Things to Do in Marrakech: A Local's Guide

Marrakech is often the first stop of a trip to Morocco, and for good reason: the Red City is noisy, colourful, a little chaotic and completely unforgettable. Our family has been welcoming travellers here for more than 10 years, so we have seen what makes a stay in Marrakech special — and what makes it tiring. Here is our local guide to the best things to do, with a few honest tips.

1. Get lost (a little) in the medina

The old city, surrounded by its pink walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Marrakech. Its narrow lanes are full of workshops, small mosques, fountains and hidden riads. Getting a bit lost is part of the fun, but it helps to have a plan: choose two or three places you want to see, and let the rest happen on the way.

If it is your first time, a licensed local guide for half a day makes a real difference. You will understand what you are looking at, and you will be able to walk through the souks without being stopped every few metres. Our private Marrakech city tour is designed exactly for this.

2. Jemaa el-Fnaa, by day and by night

The main square of Marrakech changes completely during the day. In the morning it is calm, with orange juice stalls and a few herbalists. In the late afternoon the storytellers, musicians and food stalls arrive, and by sunset it becomes one of the most lively places in North Africa. Our advice: watch the sunset from one of the café terraces around the square, then go down and walk among the stalls.

• Agree on a price before eating at a food stall, and choose busy ones where the food is cooked in front of you.
• If you take a photo of a performer, a small tip is expected — or ask before taking it.
• Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket in the crowd.

3. The souks and the craftsmen

North of the square start the souks: leather, lanterns, carpets, spices, babouche slippers, wood and metal work. Each craft traditionally has its own area, and in many of them you can still see the artisans at work. Bargaining is normal and can be a pleasant conversation if you take your time and keep smiling. Only start negotiating for something you really want to buy.

4. Palaces, gardens and madrasas

Marrakech has some beautiful monuments, and most of them are within walking distance of each other in the medina:

• Ben Youssef Madrasa: a former Koranic school with a stunning courtyard of carved cedar, stucco and zellige tiles.
• Bahia Palace: a 19th-century palace with painted ceilings, quiet courtyards and gardens.
• Saadian Tombs: the richly decorated tombs of the Saadian dynasty, close to the Kasbah mosque.
• Jardin Majorelle: the famous blue garden, outside the medina. It is very popular, so it is best to go early and book in advance.

Opening times and tickets change from time to time, so check them shortly before your visit or ask your riad.

5. A hammam and a slow afternoon

After a morning in the souks, there is nothing better than a traditional hammam. You can choose a simple local hammam for an authentic experience, or a spa in a riad for something more relaxing. Then enjoy a mint tea on a rooftop: Marrakech is much calmer seen from above.

6. Leave the city for a day

Marrakech is also a perfect base for day trips. In a couple of hours you can be in the villages of the High Atlas, on the Atlantic coast or in the desert landscapes of Agafay. Some of our favourites:

• Essaouira, the relaxed white and blue town by the ocean.
• Imlil and the Atlas Mountains, for walks among Berber villages.
• A sunset dinner in the Agafay desert, close to the city.

And if you have three days or more, nothing compares to a night in the real Sahara: our 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga crosses the Atlas, the kasbahs and the gorges to reach the great dunes of Erg Chebbi, where our family comes from.

Practical tips for Marrakech

• How long to stay: two full days are enough for the main sights of the medina; add a third for a day trip.
• Where to sleep: a riad inside the medina is the most charming choice; ask for one that is easy to reach by car.
• Best season: spring and autumn are the most pleasant; summer afternoons are very hot. Read our guide on the best time to visit Morocco.
• Dress code: light, comfortable clothes that cover shoulders and knees are the most practical. See what to wear in Morocco.

Plan your Marrakech stay with us

We can organise your airport pickup, a guided visit of the medina, day trips and a desert tour, all with your own private driver. Browse our tours from Marrakech or build your trip and our family will send you a personalised proposal.