Explore the Best of Marrakech, Morocco
Home to beautiful mosques, luxurious palaces and bustling souks, Marrakech is a city with many faces. Whether getting lost among the alleyways of an ancient Medina or traversing through perfectly kept gardens, Marrakech blends the old with the new, the chaotic with the tranquil and the cheap with the expensive. Regardless of whether it’s your first or hundredth time to Marrakech, you will always find something to do and see, in either the ancient or modern parts of the town.
Explore the Medina
Filled with winding alleyways and bustling squares and souks, the Medina is the center of the city. It is an intertwining combination of old palaces, chaotic markets and mesmerizing mosques. Take a walking tour to experience all the Medina has to offer. Additionally, it is a UNESCO World-Heritage listed neighborhood.
Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemez el-Fnaa, located inside Marrakech’s old Medina, is the heart of the city. The main square is host to a bustling market day and night, where you’ll find storytellers, snake charmers, singers, street-food vendors and merchants. Visitors flock here to experience all Marrakech has to offer in a central and concentrated place.
Koutoubia Mosque
Mosques play a vital role in Moroccan culture, so naturally the largest one in Marrakech is a must-see. Koutoubia dates back to the 12th century and rises 250 feet above the ground. This makes it an interesting sight to see as well as important walking reference point. Enjoy the call to prayer coming from the top of the minaret five times a day and appreciate the traditional and important architecture of the building.
Saadian Tombs
Dating back to the 16th-century, the Saadian Tombs is the burial place of royals from the Saadian dynasty. Rich in history, there are 66 tombs between two mausoleums and hundreds of graves surrounding the gardens. A visit to the Saadian Tombs provides a great alternative to a bustling city. Make sure to arrive early, as the well-preserved tombs are one of the most popular things to see in Morocco.
Relax at a Hammam
There’s nothing quite like a day at the spa in Marrakech. A Hamman—local bathhouse—experience will awaken your body, mind and spirits. Similar to a Turkish bath, you visit the sauna, have an exfoliating massage with local argan oil and eucalyptus and then dip into an ice-cold pool. The experience is unique and your skin will be radiating afterward. There are many bathhouses throughout Marrakech, and prices drastically vary. Make sure to bring your own towel.
Shop at the Souks
Marrakech’s Medina is full of traditional winding souks filled with countless treasures. Whether you’re looking for a new rug, babouche slippers, or a silk scarf, you’re bound to find it—there are streets and alleyways for everything. Visitors can get lost for hours in the labyrinth of winding streets, so don’t worry if you spend the entire day going from souk to souk. Additionally, it is custom to barter for prices when shopping so always ask for a cheaper price.
Visit the Badi Palace
Built in the 16th-century and now in ruins, the impressive Badi Palace remains are a sight to behold. The palace was originally built to be one of the finest in history with walls adorned with decadent ornaments and a huge layout of 300 rooms decorated in gold. The enormous central courtyard is the best place to admire the building’s splendor. Make sure to climb the walls for a great view of Marrakech.
See the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
There’s a museum in Marrakech entirely devoted to the work of the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Completed in 2017, the modern museum features some of YSL’s most iconic pieces and has an interactive fashion walkway. Even if a designer jacket is out of your price range, grab a souvenir at the gift shop.
Wander Through the Jardin Majorelle
One of the most popular locations in Morocco, the Jardin Majorelle is known throughout the world for its impeccably manicured styles and diverse greenery. The garden was created over the course of 40 years by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and is complete with little walkways, a central gazebo, fountain and stream. Also, Jardin Majorelle features a cubist-designed blue villa.
Ride a Camel
A trip to North Africa isn’t complete without a ride atop a camel. Experience what it was like to be a Moroccan nomad and climb into the saddle of a hardy camel. Usually, synonymous with the Saharan sand-dunes, you can experience 1-hour camel rides within 30 minutes of the city. You can book a camel ride in advance or try one of the guides located within the city.
Drink Mint Tea
Referred by locals as Berber Whiskey, sipping mint tea is a must while in Morocco. Prepared with fresh mint and some green tea, from one of the local markets, the drink is sweetened with sugar and then boiled to perfection. Whether with breakfast or dinner, the locals drink it at all hours, especially in the winter months to keep warm.
Spend a Night in a Berber Tent
Live like a true nomad for a night and sleep under the stars in a traditional nomadic Berber tent. It’s a magical experience that can give a good insight into what the nomadic culture is like. Camping can be as rustic or luxurious as desired, with most trips lasting as short as one night or as long as 5 days.
Stay in a traditional a Riad
Riads are traditional accommodations hidden and often tucked away in the narrow streets of the old town. They vary in luxury, with some offering just a cot and rooftop bar, and others looking more like palaces. They are great places to meet people, so if you’re traveling in a small group or solo, make sure to book a night in a road.
Visit the Atlas Mountains
Located only a short drive from the city, the Atlas Mountains offer breathtaking nature right on Marrakech’s doorstop. It’s a great place to visit whether looking for endless trekking opportunities or a quick break from the bustling city. Venturing into the mountains is also a great way to learn more about the Berber way of life.
Stay at a palace
There are numerous palaces in Marrakech, with each claiming to be grander than the next. Lavish furnishing accentuates vibrate architecture and indulging amenities. The La Mamounia Hotel offers a modern stay within a historic palace, but the five-star Hotel Royal Mansour might be Marrakech’s most luxurious option. Both hotels blend traditional Moroccan elements with modern styles.
Take a Cooking Class
Moroccan cuisine is dominated by delicious tagines, steaming couscous, tons of bread and savory meat skewers. Moreover, the cuisine typically uses local ingredients with plenty of spices to give it a striking taste. There are several cooking school raids, as well as restaurants, providing guests the opportunity to learn how to cook their favorite Moroccan dishes.
See the Tanneries
Marrakech is well-known for its leather goods and is home to a large tannery where locals have been employed for generations. It can be a sensory overload of sights, colors and smells, as workers use ancient techniques to dye the leather. The main tannery is located in the north end of the Medina and can be a little tricky to find.
