14 ultimate things to do in Marrakech, Morocco

If you are looking for the best things to do in Marrakech, look no further! I spent 5 days in this enchanting but chaotic pink city, and found so many fantastic things to do! I loved exploring the narrow bustling streets of the medina, looking for a new colorful item to spice up my interior. The architecture of the palaces and museums is simply awe-inspiring. There are so many restaurants to try out some delicious traditional food, it is hard to choose! Marrakech is a city with never-ending options and you will never get enough of this place. I hope this travel guide with everything you need to know about Marrakech will help you to plan your trip.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

Discover more about Morocco

Fes – Chefchaouen – Road trip guide – solo travel tips – Affordable Hotels – YouTube Series

14 very best things to do in Marrakech, Morocco

Where is Marrakech & how to get there

Marrakech is situated in the mid-southwestern region of Morocco. South from Marrakech you will find the foothills of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains and coast town Essaouira is about 190 kilometers to the west. Marrakech has its own airport so it is easy to fly in. If you are traveling through Morocco you can take the train from Casablanca, Rabat or Fes.
You can also take the CTM bus from most cities in Morocco, rent a car or hire a driver like I did.

Where and how long should you stay

I recommed staying in the medina (the old town) in one of the wonderful riads or hotels. That way you are close to the souks, the sights and the restaurants. I stayed a total of 5 nights in Marrakech in two different places, because I love to experience different quarters.

The first two nights I spent at L’Oriental Medina Riad & Spa. I received a very warm welcome with the traditional mint tea and I loved its riad atmosphere immediately. Traditional Moroccan music with a lounge twist was playing in the background and the whole riad smelled like orange blossom. The white and green mosaic gave it a fresh clean look and the small pool in the middle of the patio looked so inviting! My room was small but pretty and cozy with a spacious bathroom.

The other three nights I stayed at Riad Palais Sebban. Which, as its name states, was more of a palace than a riad (which is actually a traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard). Riad Palais Sebban consists of various parts with their own patios. The main part has a courtyard with a gorgeous terrace and swimming pool. The reception area is a magnificent space with white marble walls, all intricately carved and designed. The rooftop views of this place were amazing. When I was waiting for my room, a tour group actually entered the main courtyard. Apparently some tours added this palace to their itinerary, as it is simply stunning! I stayed at a standard room in the back, which was spacious enough for just me.

If you prefer an even more luxurious stay in Marrakech, you probably should stay at La Mamounia. I didn’t stay here, but had the opportunity to visit the hotel and enjoy lunch at the beautiful pool pavillion. The staff was extremely friendly and if I could afford it, I would definitely stay here!

Use the map to choose your perfect stay:

Booking.com

When is the best time to go

I visited Marrakech the first week of April. One day it was pouring rain, but the other days it stayed dry (Locals told me this weather wasn’t normal for the time of the year). Temperatures were between 15 and 25°C. In the evening I had to wear a jacket because it really cools off once the sun is setting.

I think you can visit Marrakech the whole year. But the best times are probably Spring and Fall. Winters can be cold and wet, Summers too hot.

What to pack when going to Marrakech

What you need to know about Marrakech is that even though by day it can get really warm, it cools off quickly in the evening. So when you want to experience all the best things to do in Marrakech in all comfort, I recommend non-synthetic long loose pants or long flowy dresses to respect the local culture. I also took a cardigan and a jacket to wear in the evening. Don’t bring high heels, because the streets are often cobblestoned and not the easiest to walk.

How to experience Marrakech at its best

The best way to experience Marrakech is to stay in a riad in the medina. You can go exploring early in the morning and in the afternoon you can explore more, relax at the pool of your riad or go shopping in the souks. I loved being able to have dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Jemaa El Fna area or at the Place des Epices. I didn’t have to take a taxi, I could just walk around and enjoy the evening vibes of the city.

Things you need to know before you go

Most streets in the Marrakech medina are car free, but you will see scooters everywhere. They drive fast and don’t stop for anything so if you hear a scooter, make sure to step aside. They even drive in the narrowest streets so be aware.

Always keep your belongings close to you. There is a lot of pickpocketing and a local told me there are guys on scooters who will try to steal your bag or what you’re holding in your hands.

Marrakech isn’t that hard to navigate. It is not like Fes. If you have a maps app, you probably won’t get lost.

“La shokran” means “No, thanks”, you can use this if store owners ask you to visit their store and you’re not interested. Use “Salam Aleikum” to say hi to someone. It will bring a smile on their face. When I greeted people with it, they became super friendly.

14 Best things to do in Marrakech

1. Bahia Palace, the most popular palace

One of the most popular things to do in Marrakech is Bahia Palace. So I visited this palace at opening time. I was the only one there for about 15 minutes and then other people started to arrive. My favorite part of the palace was the garden next to the main patio. It had a fountain surrounded by orange trees, flowers and richly decorated walls. I loved all the palace rooms with the colored tiles and the arches surrounded with arabesques.

2. El Badi Palace, the ruined palace

The Badi Palace is totally different from the Bahia Palace. This ruined palace was completed in 1593 and it must’ve been huge because there is even a water bassin in the middle of the giant court. This is a place where you need to imagine what it once looked like. The storks nesting here are a nice extra!

3. Dar Si Said, an underrated museum

This is in fact a museum for carpets and Moroccan artisanal objects. But I visited Dar Si Said because of its amazing architecture. Here you also find the traditional tiled walls and carvings. It is not far from Bahia Palace.

4. Saadian Tombs, beautiful architecture

These 66 tombs were only recently discovered in 1917. They are the final resting place of the royal family of the Saadian dynasty. The first grave was created in 1557, the last in 1659 when the dynasty came to an end. Since the new ruler Sultan Moulay Ismail wanted to remove traces of the former ruling family, he sealed the tombs. The tombs were forgotten and nature took over the complex until 1917, when aerial photographs revealed the existence of the tombs. The architecture of this place is breathtaking!

5. Kasbah Area

This area around the Moulay El Yazid mosque is a fun neighbourhood to explore. You’ll find some cute restaurants and shops here. I visited a berber pharmacy called Herboristerie Mishkat here and I had so much fun with the owner who showed me how cremes and oils were made.

6. Jardin Majorelle, one of the most colorful things to do in Marrakech

This is probably the most popular sight of Marrakech. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought this garden in 1980 to save it from destruction to make room for a hotel complex. They restaured the garden and now you can visit the garden and the museum. The trees, plants and flowers are simply stunning and I loved the blue colored buildings! Don’t expect to be here on your own. It is always crowded, even early in the morning.

7. Jardin Secret, a hidden garden in Marrakech

This place really is a bit of a secret, because not many people visit it. I loved spending time here in the afternoon sun. Unlike Jardin Majorelle this is a place where you can enjoy some silence and rest.

8. Shopping at the Souk, one of the most fun things to do in Marrakech

Shopping in the souk is one of the most amusing things you can do in Marrakech. You won’t believe all the things I bought here. Carpets, poufs, lamps, clothes, shoes, bags, tea sets, pottery,… the options are endless. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, all the colors are super photogenic and the smells of the food and spices incredible.

9. Place des Epices

This is a small colorful square where they sell spices and straw objects such as bags and baskets. Also when you are hungry, this is the ideal place to hang out! There are a lot of fantastic rooftop restaurants here!

10. Stroll around the Jemaa El Fna, the most famous thing to do in Marrakech

This is the most famous and busiest square of Marrakech. Besides shops and fruit juice stalls, you will find people trying to put monkeys on your shoulders or head, snake charmers, musicians, games and a lot of other activities and things. During the day it is crowded, but in the evening it becomes a mad place. It seems as if the whole city gathers on the square during the evening. You really need to experience it at least once. But keep your belongings close to your body!

11. Mosque Koutoubia

The Koutoubia mosque is the biggest mosque in Marrakech. You can’t enter but the area around the mosque is beautiful to explore, like the park and the ruins of the former mosque.

12. Dar el Bacha Museum / Musée des confluences, one of my favorite things to do in Marrakech

I received this tip from my new Austrian friends. They took me to this breathtaking place that back then was not to be found in any travel guide (not even Lonely Planet). It turned out to be the most beautiful palace and one of my most favorite things to do in Marrakech! There was so much detail and color in the architecture! And it was not crowded at all! We were there alone!

13. Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech is a marvel of Islamic architecture that leaves visitors in awe with its intricate details and serene atmosphere. The Madrasa was once a theological college, founded in the 14th century by the Marinid dynasty, and has since undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its historical significance. Unfortunately when I was in Marrakech it was closed due to these renovations.

Just like the ones in Fes and Meknes, this former islamic college has a stunning courtyard adorned with colorful zellige tiles, ornate stucco carvings, and a central fountain that glistens in the sunlight. The walls of the Madrasa are covered with delicate Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns, while the dormitory rooms showcase traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with their wooden ceilings and small alcoves. The Ben Youssef Madrasa is not only a testament to the rich Islamic culture of Morocco but also a peaceful haven amidst the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Marrakech.

14. Enjoy the delicious local food

• Le Bougainvillier: a Moroccan restaurant near Jardin Secret. Not only do they serve traditional Moroccan food like tajine and pastilla, they also make very good pizza (and I loooove pizza!).
• Café des Epices: This trendy restaurant at the Place des Epices has an incredible rooftop terrace with a fantastic view on the square. The menu consists of salads, tajines and sandwiches. You need to reserve a table if you want a good one on the terrace.
• Café Snack Rahba Kedima: Less trendy, but more traditional than the previous one and also situated on the Place des Epices with a small tooftop terrace (but with a better view than Café des Epices). I tried the kefta and egg tajine, which was delicious.
• Nomad: Another trendy restaurant at the Place des Epices from the same group as Cafe des Epices with a nice rooftop restaurant.
• Café de France: I ate a few times here just for the view on the Jemaa el Fna square. The food was good, but the view at sunset even better!
• Café Clock: I didn’t visit Café Clock in Marrakech, but I did visit the others in Fes and Chefchaouen and they were both great! Try the camel burger here! I’m sure you will like it!

Pin the best things to do in Marrakech for later!

Book your trip to Marrakech here:

Booking.com

If you want to help me a little please share this “Best things to do in Marrakech” article on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or any kind of social media. A small thing for you to do that can make a big difference for me! Massive thanks!
If you like the pictures in this article, I suggest to follow my Instagram account where you can find a lot more!
Don’t hesitate to leave comments or questions down below!