A visit to Marrakech is like stepping back in time. Its terracotta buildings, bustling souks, narrow alleyways of its medina and rich food culture are something that has turned in into one of Morocco’s most popular destinations. It’s a place unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been to.
After spending 3 full days exploring Marrakech and the surrounding area, we’ve assembled a guide on the top places to visit in the city. Read our Marrakech travel guide to discover the best neighbourhoods, markets and attractions to check out. We’ve also included some daytrip ideas for when you want to escape the business streets of the medina.
Exploring Marrakech is a whirlwind from start to finish. It’s chaotic, loud and can be somewhat intimidating, but it’s also one of the most interesting places you’ll ever visit. Read our guide for attraction inspiration, and if you have any questions, be sure to post a comment.
Discover the bustling Marrakech medina
The smells, sounds and hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s medina make it the top place to visit in the city. The historic old town centre has existed for centuries and is what has given Marrakech its crown as one of the most visited places in North Africa. Colourful market stalls, hanging rugs, aromatic spices and the traditional architecture of the medina makes it a great place to start your visit to the city.
We spent our first morning in Marrakech wandering around the medina on foot trying not to get lost. It’s the place you imagine before visiting, feeling much like a set from an Aladdin or Lawrence of Arabia movie. In fact, quite a few movies were filmed here, including The Mummy and Gladiator.
Visit the medina day and night for completely different experiences. If you stick to the main streets and follow the crowds, it’s unlikely you’ll get lost.
Shop in one of the many ‘souks’
Marrakech’s ‘souks’ are the medina’s maze of open-air markets that have existed for centuries. They’re scattered throughout the centre and are one of the top things to experience whilst in Marrakech. You’ll find stalls selling everything from rich spices and beauty products, to leather goods, colourful carpets and hanging lanterns. Wandering through the narrow alleyways of souks was a highlight of our visit to Marrakech! Some of the top souks to visit include:
- Souk Semmarine – the busiest souk in the city. It’s great for handmade gifts and souvenirs.
- Souk Haddadine – the go-to market for traditional hanging lanterns and metal-work products.
- Souk Cheratin – a great spot for leather goods such as belts, bags and shoes.
- Souk des Tapis – one of the best places to buy handmade rugs and other textiles.
Stay in a Riad
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard. These beautiful accommodations have been transformed into boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts, and you can’t visit the city without experiencing one. Staying in a riad is one of the most unique things to do in Marrakech. Best of all, many of the riads are centrally located in the old town, making them a great base for sightseeing.
Riads come in all shapes and sizes, and for all budgets, from affordable riad hostels to luxury 5-star options. One of our favourite things about staying in a riad in Marrakech was the freshly prepared Moroccan breakfast that we enjoyed each morning.
Explore the local food scene
We can’t go any further in our guide without mentioning the food. Moroccan food is world-famous and the city of Marrekech is the perfect place to enjoy its foodie delights. Cous cous and tagines are the top dishes to try. There are also some excellent pastry desserts, grilled meats and aromatic drinks. The food scene in Marrakech is warming, hearty, and many of the restaurants have traditional Moroccan décor.
Some of our top Marrakech restaurant recommendations include:
- Nakoul Mzian – View on Google Maps
- Tanjia Secrets – View on Google Maps
- Mandala Society – View on Google Maps
- Fine Mama? Restaurant– View on Google Maps
- La Table Du Palais – View on Google Maps
- Corner Café – View on Google Maps
Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Marjorelle is one of Marrakech’s most popular tourist attractions. Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle over a period of 40-years, it’s a sprawling botanical garden with countless plants, flowers, gardens, water features and unique sculptures. Being such a popular place to visit in Marrakech, you’ll need to book tickets online at least a few days in advance.
We booked a late-afternoon time slot as we’d heard the crowds were lower, but it still turned out to be very busy. Jardin Majorelle is an undoubtedly beautiful place to explore, even if it is full of tourists. There are some nice photo-spots, including the Instagram-famous blue house, garden walkways, bridges and a gallery. It also has a beautiful outdoor café, which is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of orange juice after seeing the garden.
Gueliz Neighbourhood
Gueliz is the ‘new town’ area of Marrakech. It’s buildings, fountains and streets have a distinct European influence and the atmosphere is more laid-back compared to the old town. Gueliz is the city’s economic heart and one of the most modern areas of Marrakech.
It’s a great place to visit in Marrakech to shop, eat or drink at any time of the day. The Gueliz boulevards are filled with trendy cafes and French restaurants, while its main plaza has a wide selection of high-end fashion stores. We appreciated the contrast of Gueliz compared to other areas of the city and enjoyed some excellent food and drinks in a local café called MARH Coffee Roasters.
Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the beating heart of Marrakech. It’s the main square and marketplace of the city’s old Medina centre, featuring live entertainment, market traders and several rooftop bars and restaurants. Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa in the morning for a quieter atmosphere. It’s a good place to sample street food or order a fresh fruit juice. Evenings are a much livelier affair. The air is filled with the smell of spices and crowds encircle the street performers.
Jemaa el-Fnaa has mixed reviews depending on who you ask. It’s known to have some scammers and is where you’ll find snake charmers and captive monkeys. If you ignore the shady side of the square, it’s a fun place to wander around for an hour or so.
Madrasa Ben Youssef
Madrasa Ben Youssef was one of the most beautiful buildings we visited in Marrakech. Commissioned in 1564 by a Saadian Sultan, it’s a former Islamic school with a lot of history. The main reason to visit is to see its impressive architecture. Everything from the ceilings and light fittings, to the ornate mosaic floors, is a work of art. The buildings have traditional Moroccan and Islamic design throughout.
Although all of the rooms at the building are now empty, it’s a nice place to explore to appreciate the fine architecture and Moroccan design. There’s a small entrance fee for self-guided visits, or the option of a guided tour.
Le Jardin Secret
Marrakech has many green spaces nestled amongst its terracotta buildings and busy squares. One of the best gardens on offer is Le Jardin Secret. It’s a tranquil collection of tropical plants, water features and interesting architecture, hidden away from the neighbouring souks and medina streets.
Le Jardin Secret is split into two sections, each with their own collection of plant species and gardens. The main garden has two outdoor cafés, several relaxation areas and a water fountain, whilst the smaller garden is home to a turtle pond. It’s a true oasis of calm amongst Marrakech’s busy medina and is best enjoyed on a sunny day.
Le Jardin Secret has a small entrance fee, which can be paid in-person or online on their website.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is a must-see attraction during your time in Marrakech. Built in the 1800s as a space for the city’s wealthiest families, it showcases some of the most preserved examples of 19th century Moroccan architecture. It can attract large crowds of tourists. However, visit later in the day or first thing on a morning and you’ll have a more peaceful tour of the palace.
The grounds are vast and the layout is simple to follow, with a series of courtyards, gardens, and rooms that you can walk through without a guide. We were particularly impressed by the tilework and wooden ceilings. The outdoor courtyard is also incredibly beautiful.
Mellah Jewish Quarter
The Mellah neighbourhood of Marrakech was built in 1558. It’s the perfect place to visit to get a more local feel of the city as it has far fewer tourists than the Medina. We spent half an hour wandering through the narrow streets of Mellah, stopped by the Jewish synagogue and admired the architecture of the old, terracotta-coloured buildings.
The Mellah Jewish Quarter is worth a quick side trip after visiting Bahia Palace. They’re right next to each other.
El Badi Palace
We’ve mentioned Bahia Palace, one of Marrakech’s most iconic royal palaces. The other that’s worth checking out is El Badi Palace. Instantly recognisable for its towering sandstone walls that surround it, El Badi is another building that was commissioned by sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty.
Although a large portion of the palace is now a preserved ruins, some areas remain intact. After paying a small entrance fee, you can explore the palace grounds and learn about its history. It has a central man-made lake, several guardhouses and the remnants of a colourful mosaic-tile floor.
Tinsmiths Square
Located a short walk from El Badi Palace, Tinsmiths Square is a place you’ll likely come across when sightseeing in Marrakech. This large, vibrant square is a popular meeting point for walking tours. It’s also a popular place to buy craft items such as lamps, homeware and metalware.
Palm trees line the square, there’s a grand gate entrance to the south of the city and there are al fresco restaurants with a view of the square. It’s a great place to shop, eat, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Koutoubia Minaret
Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most iconic buildings in Marrakech. The mosque’s towering minaret can be seen from the medina’s rooftops, guiding you through the narrow alleyways and back to the main square. The tower is 77 metres in height and is decorated with various Islamic motifs and geometric arches.
Although you can see Koutoubia Minaret from afar, we recommend getting up close to see the intricate detail of the mosque. You can’t enter the mosque if you’re not Muslim. However, the gardens, gateways and tower can all be seen from the grounds, which are open to all visitors.
Kasbah neighbourhood
Kasbah proved to be one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Marrakech. Located away from the busy streets of the medina, Kasbah offers a more local experience of city life. It has a main square with a grand fountain and a mosque, a local market and some excellent restaurants and cafes. Simply walking around the narrow streets of Kasbah is a cool experience. It has the same, mesmerising architecture of the medina, just with fewer crowds.
We recommend spending an hour or two seeing the sites of the Kasbah neighbourhood. The Saadian Tombs are the top historic site to see here. Alternatively, grab a table in a rooftop café such as Kasbah Café and watch the hustle and bustle from above.
Daytrips from Marrakech
We’ve mentioned the top places to visit in Marrakech. However, the city also has some excellent daytrip options. You’ll find the Atlas Mountains, beautiful beach towns and vast deserts just a short drive from the centre of Marrakech. If you’re staying for three or more days, we recommend booking a daytrip or two. Here are some of our recommendations:
Atlas Mountains and the Ourika Waterfalls
Marrakech sits at the base of the Atlas Mountains, the longest mountain range in Africa. They stretch 1,600 miles through North Africa, showcasing some amazing peaks, villages and natural sites. A daytrip to Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains is one of the best ways to see this stunning mountain range from Marrakech.
To get there, you can hire a car and explore Ourika Valley for yourself. An alternative, and the most popular options, is to book a guided day-trip. We joined a group minibus tour and spent our day visiting the following sites.
- Atlas Mountain viewpoints
- A female-only Argan Oil-making cooperative.
- Hiking through Ourika Valley up to a series of majestic waterfalls.
- Enjoying lunch by the rapids in Ourika valley’s mountain village.
Here’s a link to the Ourika Valley daytrip we booked through Get Your Guide.
Take a day trip to Essaouira
Essaouira is a coastal town that’s very different to Marrakech. Located by the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a small fishing village that’s popular with surfers and those that want a relaxing beach holiday. Unlike the sandstone, terracotta façade of Marrakech, Essaouira’s medina is bright shades of white and blue. It has some excellent beaches, sand dunes and outdoor activities. It also has a lot of history, boasting several cannon batteries, fortresses and castle walls.
Another great thing about Essaouira is the food and café scene. We enjoyed some of the best coffee we’ve ever had in a small, back alley coffee shop, along with some delicious local dishes.
The drive to Essaouira takes almost 3 hours from Marrakech. However, it’s well worth the long road trip. Book a guided tour and you’ll get picked up from your hotel in Marrakech early-morning and dropped off in the evening.
That brings to the end of our guide on the best places to visit in Marrakech, Morocco. It’s truly unlike any other place we’ve ever visited. It has somewhat of a bad reputation for scammers and tourist safety. However, if you’re careful with where you visit and do your research before you arrive, you’re unlikely to have any issues.
If you have any questions about any of the places we’ve featured, be sure to post a comment or send us a message.
By Susie
Author bio:I’m a passionate traveller that loves a sunny beach holiday, but also appreciate the cultural side to a trip and checking out undiscovered destinations. I’m the go-to Toucan Traveller for great holiday stories, cool photos and foodie recommendations.