15 Epic Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

15 Epic Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

Are you looking for the best things to do in Marrakech, Morocco? Marrakech is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and the most popular destination in Africa.

Wondering what to do in Marrakech? Find the best photo spots, visit historic sites, get lost in the Medina, take day trips to nearby popular places, try delicious Moroccan food, and stay in a traditional riad.

Marrakech is the perfect place to start your Morocco Itinerary from where you can easily reach Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, or Essaouira.

This ultimate guide to visiting Marrakech includes how to get there, where to stay, must-see attractions, best tours, and the top things to do in Marrakech, Morocco.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Marrakech?

Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco, located a 2.5-hour drive from Casablanca or Essaouira and 3 hours from Agadir.

Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Morocco’s Red City is the most visited tourist destination in Africa. It is famous for its rich culture and history, stunning attractions, bustling and vibrant souks, traditional riads, and delicious food.

In fact, many travelers only visit Marrakech. But we recommend you also consider visiting Rabat, Fes, Tangier, and Chefchaouen (Blue City).

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

Morocco is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Marrakech is spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the nearby attractions.

Marrakech has a subtropical semi-desert climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature is 20°C. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees, so we do not recommend a visit during the hottest months (July and August).

When we visited in March, the weather was quite cool, so bring a light jacket and jeans!

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Recommended post → Ultimate Morocco Itinerary

How to Get to Marrakech

Most travelers to Morocco arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (airport code RAK) or Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (airport code CMN), as you can get cheap flights there.

We have a detailed post on how to get from Casablanca to Marrakech with all the information you need.

Marrakech is the perfect place to start your Morocco Itinerary. There are many direct flights to Marrakech from the U.K., Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, and other international countries.

If you are already in Morocco, you can also take a short domestic flight from Casablanca, Tangier, or Fes to Marrakech.

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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Morocco.

Marrakech Menara Airport to City Center

The distance between Menara Airport and the city center is about 7 km, which is 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

You can easily get to the city center from the airport by taxi, bus, rental car, shared and private transfer. The cheapest way to get to Medina is by shuttle bus.

Read the full post → Menara Airport to Marrakech

Buy an eSIM and data package for Morocco.

How to Get Around Marrakech

Marrakech is a very walkable city. In the narrow alleys of the walled Old Town, there are no cars, just mopeds and donkey carts.

Make the most of your visit and join a city tour, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a local tour guide, and transportation by comfortable minivan.

During the tour, you can visit the Jardin Majorelle, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Medina of Marrakech, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Yves St Laurent Museum.

Renting a car in Marrakech

The best way to get around the country and see the nearby sights is to rent a car and explore it at your own pace. Once you arrive at Menara Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.

During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals.

The car rental costs will be different when you travel to Morocco in high season or low season and rent a car in advance or at the last minute. But you will spend around 15-20 USD daily for a standard car with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability.

The city is well connected to other parts of the country if you want to travel by public transport.

There are two types of taxis in Marrakech: Petit and Grand taxis. Petit taxis are only allowed within the city and can carry up to 3 passengers. Grand taxis can also take you to popular destinations outside the city, such as Agafay, Essaouira, and Casablanca. The Grand taxi can carry up to 6 passengers.

Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. Taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money (MAD) or EUR.

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Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when going abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Marrakech has some luxury hotels and traditional Moroccan houses (riads), but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Marrakech

• Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
• Mid-Range: Sakkan or Riad Ksar Fawz & Spa
• Budget: Riad Paradis Blanc

If you don’t have a rental car, we recommend staying in the Medina of Marrakech. As most attractions will be within walking distance.

Recommended post → 13 Best Riads in Marrakech

Photo credit: Sakkan

Things to Do in Marrakech & Best Day Trips

1. Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa is a historic Islamic school in the heart of Marrakech. Built in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan Faris, the madrasa was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa. Nowadays, it is one of the most visited places in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can walk from Jemaa el-Fna square to the madrasa in approximately 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Secret Garden, and the vibrant souks on a guided walking tour.

The entrance fee to Ben Youssef Madrasa is 50 MAD (5 USD) for foreign adults.

Read the full post → How to Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa

2. See Jemaa el-Fna Square

Jemaa el-Fna is Marrakech’s iconic main square, located in the Medina (Old City). It is extremely busy in the evenings and on weekends. We recommend visiting at different times of the day, as the experience at night is completely different from the day.

In the square, you’ll see street food stalls, monkey handlers, snake charmers, orange and fresh fruit juice stalls, street performers, dancers, and henna artists.

Join a Night Street Food Tour.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere from one of the best rooftop restaurants and visit the nearby Koutoubia Mosque. Only Muslims can enter the mosque, but it also offers fantastic photo opportunities from outside.

Good to know
If you need a taxi, you will always find one at Jemaa-el Fna Square.

See also → Hassan II Mosque Guide

3. Discover the Vibrant Souks

One of the best things to do in Marrakech is to visit the souks. We loved exploring the souks, feeling the bustling atmosphere, and then getting lost in the labyrinth of streets. So wear comfortable shoes and explore the vibrant markets in the heart of Medina, where you can take beautiful photos and shop.

You can buy lanterns, carpets, leather bags, spices, ceramics and much more. It is good to know that prices in Marrakech are overpriced compared to Rabat or Essaouira. So you should bargain!

Join a Guided Walking Tour of the Medina Souks.

The souks usually open at 9 AM. The best markets are Souk Semmarine, Souk Zrabi, Souk Cherratin, Souk Sebbaghine, and Souk des Teinturiers.

Don’t miss the best Instagram spot, the Herboristerie Avicenne spice shop in Rahba Kedima Square.

Here are all your hotel options in Marrakech.

4. Watch the Sunset in the Agafay Desert

Are you spending limited time in Morocco but want to make the most of your visit? A short visit to the Agafay Desert is a fantastic alternative to a 3-day Sahara Desert tour.

Book this top-rated Agafay Desert tour.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned minibus, a camel ride, dinner, water, tea, and a Berber show & music around the campfire.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous than camel riding, Agafay is the perfect place to go quad biking.

For the best experience, we recommend spending a full day in Agafay. The distance between Marrakech and Agafay is 40-60 minutes by car.

A Grand taxi costs around 500-550 MAD (50-55 USD) one way. We do not recommend driving your own or a rental car on this road. As the road is unpaved, it is very bumpy and potholed.

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We recommend staying at the Agafay Luxury Camp.

5. Visit El Badi Palace

This is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Marrakech. El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the ruler of the Saadian Dynasty.

You can easily spend 1 hour wandering around and visiting the museum. There is a large pool in the center of the palace courtyard, surrounded by lush gardens and fountains. We saw many storks nearby, orange trees, and beautiful roses.

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For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over Marrakech.

El Badi Palace is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

We arrived right after opening, and it was a great experience to explore this beautiful palace without the crowds. We recommend visiting El Badi Palace first, then combining your sightseeing with the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace.

The entrance fee to El Badi Palace is 70 MAD (7 USD) for foreign adults and 30 MAD (3 USD) for children (under 12 years).

6. Take a 3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour

Looking for an unforgettable experience in Morocco? Most Merzouga desert tours start and end in Marrakech. But you can also do a 3-day Sahara desert tour from Fes to Marrakech or vice versa. During the tour, you can visit the famous Ait Benhaddou, Todgha Gorge, Tizi n’Tichka, and Erg Chebbi.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English/French-speaking driver/guide, 2-night accommodation (one at a hotel, one at a desert camp), 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, sandboarding, a camel ride at sunset & sunrise, and transportation by air-conditioned minibus.

7. Visit Saadian Tombs

The tombs built in the 16th century are a testament to the power and grandeur of the Saadian dynasty. This funeral complex was built by Sultan Ahmad Al Mansour (1578-1603) to bury his body.

It consists of three interconnecting rooms: The Mihrab room, the Twelve Columns room, and the Three Niches room. The walls of the tombs are decorated with stucco carvings, the ceilings are adorned with Italian Carrara marble and ornate chandeliers, and the floors are covered with intricate mosaics.

Discover the historic and vibrant culture of Marrakech on a guided walking tour.

There are around 170 graves in the complex and the surrounding gardens.

The Saadian Tombs is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The entrance fee to Saadian Tombs is 70 MAD (7 USD) for foreign adults and 30 MAD (3 USD) for children (under 12 years).

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This is a popular place, so arrive early to avoid the crowds!

See also → What to Do in Chefchaouen

8. Take a Day Trip to Casablanca

Casablanca is one of the best day trips from Marrakech. If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one city to another, join a group or private tour that includes a transfer. A day trip to Casablanca is a great way to see the majestic Hassan II Mosque, so even if you can only take a short visit, it’s still worth it.

The tour price includes pick-up and drop-off, a professional driver, an English-speaking guide, and transportation by air-conditioned minibus.

Book this excellent day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

If you want to visit Casablanca independently, we have a detailed post on how to get from Marrakech to Casablanca with all the information you need.

9. See Ouzoud Waterfalls

Join a guided hike and enjoy a boat ride to admire the waterfall up close. When you arrive in the village of Ouzoud, you can see the spectacular waterfalls cascading 110 meters high into the pool below. Then, enjoy a late Berber lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the falls.

The tour price includes pick-up and drop-off, a professional driver, an English-speaking guide, a boat ride, and transportation by air-conditioned minibus.

Book this top-rated tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

If you rent a car, you can easily avoid crowds and visit the Ouzoud Falls independently.

10. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Restaurant

One of the best things to do in Marrakech is to enjoy the sunset from one of the best rooftop restaurants. Many great rooftop restaurants in the city that are affordable for all budgets. To ensure the best spot, arrive 1-2 hours before sunset or reserve a table in advance.

Morocco is an Islamic country, and therefore, many bars and restaurants do not serve alcohol at all. We highly recommend you try these dishes, such as chicken pastilla, couscous, and vegetable tajine with fresh mint tea.

Join a Moroccan Cooking Class.

Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Marrakech

• Dardar Rooftop
• Café Des Épices
• Nomad
• Atay Cafe
• L’mida
• Black Chich
• Zeitoun Café Kasbah
• Kabana Rooftop Food & Cocktails
• M Rooftop by Medina Heritage
• Kosybar

Good to know
Some buildings are still being restored following the powerful earthquake of September 2023.

11. Visit Jardin Majorelle

Discover the stunning garden and combine your visit with the Berber Museum or Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. The Majorelle garden and blue villa were created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924. The botanical garden was opened to the public in 1947. It was bought and restored by Pierre Bergé and Yves St Laurent in 1980.

The Jardin Majorelle is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee to Jardin Majorelle is 155 MAD (15.5 USD) for foreign adults and 75 MAD (7.5 USD) for Moroccan citizens. Tickets can only be purchased online.

Get Tickets here.

The YSL museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s closed on Wednesdays. The entrance fee to Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is 135 MAD (13.5 USD) for foreign adults and 55 MAD (5.5 USD) for Moroccan citizens.

12. Explore Ait Benhaddou

The Ait Benhaddou is a well-preserved historic kasbah, the most famous site in Morocco, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been the filming location of many famous movies, such as The Mummy, Gladiator, Prince of Persia, Indiana Jones, Game of Thrones, etc.

Most people rent a car and go there independently or visit it during a 3-day Sahara tour.

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Book a 3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

There is no entrance fee to Ait Benhaddou. Spend a few hours wandering through the village, enjoying the spectacular views, buying some souvenirs, and visiting the nearby Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate.

The entrance fee to Atlas Studios is 80 MAD (8 USD) per person.

If you don’t want to rent a car or don’t have enough time for a 3-day tour, join this excellent day trip to Ait Benhaddou.

13. Visit Bahia Palace

A must-see in Marrakech is the Bahia Palace. The palace is just a 10-minute walk from El Badi Palace. The Bahia Palace was built in 1894 by Si Moussa, the Grand Vizier of Sultan Moulay Hassan I. The palace’s 150 rooms are decorated with stunning stuccoes, paintings, and mosaics. You can see the beautiful courtyards, fountains, and gardens.

The Bahia Palace is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. When we visited it at around 11 AM, there was an extremely long queue at the entrance. So we recommend arriving as early as possible or planning your visit for late afternoon.

For the best experience, join a Bahia & El Badi Palaces and Saadian Tombs guided tour.

The entrance fee to Bahia Palace is 70 MAD (7 USD) for foreign adults and 30 MAD (3 USD) for children (under 12 years).

14. Take a Day Trip to Essaouira

Essaouira is a popular day trip destination where you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere. Wondering what to do in Essaouira? Stroll around the Medina, shop in the charming markets, enjoy water sports, visit the fish market, and explore the Game of Thrones filming locations.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, and an English/French-speaking guide.

Recommended post → Essaouira Guide

15. Stay in a Traditional Riad

Make the most of your visit to Marrakech with a stay in a traditional Moroccan house (riad) and enjoy unparalleled service and personal attention. The name “Riad” comes from the Arabic word for a garden, where trees and arcades create a peaceful oasis, lush with plants and cooled by fountains and pools.

Most riads are located in the old Medina, so it is the perfect base for exploring the sights.

Recommended post → Best Riads in Marrakech

Here are the top 3 riads in Marrakech.

La Sultana Marrakech – $$$$$

The La Sultana Marrakech offers 28 rooms and suites, each with a different decor enriched by artworks and collections of art. The property also has a heated pool, a roof terrace, a spa, luxuriant gardens, two restaurants, a gym, a cocktail, and a mezze bar.

Ksar Kasbah & Spa – $$$

Ksar Kasbah & Spa, an old private palace transformed into a guest house, is ideally located in the old city just a stone’s throw from the main attractions. In our opinion, this accommodation is the perfect choice for first-time visitors.

Riad BE Marrakech – $$

This is one of the most popular riads in Marrakech, ideal for couples, friends, and families. The charming property is located in the historical Medina, the heart of Marrakech. We highly recommend staying in this affordable, beautiful riad, but you should book months in advance.

Photo credit: Riad Ksar Fawz & Spa

Is it Safe to Travel to Marrakech?

Yes! It is one of the safest cities in Morocco for families and solo female travelers. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How many Days do you Need in Marrakech?

First-time visitors usually spend 3 days in the Red City. But we recommend you spend at least 5 days and enjoy the best things to do in Marrakech. This will give you enough time to explore the best of the city at a comfortable pace and visit nearby destinations such as Agafay Desert, Essaouira, Casablanca, etc.

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If you spend more time in Morocco, take a full-day hiking tour of the Atlas Mountains.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Marrakech will help you plan your next trip to Morocco. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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