Nine Things To Do in Marrakech
You know how much I’m obsessed with Marrakech, right? 😍 I’ve been there eight times, and I’m still discovering new things every time I visit. There’s just something about the city — the vibrant colours, the bustling streets, and the incredible mix of history and modern vibes — that has me completely hooked. If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech, you’re in for an amazing adventure! But with so much to see, it can be overwhelming, so I’ve put together a list of my nine favourite spots. These are some of the places that truly capture the magic of Marrakech and keep me coming back for more. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, this city has it all, and I can’t wait for you to experience it all!
1- Koutoubia Mosque
You just can’t go to Marrakech without seeing the Koutoubia Mosque! Literally. Wherever you go, you will find yourself face to face with it at some point. For sure. More than once even – the Koutoubia is the heart of the city.
The name Koutoubia comes from the Arabic word "koutoub" which means booksellers. The mosque, which dates back from the 12th Century, was once surrounded by book markets, creating a hub of intellectual and cultural activity in its surroundings. Sadly those book shops are long gone but the mosque still stands strong today and features Marrakech’s highest minaret, which stands at 77m high. To put things into perspective, the Hassan II Mosque’s minaret (in Casablanca) is 210m high!
Luckily the Koutoubia survived the earthquake and although you can’t go inside you can still enjoy the beautiful gardens that surround it.
2- Jemaa el-Fna
No visit is complete without experiencing the vibrant energy of Jemaa el-Fna square! It’s literally right around the corner from the Koutoubia Mosque, so you most likely won’t miss it.
By day, the colourful square buzzes with fresh juice vendors, henna artists and snake charmers just to name a few, offering a sensory overload of sights and sounds.
As the sun sets, Jemaa el-Fna transforms into an open-air theater, with storytellers, musicians, and acrobats captivating the crowds. The air fills with the aroma of sizzling street food from countless stalls, where you can taste authentic and local Moroccan dishes such as the delicious Tangia.
Whether you're here for the delightful entertainment or the unique atmosphere, Jemaa el-Fna is an absolute must-see that immerses you in the true essence of Marrakech.
3- Souks/Medina
Fancy getting lost in the middle of the souks of Marrakech’s Medina? Even if you don’t, it’s most likely going to happen. I mean, even people who have lived there for years still get confused at times. The souks and medina of Marrakech are where the city's soul truly shines. Stepping into these bustling markets feels like entering a maze of colors, scents, and sounds, with every turn revealing something new.
From vibrant textiles to handcrafted pottery, the souks are a treasure trove of unique finds. The medina itself is a living, breathing tapestry of history, with its narrow alleys and stunning architecture telling stories of a time long past.
Haggling is part of the fun, and you'll leave with both souvenirs and unforgettable memories. Exploring the souks and medina is a must-do, offering a deep dive into the heart of Marrakech's culture.
Ps. ”Medina” means Old Town, and “Souks” means Markets.
4- Jardin Majorelle
Majorelle Gardens is one of tourists’ favourite escape spots in Marrakech. Tucked away from the city’s hustle, this lush paradise, created by Jacques Majorelle and lovingly restored by Yves Saint Laurent, feels like stepping into a dream.
The vibrant cobalt blue, exotic plants, and soothing water features create a peaceful haven where time slows down. As you wander through the palm trees and bamboo, the city’s noises melt away, replaced by the calming sounds of nature.
It’s the perfect place to recharge and soak in some beauty amidst the Marrakech madness! The Berber Museum, which is optional, adds a fascinating glimpse into the Moroccan culture.
Entry fee for the Majorelle Gardens only is 165Dhs (£13-15€) and you must book your ticket(s) in advance via their website. I suggest choosing an early or late slot if you wanted to avoid huge crowds.
5- YSL Museum
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech is a must-see for anyone with a love for fashion or art! It’s right next to the Majorelle Gardens, and so I’d recommend doing both while you’re there if you have time. Entry fee is 135Dhs (£11-13€) and tickets must be booked in advance.
The YSL museum beautifully honours the iconic designer’s legacy, showcasing his most famous creations in a space as stunning as his work. The sleek, modern architecture with its striking design, is just as impressive as the exhibits inside, and contrasts with the city’s traditional vibes, creating a perfect backdrop for YSL’s timeless designs. Walking through the exhibits, you will feel captivated by the innovation and artistry that defined his career.
The museum also delves into his deep bond with Marrakech, adding a cultural richness to the experience. If you’re in Marrakech, this is a stop you won’t want to miss!
6- Bahia Palace
Whether you’re into architecture, cultural history or social media, the Bahia Palace is a fantastic place to see and explore while you’re in Marrakech. And there’s a lot to explore – 150 rooms! You won’t see them all though, but still. It’s huge. And so very stunning! Each corner of Bahia feels like a step back in time, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of Morocco’s former royals. The blend of Islamic and Moroccan design is absolutely breathtaking. A place where history and beauty come together in perfect harmony!
There are some stunning gardens as well, but beware though! It gets very crowded, very quickly, so I recommend going first thing in the morning or eventually last thing in the afternoon, especially if you wanted to snap photos that don’t feature a ton of other tourists.
The entry fee is 70Dhs (£5/7€) and you can pay by cash at the time of your visit, whenever you decide to go. Once you’re in, you get to walk around for as long as you like.
7- Badii Palace
El Badii Palace is mostly in ruins now, but you can still feel the grandeur of this 16th-century marvel built to celebrate a major victory (the victory over the Portuguese at the Battle of The Three Kings).
Wandering through its vast courtyards and crumbling walls, you get a sense of the opulence that once was — think gold and marble everywhere. The impressive pools (which are empty today) and massive gardens give us a hint at its former splendour as well. The palace was once so luxurious that it had a 500-meter-long pool filled with orange trees!
Climbing up to the rooftop for epic views of the city and the Atlas Mountains will definitely be a highlight of your visit.
The entry fee is 70Dhs (£5/7€) and you can pay by cash at the time of your visit. There are also guided tours available, but these must be booked in advance. Make sure to check if there are any events going on during your trip as the palace will close its doors to tourists for those occasions, making it impossible to visit.
8- Agafay Desert
Don’t have time to travel all the way to the Sahara? Luckily you can still satisfy your desert needs with Agafay Desert! Located just outside Marrakech, Agafay Desert isn't made of the classic golden sand dunes you might picture but rather features rugged, rocky terrain and stunning, barren expanses. Still very much impressive and breathtaking, and a stark contrast to the lush valleys and vibrant souks of Marrakech.
Agafay delivers a unique desert experience with plenty of things to do to enjoy its beauty in playful ways. Camel treks, quad bike and buggy rides are some of the most popular activities around, and are all affordable (especially if booked in advance).
I totally recommend having lunch or dinner there too! Most camps have pools, and trust me, swimming in the middle of nowhere just feels pretty incredible. Especially when it’s too hot in Marrakech. An unforgettable experience for sure. Not to mention that you can also stay the night!
9- La Palmeraie
If you’re craving palm trees, whether for your soul or your social media, you should consider heading to La Palmeraie (Palm Grove in English). It is literally like stepping into a tranquil oasis, only 20mins from Marrakech!
La Palmeraie covers over 13,000 hectares, making it one of the largest palm groves in the world! It is home to more than 100,000 palm trees, which not only create a stunning landscape but also provide a vital source of shade and coolness in the desert heat.
It’s a picturesque escape where you can relax by a pool, ride a camel or a quad bike through the palm-lined pathways while enjoying a gorgeous sunset, or soak in the Moroccan culture whilst getting lost in 360º of gorgeous views.
Have you been to any of these places?
If not, which one(s) are you looking forward to seeing the most?
Let us know in the comments! Questions are always welcome.
