Marrakech, a city that whispers the tales of its ancient past, invites you to immerse yourself in its vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and sensory experiences.

Often referred to as the Red City due to the blush-coloured walls that embrace its old Medina, Marrakech is a testament to Morocco's rich history and dynamic present.

In this guide, we’ve curated our favourite things to do in Marrakech from our recent visit.

Stay in a Riad
Explore the Souks (markets)
Jemaa el Fna
Maison de la Photographie
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Dine at rooftop restaurants
Bathe in a Hammam
Buy spices in Mellah
Eat Mechoi lamb, Couscous and Tagine
Eat alongside belly dancers
Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum
Visit the Atlas Mountains
Stay at a desert camp

A Glimpse into Marrakech's Past

Founded in 1071 by the Almoravids, Marrakech swiftly rose to prominence as a cultural, religious, and trading centre.

Its strategic location made it a nexus of caravan routes connecting the Sahara with the northern cities of Morocco and beyond.

Over centuries, Marrakech has seen the rise and fall of dynasties, each leaving behind a legacy etched in the city's palaces, mosques, and gardens.

Today, the city is a harmonious blend of its historical roots and modern Moroccan life, enticing visitors with its enduring charm.

Marrakech's Neighbourhoods

Medina: The heart of Marrakech, the Medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, and historic architecture, encapsulating the city's rich heritage and bustling life. A UNESCO world hertige site.
Kasbah: Situated in the southern part of the Medina, the Kasbah is a historic royal fort with imposing gates and palaces, home to the Saadian Tombs and the Royal Palace, steeped in the city's royal legacy.
Hivernage: Known for its luxurious hotels, cosmopolitan restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, Hivernage is Marrakech's upscale district, offering a modern contrast to the traditional Medina.
Gueliz: Often referred to as the New City, Gueliz is Marrakech's contemporary quarter, boasting art galleries, chic boutiques, and French-inspired cafes, embodying the city's modern cosmopolitan flair.
Mellah: The historic Jewish quarter of Marrakech, the Mellah, is distinguished by its unique architecture, bustling spice markets, and a rich history reflecting the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures in the city.

We stayed in Kasbah during our trip and spent most of our time getting lost in the Medina.

Things to Do in Marrakech

Stay in a Traditional Riad

Nestled within the Medina, traditional Riads offer an intimate glimpse into Moroccan architecture and hospitality. These historic homes turned boutique hotels are known for their beauty, serene courtyards, and gracious hosts, providing a tranquil retreat from the city's hustle.

We stayed at Riad Hugo in the south of the city in the Kasbah neighbourhood. The location was fantastic and our host Tariq was extremely helpful; collecting us from outside the Medina walls and had lots of advice on what to do and see.

Explore the Souks

Marrakech's souks are a treasure trove of homeware, spices, and crafts. Wonder through the maze-like markets, haggle over prices, and discover the rich tapestry of Moroccan craftsmanship.

You’ll find some beautiful homeware for very reasonable prices alongside many other Morrocan delights.

The ‘Berber pharmacies’ are great to visit, these small shops are run by Berber people with all sorts of amazing herbal medicines and toiletries that the store owner will demonstrate for you if you ask nicely.

Whilst you’re at it, you might want to leave space (and enough weight) in your suitcase to bring back a Moroccan rug which are much pricier to buy back in the UK.

Our favourite street of shops was Riad Zitoun El Kdim, just south of the main square Jemma el Fna.

Jemaa El Fnaa

The pulsating heart of the Medina in Marrakech, Jemaa El Fnaa, buzzes with food stalls, snake charmers, and entertainers. Despite its touristy veneer, the square offers an unmissable spectacle of Moroccan street life. Visiting it in the day is crazy enough but make sure you go there in the evening when it truly comes alive!

We found the food stalls to be very touristy so tended to avoid these (also, you’ll find it difficult to casually walk through them as the people working at them will hassle you the entire time to eat at their stall). However, one night, we did have a late night bite here and we’d advise you to find a stall in the corner filled with locals (where there is no one hassling you to come and eat); those are the best ones!

Visit the Maison de la Photographie

Boasting the highest rooftop in the Medina, the Maison de la Photographie showcases stunning photography of Marrakech, offering insights into its historical and cultural landscape.

The Maison de la Photographie stands as a captivating tribute to Morocco's visual history, showcasing an extensive collection of photographs, glass negatives, and original prints that span from the 1870s to the 1950s.

Located in a beautifully restored Riad in the heart of the Medina, this museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into Moroccan life, landscapes, and architecture through the lens of pioneering photographers.

The museum also boasts one of the highest viewpoints of the city from its rooftop terrace (we didn’t eat there but the food did look and smell great!).

Admire Ben Youssef Madrasa

This former Islamic college is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, featuring intricate tile work and carvings, making it a photographer's paradise.

The Ben Youssef Madrasa, once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, showcasing the intricate beauty of Islamic art.

Founded in the 14th century and reconstructed in the 16th century, this historical gem is located in the heart of Marrakech's Medina and it’s an amazing place to spend an hour or two surrounded by beautiful architecture and taking amazing portrait pictures.

Dine at a Rooftop Restaurants

Marrakech has many rooftop restaurants where you can soak in the North African sun whilst tucking into some delicious cous cous and tagines. Here is a list of our recommendations:

Nomad
Maison de la Photographie
DarDar

Experience a Hammam

If you’re in Marrakech you’ve got to experience a Hammam!

Hammams, or traditional Moroccan bathhouses, are divided into two main types: the authentic public hammam and the more private, tourist-friendly establishments.

Public Hammams

These are deeply ingrained in the local culture, offering a communal bathing experience that is both humble and authentic.

The process involves transitioning through various rooms of increasing heat to soften the skin, followed by a vigorous scrub by a "tellak" (bath attendant), which leaves the skin rejuvenated.

It's a social experience, where locals gather to chat and relax, providing a rare insight into Moroccan community life.

Private Hammams

Catering to tourists and those seeking a more secluded experience, private hammams offer luxurious settings where traditional practices are blended with modern comforts. These establishments often provide a variety of services, including massages and spa treatments, in addition to the steam and scrub.

The ambience is serene, with beautifully tiled rooms, soothing music, and a more personal space for relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the hammam experience at their own pace, often with options to customize their treatments with aromatic oils and clays.

Read our guide about the hammams in Marrakech

Discover the Mellah

Established in the 16th century by the Sultan to house Jewish citizens, the Mellah was once a thriving centre of trade and Jewish culture, distinguished by its unique architecture, including synagogues, schools, and a Jewish cemetery, one of the largest of its kind in Morocco.

Today, while the Jewish population has dwindled, the Mellah retains its distinct character amidst the labyrinth of Marrakech.

You can explore the narrow streets lined with spice shops, traditional bakeries, and artisan workshops, offering a glimpse into the daily life that has persisted over centuries. It’s a great place to come to buy your Ras el Hanout spice.

Tuck into some Mechoi Lamb at Chez Lamine

Savouring Mechoui lamb at Chez Lamine in Marrakech is a culinary experience that pays homage to Morocco's rich gastronomic traditions.

Nestled within the bustling alleys of the Medina, Chez Lamine has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for those eager to experience the authentic taste of Moroccan Mechoui.

This delicacy consists of slow-roasted lamb, traditionally cooked in an underground clay oven, allowing the meat to tenderise over several hours.

The result is exceptionally succulent and flavourful meat that falls off the bone, served with a side of fresh bread, Moroccan salads, and, a sprinkle of cumin and salt to enhance the flavours.

We will warn you in advance, it’s not a pretty eat but oh my it’s so delicious! We’d recommend you use your hands to eat it and get stuck in to it; the flavours just aren’t the same when using a knife and fork.

Full review of Chez Lamine coming soon - Subscribe for updates

Cocktails and belly dancing at Comptoir Darna

Situated in the Hivernage district of Marrakech, Comptoir Darna is more than just a restaurant; it's a multifaceted venue that offers an exquisite dining experience, captivating entertainment, and a chic atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of modern Morocco.

At Comptoir Darna, you are treated to a rich menu that marries traditional Moroccan dishes with international flavours. From succulent tagines and perfectly grilled meats to innovative takes on classic Moroccan flavours, the cuisine here is a celebration of Morocco's culinary heritage, elevated to suit the refined tastes of its clientele.

As night falls and you’re tucking into your main course, Comptoir Darna transforms into a vibrant hub of entertainment. The air is filled with the enchanting rhythms of live music, and the space comes alive with belly dancers, adding an element of traditional allure to the evening.

The ambience is further enhanced by the restaurant's sophisticated decor, which features lovely lanterns, lush fabrics, and warm, inviting colours, all contributing to an atmosphere that is both luxurious and authentically Moroccan.

We’d recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance to secure a table.

Full review of Comptoir Darna coming soon - Subscribe for updates

Visit Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum

The Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum are two of Marrakech's most iconic and visited cultural landmarks, each offering a distinct but interconnected experience that celebrates art, fashion, and the vibrant heritage of Morocco.

Jardin Majorelle

This enchanting garden is a vivid masterpiece of botanical beauty and architectural design, created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. Over the years, it became famous for its striking cobalt blue accents, known as Majorelle Blue, amidst a lush landscape of exotic plants from around the world. Paths wind through the garden, leading you past tranquil streams, ponds filled with water lilies and lotus flowers, and a collection of birds that add a serene soundtrack to the vivid visual splendor.

The garden also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, which includes North African textiles from Saint Laurent’s collection, along with ceramics, jewellery, and paintings by Jacques Majorelle.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Inside the Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is a modern homage to the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who, along with his partner Pierre Bergé, purchased and restored the Jardin Majorelle in 1980.

The museum showcases a significant portion of Saint Laurent's work, including a comprehensive collection of haute couture garments, accessories, sketches, and photographs that highlight his creative genius and his deep affection for Marrakech, a city that significantly influenced his designs and life.

The museum itself is a piece of art, designed by Studio KO, with a façade that mirrors the weave of a fabric and interiors that elegantly house the exhibition spaces, a research library, a bookstore, and a café.

Visit the Atlas Mountains

The journey into the Atlas Mountains, just 60 minutes from Marrakech unfolds through winding roads, with each turn presenting breathtaking vistas of rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and traditional Berber villages that cling to the mountainsides.

These communities maintain a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the simplicity and beauty of mountain living. The hospitality of the Berber people is legendary, and many tours include a visit to a local home or cooperative, where you can experience firsthand the warmth and generosity of the local culture.

Activities in the Atlas Mountains cater to all interests and fitness levels, from gentle walks through walnut groves and terraced fields to challenging treks up Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.

For those seeking a cultural experience, there are opportunities to learn about traditional Berber crafts, such as carpet weaving and argan oil production.

The natural beauty of the Atlas Mountains is also a highlight, with the region offering everything from lush valleys and gorges to high plateaus and snowy peaks, depending on the season. The Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls, and the Imlil Valley are just a few of the destinations that provide stunning scenery and a welcome respite from the heat of Marrakech.

Stay under the stars in the desert

One of the most enchanting experiences Morocco offers is a night under the stars. Marrakech is only about 40 minutes away from the Agafay Desert where you can spend some time winding down from the chaos of the city at beautiful desert camps.

Desert camps in Morocco range from basic, authentic experiences to luxurious "glamping" setups, but all offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty and profound silence of the desert.

A typical stay offers up opportunities like a camel trek at sunset or sunrise, when the light gently paints the dunes in shades of gold, pink, and red, creating a photographer's paradise. As night falls, the desert camp becomes a haven of warmth and hospitality. Guests can enjoy traditional Moroccan meals prepared over an open fire, often accompanied by Berber music and storytelling under a canopy of stars. It's an intimate experience that connects you to the vast landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of Morocco's nomadic peoples.

We stayed at Inara camp for 1 night and loved it. We enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner here with an afternoon dip in the pool and soaked up the peace and beauty of the region.

Other Marrakech hotspots that we didn’t make it to this time (we will be back):

Bahia Palace
Saadian Tombs
Musée de Marrakech
The Tanneries (Although our Air BnB host told us to avoid this as it is not authentic anymore and easy to get scammed)
Secret Garden
Koutoubia mosque
Hot air balloon ride
Koubba
Badi palace
Tahanaout for mountain views

Embracing the Spirit of Marrakech

Marrakech is not just a destination; it's an experience that continues to enchant and inspire travellers.

From the tranquillity of its Riads to the vibrant chaos of its souks, the city offers a journey through time, culture, and sensory delights.

Whether you're tracing the footsteps of history, indulging in culinary explorations, or capturing moments of beauty, Marrakech beckons with promises of unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and let Marrakech weave its magic around you.

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