15 Top Things to Do in Marrakesh, Where to Stay, Dine and Explore
From souks and sunset spots to tropical gardens and hot air balloon rides, our travel guide has the best things to do in Marrakesh and top tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Morocco’s Red City had been on my bucket list for years. I had seen countless images of its beautiful architecture, colourful souks and stylish rooftop bars, and with so many things to do in Marrakesh, I knew a weekend break would not be long enough. I spent five nights there with my family which was the perfect amount of time to experience Marrakesh’s top attractions.
If truth be told, I was not entirely sure if Marrakesh was my vibe, and perhaps that is what took me so long to visit. I was slightly apprehensive about the chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakesh’s main square, and had preconceived ideas about shopping in the souks.
In reality, while the atmosphere is lively, we found people to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. It took a day or two to find our rhythm, but once we did, we began to love the buzz of the city, the sights, sounds and scents, and by the time we were leaving, we all agreed we would return in a heartbeat.
About Marrakesh
Marrakesh is almost 1000 years old is the and is the fifth-largest city in Morocco. It is a major tourist, cultural and trading centre, and one of the country’s four historical imperial cities, along with Fez, Rabat and Meknes.
Marrakesh’s culture makes it feel a world away from a typical holiday resort in Spain or Portugal, but that is what makes it so appealing for many. Marrakesh awakens your senses from the moment you arrive.
Even the journey from the airport is an experience in itself, with motorbikes weaving through traffic, often carrying two or three passengers. I had seen similar scenes in more rural parts of Africa, but witnessing it on main roads in a busy city felt very different.
Our first venture into the medina that evening was a bit of a culture shock. The call to prayer echoed through the streets, motorbikes passed us in narrow alleyways, and we relied on Google Maps to navigate our way to a pre-booked rooftop restaurant.
When we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world, with a modern, stylish setting and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the busy streets below.
It is hard to fully describe a trip to Marrakesh until you experience it for yourself. Around every corner there is something new to discover, from historic palaces and elegant cafés to bustling souks and peaceful gardens. And that is just within the city itself.
Venture outside the city and you can enjoy everything from desert safaris and quad biking to traditional Moroccan evenings and bucket list hot air balloon rides. Marrakesh is a city of contrasts that offers an immersive holiday experience and one I can highly recommend if you are looking for a holiday with a difference.
I have listed the top things to do in Marrakech below, along with hotel, riad and restaurant recommendations, as well as as top tips to help you navigate this captivating city.
Top things to do in Marrakesh Morocco
1. Book a city of Marrakech tour on your first day
I always like to book a guided tour on the first day in a new city. It is a great way to get your bearings and pick up insider tips and recommendations from a local. We opted for a half-day private guided tour, which offered excellent value and the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to suit us.
Our guide brought us through Jemaa el-Fnaa and the surrounding souks, sharing helpful advice on local etiquette, from taking photos to the art of haggling. We found this invaluable on our first day, and it really helped us settle into the rhythm of life inside the medina.
We also visited Jardin Majorelle ( entrance not included ) and the Koutoubia Mosque, both of which are some of the top things to see in Marrakesh, which I have more details on below.
We paid €38 per person (for four of us) for a 3-4 hour tour which included pick up and drop off from our Riad, as well as a guide and driver, which I thought was excellent value. Price for two is €68 per person.
2. Take in the Koutoubia Mosque
Koutoubia Mosque is the iconic landmark seen in almost every image of Marrakesh. Its 77-metre minaret dominates the skyline and can be seen from across the medina, making it an ideal starting point for exploring nearby Jemaa el-Fnaa and the surrounding souks.
Dating back to the 12th century, its design went on to inspire other famous landmarks, including the Giralda Cathedral in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, the surrounding gardens and open spaces are accessible and well worth visiting. It is one of the most photographed sights in Marrakesh, so be sure to take the time to stroll around it rather than simply admiring it from a distance.
3. Walk across Jemma el-Fnaa Square
You cannot visit Marrakesh without experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa. It is the beating heart of the city and is one of the top things to see in Marrakech. Whether you warm to its energy or not, it is an essential stop if you want to experience Marrakesh properly.
One of the busiest and most iconic squares in Africa, Jemaa el-Fnaa is a place where street performers, traders and locals all come together. By day, it is filled with fruit stalls, snake charmers and henna artists, while at night it transforms into a lively open-air food market, with rows of communal tables and the scent of freshly cooked traditional Moroccan food filling the air. Musicians, storytellers and street vendors create a lively atmosphere that offers a real insight into local life and traditions.
We visited during our guided city tour on our first day, which helped ease any initial hesitation. While we found people across Marrakesh to be extremely nice and welcoming, this was the one place where you may feel intimidated.
Top tips: Avoid pointing your camera at performers or stallholders unless you are happy to pay. We paid 50 dirhams (about €5) for a photo with a snake charmer – we negotiated this in advance of taking the photo, and chose not to take close-up photos elsewhere.
If the intensity of the square at night time is not for you, you can still enjoy the atmosphere from above. A stop at Cafe de France offers a great vantage point from its terrace. It’s not be the most stylish spot, and after reading reviews I’d skip the food, but it is ideal for a coffee and a view after dinner, allowing you to take in the scene and capture photos without the pressure of being approached.
4. Shop the Souks
The Marrakesh Souks are located in a maze of alleyways just off Jemma el-Fnaa and one of the top Marrakech attractions. These traditional markets are packed with everything from handmade leather goods and colourful textiles to ceramics, spices, and even fake designer clothes.
They are worth visiting for the atmosphere alone, with their vibrant colours and constant energy, but I was genuinely impressed by the quality and variety of goods on offer. We spent time browsing in the evenings before dinner and found ourselves drawn back again on our final day to pick up a few pieces.
I came home with Moroccan spices, argan oil, jewellery, traditional cushion covers for the garden, and a beautiful handbag, while the kids were delighted with their ‘designer’ finds.
Browsing the souks is surprisingly relaxed. Bargaining is expected and it is all part of the experience. As a guide, start at around half the asking price and you will probably agree somewhere with a 20–30% discount. If you are not interested, a polite no thank you or ‘la shukran’ will suffice.
Top tips: If you are considering ‘designer’ items, prices can vary significantly depending on quality, with some higher-end pieces sold at fixed prices. A top quality bag can set you back about €200.
For something a little different, head to Mellah (Jewish Quarter), where you will find souks specialising in spices and herbal remedies, often at slightly lower prices due to fewer tourists.
5. Stop by Le Jardin Secret Marrakesh
If you need a break from the busy souks and motorbikes whizzing past you in the narrow alleyways, step into Le Jardin Secret for a moment of calm. Tucked behind an unassuming entrance in the heart of the souks, it certainly lives up to its reputation as an oasis in the heart of the medina. Once inside, you will find beautifully restored traditional architecture, tranquil water features and lush gardens that feel a world away from the bustle outside.
You don’t need a passion for gardening to appreciate the Islamic and Exotic Gardens here. There are plenty of quiet corners and benches to sit and relax, as well as a café serving paninis, fresh smoothies and sweet treats – an ideal location if you want a break from traditional Moroccan cafés.
It is the perfect spot to recharge, whether that means enjoying a coffee or, like my husband, taking advantage of the free WiFi while the rest of us continued shopping the souks!
6. Marvel at Jardin de Majorelle
While Le Jardin Secret is the perfect place to relax in, and is possible to simply stop by at the time of your choosing, the Jardin Majorelle Marrakesh are much larger and more impressive gardens, that you will need to pre book in advance. We incorporated it as part of our city tour but it can also be visited as a standalone attraction.
Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1922 and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, the gardens are a must visit in Marrakesh. The striking cobalt blue buildings, exotic plants and pretty ponds combine to make it one of the top Marrakech Instagram spots.
Located outside the medina, but still in the city centre, you can easily combine a visit here with more activities in the medina or with the the Yves Saint Laurent Museum which is next door. This celebrates the life and work of Yves Saint Laurent who claimed Marrakesh as his second home.
There is a one-way relatively short pathway that takes you past tropical trees and water features. We spent about an hour here but didn’t visit the Berber Museum, which is also onsite, but requires a separate ticket to enter.
Top Tip: Book tickets in advance as it is one of the top things to do in Marrakesh. It will be busy so early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, although the cafe here looked great, so it might be worth planning a visit just before lunchtime!
7. Book a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains is one of the top things to do in Marrakesh and I highly recommend you add it to your Marrakesh itinerary.
We opted for a sunrise flight and were picked up at 5.50am before being driven about 40 minutes outside the city. While the weather did not quite cooperate, and we didn’t see the sunrise we had hoped for, it was still a fantastic experience.
The flight itself was incredibly peaceful and surprisingly gentle, with panoramic views across the landscape below, and on a clear day, the Atlas Mountains. The experience lasts around an hour, followed by a traditional Berber breakfast, which is a lovely way to round off the morning. At around €120 including return transport, it is also good value compared to similar experiences elsewhere.
Top Tips: I recommend booking your flight for the first or second day of your trip and keeping an eye on the weather. Most companies – including the one I have linked below, offer free cancellation and changes up to 24 hours in advance.
If you are not keen on flying, you can travel with your group and enjoy the breakfast afterwards for a €25 fee, which can be arranged directly with the operator via the app.
8. Visit Dar el Bacha Coffee Shop and Museum
Before visiting Marrakesh, I had seen countless videos of Bacha Café on Instagram, but nothing quite prepares you for the queues. We stopped by one morning while exploring the souks and were told the wait time was around four hours!
Thankfully, there is the option to visit the coffee shop without dining in. For a small fee of 10 dirhams (about €1), you can step inside to browse and purchase their world-famous coffee.
We chose this option and, by chance, also found ourselves wandering through parts of the elegant Dar el Bacha, including its beautiful gardens and museum. To be honest, I think we simply got lucky, as there did not seem to be anyone checking access at the time.
Even without sitting down, it is well worth seeing the interiors, with the beautiful Moroccan design and elegant details that look just as impressive in real life as they do online.
If you are keen to experience it fully, it is best to arrive early or be prepared to queue. For coffee lovers or anyone with an interest in stylish interiors, it is one of the standout places to visit in Marrakesh.
Top Tip: If you don’t manage to get in but still want to purchase the coffee – there is a Bacha Coffee shop in Marrakesh airport.
9. Have a sunset dinner or drinks in a rooftop restaurant
Marrakesh is packed with rooftop restaurants and bars promising fantastic views across the medina. There is no shortage of choice, but despite the number of venues, the best spots can book out weeks, and sometimes months, in advance, especially for sunset tables.
Prices are expensive for the most popular spots, so it is worth choosing one or two standouts for sunset, and opting for drinks or a later sitting elsewhere. If you book a second sitting, usually around 9.00–9.30pm, you will miss the sunset, but many rooftops come alive later in the evening, with DJs and entertainment creating a lively atmosphere well into the night.
Our favourite was Terrasse des Epices, a popular celebrity hang out that does have the prices to match. The view wasn’t particularly special from the rooftop but the setting, food and service was excellent. See more restaurant recommendations in Marrakesh at the bottom of this post.
Top Tips: Book your restaurants as early as possible, particularly for sunset, and check the local sunset time before confirming your reservation to make the most of the views.
10. Experience a Hammam in Marrakesh
Morocco’s centuries old traditional Hammam’s can be seen all over Marrakesh and are the perfect way to unwind after a day in the Medina. The experience starts in a steam room to open pores, which is followed by exfoliation and an application of clay to detox and purify the skin. You can also add on a massage if required.
Les Bains de Marrakech and Les Bains du Lotus are considered to have the best hammam in Marrakesh but some 5 star riads including La Sultana also offer luxury experiences for non-residents.
11. Book a Day Pass in a Luxury Hotel
We spent five nights in Marrakesh and I debated for a long time about choosing to stay in a riad or hotel. I really wanted to stay in a traditional riad, which I absolutely think was the right decision, but I also liked the idea of a hotel with a large pool, especially as we were travelling with teenagers.
The reality is that most resort-style hotels with bigger pools are located outside the city, so rather than staying away from the action and missing out on the medina experience, I found that booking a day pass to one of these hotels offers the best of both worlds.
There are numerous hotels in Marrakesh offering a day pass service. We chose The Oberoi Marrakech, a luxury 5 star hotel that has been voted among the best hotels in Africa. To say it has the wow factor is an understatement! Although the weather was not on our side, we still made the most of our day there.
The price of €115 per person included lunch, and not a set menu either. We had lobster, ordered two appetisers, and everything was included – I think we ate the price of our day pass to be honest! Access to the indoor pool and spa was also included, along with a 20% discount on treatments, making it a fantastic way to enjoy a luxury experience without staying overnight.
Other top rated hotels that offer day passes include Club Med and Picalbatros Aqua Fun Club for family holidays in Marrakesh, and JAAL Riad Resort Marrakesh. You can also book a day pass in one of the traditional camps in the Agafay desert.
12. Discover Medersa Ben Youssef
Medersa Ben Youssef is one of Marrakesh’s most important historical landmarks and a must see in Marrakesh for anyone interested in Moroccan architecture and culture. Originally built in the 14th century, it was once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, accommodating hundreds of students studying the Quran. Today, it has been carefully restored and is open to visitors as a museum.
The highlight is its central courtyard, featuring a large reflective pool surrounded by Morocco’s iconic zellige tilework. The symmetry and craftsmanship make it one of the most photographed spots in Marrakesh. Be sure to step into the former student dormitories as well, where the small, simple rooms offer a glimpse into life here centuries ago.
To make the most of your visit, it is worth arriving early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds. The medersa is located in the heart of the medina, close to the souks, making it easy to combine with other nearby sights.
13. Explore Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is another one of the top attractions in Marrakesh and a beautiful showcase of traditional Moroccan architecture. Located in the heart of the medina, this sprawling complex covers approximately two acres and features around 150 rooms, arranged around marble courtyards and tranquil gardens.
Originally built in the 1860s, the palace was later expanded in the 1890s, when its impressive courtyards and gardens were added. It is more modern than some of the other Marrakesh landmarks, but a visit here offers a glimpse into Morocco’s architectural heritage, and its traditional design also makes it a superb spot for photos. Thanks to its central location, this is an easy addition to any Marrakech itinerary.
This can be included as part of the city tour that we took, but it can also be visited as a standalone attraction.
14. Go Quad Biking in the Agafay Desert
If you are looking for fun things to do in Marrakesh, then put quad biking in the Agafay desert on your list! This is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Morocco’s rugged landscape.
We were picked up from our riad and brought to the Agafay Desert, about an hour away, where we spent two hours riding across the rocky terrain. We opted for a daytime trip, but I am told sunset is even better. We had a fantastic time, and our local guide Simo was excellent with the kids, and not bad behind the camera either! It was one of our favourite family activities in Marrakesh.
Officially only 16+ can ride a quad bike alone, but younger children can ride with parents in an ATV / buggy.
15. Book a Sunset Desert Safari
The most popular Marrakesh day trip is to spend an evening in the Agafay desert. There are many options to choose from with some offering quad biking or camel rides, but most centre around a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars with live music and dancing. I have linked the most popular options here:
If you are looking to venture further afield, full day tours from Marrakech are a great way to see more of the country. A visit to the Five Valleys in the Atlas Mountains is particularly popular, offering a mix of scenic landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Day trips to Casablanca, Essaouira and Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Morocco, are also favourites, each offering a completely different perspective of this fascinating country.
Where to stay in Marrakesh
When deciding on the best places to stay in Marrakesh, choosing a riad in the medina is hard to beat if you want an authentic experience. These traditional Moroccan houses are often hidden behind unassuming wooden doors, opening into beautiful interiors with pretty rooftop terraces.
As riads are typically smaller than hotels, you can expect more personal service and a far more authentic stay, usually with breakfast included. That said, many do not have bars serving alcohol, and pools, if they are available, tend to be quite small. If you are travelling with children or planning a longer stay, you may prefer a hotel with a larger pool, as well as on-site restaurants, a bar, spa or sports facilities.
Best Riads in Marrakech Morocco
There are over 1000 riads in Marrakesh so choosing one can send you down a rabbit hole! I spend months researching, and because we were travelling during Easter holidays, we struggled to get any of the top-rated riads inside the medina available. Bear in mind that most riads only have a few rooms so you need to book well in advance. I have listed the most recommended riads below.
Top Tip: Riads outside of the medina will be lower in price, but realistically you will be dining in the medina every day. Marrakesh traffic can mean that a 2km taxi ride can cost €10 – €15 to get to and from the medina so factor that in when pricing riads below.
Best Riads inside Marrakesh Medina
I have listed some of the best 4 and 5 star riads in Marrakesh with swimming pools below. Note some of the pools will be indoor, others outdoor, and most will be small. All riads are located inside the Medina or within a few minutes walk away.
5 Star Riads Marrakesh
- Riad dar Anika *****
- El Fenn *****
- Riad Nyla Wellness & Spa ****
4 Star Riads Marrakesh
- Riad Adika ****
- Riad Itrane ****
- Riad Assakina ****
- Riad BE ****
- Riad Dar darma ****
- Riad Karmela ****
- Bliss Riad ****
- K.O. Nova ****
Best Riads Outside Marrakesh Medina
While I would personally choose to stay inside the Medina, by husband felt the opposite. He liked the authentic riad stay away from the hustle and bustle of the souks, and they are also lower in cost. I have listed some of the most recommended riads below, including the riad we stayed in Riad dar Sido.
- Riad dar Sido ****
- Riad dada Messouda spa ****
- Jaal Riad *****
Best Hotels in Marrakesh Morocco
If you prefer to stay in a Marrakesh hotel, I have some of the most recommended here, located inside and outside the medina. From the iconic La Mamounia Marrakech to hidden gems like the Pavillon de la Kasbah, we have hotels in Marrakesh here to suit all tastes and budgets.
4 Star Hotels Marrakesh
- Sakkan ****
- 2Ciels Boutique Hotel ****
- Le Pavillon de la Kasbah & Spa ****
5 Star Hotels Marrakesh
- La Villa des Orangers *****
- La Sultana *****
- Mellah Hotel *****
- Les Jardins de la medina *****
- Savoy Le Grand Marrakesh *****
- The Oberoi Marrakesh *****
- La Mamounia Hotel *****
Hotels in Marrakesh All Inclusive
For families or adults looking for a more typical holiday resort experience, there are many all inclusive Marrakesh holidays to choose from. Some resorts even have waterparks on site – the Pickalbatros Aqua Fun Club Marrakesh being one of the most popular luxury options.
Best all Inclusive family hotels Marrakesh
- Be Live Experience Marrakesh Palmeraie ****
- Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie ****
- Pickalbatros Aqua Fun Club ****
- Pickalbatros Sungo Club Aqua Park *****
- Barcelo Palmeraie Oasis Resort *****
- Kenzi Club Agdal Medina *****
Best adult only all inclusive hotels Marrakesh
- Pickalbatros du Golf *****
- Be Live Collection Adults Only ****
- TUI Blue Medina Gardens ****
- Riu Tikida Garden ****
Best Restaurants Marrakesh
Marrakesh has countless trendy rooftop restaurants with striking interiors, and it is impossible to visit them all. My advice is to check menus before you book, as tagine can become repetitive after a while! From my experience, many of the so-called best restaurants in Marrakesh focus more on aesthetics than the food, and prices can be high, so mixing things up and opting for a bit of variety is key.
As mentioned above Terrasse des Epices was a favourite of ours. It is expensive but worth it in my opinion. We paid similar price in La Pergola, and I wouldn’t recommend it.
Other favourites of ours for more casual dining in Marrakesh included Rooftop DarDar (great entertainment and view of Koutoubia Mosque after dark here) and Kabana for late night atmosphere and great cocktails. The food at Kababa has Asian influences, and I suggest opting for lite bites and sushi, over larger mains. We also enjoyed tasty pizza in Cafe Arabe right in the heart of the Medina.
Other restaurants that were regularly recommended to me included Safran by Koya, Jardin du Lotus and El Fenn Rooftop – although some peple did comment that, like many restaurants in Marrakech, they were more style over substance.
One restaurant I wish I had managed to book was La Trattoria – an Italian restaurant that comes highly recommended and offers a welcome break from traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Marrakesh Restaurant Tips
- You have to book the top restaurants weeks if not months in advance, especially if you want to dine at sunset.
- Don’t be late! Most restaurants only offer 15 minutes grace. Our table was given away on one occasion because we were 25 minutes late – despite calling and confirming my reservation.
- Many rooftop restaurants also have cocktail menus, so it may be possible to pop in for drinks and the view before dinner.
Marrakech Airport Tips
Expect queues at Marrakesh Menara Airport, so allow extra time to get through security and passport control. Traffic can also be very busy on the way into the city of Marrakesh. Our ’15-minute’ airport transfer ended up taking 45 minutes. Bear this in mind when making a restaurant reservation for your first night, as it will likely take longer than expected to reach your hotel.
Prebook airport transfers. Marrakesh airport is chaotic so having someone ready to meet you at the airport will be warmly welcomed. We booked ours through Booking.com, along with our hotel and the price and service was excellent. The rate quoted directly from our Riad was over twice the price.
When flying home you need to check in at a check-in desk to validate your boarding pass. Even if you have no luggage to check in, and have your boarding pass on your phone, you still need to queue at the desk, so allow extra time for this.
Some of the shops in duty free don’t accept Moroccan dirham, and you can not exchange them when you leave the country, so spend your cash before you arrive at the airport.
If you do end up having plenty of time before your flight, we found great pizza and pasta in restaurant La Tabla du Marche – turn left when you come through security.
General Marrakesh Travel Tips
Pre-book restaurants in advance, especially for your first and second night in Marrakesh. It can take a day or two to get used to the busy streets of the medina, and the last thing you want is to be wandering around at night trying to find somewhere to eat.
Marrakesh has a closed currency, so you can only withdraw Moroccan dirhams once you arrive. I would suggest changing some money at the airport, as queues for ATMs can be long in the medina. You may get a slightly less favourable exchange rate, but it is worth having cash on arrival. While many places now accept cards or contactless payments, even in the souks, cash is still preferred by a lot of vendors, so it is best to have some on hand.
Ask before taking a photo. Marrakesh is an Instagrammer’s dream but taking photos of locals without their permission is not acceptable. Many will be happy to let you take their photo for a small fee, but always ask before you snap.
You may notice different spellings for local attractions on google maps. Jemaa el-Fnaa, Djemaa el-Fna or Jemma el Fna all refer to the same place. Likewise, you will see Marrakesh (English spelling) and Marrakech (French spelling). There is no single ‘correct’ version.
As you are travelling outside the EU, roaming charges will apply. Buy an e-Sim before you travel to save on data charges, although WiFi is readily available in most restaurants and attractions.
What to wear in Marrakesh
One of the most asked questions I received on Instagram was do women have to cover up in Marrakesh? Before we visited I was under the impression that women would need to cover their shoulders and knees, however I asked our local tour guide on the first day and he assured me that this was not the case.
There is no strict dress code for tourists in Marrakesh, however I still suggest that women dress modestly out of respect for local culture, especially when walking through the medina. If you plan to wear something more revealing to a restaurant or bar, it is a good idea to cover your shoulders with a shawl until you arrive. That said, you will see plenty of women and young girls in shorts and low-cut tops, so it is very much a personal choice.
Best time to visit Marrakesh
Marrakesh can be visited at any time, with direct flights operating year round. However, the summer months, July and August in particular, can be extremely hot, with temperatures over 40 degrees being quite common. And, because Marrakesh is an inland city, there will be no sea breeze to cool you down!
The best times to visit Marrakesh are spring and autumn, when you can expect warm, sunny days without the extreme heat. I recommend travelling between March and May or September and November. While Marrakesh is typically warm even in the winter months, this year saw more rain than usual along with slightly lower temperatures.
I hope this Marrakesh travel guide will help you plan a trip to this fascinating city soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, accommodation facilities and attractions are subject to change.
Note some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
