Marrakech is Morocco’s most famous city for good reason: a medina full of palaces and souks, gardens, rooftop cafés and the High Atlas on the horizon. Here are the twenty things we recommend most, with tips to avoid the crowds.
In the medina
- Jemaa el-Fna at dusk. The main square changes completely after sunset, with food stalls, musicians and storytellers. Watch it from a rooftop café first.
- The Koutoubia Mosque. Its 12th-century minaret is the symbol of the city. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the gardens around it are lovely.
- The souks. Spices, leather, lanterns, carpets and babouches. Go in the morning, and bargain with a smile.
- The Bahia Palace. A 19th-century palace of painted cedar ceilings, zellige and courtyards.
- The Saadian Tombs. Richly decorated royal tombs from the 16th century. Arrive at opening time.
- The Ben Youssef Madrasa. A former Koranic school with a stunning carved courtyard.
- Le Jardin Secret. A restored riad garden in the heart of the medina, a calm escape from the souks.
- El Badi Palace. The vast ruins of a 16th-century palace, with storks on the walls and views from the terraces.
- The Mellah. The old Jewish quarter, with the Slat al-Azama Synagogue and the Miâara cemetery. Read about Morocco’s Jewish heritage.
- Dar Si Said. A palace now home to a museum of Moroccan carpets and weaving.
Outside the medina walls
- The Majorelle Garden. The blue garden restored by Yves Saint Laurent, next to the YSL Museum. Book tickets online and go early.
- The Menara Gardens. An olive grove and a large basin with the Atlas behind it.
- Gueliz. The modern district, with galleries, cafés and boutiques.
Experiences
- A traditional hammam and black-soap scrub, in a public hammam or a riad spa.
- A cooking class to learn tagine, couscous and Moroccan salads.
- A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the palm grove and the Atlas.
- A camel ride in the Palmeraie, the palm grove on the edge of the city.
- Dinner in the Agafay desert, a stony desert about 45 minutes away, at sunset.
- A day in the Atlas Mountains: the Ourika Valley or the village of Imlil below Toubkal.
- A rooftop dinner with a view over the medina.
Tips for visiting Marrakech
- Stay at least two nights; three if you want a day trip.
- Visit the big sites at opening time and keep the afternoon for the riad pool.
- Agree prices before photos with performers in Jemaa el-Fna.
- Use a licensed guide for your first walk in the souks: you will learn the layout and avoid touts.
Short on time? Our private Marrakech day tour covers the Majorelle Garden, the Koutoubia, the souks, the Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fna with a local guide. For more planning, read how many days to spend in Marrakech and our guide to the desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Frequently asked questions
What is Marrakech best known for?
Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks of the medina, its palaces and gardens such as the Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden, and its riads.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Two days for the main sights, three if you want a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, the Agafay desert or Essaouira.
What is the best time to visit Marrakech?
March to May and October to December. Summer is very hot, often above 35 °C.
Is Marrakech good for families?
Yes. Children enjoy the gardens, camel rides in the palm grove, the square in the evening and riads with pools.
Discover Marrakech with a local guide. Book a private tour or add Marrakech to one of our Morocco tours.