Ultimate Guide to Marrakech: What to See, Eat & Do

Ultimate Guide to Marrakech: What to See, Eat & Do

Marrakech overwhelms the senses in the best possible way. The ochre-walled medina pulses with life—snake charmers and storytellers in the main square, spice-scented souks winding through ancient passages, and the call to prayer echoing from minarets at dawn. This is Morocco's most visited city, and for good reason. Our complete guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable Marrakech experience.

Why Visit Marrakech?

Marrakech stands as Morocco's cultural heart. Founded in 1062, this imperial city has served as a trading hub connecting sub-Saharan Africa with Mediterranean ports for nearly a millennium. Today, it blends that ancient heritage with modern creativity—you'll find traditional artisans working alongside contemporary designers, and centuries-old riads transformed into boutique hotels.

Marrakech at a Glance:

Aspect | Details

Best time to visit | March-May, September-November

Ideal stay | 3-4 days minimum

Language | Arabic, French, English in tourist areas

Currency | Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Airport | Marrakech Menara (RAK), 6km from medina

Top Attractions in Marrakech

Jemaa el-Fna Square

No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing Jemaa el-Fna, the city's legendary main square and a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

During the Day:

• Orange juice vendors (5 MAD per glass)
• Henna artists and herbalists
• Snake charmers and monkey handlers
• Berber musicians

After Sunset: The square transforms completely. Smoke rises from dozens of food stalls serving everything from snail soup to grilled lamb. Storytellers gather crowds, Gnaoua musicians perform, and the energy builds until late into the night.

Tip: Visit twice—once in the afternoon to explore leisurely, and again at night to experience the magical atmosphere. Watch your belongings and avoid the aggressive performers who demand payment for photos.

Bahia Palace

Built in the late 19th century for a grand vizier, Bahia Palace showcases the height of Moroccan craftsmanship. The name means "brilliance," and the palace lives up to it with:

• Painted wooden ceilings (carved cedar from the Atlas Mountains)
• Intricate zellige tilework in geometric patterns
• Peaceful courtyards with fruit trees and fountains
• 8,000 square meters of gardens and rooms

Visit Info:

• Entry: 70 MAD
• Hours: 9:00-17:00 daily
• Best time: Early morning to avoid crowds
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Saadian Tombs

Hidden for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917, the Saadian Tombs contain the remains of 60 members of the Saadian dynasty dating back to the 16th century. The main mausoleum features stunning carved marble and gold-leafed details.

Visit Info:

• Entry: 70 MAD
• Hours: 9:00-17:00
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Tip: Arrive at opening time—lines grow quickly

Koutoubia Mosque

Marrakech's most iconic landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque and its 77-meter minaret dominate the skyline. Built in the 12th century, it served as the architectural model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the exterior and surrounding gardens provide excellent photography opportunities, especially at sunset.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

This 16th-century Islamic college once housed 900 students. Now a museum, it features some of Morocco's finest examples of Andalusian architecture:

• Elaborate stucco carvings
• Cedar wood screens and doors
• Central courtyard with marble pool
• 130 dormitory cells on upper floors

Visit Info:

• Entry: 50 MAD
• Hours: 9:00-18:00
• Duration: 45 minutes-1 hour

Majorelle Garden

Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, this 12-acre botanical garden offers a peaceful escape from the medina chaos.

Highlights:

• Iconic cobalt blue structures (Majorelle Blue)
• Rare cacti and exotic plants from five continents
• Berber Museum inside the garden
• YSL Memorial and boutique

Visit Info:

• Entry: 150 MAD (garden) + 30 MAD (museum)
• Hours: 8:00-18:00 (opens 17:30 in winter)
• Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues
• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon

El Badi Palace

Once considered one of the wonders of the Muslim world, El Badi Palace now stands in romantic ruins. Built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 16th century, it took 25 years to complete using materials from around the world—Italian marble, Irish granite, Indian onyx.

Today, storks nest in the remaining walls, and the massive courtyard hosts the annual Marrakech Popular Arts Festival.

Visit Info:

• Entry: 70 MAD
• Hours: 9:00-17:00
• Duration: 1 hour
• Bonus: Climb to the terrace for panoramic medina views

Exploring the Souks

Marrakech's souks form the largest traditional market in Morocco—a labyrinth of covered passages stretching north from Jemaa el-Fna. Each section specializes in different crafts:

Souk Guide by Specialty

Souk | Specialty | What to Buy

Souk Semmarine | Main artery, textiles | Clothing, fabrics

Souk el-Attarine | Spices, perfumes | Ras el hanout, argan oil

Souk des Teinturiers | Dyers | Colored wool, textiles

Souk Haddadine | Metalworkers | Lanterns, trays

Souk Smata | Leather | Babouche slippers, bags

Souk Chouari | Woodworkers | Cedar boxes, furniture

Souk Cherratine | Leatherworkers | Belts, goods

Souk Kimakhine | Musical instruments | Drums, ouds

Souk Survival Tips

1. Get lost on purpose — The best discoveries happen when you wander
2. Learn to bargain — Start at 30-40% of the asking price
3. Keep a business card from your riad — Helps when asking for directions
4. Visit in the morning — Less crowded, cooler temperatures
5. Avoid the main arteries for better prices — Side passages have lower rents
6. Watch for quality — Handmade items have irregular patterns

Where to Eat in Marrakech

Street Food (Budget)

The cheapest and often most delicious option in Marrakech. Must-try items:

• Msemen — Flaky layered flatbread with honey (3-5 MAD)
• Harira — Tomato-lentil soup, especially during Ramadan (10-15 MAD)
• Maakouda — Spiced potato fritters in bread (10 MAD)
• Tangia — Slow-cooked lamb, a Marrakech specialty (40-60 MAD)
• Fresh orange juice — Available everywhere (5-10 MAD)

Best street food areas:

• Jemaa el-Fna (iconic but tourist-priced)
• Rue Bani Marine (local favorite)
• Near Bab Doukkala gate

Local Restaurants (Mid-Range)

Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range | Location

Cafe Clock | Camel burger, cultural events | 80-150 MAD | Kasbah area

Nomad | Modern Moroccan, rooftop | 100-200 MAD | Souk area

Atay Cafe | Salads, tagines, views | 70-120 MAD | Spice market

Henna Cafe | Vegetarian options | 60-100 MAD | Near Ben Youssef

Snack Chez Amal | Traditional, no frills | 40-70 MAD | Gueliz

Fine Dining (Splurge)

For a special evening, these restaurants offer exceptional cuisine in stunning settings:

• La Mamounia — Historic palace hotel, multiple restaurants (500+ MAD)
• Dar Yacout — Traditional feast in a palatial riad (600 MAD set menu)
• Le Jardin — Garden setting, Franco-Moroccan cuisine (200-400 MAD)
• Pepe Nero — Italian-Moroccan fusion (250-400 MAD)

Food Experiences

Cooking Classes Learn to prepare tagine, couscous, and pastilla with local chefs. Most classes include:

• Market tour to buy ingredients
• Hands-on cooking instruction
• Sit-down meal with your creations
• Recipe booklet to take home

Price: 400-800 MAD (3-4 hours)

Food Tours Guided walks through the medina's hidden food spots:

• Street food tastings
• Spice merchant visits
• Local bakeries
• Tea ceremonies

Price: 300-600 MAD (3-4 hours)

Marrakech Neighborhoods

The Medina

The historic walled city where most visitors spend their time. Key areas include:

Around Jemaa el-Fna:

• Tourist central, always busy
• Easy orientation point
• Highest concentration of restaurants and cafes
• Most persistent touts and vendors

Riad Zitoun:

• Quieter, more residential
• Home to Bahia Palace
• Upscale riad accommodations
• Good restaurant scene

Mouassine:

• Boutique shopping district
• Art galleries and design stores
• Hip cafes with rooftop terraces
• More relaxed atmosphere

Kasbah:

• Near Saadian Tombs
• Less touristed
• Traditional neighborhood feel
• Good budget accommodation options

Gueliz (New Town)

The French-built modern district offers a different Marrakech experience:

• Wide boulevards and outdoor cafes
• International restaurants and bars
• Shopping malls and chain stores
• Banks, pharmacies, supermarkets
• More relaxed dress codes

The Palmery

North of the city, this palm grove was planted in the 12th century. Today it hosts:

• Luxury resorts and golf courses
• Camel rides and quad biking
• Pool clubs and day spas
• Upscale dining venues

Where to Stay

Riads (Traditional Guesthouses)

Staying in a riad is the quintessential Marrakech experience. These traditional houses with interior courtyards offer:

• Intimate atmosphere (usually 4-10 rooms)
• Personalized service
• Rooftop terraces with medina views
• Breakfast included
• Help arranging tours and restaurants

Budget Riads (300-600 MAD/night):

• Riad Layla Rouge
• Riad Dar One
• Equity Point Hostel (modern, social)

Mid-Range Riads (600-1500 MAD/night):

• Riad Yasmine
• Riad BE
• Riad Jardin Secret

Luxury Riads (1500+ MAD/night):

• La Sultana
• Riad Farnatchi
• Royal Mansour (ultra-luxury)

Hotels

For those preferring conventional hotels:

Medina Hotels:

• Les Jardins de la Koutoubia
• Riad Villa Blanche
• Hotel & Ryad Art Place

Gueliz/Hivernage Hotels:

• Sofitel Marrakech
• Four Seasons Resort
• Radisson Blu

Booking Tips

1. Book early for winter holidays — Marrakech fills up December-January
2. Check location carefully — Deep medina riads require walking through narrow alleys
3. Verify air conditioning — Essential May-September
4. Ask about parking — If you have a car, not all riads accommodate
5. Read reviews about noise — Some areas have late-night activity

Day Trips from Marrakech

Atlas Mountains (Half/Full Day)

Just 45 minutes from the city, the High Atlas offers dramatic scenery and Berber villages:

Ourika Valley

• Waterfalls and river walks
• Traditional Berber homes
• Argan oil cooperatives
• Duration: Half day

Imlil

• Gateway to Mount Toubkal
• Hiking trails for all levels
• Lunch in mountain villages
• Duration: Full day

Essaouira (Full Day)

The coastal city makes a perfect contrast to Marrakech:

• 2.5-3 hours by bus or car
• Relaxed seaside atmosphere
• Fresh seafood at the port
• Gnaoua music heritage
• Windsurfing and beach time

Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate (Full Day)

Visit the famous kasbahs and "Hollywood of Morocco":

• UNESCO World Heritage ksar
• Atlas Film Studios tour
• Dramatic desert-edge landscapes
• Long day (10-12 hours) or overnight

Ouzoud Waterfalls (Full Day)

Morocco's most spectacular waterfalls, 150km northeast of Marrakech:

• 110-meter cascades
• Wild Barbary macaques
• Swimming in natural pools
• Boat rides to the falls base

Practical Information

Getting Around

Within the Medina:

• Walk — The medina is car-free in most areas
• Expect to get lost — It's part of the experience
• Use landmarks for orientation (minarets, gates)

Taxis:

• Petit taxis (beige) — Within city, use the meter
• Grands taxis — Shared, fixed routes
• Typical medina to Gueliz fare: 20-30 MAD

Calèches (Horse Carriages):

• Tourist transport, negotiate price beforehand
• Good for palmery tours or romantic evenings
• Expect 150-300 MAD per hour

Money

• ATMs widely available in medina and Gueliz
• Carry cash for souks and small shops
• Credit cards accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants
• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants, round up for taxis

Safety

Marrakech is generally safe, but be aware of:

• Persistent touts and unofficial guides
• Pickpockets in crowded areas (Jemaa el-Fna, souks)
• Scams involving "helpful" locals leading you to shops
• Aggressive vendors in tourist areas

Tips:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings
• Decline firmly but politely — "La, shukran" (No, thank you)
• Use official guides from tourist office if desired
• Trust your instincts about people and situations

What to Pack

Essential Items:

• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones!)
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
• Light layers (evenings can be cool)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Small daypack for souvenirs

For Women:

• Headscarf for mosques and conservative areas
• Loose-fitting clothes for medina comfort
• Be prepared for attention from vendors

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Guide

Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For

March-May | Pleasant, 20-28°C | Moderate | Ideal overall

June-August | Hot, 35-45°C | Lower | Budget travel

Sept-November | Warm, 25-32°C | Moderate | Ideal overall

December-February | Cool, 12-22°C | High (holidays) | Winter escape

Events Calendar

• January: Marrakech Marathon
• April: CAFE Music Festival
• June: Gnaoua Festival (Essaouira, easy day trip)
• July: Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
• November: Marrakech International Film Festival
• Ramadan (varies): Special evening atmospheres

Sample Itineraries

2 Days in Marrakech

Day 1: Medina Immersion

• Morning: Ben Youssef Madrasa, nearby souks
• Lunch: Local restaurant near spice market
• Afternoon: Bahia Palace, Mellah (Jewish quarter)
• Evening: Jemaa el-Fna food stalls, rooftop drinks

Day 2: Palaces & Gardens

• Morning: Majorelle Garden (arrive at opening)
• Late Morning: El Badi Palace
• Lunch: Gueliz restaurant
• Afternoon: Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia area
• Evening: Fine dining experience or cooking class

4 Days in Marrakech

Add to the above:

Day 3: Day Trip

• Atlas Mountains (Ourika Valley or Imlil)
• Or: Essaouira coastal escape

Day 4: Deeper Exploration

• Morning: Return to souks for shopping
• Hammam experience (2-3 hours)
• Afternoon: Gueliz exploration, café culture
• Evening: Dinner show or rooftop sunset drinks

1 Week: Marrakech & Beyond

• Days 1-3: Marrakech exploration as above
• Days 4-5: Sahara desert excursion (overnight in Merzouga)
• Day 6: Return via Ait Benhaddou
• Day 7: Final Marrakech shopping and relaxation

Final Tips

1. Embrace the chaos — Marrakech rewards those who dive in
2. Wake up early — Morning light is magical and crowds are thin
3. Book a hammam — The traditional bath experience is unmissable
4. Say yes to tea — Accepting hospitality opens doors
5. Leave room in your luggage — You will buy things
6. Return to Jemaa el-Fna at night — The evening atmosphere is unforgettable
7. Get off the beaten path — The most memorable moments happen in unexpected places

Marrakech challenges and rewards in equal measure. Behind every frustrating encounter with a persistent vendor lies a genuine conversation with an artisan who learned his craft from his father. Beyond every crowded tourist sight waits a quiet courtyard where you can sip mint tea and watch the light change. Give yourself time, stay curious, and this ancient city will reveal its magic.