Marrakech Attractions: Tips for Your City Trip
A visit to Marrakech, the so-called "Pearl of the South," is an absolute must on any trip to Morocco. As one of the country’s four royal cities, Marrakech is rich in cultural highlights.
From bustling markets and opulent palaces to the charm of Moroccan traditions and the flair of the Arabian Nights, Marrakech offers a truly unique experience.
Just a four-hour flight away, Marrakech is perfect for a city break or as a starting point for a larger journey through Morocco.
In this article, we’ve summarized our top highlights and the best tips for your stay in Marrakech.
As always, you’ll find the attractions marked on our map:
1. General Travel Tips for Marrakech
Marrakech is a lively city with a population of around one million and was once Morocco’s capital. Its old town, the Medina, is known as the “Red City” due to its many clay buildings.
Here, you’ll find a mix of mosques, palaces, gardens, marketplaces, and winding alleys best explored on foot.
From the Airport to Marrakech
If you’re flying to Marrakech, you’ll land at Marrakech Menara International Airport. From there, you can take a private shuttle or taxi to your accommodation. The drive takes about 20 minutes.
The narrow, maze-like streets of the Medina are inaccessible to cars, so locals rely on scooters to get around. Taxis will drop you as close as possible to your accommodation, and from there, you’ll likely need to walk the rest of the way.
Navigating the Narrow Streets
It’s a good idea to get an internet SIM card for your phone right at the airport. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to navigate the tight streets of the Medina. Even Google Maps can struggle to guide you accurately here.
If you get lost, locals will gladly help you—for a fee. Make sure to keep some small change on hand for these occasions.
Tipping
Tipping is common in Morocco but should be reasonable. For instance, if someone gives you directions, 10 Dirham (around €1) is sufficient. For a porter carrying your luggage to your hotel, a tip of 15–20 Dirham is appropriate.
Photography in Marrakech
Marrakech offers countless photo opportunities. However, if you want to photograph traditionally dressed locals, always ask for permission first. Not everyone here likes to be photographed.
Bargaining in the Markets
As a tourist, you’re easy to spot, and market vendors will often quote you inflated prices. A good rule of thumb is to aim to pay no more than 50% of the initial price.
If you’re interested in a particular item, check prices at several stalls to get a sense of what’s fair, as prices can vary widely.
Best Time to Visit Marrakech
Marrakech is a year-round destination. Even in winter, daytime temperatures hover around 20°C, though it can get quite cold at night. If you’re visiting during the winter months, make sure to pack some warmer clothing.
For more detailed information about travel seasons, check out our article, “The Best Time to Visit Morocco.”
2. Top Attractions in Marrakech
The Central Square: Jemaa el fna
Jemaa el-Fna is the bustling heart of Marrakech. Here, you’ll find a mix of traders, entertainers, henna artists, snake charmers, storytellers, musicians, and dancers.
While the square is relatively calm in the early morning, the activity ramps up in the afternoon and continues late into the evening. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
The many food stalls offer a variety of Moroccan dishes, but trust your instincts regarding hygiene, as standards can differ significantly from those in Europe.
We particularly enjoyed watching the traditional dancers in their colorful costumes. If you want to take photos, be prepared to tip a small amount, which you should have ready in advance.
We strongly advise against taking photos with animals like monkeys, snakes, or birds. These animals are often kept in poor conditions and treated in ways that don’t align with our understanding of animal welfare.
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to one of the many rooftop terraces around the square for a more relaxed view of the action below.
The Souks: The Pulse of the City
Adjacent to Jemaa el-Fna lies the Souks of Marrakech—a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with countless stalls and small shops.
Here, you can find wooden crafts, spices, colorful textiles, leather goods, carpets, and much more. The Souks are the largest in Morocco and an absolute must-visit.
Keep in mind that the Souks are not a pedestrian-only area. They’re also used by scooters, horse-drawn carts, and traders moving goods, so expect a lively and somewhat chaotic environment.
The stalls are grouped by craft, so depending on where you are, you’ll find different artisans showcasing their skills. Take your time to explore, compare prices, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
We were particularly drawn to the golden lamps and the beautiful wooden and ceramic items.
It’s easy to lose your way in the Souks, even if you’re using landmarks like Jemaa el-Fna as a reference point. But getting lost is part of the experience!
In addition to crafts, you can also purchase food, spices, drinks, fruits, or dishes from open kitchens.
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque, with its towering 77-meter minaret, is the largest mosque in Marrakech and an iconic landmark of the city.
Built in the 12th century, it’s also one of the oldest mosques in Morocco. Unlike many other mosques in Marrakech, it’s surrounded by open space, including beautiful palm gardens and fountains.
At night, the mosque is beautifully illuminated and can be seen from various parts of the city.
While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, the surrounding park offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hectic streets.
Bahia Palace
Marrakech is home to not only many mosques but also several grand palaces that you should not miss. One of the most splendid palaces in Marrakech is the Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century. Bahia means “splendid,” and this palace lives up to the name! With 160 rooms, a mosque, an idyllic garden, a hammam, and wonderful courtyards, this palace is definitely one of the top attractions in Marrakech.
Here, you can experience how the former oriental rulers lived in splendor. The rooms are decorated with intricate cedar wood carvings and colorful mosaics.
The Bahia Palace is one of the most magnificent palaces in Morocco and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is open for visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM.
In addition to Bahia Palace, Marrakech has many other stunning palaces to visit, such as the El-Badi Palace.
To visit the various palaces, an entry fee of 70 Dirhams per person (roughly €7) is required. You can also book a guided tour to learn more about the history of this landmark.
Saadian Tombs
These tombs, discovered in the 20th century, date back to the 16th century. The graves are beautifully decorated with intricate tiles and carvings and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Majorelle Garden
This beautiful garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and is home to many exotic plants and trees. The garden also houses a museum that exhibits traditional Moroccan crafts. The Majorelle Garden is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech.
Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, and they are open to the public. In the gardens, you’ll find an ancient pavilion and a large water basin.
Tanneries
Marrakech’s tanneries are among the oldest in the world and are still in operation today. You can observe the traditional leather tanning process and buy various leather goods.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
This stunning Islamic school was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of traditional Moroccan architecture. The madrasa features an impressive courtyard and intricate tilework.
3. Stay in a Traditional Riad
During your stay in Marrakech, we highly recommend staying in a Riad, a traditional Moroccan townhouse with a central courtyard or patio.
We tried out three different Riads and can particularly recommend Riad Dar el Souk. Breakfast is included in the price, and you can opt for a paid dinner at the Riad if you don’t feel like venturing out.
When booking a hotel, try to stay as close to Jemaa el-Fna as possible, so you can easily explore most of the city’s attractions on foot.
4. More Activities in and Around Marrakech
In addition to the city’s main attractions, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy:
Quad Biking in the Desert
A half-day quad bike tour through the nearby desert is an exhilarating experience. At the end of the tour, you’ll be treated to tea and pastries in a traditional Moroccan home before heading back to Marrakech.
Excursion to the Atlas Mountains
Marrakech is also a great starting point for exploring the Atlas Mountains. The stunning landscapes are well worth the trip.
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