Things to Do in Marrakech

Marrakech is a city of vivid contrasts: quiet gardens sit behind busy streets, centuries-old palaces neighbour lively cafés, and the scent of spices drifts through the medina. Whether you have a weekend or a longer stay, there is plenty to explore. Here are some of the best things to do in Marrakech.

Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa

The city’s famous main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, is a place to experience Marrakech in motion. By day, stop for a fresh orange juice and watch the square come to life. As evening falls, food stalls appear and the area fills with the sounds and aromas of the city.

Take care around animal attractions and performers, and ask before taking photographs. If you want a view over the square, settle into a rooftop café and watch the changing scene from above.

Get lost in the medina souks

The souks are a maze of narrow lanes packed with colourful goods, from leather slippers and lanterns to spices, ceramics and woven textiles. Browsing is part of the fun, and wandering without a strict plan can lead to memorable discoveries.

If you are shopping, take your time and be polite when bargaining. Agree on a price before accepting a service or taking a photograph, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. A licensed local guide can help you find your way and learn more about the crafts and neighbourhoods.

Visit the Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is known for its ornate decoration, peaceful courtyards and intricate tilework. Built in the 19th century, it offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and architecture of Morocco. Arrive early if you can, as the palace can become busy later in the day.

See the city’s historic sites

Marrakech has plenty of landmarks beyond its markets. The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the city’s most recognisable sights, with a minaret visible from many parts of the medina. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but its exterior and surrounding gardens are worth seeing.

Another rewarding stop is the Saadian Tombs, a historic burial site noted for its carved decoration and tranquil setting. The nearby El Badi Palace is largely in ruins, but its vast courtyards give a sense of the scale of the original complex.

Take a break in a garden

When the medina’s bustle gets intense, retreat to one of Marrakech’s gardens. The Majorelle Garden is famous for its vivid blue details and collection of plants. It is popular, so check current opening arrangements and book ahead where possible.

For a quieter outing, consider the Menara Gardens, where olive groves and a large reflecting pool make a peaceful setting for a walk. Go in the cooler part of the day, particularly during the warmer months.

Try Moroccan food

Food is a highlight of any visit. Look out for fragrant tagines, couscous, pastilla and freshly baked bread. Mint tea is served throughout the day, while market stalls and cafés offer opportunities to sample snacks and sweets.

For a memorable meal, choose a busy restaurant with a menu that appeals to you, or join a food tour to discover local specialities. If you have dietary requirements, learn a few useful phrases or have them written down in French or Arabic to make ordering easier.

Experience a hammam

A traditional hammam offers a chance to unwind after a day of walking. Options range from local public bathhouses to spa-style venues in riads and hotels. Facilities and customs vary, so check what is included, what to bring and whether appointments are needed before you go.

Stay in a riad

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around an inner courtyard, often with a small fountain or garden. Many have been converted into guesthouses, offering a calm retreat from the busy streets. Staying in the medina can make it easy to explore on foot, though luggage may need to be carried through narrow lanes.

Take a day trip beyond the city

If you have an extra day, Marrakech makes a useful base for exploring the surrounding area. The Atlas Mountains offer dramatic scenery and opportunities for guided walks, while the Agafay area has a rocky, desert-like landscape within reach of the city. Excursion details and travel times vary, so check what is included before booking and choose an operator with clear safety arrangements.

Enjoy Marrakech at your own pace

Marrakech can be busy, warm and wonderfully absorbing. Plan a few key sights, but leave room for unhurried meals and unexpected detours. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, dress respectfully when visiting religious or historic sites, and check opening times before setting out. The best experiences often come from balancing the city’s lively streets with quieter moments in its gardens, courtyards and cafés.

Top 9 Must-Do Activities in Marrakech: An Insider’s Guide

1. Explore the winding lanes of the medina.
2. Visit the colourful souks and practise your bargaining.
3. Watch the sunset over Jemaa el-Fnaa.
4. Admire the gardens at Jardin Majorelle.
5. Tour the ornate Bahia Palace.
6. Relax in a traditional hammam.
7. Try a tagine at a local restaurant.
8. Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains.
9. Sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace.

Explore the winding lanes of the medina.

Explore the winding lanes of Marrakech’s medina to discover a lively maze of souks, workshops and hidden courtyards. Browse stalls selling spices, lanterns, leather goods and local crafts, and pause to watch artisans at work. The narrow streets can be easy to lose your way in, so save a map or arrange a guided walk; take your time, keep valuables secure and agree on a price before buying or accepting a service.

Visit the colourful souks and practise your bargaining.

Explore Marrakech’s colourful souks, where narrow lanes are filled with spices, leather goods, lanterns and handmade crafts. Take your time browsing, and enjoy bargaining as part of the experience: stay friendly, make a reasonable counter-offer and agree the price before buying. A little patience and a good sense of humour can make shopping both fun and memorable.

Watch the sunset over Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Watching the sunset over Jemaa el-Fnaa is one of Marrakech’s most memorable experiences. Find a rooftop café overlooking the square, order a mint tea and watch the changing light cast a warm glow over the rooftops as the evening bustle begins below. Food stalls fire up, musicians play and the square fills with energy, making it a wonderful spot to soak up the city’s atmosphere. Arrive early to get a good seat, and check whether the café expects you to order food as well as drinks.

Admire the gardens at Jardin Majorelle.

Take a peaceful break from the bustle of Marrakech at Jardin Majorelle, a striking garden known for its vivid cobalt-blue buildings, shady paths and collection of plants from around the world. Allow time to wander among the palms, cacti and fountains, and check the garden’s current opening arrangements before you visit, as booking ahead may be advisable.

Tour the ornate Bahia Palace.

Visit the Bahia Palace to admire its ornate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings and peaceful courtyards. Built in the 19th century, the palace offers a glimpse into Morocco’s architectural craftsmanship, with gardens and richly decorated rooms to explore. Arrive early to enjoy the setting before it gets busy, and check opening times before your visit.

Relax in a traditional hammam.

After a day exploring Marrakech’s busy souks and sunlit streets, unwind in a traditional hammam. These public bathhouses offer a cleansing, relaxing ritual that often includes steam, exfoliation with a kessa glove and black soap. You can choose a local hammam for a more authentic experience or a spa-style venue for added comfort. Check what is included, whether you need to bring a towel and if you should book ahead; customs and facilities vary between venues.

Try a tagine at a local restaurant.

Trying a tagine at a local restaurant is a delicious way to experience Moroccan cooking. Slow-cooked in a traditional clay pot, this comforting dish often combines tender meat or vegetables with warming spices, olives, preserved lemon or dried fruit. Ask about the day’s special, and enjoy your meal with fresh bread for soaking up the fragrant sauce.

Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains.

Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains for a refreshing change of pace from Marrakech’s busy streets. The journey offers striking views of mountain villages, terraced valleys and rugged peaks, with opportunities to enjoy a guided walk or stop for lunch along the way. Choose a reputable local operator, check what the excursion includes and bring comfortable shoes, water and layers, as the weather can be cooler in the mountains.

Sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace.

Sip a glass of sweet Moroccan mint tea on a rooftop terrace and take in the view across Marrakech’s rooftops, minarets and distant Atlas Mountains. It’s a lovely way to pause after exploring the medina, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens and the city begins to glow. Choose a café with a comfortable terrace, settle in and enjoy the unhurried atmosphere—mint tea is often served piping hot, so take your time.