Marrakech is one of the planet’s most enticing destinations. With its pink facades, its splendid view of the Atlas and its gardens, its magnificent museums, and its rooftop restaurants, Marrakech is a destination that you’ll absolutely want to discover.
There’s something about Marrakech. Africa’s first official Capital of Culture is not just a city... it’s a living, breathing expression of culture. The best things to do in Marrakech need to be seen, heard, smelt, touched and tasted.
Marrakech is a must see in Morocco, so if you’re planning a trip to Morocco, this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Marrakech, including the best museums, hammams, palaces and souks is for you.
Let’s dive right in.
The medina of Marrakech, Morocco
There are a lot of things to visit in Marrakech: mosques, palaces and gardens… Here are some essential places to visit during your stay.
The Jemaa el-Fna Square is Marrakech’s biggest attraction, and is a Unesco world heritage site that has become one of the symbols of the city since its foundation in the eleventh century. It represents a unique concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious and artistic expressions, making it at the top list of the things to do in Marrakech.
Pro tip: If you want to take pictures of musicians, monkeys and snakes, make sure to tip them, this is how they make a living.
Jemaa el Fna square
Located right next to Jemaa el Fna square, the koutoubia mosque is the main landmark, and the largest mosque in Marrakech. You can see it from almost everywhere in the city, and it's one of the unmissable Marrakech sights.
Although entry is prohibited to non-Muslims, it is very pleasant to stroll through the surrounding gardens. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the square of Jemaa el Fna, this is the perfect place.
The Koutoubia Mosque
The souk is a must see if you are in Morocco, and Marrakech is famous for its souks.
Souks are the traditional markets found in the heart of Medina (old town). Honestly, it's a real maze and it's easy to get lost, it's so huge. If you are looking for typical Moroccan things, you are spoiled for choice: Berber carpets, spices, pottery, cheche, slippers, argan oil, black soap, etc.
If you’re looking for a true Marrakchi experience, get stuck in and do some haggling with one of the local traders, and do not hesitate to do some scouting, because the prices vary from one store to another despite the fact that they sell the same things.
The Souks of Marrakech
Formerly inhabited by grand viziers, this palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech. With its oriental architecture, magnificent courtyards, painted, gilded ceilings, polychrome zellige tiling, carved stucco and gardens, you will literally be amazed. I loved this place where we would have really imagined ourselves in a tale of a thousand and one nights.
It is obviously one of the main things to do in Marrakech, so go there early in the morning around 8am to enjoy the place quietly.
The Bahia palace
The epic ruins of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour's once-magnificent palace, it is another well-known historical palace in Marrakech. El Badi may be a ruin, however the visit remains very interesting as it offers a fascinating insight into the power and wealth of past Moroccan dynasties.
Built at the end of the 16th century by a Saadian sultan, you will get to discover the history of this palace, but also of Marrakech until today, through exhibitions. You’ll also find the jewel that is Koutoubia's minbar (prayer pulpit), crafted by 12th-century Cordoban artisans.
The Badi Palace
Majorelle garden is an essential place to visit in Marrakech. Created in 1924 by the painter Jacque Majorelle and later bought by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, it is one of the most beautiful places you’ll see in Marrakech.
You’ll instantly fall under the spell of this oasis, home to several varieties of exotic plants and cacti than you can shake a terrarium at and has a stunning Majorelle blue art deco house as its centerpiece.
During your visit, you have the opportunity to visit the Berber museum and just next to the garden the Yves-Saint Laurent museum, dedicated to Yves’s couture legacy and has a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career.
Pro tip: If you buy a ticket to visit Majorelle garden and YSL museum and the entrance, the entrance to the Berber museum will be free.
The Majorelle Garden
It's a little less well known but still worth a visit. It is the largest and oldest riad in Marrakech, it was the home of many Moroccan political figures. This Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan-inspired palace is made up of two gardens: exotic and Islamic.
The Secret Garden, Marrakech
Saadian tombs are another beautiful place to discover in Marrakech. You can contemplate the different rooms where the members of the Saadian royal family who reigned over Morocco in the 16th century rest.
The Saadian tombs
Spending the night in the Agafay desert was an unusual experience you can do during your stay in Marrakech. Admittedly, the Agafay desert is not the Sahara, in reality it takes three days to reach the dreamy Sahara desert… but all the elements are there to pretend: dunes and a landscape as far as the eye could see. (Everything you need to know about visiting the the Sahra desert here)
the Agafay desert
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is probably the most beautiful construction in the medina, vast in ambition and covered in intricate detail: coffered cedar ceilings, geometric tiling, stucco worked into elaborate floral motifs. It was the largest and most important Islamic school in Morocco. It has over 130 rooms and housed over 900 students.
Medersa Ben youssef
The hammam – a public bathhouse – is a Moroccan institution and you’ll find at least one in every neighborhood in Marrakech. Take a chance to try this restorative experience when you feel most tired or on a rainy day. Moroccans go to the Hammam weekly, for a relaxing gommage (scrub) with black soap, but also to reconnect with themselves and with friends and family.
The Medina of Marrakech
I hope you enjoyed this updated guide to the best things to do in Marrakech right now.
If you want to start planning your Morocco trip, or hire a trusthworthy local guide to help you discover Marrakech, get in touch with me here.
There is something for everyone in this magical city, and no matter how you envision your trip in Morocco, we can make it happen.
