15 Best Things To Do in Marrakech in 2025 (+ Map)

The intricate zellige tiles, carved cedar wood, and perfectly symmetrical courtyard pool make it one of Marrakech’s most photogenic (and peaceful) spots.

I took the photo below from one of the students’ bedrooms – imagine if this was the view you woke up to from your college dorm!

The school stopped operating in 1960, but its serene atmosphere still feels alive with history. Give yourself at least 1 hour to visit here to admire every inch of Ben Youssef Medersa, from Quranic inscriptions to centuries-old craftsmanship.

Entrance costs 50 DH (£4 / $5) and tickets can be purchased at the door. It’s open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, closing at 6 pm during Ramadan. I’d recommend arriving when it opens if you’re an avid photographer like me and want to snap photos before the crowds roll in.

The highlight of these gardens is the bright cobalt blue building at the centre, known as Majorelle Blue. This was once Majorelle’s art studio and now houses the Berber Museum, showcasing traditional clothing, jewellery and artefacts from Morocco’s largest ethnic group.

Yves Saint Laurent drew much of his inspiration for his fashion collections from the colours and patterns found within these gardens, and you can see that legacy celebrated today at the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, located right next door.

You can purchase this combined museum ticket, which gives you access to the gardens, the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. 

Today, it’s still brimming with that same energy, with stalls piled high with handwoven rugs, colourful ceramics, brass lanterns and mountains of saffron and cumin that scent the air. Be sure to stop by Herboriste Avicenne, a gorgeous spice stall run by the friendliest owner who will let you take photos if you ask him nicely.

I’ll be honest – I usually feel uncomfortable haggling; however, it’s totally the norm in the souks and part of the experience. Start by offering half of the first price, and you’ll usually meet somewhere in the middle.

Make sure to bring cash with you (specifically Moroccan dirham) and be prepared to get lost in the labyrinth at some point. I highly recommend using an eSIM so you can easily navigate the souks using Google Maps.

Some visitors find the souks a little intense at first – they’re a full-on feast for the senses, bursting with sight and smells. It’s completely normal for stall owners to call out and try to tempt you into their shops, all part of the medina experience. A friendly but firm “la shukran” (which means “no thank you” in Arabic) goes a long way in keeping things polite while you carry on exploring at your own pace.

Trust me, if you can handle Oxford Street on a Saturday, you can absolutely deal with the bustling souks of Marrakech.

Many riads have been lovingly restored, with intricate tilework, carved plaster and leafy courtyards with plunge pools that are perfect for cooling off in after a day exploring the souks. With rooms featuring a carefully curated collection of local artwork and textiles.

Breakfast is usually served on the rooftop, you’re served a seemingly never-ending flow of mint tea throughout your stay, and the staff will happily organise everything from hammam appointments to desert tours.

The level of service at a riad often rivals that of five-star hotels, but with the personal touches that make you feel like part of the family.

I stayed at Riad Botanica and Riad Sakkan on my last trip to Marrakech – both were jaw-droppingly stunning, peaceful, and so beautifully detailed. The staff at both riads were incredibly welcoming and warm, and made me feel at home instantly.

For more recommendations, check out my full guide to the best riads in Marrakech.

If you want to go all out, the spas at La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, and Es Saadi Palace are next-level insane.

We’re talking mosaic-tiled pools, marble treatment rooms and service so impeccable it makes you forget you ever sweated through a walking tour. These spots book up months in advance, so plan ahead if you’ve got your eye on a treatment.

For an easier option, I’d recommend staying in a riad or hotel that has its own spa – that way, you can roll straight from your massage to your sun lounger without setting foot outside.

The whole process of ordering your coffee is similar to buying a designer handbag. The menu reads like a glossy catalogue, with each blend described in mouthwatering detail by the impeccably dressed staff, who’ll happily guide you through the options as if you’re choosing couture.

Each pot then arrives on a silver tray, served with whipped Chantilly cream, steamed milk, rock sugar and cracked vanilla bean – Costa Coffee could never!

We opted for buttery croissants and a selection of decadent cakes to accompany our coffee. If you prefer something savoury, they have a breakfast menu that’s just as indulgent – the scrambled eggs with black truffle are a favourite among visitors.

Due to the aesthetically pleasing nature of this café and its heavenly coffee, it’s become the spot everyone wants a taste of (and I’ll admit, I’m partially to blame – I shared it on my socials a few times, and millions watched). This means one cannot simply stroll in and expect a table. It’s not possible to make a reservation either, so here’s what I recommend.

Arrive 30 minutes before Bacha Coffee opens at 10 am. This is what I did on my last visit: we joined a small queue and got a table as soon as it opened.

If you arrive later during the day, you can expect to wait 2-3 hours to get a table, which is an insane amount of time to wait around, BUT they do give you the option to wait in the museum next door.

You just need to pay the 10 dirham (£0.80/$1.10) entry fee and they will give you a buzzer, so you’ll be free to wander through grand courtyards, zellige-tiled rooms and antique exhibits while you wait.

Halfway through the ride, you’ll take a break at a Berber village for mint tea and fresh local snacks. The whole experience lasts for 2 hours, so this pit stop was very welcome to use the loo, rehydrate and chat to the other guests in our group.

The guides are super friendly and will make sure you feel comfortable. They will also take amazing photos and videos of you and your crew, getting all the angles and action shots.

Just promise me not to wear your favourite all white outfit – wear long, dark coloured clothing to protect you from the sun and the dust. Fortunately, your guide will kindly hose you down with air afterwards to get rid of the layer of desert you’ve inevitably collected.

We also stopped for Moroccan omelette and ended the evening with sweet pastries and fresh fruit smoothies from a tiny juice stand that had a queue around the block.

We also stopped for Moroccan omelette and ended the evening with sweet pastries and fresh fruit smoothies from a tiny juice stand that had a queue around the block.

Just a heads up: there are some very steep climbs on this hike, my quads were screaming for help, but the views are so worth it, and the guides are there to make sure you’re safe and secure every step of the way.

You’ll pass terraced fields, tiny stone houses, and locals offering mint tea and cold drinks along the way (and yes, you’ll want to say yes every time).

Afterwards, a gorgeous riverside Moroccan lunch awaits. We tucked into a spread of fresh salads, olives, couscous, breads and a hearty tagine – all of this is included within the tour price.

There’s a mix of shaded corners and rooftop tables so you can dine under the sun or beneath the leaves, whichever your mood calls for.

If you’re only ordering one thing, make it the pastilla: a Moroccan chicken pie layered with cinnamon and almonds, served with a cherry coulis that is the perfect combo of sweet and savoury (I say this as someone who is vehemently against pineapple on pizza).

We started with cheese briouatte and a delightful spread of fresh Moroccan salads. For the mains, I recommend sharing the Grill plate of le Jardin, which comes with merguez, lamb chop, kefta and chicken skewers – all cooked to perfection.

Don’t skip dessert either! I’m not surprised their lemon tart has remained on their menu since I first tried it 7 years ago, it’s simply sensational, and I pray it’s still available on my next visit.

Make sure to book your table in advance so you don’t miss out. Reserve online at lejardinmarrakech.com

Check out my full guide to the best restaurants in Marrakech for more gems like this.

Unlike the golden dunes of the Sahara, Agafay’s landscape is made up of rolling, moon-like hills that glow shades of gold and pink at sunset. Once considered Marrakech’s best-kept secret, it’s now home to a collection of chic desert camps and boutique luxury lodges that combine wilderness with total comfort.

The word “camp” is used here loosely, because in reality you will find super luxurious tents with plush king-sized beds, walk-in waterfall showers, air conditioning, private plunge pools and lantern-lit dinners under the stars.

When I visited, I spent most of my time lounging by the pool and flipping through a fantasy romance novel, though if you’re looking for activities to pass the time, then most camps offer a range of experiences that you can easily fill your stay with activities like quad biking, yoga, stargazing or even a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

The tombs are famous for their intricate craftsmanship, featuring Italian Carrara marble, gold details and stunning zellige tilework. The highlight is the Hall of the Twelve Columns, where the Sultan lies beneath an elaborately carved cedar wood ceiling – it’s jaw-dropping in person.

By day, the main square buzzes with orange juice vendors, spice sellers and sleepy tourists wandering about for a morning coffee. By night, the entire place transforms into a sea of sizzling food stalls, smoke curling into the air as chefs shout over each other, musicians play hypnotic tunes, and the scent of grilled meat and spices hangs thick in the air.

I wouldn’t be the first person to find the square overwhelming at times due to the crowds and the sensory overload of it all, so I prefer heading up to one of the rooftop cafes that surround Jemaa el-Fnaa and watching the chaos from a distance with a drink in hand. Do this at golden hour, and you’ll witness the most magical sunset over the medina.

I highly recommend booking this Marrakech Street Food Tour – it was one of my favourite activities I did in Marrakech and the best way to navigate the busy market square with a local guide, while sampling the best Moroccan cuisine from various food vendors.

I came for sundowners with my girlfriends, and we made our way through multiple rounds of delicious cocktails. The drinks were flowing, the vibes were vibing, and the DJ was playing banger after banger. Some evenings they’ll have local singers perform and belly dancers too.

We ended up ordering a few bites to eat (okay, more like a feast) and everything we ordered was fresh, beautifully presented, and far better than you’d expect from a typical rooftop bar.

If you want to visit during sunset, you’ll need to make a dinner reservation. Check what time sunset is, depending on which month you’re visiting Marrakech, as it varies throughout the year.

Reservations can be made online at rooftopdardar.com.

At the time I’m writing this, dinner sunset time slots are booked up nearly a month in advance (yep, even in the “low” season), especially on Friday evenings and on weekends. I don’t want you to miss out, so make sure to plan ahead!

Once the home of a powerful minister, the palace was later restored by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation and transformed into a museum celebrating Morocco’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Inside, you’ll find a curated mix of modern and traditional Moroccan art, along with historic artefacts like pottery, Berber jewellery, ancient coins, and beautifully crafted weapons. 

The highlight is the courtyard, crowned with an enormous brass chandelier that filters golden light across the tiles. 

Entry costs 70 MAD (£5.70/$7.65), and you’ll only need about an hour to explore — but if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up lingering just to take lots of photos and appreciate all the intricate details of every corner.

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.

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 on foot or by taxi.

The narrow winding streets of the Medina can be confusing at times; however, they are pretty easy to navigate so long as you have 5G (I recommend purchasing an e-SIM from Holafly) and you have access to Google Maps.

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 hear 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 it 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.

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.