The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide

ByKelsey Heinrichs Hours

There is truly nothing that compares to the labyrinth of bustling souks of Marrakech, the intricate Moorish architecture, the delicious tagines and fresh juices and the idyllic riads you can call home during your visit.

This Marrakech Travel Guide has the ultimate list of the best things to do & see in Marrakech.

Included in this guide, you will find recommendations for the best restaurants, bars and activities in Marrakech, as well as information on the best time to visit and how to get around this colourful city.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

things to do

PLACES TO VISIT

BEST restaurants

best hotels & RIADS

WHEN TO VISIT MARRAKECH

how many days in Marrakech

how to get around

IS MARRAKECH SAFE?

WHAT TO WEAR

map of marrakech

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Marrakech Key Info

When to visit

March – May & Sep – Nov
Averaging 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)

How to get there

Fly to Marrakech Airport (RAK)

How to get around

Mostly walkable + taxis for longer trips (£6/$7 per journey)

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH

3-4 days

PLACES TO VISIT

Ben Youssef Madrasa
Le Jardin Majorelle
Souk Semmarine
Le Jardin Secret

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES

Marrakech Street Food Tour

Moroccan Cooking Class

Desert Quad Bike Tour

restaurants

Le Jardin
L’Mida
DarDar

cafes & bars

Bacha Coffee
DarDar Rooftop
El Fenn Rooftop

MY TOP 3 HOTEL PICKS

Riad Botanica

Riad Be

Riad Sakkan

14 Best things to do in Marrakech

The image shows a view through an intricately carved archway, framing the inner courtyard of the Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech, Morocco. A woman in a white dress stands near a patterned, turquoise-tiled pool, with the historic building's detailed mosaic walls and arches in the background. The scene captures the blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and tranquil ambiance.

1. Ben Youssef Medersa​

Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest Islamic school in Morocco, built in the 16th century and today is a historic site which visitors can enter for 50 DH (£4/$5).

I took the above photo from one of the students bedrooms – imagine this was your window view in college! 

2. Lunch at Le Jardin 

It would be a crime not to eat lunch at Le Jardin and order their pastilla — a Moroccan dish which is a chicken pie/pastry, the perfect combo of savoury and sweet with almonds & cinnamon. 

The image displays a beautifully arranged table at Le Jardin restaurant in Marrakech, set outdoors amidst lush greenery. The marble table is topped with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, bread in a wicker basket, and vibrant drinks like a mojito and a berry smoothie. The scene highlights the freshness and variety of Moroccan cuisine in a serene, natural setting.
The image shows a vibrant scene at a spice and herb stall in Souk Semmarine, Marrakech. A woman in a white off-the-shoulder top stands amidst baskets filled with colorful spices, dried flowers, and natural dyes, holding a bowl of dried lavender. Behind her, shelves are lined with jars of herbs, and bundles of dried plants hang from above, creating a rich, sensory display of Moroccan market life.

3. Souk Semmarine

Make your way through the colourful labyrinth of Marrakech’s iconic souks (markets).

Bring cash with you & make sure to visit the beautiful spice stall (pictured above) called Herboriste Avicenne – the owner is a legend!

4. Bacha Coffee

In one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, you can choose from over 200 freshly roasted coffees with lots of infused flavour options.

Make sure to arrive at Bacha Coffee 30 minutes before they open at 10am to secure a table.

The image shows a woman pouring coffee from a golden pot at Bacha Coffee in Marrakech. She is seated at a small table adorned with cups, saucers, pastries, and a variety of coffee accouterments, set against a luxurious backdrop with a checkerboard floor, ornate wooden counter, and lush potted plants. The scene exudes a blend of elegance and relaxation, capturing the sophisticated ambiance of the café.
The image showcases the vibrant blue exterior of the iconic Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, framed by tall cacti and desert plants. The building features a rich cobalt hue, accented with green arches and yellow curtains that glow softly through the windows. The surrounding greenery and architectural design create a striking contrast, capturing the garden's lush yet structured ambiance.

5. Le Jardin Majorelle

These gardens were created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the early 1900s & purchased by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980, it’s also where his ashes were scattered – not a surprising final resting place as these gardens are beautiful!

Entrance to the gardens cost 170 DH (£13.50/$17) and I recommend arriving when it opens at 8.30 am to beat the crowds.

6. Stay in Riad

If you want a true authentic experience when visiting Marrakech, then avoid staying in a hotel.

Instead stay in a Riad — a traditional Moroccan guest house that has a central courtyard/garden (most have pools too!). Check out my favourite Riads in Marrakech.

The image captures the serene courtyard of Riad Botanica in Marrakech, featuring a turquoise pool with a star design at the bottom. The space is adorned with striped lounge chairs, a small round table, and lush greenery, including trees that provide shade. A woman in a rust-colored dress stands near the pool, adding a touch of warmth to the elegant setting, highlighted by white walls and green-tiled roof details.
The image shows a person on a blue ATV, wearing a helmet and goggles, posing with one arm raised amidst the palm trees of the Marrakech desert. The scene captures the adventurous spirit of quad biking, set against a backdrop of tall palms and a bright, partly cloudy sky. The sandy terrain and rugged landscape highlight the thrill of exploring the outdoors in this desert environment.

7. Go Quad Biking

If you don’t have time to visit the Sahara desert, this is the next best activity for exploring Morocco’s arid landscapes, just outside of Marrakech.

You’ll be whizzing your way through palm trees and wide open plains in this Desert Quad Bike Tour. You’ll make a stop to refuel with some complimentary Moroccan mint tea and snacks before hitting the road again. 

8. Dardar Rooftop

This is the place to grab a round of cocktails and watch the sunset over Marrakech, there’s usually a DJ playing well into the evening.

Reservations at DarDar are needed to ensure you get a table on the terrace. 

The image captures a woman enjoying a sunset dinner on the rooftop of Dar Dar in Marrakech. She holds a colorful cocktail, surrounded by a table filled with an assortment of dishes, including salads, grilled meats, and desserts. The backdrop features a stunning view of the city’s skyline with palm trees and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque silhouetted against the golden evening sky, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Popular Activites in Marrakech
The image showcases the opulent interior of the spa at La Sultana in Marrakech, featuring a serene pool surrounded by warm-toned marble columns and arches. Elegant Moroccan lanterns hang from the ceiling, casting intricate shadows across the space, creating a tranquil and luxurious ambiance. The reflection of the water adds to the soothing atmosphere, making it an inviting setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

9. Spa Day / Hammam 

Hammam is a traditional Turkish spa treatment which is very popular in Marrakech. Most hotels & riads in Marrakech offer hammams.

However if you want to splurge, treat yourself to a spa day at La Sultana for the ultimate luxurious spa experience.

10. Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the beating heart of Marrakech, this market square is filled with bustling stalls, street performers, and intoxicating aromas.

Book this Marrakech street food tour to sample the best cuisine found in this area.

The image captures the lively evening atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech, viewed from a rooftop terrace. People dine at the terrace overlooking the bustling market below, filled with food stalls, vendors, and visitors. The sunset paints the sky with shades of orange and purple, while the Koutoubia Mosque stands tall in the background, adding to the vibrant, dynamic scene of this famous cultural hub.
The image captures a peaceful scene from inside a tent at a desert camp in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech. The view looks out over arid, rolling hills and distant mountains, framed by cream-colored curtains. In the foreground, a small wooden table, a lantern, and cozy poufs rest on a woven rug, creating an inviting space to relax and enjoy the vast desert landscape.

11. Stay overnight in the
Agafay Desert

I highly recommend doing an overnight stay in a luxury camp in the Agafay Desert, which is a 40-minute drive from Marrakech.

This is the view from your tent Be Agafay Camp – don’t worry, there’s air conditioning! I also recommend staying at Scarabeo Camp.

12. Dinner at La Trattoria


This is the perfect romantic date spot! While the food at La Trattoria might not completely blow your mind, it’s tasty and the idyllic poolside setting and canopy of lanterns make up for it!

Check out more of my Marrakech restaurant recommendations.

The image depicts an elegant dinner setting at La Trattoria in Marrakech, with a glowing turquoise pool at the center, surrounded by dining tables. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by numerous hanging lanterns casting soft light across the space. Lush green plants and a blend of Moroccan and Mediterranean decor create a cozy, romantic ambiance, ideal for an intimate evening meal.
The image shows hikers traversing a rugged trail in the Ourika Valley, nestled within the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The landscape features rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and expansive views of dry, rolling hills under a clear blue sky. The scene highlights the adventurous spirit of trekking through this remote and scenic mountain region.

13. Day trip to the Atlas Mountains

During this Atlas Mountains Full Day Tour you will hike through the Ourika Valley and be immersed in the culture of the Berber peoples.

After the hike you’ll enjoy a complimentary Moroccan lunch at a riverside restaurant before making a stop at a local village where you’ll learn how the Berber women make argan oil. 

14. Medina Street Food Tour

Follow your guide across Marrakech’s bustling medina to sample various Moroccan food in this Street Food Tour. We tried everything from spicy sardine sandwiches, pastille, pastries, Moroccan omelette & yoghurt, fruit smoothies, olives and even boiled snails!

If you happen to visit during Ramadan, you’ll also get to experience iftar – the first meal Muslims eat when they break their fast.

The image captures a scene from a Marrakech street food stall, where a vendor is preparing a sandwich. The table is filled with fresh ingredients like fried fish, golden French fries, lemon halves, chopped tomatoes, and onions. The vendor’s hands are in action, assembling the sandwich amidst a vibrant spread, highlighting the richness and diversity of Moroccan street food.
More things to do in Marrakech

Moroccan Cooking Class
Sunrise hot air balloon ride
Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls

Places to Visit in Marrakech

Le Jardin Majorelle

Saadian Tombs

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Le Jardin Secret

Koutoubia Mosque

Bahia Palace

YSL Museum

El Badi Palace

House of Photography Museum

The Museum of Marrakech

beautiful spa entrance with water fountain

Best Restaurants in Marrakech

$–$$

Le Jardin
(Moroccan/Mediterranean)

Dardar
(Moroccan)

NOMAD
(Moroccan)

L’Mida
(Moroccan Fusion)

Bacha Coffee
(Breakfast)

Cafe Des Epices
(Moroccan)

Les Jardins Du Lotus
(Contemporary)

$$$–$$$$

El Fenn Rooftop
(Moroccan)

La Trattoria
(Italian)

La Grande Brasserie
(French)

Nobu
(Japanese)

Comptoir Darna
(Moroccan)

  • The image showcases the charming outdoor seating area of Les Jardins Du Lotus in Marrakech. The space is adorned with intricately designed tables and wrought iron chairs, cushioned for comfort, set beneath a leafy canopy of citrus trees laden with bright yellow lemons. The courtyard’s pastel pink walls and green doors add to the serene, inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal in a lush, garden-like setting.
    Les Jardins Du Lotus
  • The image features an elegant outdoor dining setup at La Table, located at Royal Mansour in Marrakech. The round table is adorned with colorful dishes, including vibrant salads and artfully plated appetizers, accompanied by two glasses of wine. The scene is bathed in sunlight, highlighting the fresh ingredients and sophisticated ambiance of the space, with patterned cushions and a serene garden backdrop adding to the inviting atmosphere.
    La Grande Brasserie

The Best Hotels & Riads in Marrakech

Kelsey’s top 4 picks
A cozy courtyard with a checkered tile floor features a pool and vibrant greenery hanging from arches. A woman in a white top and green skirt stands beside a mustard-yellow lounge chair with black and white striped pillows. The setting is lush and inviting, accented by a large potted plant and a woven basket on the chair.

Riad Sakkan

VIEW ROOMS
  • HEATED POOL
  • spa facilities
  • BREAKFAST INCLUDED
  • ROOMS from £190
An ornate courtyard with black and white geometric tiles surrounds a rectangular pool. A woman in an orange dress stands beside the pool, with lush trees providing shade. The architecture features wooden doors and intricate latticework, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Riad Botanica

VIEW ROOMS
  • outdoor pool
  • ROOFTOP TERRACE
  • BREAKFAST INCLUDED
  • ROOMS FROM £166
An elegant courtyard adorned with intricate white latticework features a central marble fountain. A woman in a flowing green dress walks through the space, which is surrounded by arched alcoves with plush seating and colorful pillows. The white and gold floor tiles complement the ornate, airy design, creating a luxurious and serene ambiance.

Royal Mansour

VIEW ROOMS
  • 3 swimming pools
  • spa facilities
  • BREAKFAST INCLUDED
  • 4 RESTAURANTS
A luxurious courtyard featuring a turquoise pool lined with stone columns supporting brick arches. Pink bougainvillea flowers cascade from the upper level, adding a splash of color. A woman in a white dress stands by the pool, with plush seating and turquoise cushions beneath the arches, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.

La Sultana

VIEW ROOMS
  • INDOOR pool
  • spa facilities
  • BUTLER SERVICE
  • 3 restaurants & bars
More Riads & Hotels in Marrakech

💧 = has a pool
🌿 = spa or hammam facilities

$

Riad Botanica 💧

Riad Be 💧🌿

Riad L’ Atelier 💧

Riad 42 💧

$$$

El Fenn 💧🌿

Riad Sakkan 💧🌿🌿

Riad Yasmine 💧

Mövenpick Hotel 💧🌿

$$$

Royal Mansour 💧🌿

La Sultana 💧🌿

Amanjena 💧🌿

La Mamounia 💧🌿

Best months to visit Marrakech?

Marrakech gets over 300 sunny days per year, making it a destination you can visit year round.

The best months to visit Marrakech are from March to May and September to November.

During these periods, the weather is enjoyably warm, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it ideal for exploring the city’s colourful markets, historic sites, and beautiful gardens.

Spring brings blossoms and lush greenery, creating a picturesque backdrop, while Autumn/Fall offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and immersive experience.

I recommend avoiding the peak summer months of June to August is advisable due to scorching temperatures that can exceed 40°C (104°F).

Winter, from December to February, is also a good time to visit, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), making it the perfect place for some winter sun.

  • The image shows a luxurious poolside scene at La Sultana in Marrakech, featuring a turquoise pool surrounded by arched brick walls and columns. A woman stands near the edge, looking out towards the pool, with comfortable seating areas tucked into the arches behind her. Bright pink bougainvillea flowers cascade from above, adding a vibrant touch to the serene and elegant ambiance of this Moroccan oasis.
    La Sultana
  • The image features a stunning view of the Koutoubia Mosque at sunset from the rooftop of El Fenn in Marrakech. The sky is painted with shades of pink and purple, providing a beautiful backdrop to the illuminated mosque and the surrounding cityscape. In the foreground, a cozy seating area with pink cushions adds warmth and comfort, framing the iconic landmark against the serene evening sky.
    Koutoubia Mosque from El Fenn Rooftop

How to get around Marrakech?

One of the best ways to get around Marrakech is to simply walk!

If you’re staying within Marrakech’s Medina, then the city’s major attractions and best restaurants are usually within a 15-minute walk from your accommodation.

There is no Uber available in Marrakech, however, local taxis are everywhere, easy to find, and fairly cheap – around €7 per trip.

I recommend hailing one from the main road outside Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main market square).

Public transport isn’t a great option for tourists visiting Marrakech, but rest assured you’ll be able to get everywhere by foot or by taxi.

The narrow winding streets of the Medina can be confusing at times, however much easier to navigate so long as you have 5g (I recommend purchasing an e-SIM from Holafly) and you use Google Maps.

How many days to spend in Marrakech?

3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Marrakech, especially for a first-time visit.

This is more than enough time to check out all the popular attractions while hitting up the trendy restaurants in Marrakech. Make sure to set aside enough time to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day/hammam experience.

I also recommend adding an extra night to your trip and staying overnight in the Agafay Desert (at either Scarabeo Camp or Be Agafay Desert Camp)

  • The image features a beautifully set dining area at Les Jardins Du Lotus in Marrakech. The space includes a mosaic-topped table surrounded by pastel pink wrought iron chairs with cushioned seats. The decor is elegant, with vibrant pink and green accents, including plush pillows, large potted plants, and artistic wall panels, all under soft lighting that complements the warm, inviting atmosphere.
    Les Jardins Du Lotus
  • The image showcases a stylish courtyard at Riad Sakkan, featuring a woman lounging on a mustard-yellow daybed beside a small pool. The space is decorated with lush hanging plants and large potted greenery, creating a serene atmosphere. Black-and-white checkered tiles and a framed black-and-white photograph on the wall add a chic, modern touch to the traditional Moroccan ambiance.
    Riad Sakkan

Is Marrakech Safe?

I often get asked if Marrakech is safe for women and the short answer is YES.

I have been to Marrakech multiple times, always with female friends and have never felt like I was in danger.

Now that’s not to say that Marrakech doesn’t come without the harassment that sadly women have to deal with in just about any major city. HOWEVER, when people talk about being “harassed” in Marrakech, 99% of the time it’s a market stall owner calling out to you as they want you to come into your shop.

It’s no big deal, just say “la shukran” (no thank you) and move on. From my experience in Marrakech, everyone is very friendly. And I’d rather here a man say “hello beautiful princess” in Marrakech than have a sleezy British guy sneer “nice tits!” at me from a bus stop in London.

Let’s put in this way, if you can handle walking down Oxford Street on a weekend, then you can absolutely handle the bustling medina in Marrakech.

I recommend always making sure your phone is fully charged and that you have an e-SIM so you can easily access Google Maps while navigating your way through Marrakech.

What To Wear In Marrakech?

Because Morocco is a Muslim country, as a woman I recommend dressing on the conservative side when visiting Marrakech out of respect to local customs. Especially when exploring public areas like the medina.

That being said, the dress code is a bit more relaxed compared to other Muslim-majority countries. So I would personally recommend making sure that at least your knees or shoulders are covered. Think high-waisted linen trousers and long flowy maxi skirts.

If you’re visiting during summer, when temperatures can exceed scorching temperatures of 40°C (104°F), wearing a sleeveless top or dress is fine however I would avoid anything with excessive cleavage or short skirts and shorts.

I recommend always carrying a light shawl/scarf with you so you can then easily cover your shoulders when visiting historic and religious sites.

At your accommodation, you are welcome to wear what you please. Similarly, a lot of tourists will get dressed up when going out for dinner. Just don’t walk anywhere near Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main market square) in a bodycon please.

Map of Marrakech

Here’s a map of all the places in Marrakech mentioned in this post. 

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2 Comments

  1. Hi I’m wondering what the dress code is like for Marrakech! I am attending in February and want to know if I would be allowed to wear shorts and dresses in public or have my arms on show?
    Love the guide

    Reply

    1. Hi Eimear, I’ve just added a new section to this post for “what to wear” I hope this helps 🙂

      Reply

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