Marrakech’s most photographed attraction, and for good reason. French painter Jacques Majorelle spent forty years creating this botanical sanctuary, which opened to the public in 1947. After years of neglect, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé purchased and restored the property in 1980, transforming it into the pristine attraction visitors enjoy today.

The garden’s signature cobalt blue, a shade Majorelle created and which now bears his name, adorns the Art Deco villa, fountains, and plant pots throughout the property. This vibrant hue contrasts dramatically with the lush greenery of bamboo groves, towering cacti, water lilies, bougainvillea, and exotic plants collected from five continents. Narrow paths wind through different garden sections, each offering new discoveries and Instagram-worthy compositions.

The property also houses the Berber Museum, which showcases Morocco’s indigenous culture through traditional jewelry, textiles, and ceremonial objects. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door celebrates the designer’s work and his deep connection to Marrakech through rotating exhibitions. Plan to spend two to three hours exploring both the gardens and museums. Book tickets online in advance, as the garden limits daily visitors to preserve its tranquility. Morning visits offer the best light for photography and smaller crowds.

4. Experience Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Jemaa el-Fnaa serves as the beating heart of Marrakech and creates one of the world’s most extraordinary public spaces. By day, the square hosts orange juice vendors, snake charmers, and henna artists. As afternoon shifts to evening, the atmosphere intensifies dramatically. Dozens of food stalls assemble in neat rows, their grills sending plumes of aromatic smoke into the air. Musicians, storytellers, acrobats, and performers claim their territories, creating a carnival atmosphere that persists until midnight.

The square’s energy proves infectious and slightly overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Climb to one of the surrounding rooftop cafés for a bird’s-eye view of the spectacle while enjoying mint tea and taking it all in from a comfortable distance. When you’re ready to dive in, wander among the food stalls sampling grilled meats, snail soup, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Listen to Gnawa musicians, watch Berber acrobats, and observe storytellers captivating crowds in Arabic and Berber.

Pickpockets operate in crowded areas, so keep valuables secure. Performers often expect small tips for photos. The square takes on different characters at different times, so visit multiple times during your stay to experience its full range. Morning brings a quieter, more authentic local scene. Evening delivers the full theatrical production.

5. Explore Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace stands as one of Marrakech’s architectural treasures, built in the late 19th century for Si Moussa, the grand vizier of Sultan Hassan I. The palace’s name means “brilliance,” and its 150 rooms certainly live up to that promise. Moorish and Islamic design principles combine to create spaces of extraordinary beauty featuring painted cedar ceilings, stained glass windows, zellige tilework, and carved stucco walls.

The palace sprawls across eight hectares, with rooms opening onto courtyards planted with citrus trees, cypresses, and jasmine. No two rooms look identical, as the best artisans of the era competed to showcase their skills. The Grand Courtyard dazzles with its geometric tile patterns and carved wooden galleries. The small riads, or interior courtyards, provided private spaces for the vizier’s four wives and twenty-four concubines, each decorated according to her tastes.

Allow about an hour to explore at a leisurely pace. No signs or explanations appear inside, so hiring a guide or using an audio guide helps understand the palace’s history and architectural details. The palace gets crowded by mid-morning, so arrive right when it opens for the best experience. The interplay of light and shadow through the palace’s many chambers creates particularly beautiful effects in early morning and late afternoon.

6. Relax in a Traditional Hammam

Experiencing a traditional hammam, or Moroccan bathhouse, offers insight into an essential aspect of local culture while leaving you thoroughly refreshed. Public hammams serve neighborhood communities as gathering places where people socialize while cleansing. Private hammams catering to tourists provide similar treatments in more luxurious settings with English-speaking staff.

A traditional hammam treatment follows a specific sequence. You start in a warm room where steam opens your pores, then move to increasingly hot rooms. An attendant scrubs your entire body with a rough mitt called a kessa, removing dead skin and leaving you feeling incredibly smooth. Clay treatments, argan oil massages, and hair washing often complete the experience. The entire process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.

For authentic local experiences, try Hammam Dar el-Bacha or Hammam Mouassine, though expect basic facilities and modest comfort. For more upscale experiences, Les Bains de Marrakech, Hammam de la Rose, and Heritage Spa offer beautiful settings with professional treatments. Whichever you choose, arrive hydrated, bring flip-flops, and embrace this centuries-old tradition. Women and men have separate facilities or designated times.

7. Wander Through the Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs remained sealed and forgotten for centuries until their rediscovery in 1917, preserving them in remarkable condition. Dating from the time of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 16th century, these royal mausoleums house about sixty Saadian dynasty members in elaborately decorated chambers.

The main mausoleum contains three rooms, with the Chamber of the Twelve Columns standing as the highlight. Twelve marble columns support the ceiling, while carved cedar, stucco, and colorful zellige tiles cover every surface in intricate Islamic geometric patterns. Light filters through small windows, creating an appropriately solemn atmosphere. The adjoining garden contains over a hundred more tombs of servants and soldiers, their simpler markers contrasting with the opulent royal chambers.

This smaller attraction takes about 30 minutes to visit, though lines can extend waiting times. Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. The entrance passage is narrow, leading through a small cemetery before reaching the tombs. Photography is permitted but be respectful given the sacred nature of the site. Combine this visit with nearby attractions like El Badi Palace for an efficient morning exploring Marrakech’s historical treasures.

8. Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa ranks among the finest examples of Moroccan architecture and served as North Africa’s largest Islamic college for centuries. Founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, this theological school taught religion, law, and philosophy to students from across the Islamic world until its closure in 1960. After extensive restoration, it reopened as a museum showcasing traditional learning and architectural excellence.

The central courtyard takes your breath away with its reflecting pool, carved cedar screens, marble columns, and walls covered in arabesques and calligraphy. Every inch displays masterful craftsmanship: geometric tile patterns flow seamlessly across floors and walls, carved plaster creates lace-like effects, and cedar wood beams display intricate carving. Upstairs, tiny student cells where scholars once studied surround the courtyard, offering views down into the magnificent space.

Take your time appreciating the details. The prayer hall features a mihrab (prayer niche) of exceptional beauty. Koranic verses in elaborate calligraphy circle the courtyard. The interplay of geometric patterns demonstrates mathematical precision and artistic vision. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for your visit. The madrasa opens early, so morning visits provide better lighting through the courtyard’s open roof and fewer crowds blocking your photos.

9. Take a Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains

The snow-capped Atlas Mountains form a dramatic backdrop to Marrakech, and they’re closer than you might think. The High Atlas range begins just 30 kilometers from the city, offering spectacular scenery, Berber villages, and cooler temperatures. Several excellent day trip options let you experience mountain culture and landscapes.

The most popular destination is Imlil, a trekking village serving as the base for climbing Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. Even if you’re not attempting the summit, Imlil offers beautiful walks through terraced valleys, muleteers leading donkeys up steep paths, and traditional Berber hospitality. The Ourika Valley provides another excellent option, with seven waterfalls accessible by hiking trails and riverside restaurants serving fresh trout. For a less touristy experience, head to the Asni Valley or Setti Fatma.

Most visitors join organized day tours that include transportation, a guide, and lunch in a traditional Berber home. This provides cultural context and handles the logistics of mountain navigation. More adventurous travelers can hire a private driver or take shared taxis, though this requires some negotiation skills and flexibility. Bring layers regardless of the season, as mountain weather changes quickly. Sturdy walking shoes are essential, and start early to maximize your time in the mountains.

10. Shop for Treasures at Ensemble Artisanal

If you love the idea of souk shopping but feel intimidated by the haggling and pressure, Ensemble Artisanal offers an excellent alternative. This government-run cooperative showcases traditional Moroccan crafts with fixed prices clearly marked. While you’ll pay slightly more than you might negotiate in the souks, you’ll get fair prices, guaranteed quality, and a pressure-free shopping experience.

The complex houses various workshops where you can watch artisans creating leather goods, weaving carpets, carving wood, and painting ceramics. This provides valuable context for understanding the work involved in creating these handicrafts. The selection includes carpets, textiles, leather bags, brass lanterns, argan oil products, and more. Staff members speak English and French and can explain the origins and significance of different items without sales pressure.

Visit Ensemble Artisanal early in your trip to get an understanding of quality, typical designs, and reasonable prices. This knowledge helps when you venture into the souks later. The cooperative also makes an excellent stop on your last day for any final purchases, as items can be shipped internationally if needed. Located near the junction of Avenue Mohammed V and Avenue Yacoub el Mansour, it’s easily accessible by taxi.

What to Do in Marrakech in 3 Days

Day 1: Historical Sites and Museums

Start your first day diving into Marrakech’s rich history and architectural heritage. Begin at the Koutoubia Mosque around 8 AM when morning light beautifully illuminates the minaret. Spend time walking around the gardens and taking photos before heading to the nearby Saadian Tombs when they open at 9 AM. The close proximity makes this an efficient pairing.

Continue to Bahia Palace to marvel at its intricate tilework and painted ceilings. By late morning, the palace gets crowded, so arriving early ensures better photos and a more peaceful experience. Have lunch at a café near the mellah (old Jewish quarter) before visiting El Badi Palace, the dramatic ruins of a 16th-century palace. The rooftop terraces offer excellent views over the medina and Atlas Mountains.

Spend the afternoon at Ben Youssef Madrasa, arriving by 3 PM to appreciate the building’s details in afternoon light. As evening approaches, make your way to Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Claim a spot at a rooftop café for sunset, watching the square transform as performers and food stalls set up. After dark, descend into the action to sample street food and enjoy the theatrical atmosphere. Return to your accommodation by 10 PM to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 2: Markets and Local Cuisine

Day two focuses on Marrakech’s incredible markets and culinary traditions. After breakfast at your riad, head straight into the souks by 9 AM. Spend the morning exploring different market sections: textiles, spices, metalwork, and leather. Take breaks at small cafés tucked into the labyrinth for mint tea. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything immediately; part of the fun is returning to shops you liked.

Around noon, book a cooking class at one of Marrakech’s many culinary schools. These typically include a market tour where you shop for fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction in preparing classic Moroccan dishes like tagines, couscous, and pastries. You’ll eat what you’ve cooked for lunch, making this an immersive and delicious cultural experience. Classes usually run three to four hours.

Late afternoon offers time to relax at your accommodation before an evening hammam experience. Book a treatment at a reputable spa for around 6 PM. The cleansing ritual leaves you refreshed and ready for dinner. For your evening meal, try Nomad or Café des Épices in the medina for modern Moroccan cuisine, or venture to Gueliz for more international options. End the night with drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated medina.

Day 3: Day Trips and Excursions

Your final day ventures beyond the city walls. Start very early with a hot air balloon ride over the palmeraie and desert landscapes surrounding Marrakech. Most flights launch at sunrise, lasting about an hour, with transportation and Berber breakfast included. This creates unforgettable memories and spectacular photos as the sun illuminates the Atlas Mountains.

After returning to the city mid-morning, freshen up and head out for an afternoon excursion. If you skipped the balloon ride, spend the full day on an Atlas Mountains trip to Imlil or Ourika Valley. These organized tours typically depart at 9 AM and return by 6 PM, including lunch and guided walks through mountain villages. Alternatively, visit the Jardin Majorelle if you haven’t yet, combining it with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

For your final evening, treat yourself to a special dinner at one of Marrakech’s fine restaurants. Le Jardin offers beautiful garden dining in the medina, while La Mamounia’s restaurants provide luxury hotel elegance. After dinner, take one last stroll through Jemaa el-Fnaa to say goodbye to the energy that makes Marrakech so special. Pick up any last-minute souvenirs and soak in the atmosphere before departing tomorrow.

Best Places to Visit in Marrakech

Must-See Palaces and Gardens

Beyond the already mentioned Bahia Palace and Majorelle Garden, several other palaces and gardens deserve attention. El Badi Palace presents striking ruins of what was once Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur’s magnificent 16th-century palace. Though only the foundations, massive walls, and sunken gardens remain, the scale conveys the original grandeur. Storks nest on the walls, and the rooftop provides panoramic views.

The Secret Garden (Le Jardin Secret) in the medina offers a peaceful respite from the surrounding hustle. This restored 19th-century riad features Islamic and exotic gardens with a tall tower providing 360-degree views. The Cyber Park (Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam) provides another green escape, combining traditional garden design with modern amenities and free WiFi.

For a unique architectural experience, visit Dar Si Said Museum, housed in a 19th-century palace similar to Bahia Palace but less crowded. The museum showcases Moroccan arts and crafts, particularly woodwork and carpets. The building itself, with its painted ceilings and carved cedar details, rivals the artifacts on display.

Unique Cultural Experiences

Marrakech offers numerous opportunities to engage deeply with Moroccan culture. Attending a fantasia show at Chez Ali or similar venues presents traditional horsemanship, acrobatics, and entertainment in a theatrical outdoor setting. While touristy, these shows preserve and celebrate equestrian traditions dating back centuries.

Taking a calligraphy workshop teaches you the artistic Arabic script that adorns Marrakech’s monuments. Several cultural centers and riads offer classes where you learn traditional techniques using bamboo pens and ink. Alternatively, ceramics workshops let you try your hand at the pottery and tile-making that defines Moroccan decorative arts.

Visiting a traditional carpet cooperative shows the weaving process and helps you understand the symbolism in Berber designs. Women’s cooperatives producing argan oil offer tours explaining how they extract and process this valuable product while supporting rural communities. These experiences provide cultural insights while supporting traditional crafts.

Local Festivals and Events

Timing your visit around local festivals adds extra cultural richness. The Marrakech International Film Festival, typically held in November or December, attracts international stars and showcases global cinema. The National Festival of Popular Arts in July brings dancers, musicians, and performers from across Morocco to celebrate traditional culture in vibrant public performances.

The Marrakech Biennale, held every two years, transforms various venues into contemporary art exhibitions, bringing international artists to the city. For food enthusiasts, the Marrakech Food Festival in May celebrates Moroccan and international cuisine through tastings, demonstrations, and workshops.

Religious holidays like Ramadan create a special atmosphere. While some services reduce during fasting hours, the evening iftars (breaking of the fast) bring incredible energy and special foods. Eid celebrations following Ramadan feature new clothes, family gatherings, and festive meals. Check the Islamic calendar for dates, as they shift earlier each year based on lunar cycles.

Tips for Visiting Marrakech

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer ideal conditions for exploring Marrakech. Temperatures range from 20 to 28°C (68-82°F), making walking through the medina and visiting outdoor attractions comfortable. Gardens bloom spectacularly in spring, while fall brings clearer skies perfect for Atlas Mountains day trips and photography.

Summer (June through August) brings intense heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 38°C (100°F). Most tourists avoid this period, meaning smaller crowds and lower hotel prices, but sightseeing becomes challenging in the afternoon heat. If you visit in summer, plan indoor activities for midday hours and save walking tours for early morning and evening.

Winter (December through February) sees cooler temperatures, averaging 12-20°C (54-68°F) during the day but dropping significantly at night. You’ll need layers and warm clothing for evenings. The Atlas Mountains may be snow-covered, creating beautiful views but potentially limiting trekking options. Winter offers advantages like fewer tourists and lower prices, though some riads lack heating, which can make nights uncomfortable.

Local Customs and Etiquette

Understanding Moroccan customs ensures respectful interactions and smoother experiences. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional neighborhoods. Cover shoulders and knees; women should consider carrying a scarf to cover their hair when entering sacred spaces. In modern areas like Gueliz, dress codes relax somewhat, but modesty remains appreciated.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Offering a small tip for posed photos is customary. Never photograph police, military installations, or government buildings. When entering someone’s home or certain shops, remove your shoes if you see others’ shoes at the entrance.

The right hand is used for eating and greeting, as the left hand is considered unclean. When offered mint tea, accepting is polite, even if you only take a few sips. Greetings involve asking about health and family before getting to business. Learn basic Arabic or French phrases like “salam alaikum” (hello) and “shukran” (thank you) as gestures of respect.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Marrakech is generally safe for tourists, but sensible precautions prevent problems. Pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks, so use an anti-theft bag or money belt. Keep valuables in your accommodation safe. Only carry what you need for the day.

Avoid unlicensed guides who approach you in the streets offering tours. Official guides wear identification badges. Many “helpful” strangers who offer to guide you to your destination expect payment afterward. Politely decline and use GPS or ask shopkeepers for directions instead.

Drink bottled water and eat at busy establishments where food turnover is high. Most stomach issues result from changes in water and diet rather than contamination. Pace yourself with rich Moroccan cuisine and stay hydrated in the heat. Carry tissues or toilet paper, as public restrooms often lack these.

When taking taxis, use metered petit taxis (usually small Fiat vehicles) and insist the driver uses the meter. Negotiate prices for grand taxis used for longer trips. Download offline maps before arriving, as WiFi can be spotty in the medina. Share your location with friends or family when exploring alone.

Women travelers should expect some attention and catcalling, though it rarely escalates beyond words. Walking with purpose, avoiding eye contact with harassers, and dressing modestly reduces unwanted attention. Join group tours to meet other travelers if you prefer not to explore alone.

Conclusion

Marrakech captures imaginations and hearts like few cities can. Its intoxicating blend of ancient traditions and modern energy creates experiences that linger long after you’ve returned home. From losing yourself in labyrinthine souks to marveling at architectural masterpieces, from savoring aromatic tagines to watching sunset from the Atlas Mountains, every moment offers something magical.

The key to enjoying Marrakech lies in embracing its contradictions. It’s simultaneously overwhelming and peaceful, ancient and contemporary, exotic and familiar. Allow yourself time to simply wander, to get lost, to accept invitations for tea, to watch craftspeople work. The most memorable experiences often happen in unexpected moments between planned activities.

Whether you spend three days or three weeks, Marrakech rewards curiosity and openness. Come with realistic expectations, patience for cultural differences, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. The Red City promises to awaken your senses, challenge your perceptions, and perhaps change you in ways you never anticipated. Start planning your Marrakech adventure today, and prepare for a journey you’ll treasure forever