In contrast to other vacation spots, Marrakech is truly unique. Everything in this bustling city is a visual, tactile, olfactory, and auditory feast. There is so much to see and do in this city that it should be included in any trip to Morocco. Our itinerary for Marrakech will walk you through everything you need to know.
As you make your way through the bustling alleys of Marrakesh, you'll be taken in by the vibrant shops, ornate doors, colorful piles of spices, and authentic Moroccan allure that can be found just about everywhere.
In this article, you will read more about the best things to do in Marrakech, how to get there, where to stay, and beautiful photos to inspire you
READ ALSO: The best 10 days in Morocco road trip itinerary
How to get to Marrakech?
As the country's capital, Marrakech is easily accessible from all around the world.
If you are traveling from Europe or another continent, flying will undoubtedly be the most convenient mode of transportation for you. I found a single Ryanair ticket from Eindhoven, Netherlands, for €68 including luggage on Skyscanner.
However, you can easily go to Marrakech by train or coach bus if you are already in another Moroccan city, such as Fes or Casablanca.
Although it is pretty easy to make a road trip in Morocco, and the cost of a rental car is quite reasonable, so I would suggest renting a car if you are comfortable with driving abroad. For example, I paid only €260 to rent a car for 8 days.
Best time to visit Marrakech
Morocco is a great place to visit at any time of the year, with snowy mountain peaks in the Atlas Mountains during autumn and spring to dry and extremely hot summers in July and August.
Although summer can be very hot, these are the months with the fewest tourists while spring and autumn are actually the busiest and best months to visit Morocco.
Where to stay in Marrakech
When it comes to the best places to stay in Marrakech, I would suggest booking a traditional riad in the center of the Medina. Riads are local guesthouses that typically offer all the luxury and comfort you need at an affordable price.
I stayed at Riad Selouane, which was definitely a hidden gem because it was just outside the hustle and bustle of the Medina, and the room on the roof terrace made our stay so much more unique.
There is a wide variety of accommodations available, and you can already find a room in a riad or hotel in Marrakech for € 20 per night. Although you can make this as expensive as you like.
Best restaurants in Marrakech
There are many amazing places to eat in the Medina from traditional cuisine to cozy restaurants with a variety of food from all around the world. During my stay in Fes, I went to several places that I believe are worth visiting and try some of their delicious meals.
- Fondouk Bazaar: A great spot with a relaxed vibe and a rooftop to have lunch or dinner
- Le Tarbouche: A very small but lovely place to have lunch. It is worth waiting for a seat as the food is delicious.
- The Kasbah Of Fes: The best place to eat authentic Moroccan food with stunning views of the Blue Gate
- The Ruined Garden: this hidden gem is a must-visit for dinner! the food is amazing and the decor makes it the perfect place for a romantic dinner.
- Cafe Clock: The best views over the Medina from the rooftop, combined with amazing food, live music, and traditional dance make it a great place to eat in Fes.
Marrakech itinerary: Day 1
Wander through the Medina
As the first thing to do in my Marrakech travel guide, I would suggest you wander through the narrow streets of Medina while observing the cultural and architectural value of the city. People, markets, and museums would dip you in a magical experience along the way. I truly fell in love with the colorful atmosphere it has.
Also, never miss sipping tea or coffee from a charming cafe beside the streets. Medina will be a paradise for you if you are a shopping lover. The smell of various spices and leather products that filled my nose made my experience perfect in every aspect.
BOOK: A private walking tour with a guide to get more knowledge about the history of the Medina
Watch locals at the famous Jemaa El-Fnaa Square
Soaking the culture in Marrakech is not limited to ancient landmarks. Jemaa El-Fnaa Square is one of the best free things to do in Marrakech to enjoy locals' cultural and traditional art performances.
While watching these performances, I recommend you treat yourself to one of the restaurants around the place. You can also try some truly unique local foods to add something new to your food diary. Beyond the art and music festivals, this space is open for offering services like local medicine, preaching, henna tattooing, and far more distinctive experiences for travelers.
COST: The entrance fee is 20 MAD / € 1,9 per person
TIP: Most guided tours of the Madrasa begin at 10 AM, so it's best to get there earlier to avoid the crowds or go just before closing at 5 PM.
BOOK: A guided tour to learn more about the history of the Bou Inania Madrasa
Drink fresh orange juice
Exploring this charming city under the sun always requires refreshments. Marrakech has its solution to quench your thirst. Grabbing a glass of fresh orange juice from a restaurant or a juice bar beside the streets was the best refreshing feeling I ever had during my time in Marrakech.
They use fresh oranges from the surrounding countryside to serve this fresh refreshment. You can easily find fresh juice stalls around the square. Those sellers in fresh juice stalls squeeze fresh oranges in front of your eyes to make your fresh juice. Seeing all these processes of making my fresh orange juice was very satisfying.
COST: The entrance fee is 20 MAD / € 1,9 per person
TIP: Most guided tours of the Madrasa begin at 10 AM, so it's best to get there earlier to avoid the crowds or go just before closing at 5 PM.
BOOK: A guided tour to learn more about the history of the Bou Inania Madrasa
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque & its beautiful gardens
Koutoubia Mosque is nestled in the southwest corner of the city. This is the most iconic landmark in the city that attracts thousands of travelers to show its elegance. This was built in 1162, and this is also considered a significant milestone of Almohad architecture. The 70-meter tall minaret is visible anywhere around this place, so it will not be hard to find this location for you.
The inside of the mosque is not open to non-muslims. However, the architectural value and the garden stretching out behind the mosque allow for spending some relaxing time here. This garden is ideal for strolling, reading books on the benches, and doing many more relaxing activities.
BOOK: Explore the Medina with a guided walking tour
Enjoy a romantic dinner and dance the night away at Bo-Zin
Enjoying nightlife in Marrakech will not be complete if you miss grabbing a seat at Bo-Zin to enjoy a romantic dinner. This place serves a range of dishes, including Poulet caramélisé, La gazelle qui pleure, Gambas Camerones and more. Also, desserts like Cheesecake aux fruits de l'Ourika and Trifle may make your dinner perfect.
This trendy restaurant is always beyond serving you delicious food. The unique evening vibe and its music ambiance always invite you to dance under the stars in their Balinese-style garden.
Day 2
Stroll through Souk Semmarine
Chances for shopping lovers are not limited to one market here as this city is compacted with different kinds of markets to fulfill your wishes. Souk Semmarine is another vibrant marketplace on the north side of the city’s main square. The first experience here would be a little puzzling as you may abandon amidst colorful carpets, antiques, lanterns, jewelry, and pottery products brimming over the market streets.
Strolling these market streets is a worthwhile experience and one of the best free things to do in Marrakech. I recommend you to wander this place in the evening to admire the beauty of the lights in those lantern stores.
LOCATION: Fondouk Bazaar
Explore the Place Des Spices (Spice Square)
Spice square is located at the center of the souks of the Medina. As you guess, this place is all about spices where you can find many spices stores selling different kinds. Stroll between these stores while admiring the spices, and their pleasant and robust smell persuades you to buy some.
However, this is an excellent place to test your negotiating skills to get the best deals for your spices. When concerning the history of this place, surprisingly, this place used to be a slave market. However, I enjoyed these stores as the rugs hanging inside the stores give an artistic look that goes with the aroma around the place.
Join a cooking class and learn a traditional Moroccan recipe
It’s not a secret that this cultural city has many blessings from its culture. I highly believe that every traveler should touch each part of this fantastic culture as it will add some exciting experiences to your journey. Losing myself in the cultural events, performances, and local dishes, got me addicted to exploring this surprising culture.
That pushed me to join one of the traditional cookery classes in the town to learn how to make these mouthwatering local food. The town has many cookery classes, like La Maison Arabe, Dar Les Cigognes, Farm to Table, etc. Don’t forget to do your research and see what experiences and lessons they deliver you before joining the classes. I highly recommend this out of my list of the best things to do in Marrakech, as this allows you to take this rich culture home and enjoy it whenever you need.
Visit the Ben Youssef Madrassa
This is the largest Islamic college in Morocco, which was built in the fourteenth century. After you enter the palace, your eyes will be opened to the beautiful courtyard. I enjoyed each glance at the impressive decorations and splendid architecture inside.
The large patio with inspiring walls and outstanding carvings may keep you attached to the place. This Madrassa has facilities for 900 students. A prayer hall with three marble columns is located next to the patio, which made me feel this is one of the best things to see in Marrakech is very impressive.
TIP: I went in the afternoon to the Chouara tanneries myself and decided to follow a local guy who pretended to be an 'official guide'. I trusted my guts as he didn't ask for any money at the beginning of the tour. He showed me around for more than an hour, explained a bit about the tanneries, and let me take some awesome photos. In the end, I paid him 150 MAD / 14€ tip and he was happy.
BOOK: Join a guided tour to get more information about the tanneries and the process of traditional leather makers
Day 3
Visit the colorful Majorelle Garden and the museum of Yves Saint Laurent
Majorelle parks are an incredible concept and design by artist Jacques Majorelle. He started to cultivate this garden in 1920. When you stroll through the garden, you’ll notice that the most highlighting things in this garden are the vast plants and the Moorish-style house. So, I would recommend this is one of the best things to see in Marrakech, that allows you to get a heaven experience.
After the death of Jacques Majorelle, who built this garden in 1962, French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent became the property owner. After he died in 2008, a dedicated museum was established next to the garden. You can enjoy temporary exhibitions and the taste of his art inside the museum with a relaxing mind after your peaceful stroll in the garden.
ENTRANCE: 20 MAD / €1,9 per person entrance fee
El Badi Palace
At the end of the sixteenth century, this palace was the largest and the most glorious palace complex in Morocco. Today travelers can only visit the ruins of this place which still indicate the ancient elegance of the palace.
Climbing the walls of El Badi allows you to enjoy the city's best views. This place has generous space and can provide space for hundreds and thousands of people without breaking the peacefulness of its surroundings. If you visit Marrakech in June, you are lucky enough to catch the Marrakech Folklore Festival happening on the premises of the El Badi Palace.
TIP: Only follow random people or strangers if you have a good feeling about it. Although, if you are not comfortable, I would recommend joining a guided tour.
Admire the amazing architecture of Bahia Palace
Stepping inside the Bahia Palace is one of my favorite experiences to include in my Marrakech travel guide. This palace was built at the end of the 19th century. If you focus on the architectural elegance in this palace, it combines impressive details, including zellige tiles, painted gilded ceilings, and ornate wrought-iron features.
This huge palace has 150 rooms and a larger space, including its grand courtyard. I probably spent some time there just to admire its detailed architectural designs. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch some cultural events that happen on the premises.
TIP: Go about 100 meters to your left when you are facing the door of the University in the alley. On the left side is a carpet and silk factory, where you can go up the roof and admire the university from above with pano views over the Medina.
More things to do in Marrakech
Relax at the pool in a Resort
After enjoying strolls and many unique experiences in this magical city, I decided to find a pool to spend some time in the water. I think that’s something anyone should try as your body may insist on jumping into a pool in the hot and sunny climate.
To get this experience, you can try any resort in the town with a pool. Also, I recommend you go to an uncrowded resort to spend your pool time peacefully. This experience was refreshing and allowed me to get my spirit back to explore this city more.
Go on a 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
I believe that no one would like to miss the desert in Morocco. Marrakech is the best place to fulfill your desert experiences as it offers a value-added experience that anyone should try. Desert luxury camp is a must-try thing amongst the best places to stay in Marrakech.
This incredible experience is located in the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Inside the tents, you may feel comfy with its luxurious amenities, furniture, and ensuite bathrooms. I enjoyed this experience since this was one of the most exciting experiences I had waited to enjoy. Moreover, you can engage in activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and many more around this camp area.
BOOK:
Visit the Sahara Desert from Fes
One of the most unique experiences in Morocco is without a doubt sleeping in a tent in the Sahara Desert and enjoying traditional Berber music or activities like camel riding and sandboarding.
When you make a road trip in Morocco, you can drive yourself to Merzouga and stay in one of the many desert camps, however, you can also join a guided tour from Fes if you are limited in time or you don't have your own transport.
BOOK: Join a private guided tour and sleep in a Berber camp in the Sahara Desert
READ ALSO: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp: The best desert camp in Morocco
Fez is the perfect destination to start your trip in Morocco. With authentic markets and many cultural sights, this city has it all. I spend a few days in the Medina and I explored all the amazing places in this article. Even so, there is so much more to do that I will have to come back.
Have you been to Fez or do you plan to go there soon? Tell me more about your trip in the comments,
