To remember Activities in Marrakech are best enjoyed in spring or autumn, alternating between the bustle of the souks and the calm of the gardens. Stay in the medina for immersion, in the modern districts for comfort. Book the highlights (Majorelle, Bahia) early in the morning, save a day for an excursion to the desert or mountains, and treat yourself to a hammam at the end of your stay. The secret to a great trip: don't try to tick off everything.
With almost 4 million visitors expected by 2024, Marrakech is beating record after record. Now a leading destination, the ochre city attracts visitors for its energy, its palaces and its unique light. But how can you make the most of it without getting bogged down in the maze of alleyways or missing out on its hidden treasures?
We often end up going round in circles in the medina instead of savouring the magic of the place. In this article, we've brought together the must-sees for you: monuments, gardens, souks, desert and good addresses. We've put together a list of the must-see sights, gardens, souks, desert and good addresses to make your stay in Marrakech a balanced experience of culture, adventure and luxury, to suit all tastes. Follow the guide.
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Preparing your stay in Marrakech
The key to a successful trip to Marrakech is good preparation. Whether you're staying in the centre or on the outskirts, a few simple decisions can make all the difference once you're in Marrakech.
When to go: the best period
The climate dictates your comfort. From March to May, and again from September to November, the skies remain clear but the heat is not overwhelming: it's the ideal time for walking. Winter has its charm, with sunny days and cool evenings. Avoid midsummer, however, when visits to the outdoors become painful from mid-morning onwards.
One thing to bear in mind: the European school holidays swell the crowds at Marrakech's many monuments. Aim for the opening of the sites to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Where to stay: medina or modern districts
The riad in the heart of Marrakech's medina offers total immersion in Arabo-Andalusian architecture, behind anonymous doors. It's our favourite for those seeking authenticity. The alternative are the luxury hotels of l'Hivernage or Gueliz, These are more functional, with wide avenues and easy access by car.
Decide according to your profile: immersing yourself in the medina means accepting the narrow streets and sometimes the luggage cart. That's the price of authenticity.
Getting around the city
The centre of Marrakech is best explored on foot, which is often the best means of transport. Make sure you have an off-line map, as the GPS can quickly get lost in the medina. For longer journeys, you can't beat a small taxi, but a ride in a horse-drawn carriage has its own old-fashioned charm. If you're feeling more sporty, try out a bicycle, and if you want to explore the whole of the city, opt for a hire car.
To save time, group your activities by sector: one day for the monuments in the south of the medina, another for the sites in the north. This way, you won't have to cross the historic centre in every direction, and there's always room for the unexpected.
Good to know For a busy itinerary, it's best to group visits by district. For a busy itinerary, it's best to group visits by district.
Jemaa el-Fna square, the heart of Marrakech
Once you've packed your bags, head to the beating heart of the city for an immediate sensory shock. You can't just visit Jemaa el-Fna: you have to listen and breathe it in.
By day, the main square is filled with orange juice vendors, herbalists and water carriers. The atmosphere is vibrant but still breathable. At dusk, the metamorphosis takes place in the fragrant smoke of grilled meats: hundreds of stalls set up, the drums start their rhythm, and it becomes a huge open-air restaurant.
For a moment of peace and quiet, climb onto a terrace high above the city. Order a mint tea and watch the hustle and bustle: it's the best vantage point from which to contemplate this UNESCO-listed spectacle. It's undoubtedly one of Marrakech's finest attractions.
Our advice: come back at two different times of the day. Jemaa el-Fna never looks the same, and remains one of the liveliest places to visit in the whole of Marrakech.
The Bahia Palace and its princely decor
Leave the hustle and bustle of the square for the calm of the flower-filled patios and painted ceilings. This 19th-century masterpiece illustrates the genius of Morocco.
The zellij and carved cedar wood are testimony to a unique expertise. A visit to Marrakech is full of surprises, starting with its labyrinthine structure: eight hectares, one hundred and fifty decorated rooms and lush vegetation. Light plays a central role, casting geometric shadows on the marble floors. A paradise for lovers of fine architecture and photography, and one of Marrakech's must-sees.
The Majorelle garden and the Yves Saint Laurent museum
The ochre of the ramparts is suddenly replaced by the intensity of a blue that has left its mark on fashion history. The Majorelle garden preserves Yves Saint Laurent's legacy: a bubble of botanical freshness, in complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.
The plant collection is impressive, with giant cacti, bamboo and water lilies set in crystal-clear pools. You can also visit the Yves Saint Laurent memorial and the Berber museum. These two Marrakech museums are well worth a visit. The surrounding area, one of the most popular in the city, is also examined in our Marrakech neighbourhood guide.
Good to know Majorelle Garden: Tickets for the Majorelle Garden can now only be purchased online. Make sure you get there as soon as it opens so you can enjoy the site before the crowds arrive.
The Secret Garden, a hidden oasis in the medina
Less popular than Majorelle, this restored botanical garden is one of our finest surprises. Nestling in the heart of Marrakech's medina, it features two areas: an exotic garden and a serene Islamic garden.
Climb the tower for an unobstructed view of the rooftops and minarets. It's the perfect place to take a breather between two visits, away from the hustle and bustle of the souks. A real treat.
The Medersa Ben Youssef and the art of zelliges
Back to the medina to discover this former Koranic school, a jewel of Marrakech's Merinid architecture. The finesse of the details is immediately striking: sacred calligraphy, floral motifs, chiselled cedar wood.
The Medersa also has austere cells that contrast with the richness of the central courtyard. It reopened in 2022 after a lengthy restoration, which has restored the mosaics to their former glory. The place seems frozen in time.
The Koutoubia mosque and its historic minaret
It's impossible to miss this spiritual beacon that towers 77 metres above Marrakech. Access to the interior is reserved for the Muslim faithful, so you can admire it from the perfectly tended gardens outside.
The Almohad architecture of the 12th century is impressive for its rigour. It served as a model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. At dusk, the call to prayer creates a solemn atmosphere: a moment suspended in the heart of the ochre city.
The Saadian tombs, Marrakech's hidden treasure
Close to the Kasbah, the Saadian tombs are one of the most exciting places to visit in Marrakech. The site remained sealed off for centuries before being rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century. You enter through a narrow corridor that leads to an unexpected setting.
The visit is surprising from the moment you enter: the Hall of the Twelve Columns, made of Carrara marble, houses the tombs of the sultans in a setting of rare beauty. Outside, the servants' tombs lie beneath a peaceful garden, adorned with colourful mosaics. The contrast between the sculpted marble and the greenery alone sums up the soul of Marrakech. These places steeped in history are among the city's most beautiful sights.
The souks of Marrakech and local craftsmanship
Let's get back to the heart of the Marrakchi trade, where crafts have been passed down for centuries. They are organised by trade: tanners, spice makers, ironmongers, each with its own identity.
To buy, you need to master the art of negotiation. In Marrakech, haggling is part of the game: be courteous, never reveal your price first, and be patient. That's what haggling is all about.
Focus on unique items to bring home an authentic souvenir: hand-sewn leather babouches, carved copper lanterns, argan oil and spices. Look for hidden workshops at the end of cul-de-sacs, far from the standardised thoroughfares: that's where real craftsmanship lives. To make sure you don't get lost, our dedicated guide details each shopping aisle.
More than just a purchase, it's a total sensory immersion: the scent of spices, the pounding of copper, carpets piled high. It's an experience you should have at least once in Marrakech.
A Moroccan cooking class
To experience Marrakech differently, there's nothing like a culinary workshop. You'll go to the market to pick out vegetables and spices, then learn how to roll couscous or assemble a tajine the right way. Moroccan gastronomy will hold no secrets for you.
This workshop often takes place in a riad, over a shared lunch. It's a convivial activity, ideal for couples, families or friends, and one of the best souvenirs to bring back from a trip.
The traditional hammam, a ritual of well-being
After a walk, the body needs a break. Marrakech offers two faces of spa treatment: the local establishment, an authentic social institution, and the luxury spa, a sumptuous private cocoon.
The ritual begins with black soap, followed by a vigorous scrub with a kessa glove, then a rhassoul body wrap. Add an argan oil massage, and relaxation is complete. We always finish with a mint tea to gently rehydrate.
It's the ideal interlude at the end of your stay, when your legs have been walking around Marrakech. Treat yourself to this moment: you'll leave feeling totally rejuvenated.
The Palmeraie in Marrakech, a green escape
Let's step outside the city walls to explore the Palmeraie de Marrakech, the historic oasis that borders the north of the city. Today, this palm-fringed area is home to beautiful villas and discreet resorts: it is one of the city's best areas to invest in a riad.
The dromedary remains the classic for a ride at sunset. Those who prefer off-road activities will prefer quad bikes or bicycles to explore the palm groves. And for an exceptional experience, treat yourself to a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise: the balloon flies over the oasis and the Atlas mountains in magical silence.
«Many of our customers fall in love with Marrakech during a simple stroll through the palm grove. That's often when they decide they want to settle here for good.»
- Arnaud Duysens, co-founder of Klair & Arno
The best excursions from Marrakech
Marrakech is also a fantastic base camp. In a day, or a little more, you can take in some spectacular scenery. The choice of excursion depends on the time you have available, your planned activities and your interests. The Agafay desert, for example, can be visited in a morning. Compare the best deals before you book: here are our favourite excursions from Marrakech, all easily accessible from Marrakech.
The Agafay desert
Just 30 minutes away, the Agafay desert offers a lunar landscape of arid hills facing the Atlas Mountains. The camps offer dinners under the stars, an infinity pool and camel rides. A perfect excursion for a magical evening without driving for hours.
The Ourika Valley
An hour's drive away, the Ourika valley unfolds its Berber villages along the river. Here you can visit argan oil cooperatives, have lunch with your feet almost in the water, and hike to waterfalls. A green valley that makes a radical change from the city.
Whichever you choose, leave early: the best times are spent in the fresh air, and the return to Marrakech is stress-free. Expect a full day's outing, with an early start.
The Ouzoud waterfalls
Further afield, a day at the Ouzoud waterfalls is worth the 2? hour drive: 110 metre waterfalls, permanent rainbows and free-roaming macaques. The highest waterfall in the country, and a great dose of nature.
The Great Desert: Merzouga and Zagora
To experience the real Sahara, you need to go further afield. The Merzouga desert and its golden dunes are well worth a two- or three-day visit. The more accessible Zagora desert is a shorter excursion. In both cases, the night in a bivouac under the stars remains a highlight of any trip to Morocco.
Marrakech by night: going out and having fun
When the sun goes down, the city reveals a different face in the evening. Rooftops, dinner shows, hotel bars and clubs liven up the modern districts. The city also hosts numerous events throughout the year, from the Film Festival to Marrakech du rire.
Film buffs won't want to miss an open-air screening under the stars, when the programme allows. One of our best tips is to ask your guest house for current addresses, which are often safer than the guidebooks. It's the perfect way to prolong the magic of Marrakech after dark.
FAQ
What are the fun things to do in Marrakech?
A visit to the Place Jemaa el-Fna, the Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Gardens, a dip in the Medina and a wellness break at the spa are all good ideas. As for nature, a walk in the palm grove or an excursion to the Agafay desert complete the picture. For a friendly touch, a Moroccan cookery workshop is always a hit.
What unusual things can you do in Marrakech?
To get off the beaten track, try a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise, a cookery class in a riad, or discovering this hidden haven in the heart of the medina. A night in a bivouac in the Sahara dunes or a dinner under the stars in Agafay are also among the most memorable experiences.
What activities are free in Marrakech?
Strolling through the Place Jemaa el-Fna, getting lost in the maze of the medina, admiring the Koutoubia from its gardens or watching the storks at the Palais El Badi: Marrakech is full of free pleasures. The atmosphere of the medina, however, costs nothing and remains one of the best memories of your trip.
You can enjoy the Koutoubia Gardens and Lalla Hasna Park free of charge, take in the lively spectacle of the square at sunset, or simply explore the neighbourhoods on foot. Sometimes the best things in Marrakech are the simplest.
